We’re now heading into Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season. It’s the last week before the fantasy playoffs. For those who are chasing the final playoff spot or looking to secure a first-round bye, this article is for you.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at five players whose outlook has declined in recent weeks. This has sparked some debate on where they stand in the rest-of-season fantasy football rankings. After reading, you’ll have a better sense of whether you should bench these players for this pivotal week.
With that in mind, find out who I’m panicking on after Week 13.
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Fantasy Football Panic Meter: Week 13
Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL)
Lamar Jackson hasn’t looked like himself since returning from injury, averaging only 12.7 fantasy points per game during this stretch, which ranks as the fantasy QB30. There’s a chance he’s still not 100% healthy, which is suppressing his production.
If you have a viable backup quarterback on your roster, I wouldn’t be opposed to sitting Jackson this week. But it has to be someone like Jared Goff for me to do that. I know Jackson has been struggling, but he’s too much of a game-breaker to bench. The Steelers rank 27th in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks.
Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
Justin Jefferson hasn’t been able to produce with J.J. McCarthy under center, and things got even worse with Max Brosmer at the helm.
However, there’s no way I can bench Jefferson in a matchup against a vulnerable Commanders secondary. While Washington’s defense has improved since Dan Quinn started calling plays, they still allowed Courtland Sutton to have a solid game. I’m not panicking on Jefferson this week, especially since Brosmer won’t be starting.
Verdict: 4 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC)
Now, here’s a wide receiver we should probably be panicking about a bit more. The reason is simple: There’s a legitimate risk that Justin Herbert will be forced to miss this game against the Eagles.
If Trey Lance is forced to start, you’re likely looking at a run-heavy game plan, capping Ladd McConkey’s floor and ceiling. With that in mind, I’d look elsewhere this week.
Verdict: 8 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
Emeka Egbuka has hit a rookie wall. With Chris Godwin back, Egbuka is playing more on the perimeter. On top of that, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are almost ready to return. Things are getting crowded in Tampa.
That doesn’t mean I’m going to bench Egbuka, especially against the Saints, but it’s still worth noting. Consider Egbuka more of a low-end WR2 with the change in team context.
Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)
Rome Odunze is averaging only 6.3 fantasy points per game in his last five, which ranks as the fantasy WR56 during that stretch. The Bears have turned into more of a run-heavy offense led by D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
Up next is a tough matchup against the Packers. I can’t trust Odunze as anything more than a boom-or-bust WR3 in this spot.
Verdict: 7 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
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