Week 14 marks a crucial juncture in the 2023 Fantasy Football regular season. Whether you're strategically managing the clock for a shot at a first-round bye, clawing for a last-minute comeback and playoff spot, or aiming to spoil a rival's season, the stakes are high. Regardless of your objective, Week 14 in fantasy football has arrived. Keep in mind that a well-calculated start or sit decision could be a game-changer. Meanwhile, a misstep could have significant consequences.

For fantasy football managers relying on QB streamers, the upcoming week presents added challenges with six teams on bye. Of course, this intensifies the competition on the waiver wire. Despite ongoing bye weeks and recent QB injuries, the quarterback position remains robust with high-scoring stalwarts and potential sleepers. While weather considerations may now influence your decisions, securing quarterback production in 10- and 12-team leagues should still be manageable just like last week.

Teams on Bye

As the fantasy football regular season concludes, Week 14 marks the final stretch of byes, with the Cardinals and Commanders taking their mandatory PTO. This results in a temporary absence of two starting-caliber QBs, Kyler Murray and Sam Howell. Of course, this will impact the available QB pool.

The notable losses, however, extend to the defensive side. Fantasy football owners will miss out on the opportunity to start QBs facing two subpar pass defenses in Washington and Arizona. Teams going against the Commanders' vulnerable defense have consistently delivered strong returns. Meanwhile, Arizona doesn't exactly put the clamps on opposing QBs as well.

Top Fantasy Football Picks

Despite Buffalo's playoff position uncertainty, Josh Allen emerges as our top QB in Week 14. Yes, he faces a Chiefs defense that has been formidable. They have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy football points per game to QBs. That said, Allen has historically performed well against them. He boasts a solid track record of 276.4 passing yards per game and a 14:2 TD-to-INT ratio over five career games against Kansas City. He may not win the game, but he'll get his numbers.

James Cook, Josh Allen, Jets, Bills, Jets Bills

Jalen Hurts aims to bounce back in a crucial NFC East clash in Dallas. He faces a Cowboys defense that allowed Geno Smith to achieve top-end QB1 numbers last week. Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa looks promising after dismantling the Commanders' defense with 280 yards and two TDs in the previous week. He has another favorable matchup against a lackluster Tennessee coverage unit this week. As for Dak Prescott, he remains a top-three player in a rematch against the Eagles. This is a team he previously torched for 374 yards and three TDs in Week 9. Patrick Mahomes is also poised for a strong performance in a potential shootout against Buffalo. He retained his top-10 status despite challenges with his receiving corps.

Other Favorites

Don't forget Brock Purdy as well. He delivered an impressive Week 13 performance, completing 19 of 27 passes for 314 yards and securing four touchdowns. This standout game marked one of Purdy's best performances of the season. He surpassed 300 yards and secured four touchdowns in a convincing win against the Eagles. After a challenging period leading up to their Week 12 bye, Purdy and the 49ers appear revitalized. They are poised to make a strong push for a high seed in the upcoming playoffs. As they move forward, the second-year QB remains a top choice for fantasy football enthusiasts.

In contrast, Lamar Jackson had a bye in Week 13. Before that, however, he had a somewhat subdued showing in Week 12. He completed 18 of 32 passes for 177 yards and contributed one touchdown. Additionally, he added 11 rushes for 39 yards in a 20-10 victory over the Chargers. Despite the quieter performance, Jackson's efforts were sufficient to secure a win for the Ravens. His lone touchdown pass occurred in the second quarter and was caught by Zay Flowers. Remember that Jackson has a season total of 2,618 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. That's in addition to 574 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. We think Jackson will have a good performance this week against the Rams.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

Week 14 poses a streaming challenge. Guys like Gardner Minshew, Jameis Winston, Baker Mayfield, and Joe Flacco emerge as the most promising options.

Minshew, executing Shane Steichen's scheme efficiently, faces a Cincinnati defense ranking below the league average in dropback EPA. Winston should start in place of the injured Derek Carr. He brings a gunslinger play style that could yield respectable fantasy football output against the struggling Panthers. Mayfield has the potential for increased passing in a negative game script against Atlanta. This should enhance his fantasy football prospects.

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As for Joe Flacco, despite the Browns' loss in his first start, he displayed competence with 254 yards and two TDs. The ex-Super Bowl MVP performed impressively in his first appearance for the Browns. This was noteworthy given his recent addition to the team and the formidable challenge of facing Aaron Donald and the Rams from the outset. Keep in mind as well that Cleveland's upcoming three matchups involve teams with pass defenses ranked in the bottom 10. While it may not be the most exciting option, opting for Flacco in your lineup could be a strategic move that propels your fantasy football team into the playoffs and beyond.

Fantasy Football Busts

Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Josh Dobbs carry a lot of risk against strong pass defenses. Stafford faces the formidable Ravens defense. They allowed the second-fewest FPPG to QBs before their Week 13 bye. There's uncertainty around Dobbs, too. Nick Mullens might start in his place. However, if Dobbs remains the choice, his shaky Week 12 performance raises concerns against the efficient Raiders pass defense.

Meanwhile, following an outstanding display in Week 13 during Seattle's closely contested loss to Dallas, fantasy football owners may be tempted to pursue additional points with Geno Smith. However, duplicating last week's impressive performance against the 49ers presents a considerable challenge for a quarterback who has struggled to meet expectations throughout the season.

After a series of challenging weeks, Smith delivered his most exceptional performance of the year. He achieved his first three passing touchdowns and his initial rushing score of the season. Anticipating such a significant performance from Smith in a demanding matchup was a tough ask. However, he delivered for those who took the gamble of starting him in dire circumstances. Sure, Smith's recent showing was commendable. As we already said, however, he now faces a 49ers defense in Week 14 that effectively contained him last Thanksgiving.

Fantasy Football Injuries

Week 14 sees new injury complications with Kenny Pickett (ankle) and Derek Carr (head, shoulder, back). Both should be replaced by backups Mitchell Trubisky and Jameis Winston, respectively, as indications suggest they will miss time. Trevor Lawrence's ankle injury also opens the door for CJ Beathard to start, with Lawrence likely sidelined for at least a week.

Now, let's dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Quarterback rankings for Week 14 of the 2023 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.

NFL Fantasy Football Week 14 Quarterback Rankings

1. Josh Allen, BUF @ KC (1)
2. Jalen Hurts, PHI @ DAL (4)
3. Dak Prescott, DAL vs. PHI (3)
4. Tua Tagovailoa, MIA vs. TEN (2)
5. Brock Purdy, SF vs. SEA (9)
6. Lamar Jackson, BAL vs. LAR (6)
7. Justin Fields, CHI vs. DET (13)
8. Patrick Mahomes II, KC vs. BUF (5)
9. Justin Herbert, LAC vs. DEN (11)
10. CJ Stroud, HOU @ NYJ (8)
11. Russell Wilson, DEN @ LAC (12)
12. Jared Goff, DET @ CHI (7)
13. Jordan Love, GB @ NYG (10)
14. Joshua Dobbs, MIN @ LV (20)
15. Matthew Stafford, LAR @ BAL (15)
16. Geno Smith, SEA @ SF (16)
17. Gardner Minshew II, IND @ CIN (14)
18. Jameis Winston, NO vs. CAR (17)
19. Joe Flacco, CLE vs. JAC (18)
20. Baker Mayfield, TB @ ATL (19)
21. Will Levis, TEN @ MIA (24)
22. Aidan O'Connell, LV vs. MIN (22)
23. Jake Browning, CIN vs. IND (25)
24. Tommy DeVito, NYG vs. GB (29)