Fantasy football Week 14: Four players who could smash projections

Whether you're fighting for a playoff spot or battling for the No. 1 seed, Week 14 in the NFL is a crucial one for fantasy football managers. The good news is we're here to help with four under-the-radar players who could smash their projections this week.

New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Shough has quietly been a startable fantasy QB recently. The rookie signal-caller has scored 17.36 and 18.98 points in two of his last three games, and he's thrown for at least 239 yards in three straight. 

If you need a fill-in with Drake Maye, Jaxson Dart and Brock Purdy on bye, Shough is a decent option against a Bucs defense that ranks 27th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to QBs and 29th in passing yards allowed per game (247.5).

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell vs. Baltimore Ravens

Fantasy managers are hesitant to trust Gainwell because he's behind Jaylen Warren on the depth chart, but this is much more of a one-two punch than a timeshare. Gainwell has actually out-snapped Warren in three of the last four games, so there's no need to worry about usage. Gainwell has 17 catches on 20 targets over the last four games, while the Ravens give up the seventh-most receiving yards per game.

Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs. Minnesota Vikings

McLaurin has been a frustrating player to own this season. He's missed seven games and has averaged only 12.4 points when he does play, but the arrow is finally pointing up. Last week, McLaurin recorded seven catches on 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown—all season-high marks in 2025. The Vikings present a tough matchup, but that usage can't be ignored. 

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Brenton Strange vs. Indianapolis Colts

Strange has emerged as Trevor Lawrence's No. 2 target since returning from his five-game absence. The Penn State product has recorded eight catches on nine targets for 138 yards and a touchdown in the last two games, giving him back-to-back TE1 finishes. The Colts rank 28th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, so Strange should be ranked as a top-10 option at the position this week.