5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 14

Need some options to pick up for fantasy football Week 14?

Right now, for the large majority of leagues, this week marks the kickoff for the first round of fantasy football playoffs. Of course, even if you had a losing record, most fantasy general managers have some form of a playoff to ready for this week.

Whether that be in the winner’s bracket or consolation bracket, you want to snag that win. If you are unfortunate enough to be in the latter bracket, you can afford to take more chances than those lucky enough to be playing in the winner’s tournament. So, these potential breakout stars will probably be driven more to that consolation audience.

Still, that does not mean the five players listed for this week’s edition of this article should be ignored by the winners. No. Rather, you should weigh all your options as you try to eliminate as many uncertainties as you possibly can.

No team has a scheduled bye this week. With how this season has gone, matchups may be shifted to accommodate potential COVID situations. Otherwise, most general managers will have a full complement of players to decide on.

Below are the five players to research and possibly add while no one is looking on that waiver wire.

ESPN rosters: 23.3%

Yahoo rosters: 33%

Carlos Hyde‘s fantasy value is hard to fully determine right now. The lead back for the Seattle Seahawks is Chris Carson but he has been in and out of the lineup due to injury. Hyde has also been sidelined at times this season as well, so projecting his weekly availability is also tricky.

But, for now, Hyde is still an option to look into. Even with Carson potentially back, the coaching staff will likely see to cycle both backs in and out as much as possible to preserve each player’s health as the playoffs loom.

Hyde is a productive runner when given reps. In Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, he got 15 carries for 68 yards and a score. When he returned in Week 11, against the same opponent, he went for 79 yards on 14 carries for another touchdown.

The Seahawks host the New York Jets this week. While the defense for the Jets has performed well on occasion, especially against the run, this Seattle offense poises a serious threat with all those weapons around Russell Wilson.

There is no doubt that Carson could take Hyde’s reps, or vice versa, as both work their way back from injuries. This is why this add is a little riskier. However, the payoff could balloon given Seattle’s potential to score at home.