Fantasy Roundup: Week 14

As we near the end of the semester—and the weekly issues recess—the NFL keeps going. Games will continue to be played each week as we approach the playoffs. With only a few more weeks before these games begin, it is important to check in on how each true contender is doing this season. Moreover, the fantasy teams are nearing their own playoffs. For full team rosters, see Week 0’s issue. 

First and Lowell (7-5) vs Bring it Dome (7-5): 114.54-177.24

Top performers: Saquon Barkley (18.2) | Josh Allen (37.84)

Underperformers: Terry McLaurin (7.1) | Ja’Marr Chase (10.2)

The Ball Currier (4-8) vs Pfirst Down (10-2): 81.3-66.7

Top performers: CeeDee Lamb (18.1) | Broncos D/ST (13.0)

Underperformers: Patrick Mahomes (6.3) | Jalen Hurts (0.4)

Kirkland Cousins (3-9) vs The Inn-Zone (5-7): 117.38-61.0

Top performers: Jahmyr Gibbs (37.0) | Nico Collins (16.1)

Underperformers: Travis Kelce (1.8) | Ashten Jeanty (5.8)

Contenders Overview:

New England Patriots:

The Patriots under Drake Maye have been surprising contenders this season, currently tied for the best record at 11-2. With a powerful defense, New England has kept their opponents under 30 points in every game. Combine that defense with a fierce offense in both passing and rushing, and it is clear that the Patriots have a strong chance at winning the Super Bowl.

Buffalo Bills:

Reigning MVP Josh Allen is hard to rate this season. He is still producing at an incredible rate with 34 touchdowns on the season, but his ten interceptions, two lost fumbles, and 31 sacks certainly stain his contention for another MVP. Sitting at 9-4, this season will be the first time the Bills do not win the AFC East since Tom Brady left New England. Furthermore, those losses stem from a very poor run defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

The Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers over the summer with hopes that he could propel Pittsburgh past their usual performance of just over a .500 record. While Rodgers has had a solid season, the biggest issue for Pittsburgh is that its defense consistently falters against good offensive schemes. The talent is there, but the defensive construction is too predictable.

Baltimore Ravens:

The Ravens entered this season as favorites to make a Super Bowl push; however, their performance this year has been abysmal. Even when Lamar Jackson is playing, the offense is a shell of its former self. Derrick Henry is getting older, and the receivers are not as productive as years past. Worse, Baltimore’s defense has also left much to be desired. Giving up an average of 350.4 yards each game, the seventh most in the league, the Ravens’ season looks dire. 

Jacksonville Jaguars:

The Jaguars, under Trevor Lawrence, have always been hard to precisely rank. The 9-4 team barely leads the AFC South, and Lawrence has been the driving factor with many impressive completions. However, a somewhat easier schedule has allowed the quarterback to have these flashes of brilliance. Lawrence’s ugly signal continues to flash as he has 11 interceptions to sully his 18 touchdowns. The Jaguars will surely make the playoffs, but more consistency is necessary for a deep run.

Indianapolis Colts:

At the beginning of the season, the Colts shot out as a surprising offensive powerhouse under the production of running back Jonathan Taylor. In recent weeks, however, Indianapolis has slowed down with a three-game losing streak. Taylor’s outstanding performances have been put to a stop, and injuries to Daniel Jones and Sauce Gardner put the remainder of Indianapolis’s season in jeopardy. With a tough schedule ahead, an 8-9 record is a threatening reality.

Denver Broncos:

The Broncos also lead the league in record, sitting at 11-2, but their status is deceptive. They have only won two games thus far by more than one score. It appears that Denver is being propped up by their incredible defense rather than elite quarterback play. While Bo Nix is not a terrible quarterback, I do believe he is just average and occasionally shows flashes of success. A playoff appearance is basically guaranteed, but a deep playoff run is contingent on the defense continuing its incredible performance.

Philadelphia Eagles:

As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Eagles sit at 8-5, but they have had a very confusing season offensively. Trouble with A.J. Brown’s targets and Saquon Barkley regressing from last year has led many to question the offensive playcalling. The only time Philadelphia has won by more than one score this season was against an injured Giants team. An appearance in postseason play is almost guaranteed, but contention for another Super Bowl will require some big offensive changes.

Green Bay Packers:

Green Bay, under head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love, has made great strides as they sit at 9-3-1. The defense with newly acquired Parsons has only allowed 24 touchdowns this year, and Love has played phenomenally with 22 touchdowns with only four interceptions. The Packers’ biggest weakness at times is in LeFleur’s playcalling. In close situations, the coach often resorts to more conservative schemes, which often allows opponents to take the lead.

Chicago Bears:

With new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are second in their division at 9-4, an already great improvement from their 5-12 record last year. With a big rivalry game loss this past week against Green Bay, Chicago dropped far in the rankings. The Bears’ defense is often lacking, especially in the passing defense. Opposing quarterbacks are given ample time to make plays because Chicago’s pass rush is awful. If the Bears hope to make a run at the Super Bowl, their defense needs to be improved.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Tampa and Baker Mayfield entered as league favorites, but their record of 7-6 may only allow them to sneak in as a Wildcard. Injuries, especially to star receiver Mike Evans, have plagued the team. Even then, the offense has stagnated from its earlier success as Mayfield has had poor production. Moreover, the defense consistently allows opponents to make explosive plays for many yards. Will Tampa Bay still make the playoffs? Probably. Will they get very far? Probably not.

Los Angeles Rams:

The Rams under Matthew Stafford have had a great year thus far, as the quarterback is making a solid campaign for NFL MVP. The offense is star-studded with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams constantly appearing on the highlight reels. In a tough division, the Rams are tied for first at 10-3. LA’s biggest weakness currently is its defense, specifically in the pass, allowing opposing receivers to make huge plays down the field. Regardless, the Rams have a great shot at a deep postseason run.

Seattle Seahawks:

Similar to the Rams, the Seahawks sit at 10-3 under Sam Darnold. The quarterback, having signed with Seattle after a stint with the Vikings, has made great use of the offensive pieces the Seahawks have. Jaxson Smith-Njigba is making a great argument for Offensive Player of the Year. The biggest drawback for this great Seattle team is the inconsistency of the running unit. Darnold has shown to be consistent throwing, but when the Seahawks are forced to run the ball, it is less than spectacular.

San Francisco 49ers:

The final contender in this stacked NFC West division is the 49ers, who lag behind at 9-4. Despite quarterback challenges throughout the season, the 49ers have been quite consistent on offense. The biggest challenge that San Francisco has and will continue to face is staying healthy. Brock Purdy has had issues staying on the field, George Kittle was out earlier in the season, and Nick Bosa has a torn ACL. With more games past these 18 weeks, staying healthy is crucial for any hope of a Super Bowl.

Conclusion:

The season so far has been full of surprising breakout stars and season-ending injuries. While there are still many games to go, fans and players alike look to the postseason to see how this season will end. The next installment will cover the playoff outlook.

Tyler Dang ’28 (tylerdang@college.harvard.edu) is celebrating the Titans’ second win.