NFL DFS Tournament Takes: Week 14 Fantasy Football…
Week 14 is here, and with the playoffs around the corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher for NFL DFS players. This week features six teams on bye, creating a tighter player pool that demands sharp strategy and calculated risks. Whether you’re chasing the big prize in a large-field tournament or aiming to differentiate yourself in smaller contests, this week presents a prime opportunity to exploit leverage plays, uncover pivots, and make bold moves.
Let’s break down our Week 14 approach, focusing on stacks, leverage plays, and other slate-specific thoughts to help you rise to the top of the leaderboard.
Game of the Week: Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams (BUF -3.5, O/U 49.5)
This week’s marquee matchup is the Bills traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in what has all the makings of a DFS goldmine. With a high 49.5-point total and offensive stars all over the field, this game offers numerous stacking opportunities and explosive potential.
Buffalo Bills Breakdown
The Bills continue to be an offensive juggernaut, spearheaded by MVP candidate Josh Allen. Allen’s ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the top DFS plays every week. His rushing upside—averaging 40+ yards per game—provides a stable floor, while his arm talent gives him a sky-high ceiling.
Pairing Allen with Stefon Diggs is a no-brainer in tournament play. Diggs ranks among the top wide receivers in targets and air yards, making him a reliable option with massive upside. If you’re looking for additional stacking pieces, consider tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has emerged as a key weapon in Buffalo’s offense, especially in the red zone.
For those looking to get different, pivoting to Gabe Davis as a secondary stack option is intriguing. Davis is a classic boom-or-bust player, capable of breaking a slate with his deep-threat ability. With the Rams likely focusing their defensive attention on Diggs, Davis could find himself with favorable matchups downfield.
Los Angeles Rams Breakdown
On the other side, the Rams are fighting for their playoff lives, and their offense has been heating up. Matthew Stafford has been slinging the ball with confidence, and his connection with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua remains the centerpiece of this passing attack.
Kupp, who has been quieter than usual in recent weeks, offers significant leverage in tournaments. His price and recent lack of production may suppress ownership, but his elite talent and volume make him a prime bounce-back candidate. Pairing Stafford with Kupp and running it back with Diggs or Allen creates a game stack with tremendous upside.
Puka Nacua continues to be a revelation in his rookie season, providing consistent volume and big-play ability. His price point is usually slightly lower than Kupp’s, which could make him a popular choice. However, if you’re looking for true leverage, consider Tutu Atwell or Tyler Higbee as contrarian options in this game.
Other Stacks to Target
While the Bills-Rams game is the clear headliner, there are other spots worth targeting for tournaments:
Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts (CIN -2.5, O/U 45.5)
The Bengals have been surging since Joe Burrow’s return to full health, and their offense is loaded with weapons. A stack of Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins has slate-breaking potential, especially against a Colts defense that has struggled against the pass.
The Colts, led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, offer intriguing run-back options. Richardson’s dual-threat ability makes him a one-off play or a low-owned tournament pivot. Pairing him with Michael Pittman Jr., who continues to command heavy targets, can create a high-upside mini stack.
Houston Texans @ New York Jets (HOU -4.5, O/U 41.5)
The Texans’ offense, led by rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, has been one of the most exciting units in the league. Stroud’s chemistry with wide receiver Tank Dell has been electric, making this stack a popular choice. However, with Dell expected to draw significant attention, pivoting to Nico Collins or Dalton Schultz (if healthy) can differentiate your lineup.
On the Jets’ side, the options are limited, but Garrett Wilson remains a volume monster. While his ceiling may be capped by quarterback play, his ability to rack up receptions makes him an intriguing run-back option.
Leverage Plays and Contrarian Pivots
Finding leverage is key to succeeding in large-field tournaments. Here are some under-the-radar plays for Week 14:
Running Backs
Kyren Williams (LAR): While the focus will be on the passing game in the Bills-Rams matchup, Williams has quietly become a workhorse back. His involvement in both the run and pass game makes him an ideal contrarian option in a game with high scoring potential.
Rachaad White (TB): Facing a Falcons defense that can be vulnerable to pass-catching backs, White’s dual-threat ability gives him tournament-winning upside.
Javonte Williams (DEN): With the Broncos leaning more on their run game, Williams has seen an uptick in usage. Against a porous Chargers run defense, he’s an excellent leverage play.
Wide Receivers
Chris Godwin (TB): With Mike Evans likely drawing most of the attention, Godwin could thrive in a softer matchup against Atlanta’s secondary.
DeAndre Hopkins (TEN): While the Titans’ passing attack has been inconsistent, Hopkins’ talent and target share make him an intriguing GPP option.
Marquise Brown (ARI): With Kyler Murray back under center, Brown’s big-play potential is worth targeting in tournaments.
Tight Ends
David Njoku (CLE): Njoku’s red-zone usage and increasing target share make him a sneaky play against Jacksonville.
Chig Okonkwo (TEN): If you’re punting at the position, Okonkwo offers upside at a low cost, especially if Tennessee is forced into a pass-heavy game script.
Defense/Special Teams
Defenses are always a wildcard in tournaments, but here are a few options to consider:
Detroit Lions: Facing a turnover-prone Bears offense, the Lions’ aggressive defense has multiple-sack upside.
Seattle Seahawks: With a matchup against the struggling 49ers’ offensive line, Seattle’s pass rush could make noise.
Arizona Cardinals: A low-cost option, the Cardinals could capitalize on mistakes from a Steelers offense still finding its footing under Kenny Pickett.
Final Thoughts
Week 14 is a slate where identifying leverage plays and low-owned pivots will be crucial. While the Bills-Rams game is the obvious centerpiece, don’t be afraid to explore other matchups and fade the chalk in certain spots. Late-season DFS is unpredictable, and embracing the chaos can lead to massive rewards.
Stay disciplined, trust your process, and remember that winning tournaments often requires taking risks. Good luck this week, and let’s make Week 14 a slate to remember!
