Grand choices: Begin Watson and Monangai? Rely on Jefferson, Saquon, and Lamar?

In standard ESPN leagues, Week 14 marks the beginning of the fantasy football playoffs. For some of us, like those in my leagues, we will have to wait an additional week before the postseason officially starts. This consideration has got me reflecting on roster management as we approach this stage, since there are still crucial moves and decisions to undertake to finalize your lineup for playoff action.

Keep in mind: Player trends are significant. Their production, usage, and more are key factors. Let’s delve into that today.

To begin with, let’s focus on players who are on the rise. The statistics and game footage reveal a narrative, right? These are the players to insert into your lineups for Week 14 or, with a few promising young receivers in mind, to secure off waivers. You could need them in your playoff journey, and you don’t want another league member to grab them first.

Additionally, I have three veteran athletes whose performance is declining, leading to challenging choices for fantasy managers. And these are notable names.

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Players trending up

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers

Action: Start in Week 14 (Flex/WR3)

Watson’s latest usage and game film indicate that he’s more than simply a sporadic, deep-threat option for quarterback Jordan Love. While Watson is capable of stretching defenses vertically, increased targets, improved footwork, and reliable hands have elevated his potential this season.

Chicago Bears.

Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans

Action: Pick up

Available in over 60% of ESPN leagues, Higgins is starting to fulfill his rookie potential. He brings a large frame, versatility in formations, and favorable matchup abilities across various areas of the field.

Drafted 34th overall in April, Higgins had 11.5 points in the Week 13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, successfully catching all five of his targets for 65 yards. He’s been averaging 12.5 points per game over his last four outings, with two touchdown receptions. Moreover, Higgins is seeing an average of 7.0 targets per game during this period. His usage is definitely on the rise.

Higgins can be leveraged as a WR3 in deeper formats for the upcoming Week 14 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. For managers in shallower leagues, this serves as a chance to add this receiver (if there’s room on your roster). As I mentioned in my ultimate guide to the fantasy playoffs, now is the moment to block other managers in your league. Therefore, when there’s an ascending player like Higgins, acting swiftly is crucial. Acquire him before someone else does.

Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears

Action: Start in Week 14 (Flex)

The running game has become the cornerstone of head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive strategy in his inaugural year with the Bears, paving the way for Monangai to share backfield duties with D’Andre Swift behind a formidable offensive line.

For one, I am impressed by Monangai’s gameplay. He runs with intensity. He is a decisive, downhill runner who welcomes contact. Where does that style excel? In the low red zone. It’s no surprise that Monangai has recorded a rushing touchdown in four consecutive games, all occurring on carries inside the 10-yard line. He accelerates north-south effectively. Given his anticipated rushing workload—Monangai has carried the ball at least 12 times in three of his last four games—managers can expect solid touchdown potential due to his role in scoring territory.

Admittedly, Monangai faces a tougher challenge this coming Sunday against a Green Bay defense that ranks among the top 10 in limiting opposing running backs. However, if we’re considering a Flex option in one of the most run-oriented schemes in the league, Monangai is a viable candidate for Week 14.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Jets

Action: Pick up

Mitchell delivered his best performance ever in the Jets’ Week 13 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, catching 8 of 12 targets for 102 yards and a touchdown (24.8 points). Now, although one breakout game might not suffice for him to be inserted into lineups in 10-team leagues, I understand if more evidence is needed or if a superior Week 14 matchup is desired. However, if you can add a player as you approach the fantasy playoffs, now is the time to take a chance.

Yes, Mitchell did score on a 52-yard deep pass in Week 14, showcasing his speed. And Mitchell possesses serious quickness (4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash). So, he undeniably offers big play potential. Nonetheless, I was indeed more captivated by his quick outs and short routes. His ability to create separation is noteworthy. Furthermore, with veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor distributing the ball, it arrives on schedule. That’s how you capitalize on targets.

As mentioned concerning Higgins, Mitchell can provide valuable upside to your roster. Available in over 75% of ESPN leagues, Mitchell also has a couple of advantageous upcoming matchups during the fantasy playoffs, in Weeks 15 and 16 (@JAX, @NO). Go get him.

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Players trending down

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Action: Start in Week 14 (WR2/Flex)

At this juncture, Jefferson is teetering on being a WR2/Flex in 10-team leagues. However, we must confront his statistics, which are being adversely affected by subpar quarterback performances in Minnesota. Jefferson recorded a season-low 2.4 points with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer at the helm during the Week 13 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Even when J.J. McCarthy was fit to play from Weeks 9-12, Jefferson’s production was limited to only 11.1 points per game. In addition, he had two games with fewer than nine points and just one where he surpassed 60 receiving yards.

So, is it still viable to include Jefferson in your lineup for Week 14 against the Washington Commanders? I would say yes if McCarthy (concussion) can be part of the game.

To start, you’re looking at a matchup against a Washington defense that ranks among the bottom 10 in defending opposing wide receivers. Aditionally, Jefferson had been receiving ample volume from McCarthy, averaging 9.0 targets per game during the previous stretch. This presents an opportunity if McCarthy can minimize his inaccuracies. Nevertheless, I suggest tempering expectations considering the state of Minnesota’s offense, which positions Jefferson on the fringe of WR2/Flex status for Week 14.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Action: Start in Week 14 (unless an alternative exists)

Jackson has recorded fewer than 10 points in each of his last three appearances, and he seems to have lost the elite dual-threat capability commonly associated with him. After averaging 53.8 rushing yards per game in 2024, Jackson has exceeded the 50-yard mark just once this season (in Week 1), and he is completing only 59.8% of his passes with a 20.2% off-target rate since his return from a hamstring injury in Week 9.

This recent decline in Jackson’s performance is precisely why I strongly advocate for rostering two quarterbacks as we enter fantasy playoffs. This not only provides injury back-up but also sets you up more favorably if your No. 1 faces a challenging matchup or if, as in Jackson’s case, he’s not generating sufficient output to carry you into the next playoff round.

If you have a solid No. 2 with a favorable Week 14 opponent, such as Jared Goff against the Dallas Cowboys, I would recommend making that switch. If not, you may need to rely on Jackson, whom I have rated as a borderline QB1 this week, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. In this case, you’ll be hoping for Jackson to regain his form as a dynamic playmaker.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Action: Start in Week 14 (RB2)

Barkley mustered only 5.6 points (his second-lowest of the season) in a favorable Week 13 matchup against the Bears defense, and he has exceeded the 20-point mark just once this year. So, what exactly is happening here?

To begin, we should address the struggles of the Eagles offensive line which is not producing blocks or overpowering defenders as they did in 2024. The gaps that Barkley typically exploits are closing rapidly. There are too many negative plays on the film as well. And the explosive plays are absent; I’m referring to those major game-changing moments that sparked breakout weeks.

Recall that Barkley led the NFL last season with 46 runs of 10 or more yards. This season, he has managed only 17, which ranks 19th league-wide. The run game has simply not been as effective, with Barkley averaging only 61.7 yards per game in a Philadelphia offense still searching for its identity in 2025.

I have Barkley rostered in a 12-team league, and I intend to keep him in my lineup for the Week 14 Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. That said, he no longer serves as my primary back. He should be utilized as an RB2, anticipating a yield of 12 to 14 points.