Fantasy Football Report: Week 14

By - Tim Swift

Here's the fantasy lowdown heading into Week 14.

1. It's Adrian Peterson's world -- we're just living in it.

Photo by: Jeff Haynes

Torn ACL 11 months ago be damned, Peterson is playing out of his mind right now. If I had an MVP vote (and hopefully I will soon) I would be real tempted to pick him. He probably won't win it, but he has been one of the 5 best players on the planet this year. Peterson leads the NFL with 1,446 yards, with the next closest back over 300 yards behind. He's on pace for an obscene 1,928 yards and 11 scores, and what makes this even more fun to watch is that he's doing what he's doing with a 1950's era type passing game in front of him. Peterson has to carry the entire offense, and that makes him one of the most valuable players in the National Football League.

2. Dap for Dez Bryant.

For all of the headaches that Bryant might bring off the field, he's been a joy to watch over the last 4 weeks on it. 29 receptions, 375 yards and 6 scores are the numbers that have made him a top 5 fantasy receiver over the last month. Bryant is now top 10 in 4 major categories; touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards and yards per game. Also, a lack of commitment to the running game is helping him a lot, creating at least 10 targets a game. Bryant's overall production has him ahead of receivers such as Victor Cruz, Marques Colston, and the Atlanta duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White. The third-year man out of Oklahoma State should finish up the year strong with games against New Orleans and Washington -- who rank 30th and 31st in pass defense.

3. Bryce Brown's impact.

The rookie out of Kansas State burst on the scene over the last 2 weeks with 347 yards and 4 scores. His value is now tied to the health of LeSean McCoy and whether or not he comes back from a concussion. Coach Andy Reid has already announced that he will go with rookie quarterback Nick Foles for the remainder of the year, so it's probably important that they stick with the run game, and Brown is showing explosiveness that has not been there most of the season -- averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He has fumbled 3 times over the last few weeks, but in most cases, those won't matter with the amount of yards he's putting up.

4. Cam's underrated second half.

Newton's Carolina Panthers are still a bad team, and they will probably be picking in the top 5 come April's draft, but win or lose, their quarterback is still fun to watch. Over the last 4 weeks, Newton has thrown for 257 yards per game with 8 touchdowns, just 2 interceptions, and a pair of rushing scores. Also with Newton, he is earning an extra 5-10 points per game running the ball. The Panthers end the season with San Diego, Oakland, and New Orleans -- and all 3 give up a ton of yards.

5. The Broncos D has been good this year...and no one has noticed.

In most ESPN fantasy formats, Denver's D is in the top 4 producers of points this season. They have scored 7 defensive/special team touchdowns, and have put up double-digits points 9 times overall this year. The Broncos pass rush has been spectacular with 38 sacks, and as a whole they have added 16 forced fumbles and 14 INTs. This defense has been very active across the board and have gotten to play with the lead a lot this season. While Peyton Manning and the offense may get all of the headlines, Denver's D is a big reason why they are AFC West champions for the second-straight year.

Solid Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups:

Russell Wilson (QB), Donnie Avery (WR), Golden Tate (WR), Josh Gordon (WR),  Jets D/ST, Browns D/ST

The Underrated 15 For Week 14:

Quarterbacks:

1. Andrew Luck
2. Andy Dalton
3. Russell Wilson

Running Backs:

1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis
2. Steven Jackson
3. Bryce Brown

Wide Receivers:

1. Michael Crabtree
2. Danario Alexander
3. Pierre Garcon

Tight Ends:

1. Heath Miller
2. Kyle Rudolph
3. Brandon Myers

Defense/Special Teams:

1. Pittsburgh
2. Indianapolis
3. Cleveland

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00-9:00, and on the Thom Abraham Show every Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:40 for even more Fantasy Football talk on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville.