Week 14 is make-or-break week for fantasy football. With six NFL teams on bye and most leagues in their final regular-season week, strategic roster cuts could be the difference between playoff entry and elimination. Let’s explore which players to consider dropping ahead of Week 14.
Kirk Cousins – QB, Atlanta Falcons
Cousins has been struggling significantly in recent weeks. Over his last three games, he has failed to throw a touchdown while accumulating six interceptions, including his recent disastrous four-interception performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13.
While the ceiling is high for Cousins, his floor is equally as low. With a challenging matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, fantasy managers should consider dropping Cousins and exploring alternative quarterback options.
Even with more favorable matchups returning in Week 15, treat Cousins as a boom-or-bust QB2.
Quentin Johnston – WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Johnston has been inconsistent this season, with 24 or fewer yards in five of his past seven games. Despite a brief three-game touchdown streak from Weeks 9 through 11, his value has diminished. In Week 13, he was second in the pecking order with four targets while teammate Ladd McConkey saw 12.
Johnston remains a risky, big play-dependent WR4 who cannot be relied on heavily. Note, while Justin Herbert is passing more efficiently it’s still far less than last season.
J.K. Dobbins – RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Dobbins has been placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and won’t be eligible to return until Week 17, making him very much droppable. The future matchup against the Patriots is favorable but there’s no guarantee he’ll play or receive significant touches especially if the Chargers are out of the divisional race.
Fantasy managers with limited bench space should strongly consider dropping Dobbins to free up a roster spot for more immediate contributors. Gus Edwards, Hassan Haskins, and Kimani Vidal will split backfield touches for head coach Jim Harbaugh until Dobbins can return.
DeMario Douglas – WR, New England Patriots
Douglas has failed to make a significant impact in recent weeks. He has only surpassed 62 receiving yards twice this season and has scored just one touchdown across 27 career games.
Douglas’ four targets against the Colts are his lowest total since a late October win over the Jets. QB Drake Maye spread the ball around efficiently to six different pass catchers and utilized his legs in this most recent matchup.
With limited production and minimal upside, Douglas is a prime candidate for dropping, especially as fantasy leagues approach these critical weeks.
Tyler Lockett – WR, Seattle Seahawks
Lockett has been relegated to the third receiving option in Seattle’s offense. Over his last five games, he’s averaging a mere 3.2 targets, 2.2 catches, and 25.4 receiving yards per game.
It’s clear, that Geno Smith prefers targeting DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker, making Lockett an unreliable fantasy option. While he might occasionally produce in favorable matchups, he’s only worth consideration in very deep leagues.
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