Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders (QB – CLE)
Stats:
- 23-of-42 for 364 Passing Yards
- 3 Passing Touchdowns
- 1 Interception
- 3 Rushing Attempts
- 29 Rushing Yards
- 1 Rushing Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB2 (34.5 fantasy points)
Analysis: Shedeur Sanders lit up Week 14 with 364 passing yards and four total touchdowns in Cleveland’s 31-29 loss to Tennessee. He posted a career-high 34.5 fantasy points and currently sits as the QB2 for the week. His ability to stretch the field and keep plays alive with his legs kept the Browns in a surprising shootout, resulting in the most productive fantasy outing of his young career.
Sunday’s breakout firmly places Sanders on the QB2 and Superflex radar, as his blend of passing volume and mobility gives him the upside to swing matchups in multi-quarterback formats. While he’s not yet a locked-in starter in traditional leagues, his growth as a passer and ability to generate explosive plays make him a valuable depth option moving forward.
Heat Index: 3
Running Back
Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)
Stats:
- 24 Rushing Attempts
- 107 Rushing Yards
- 1 Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB8 (16.7 fantasy points)
Analysis: Jaylen Wright powered Miami’s ground game in Week 14, rushing 24 times for 107 yards and a touchdown in the team’s 34-10 win over the Jets. The second-year back converted that workload into 16.7 half-PPR points, ranking as the current RB8 on the week and flashing the kind of traits that hint at RB2 upside if called upon to start.
That said, most of Wright’s production came in garbage time with De’Von Achane sidelined by a rib injury. The Dolphins took a cautious approach, with head coach Mike McDaniel noting Achane could have played “in an emergency,” suggesting the issue isn’t overly serious. Wright may have nudged ahead of Ollie Gordon II as the preferred handcuff, but if Achane does miss time, Miami is likely to lean on more of a split backfield.
Heat Index: 2
Wide Receiver
Ryan Flournoy (WR – DAL)
Stats:
- 9 Receptions
- 115 Receiving Yards
- 1 Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR6 (22 fantasy points)
Analysis: Ryan Flournoy stepped up in Week 14, hauling in nine passes for 115 yards and a touchdown after CeeDee Lamb exited with a concussion. With George Pickens struggling with mental errors, Flournoy emerged as Dak Prescott‘s top target, keeping Dallas’ offense afloat and flashing legitimate playmaking skills.
Concussions typically sideline players for at least one game, leaving Lamb’s status for the opening round of the fantasy playoffs very much in doubt. He does have 10 days to recover before Week 15, giving Dallas extra time to monitor his progress through the concussion protocol and offering fantasy managers hope that he could be cleared in time.
If Lamb is unable to go, that opens the door for Flournoy to see expanded opportunities. His Week 14 breakout makes him a potential desperation Flex play.
Heat Index: 3
Tight End
Mike Gesicki (TE – CIN)
Stats:
- 6 Receptions
- 86 Receiving Yards
- 1 Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE2 (17.6 fantasy points)
Analysis: Mike Gesicki nearly doubled his yearly fantasy production in Week 14, hauling in six receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in Buffalo’s snowy conditions. He scored 17.8 half-PPR points on Sunday after managing just 18.5 all season, underscoring how impactful his breakout was in a tough environment.
With Joe Burrow back under center, Gesicki’s fantasy appeal is on the rise. While fantasy managers shouldn’t expect this level of output every week, he offers just enough ceiling to warrant consideration for tight end-needy teams chasing points in the playoffs.
Heat Index: 2
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