- Desperation plays with positive matchups: Six teams are on a bye right before the fantasy playoffs but those in need may be able to rely on the likes of Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold if needed.
- Tough matchups for a couple of RB1s: Why fantasy managers might need to manage expectations on the ground for Travis Etienne and Saquon Barkley.
- Not a fair fight: The battle of Texas has one team ahead by a mile in the trenches, making for a pretty obvious option to avoid.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
The fantasy playoffs are within reach but one more barrier must be crossed before managers can focus on that as six teams are on a bye week in Week 14, making lineup decisions all the more important and difficult. The mismatches in the trenches this week will help to find some potential streaming options as well as a way to manage expectations for some bigger-name running backs.
NOTE: Click here to see this week’s entire offensive line/defensive line matchup tool.
OFFENSIVE LINE MATCHUPS TO TARGET
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The 49ers offensive line enters this week with a top-five grade in pass-blocking (75.1) and has allowed just nine sacks on the year (third-best). The Buccaneers have struggled to generate consistent pressure and production from its defensive line, ranking 30th as a unit in pass-rush grade (58.4) off of a 26.1% pressure rate (26th) and 25 sacks (23rd).
TOP PLAYER(S) TO TARGET
QB Brock Purdy – With six teams on a bye and a lack of options at the position, deeper leagues could potentially squeeze out some fantasy value from Purdy based on this matchup. After an uneven game in Week 13, Purdy’s best shot to produce comes from a clean pocket, where he threw both of his touchdowns and completed 76.9% of his passes for 168 yards last week. Purdy struggled when pressured, managing just 42 yards on a 45.5% completion rate while adding two turnover-worthy plays — one of which led to an interception. Purdy has one of the best groups of offensive weapons in the league and they should all still be started with confidence this week against the Bucs.
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Miami’s offensive line ranks inside the top 10 in run-blocking grade (71.6) and ranks second in the percentage of yards generated before contact (39.4%). The Chargers defensive line struggles against the run haven’t been a secret, which reflects in their 40.4 run defense grade (30th) that is due in large part to their 31 missed tackles (tied for the most).
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