How can you make a matchup between the 3-9 Los Angeles Rams and 5-7 Las Vegas Raiders interesting? Fantasy football managers know what it’s like to be counting on production from bad teams. We’ll make sure you’re maximizing your fantasy lineup options for Week 14.
One playmaker in the spotlight to produce is Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. We’re on top of all angles in this matchup for fantasy managers — let’s dive into whether you should start Higbee against the Raiders.
Should You Start Tyler Higbee vs. the Raiders?
The fantasy tight end rankings have experienced one of the most bizarre seasons we’ve seen in recent years. Only three players have more than 116 fantasy points in PPR leagues entering Week 14, and the difference between TE4 (Pat Freiermuth) and TE21 (Dawson Knox) is three fantasy points per game.
Higbee, at TE16, has been a top-12 tight end in terms of points per game despite not catching a touchdown this season. He’s ninth in his position with 444 yards. If he had even two touchdowns, he’d jump to TE11.
With those numbers in mind, it’s safe to say that Higbee is a quality fantasy tight end, even with the glaring lack of scores. He’s been a monstrous part of this Rams offense for much of the year, including six games with at least eight targets. He has the second-most targets and yards on the team.
Even with Baker Mayfield possibly in line to start only a few days after being claimed off waivers by the Rams, Higbee remains a strong pass-catching threat on a weakened offense. Without Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson, Mayfield may lean on Higbee even more than Bryce Perkins and John Wolford would. Mayfield has historically done well with the position.
This might be the week Higbee finally reaches the end zone. The Raiders have been one of the three worst pass defenses in the NFL, and they struggle against tight ends. Opposing tight ends are averaging 5.3 receptions for 53.8 yards and 0.5 touchdowns each game.
Vegas simply lacks the personnel at safety and linebacker to be effective against the position. Veterans Duron Harmon and Denzel Perryman are downhill run defenders and struggle in space. Jayon Brown is better in space than he is in man coverage.
Head coach Sean McVay should increase Higbee’s role within the offense. Higbee had only five targets last week after not logging a target in Week 12. This offense performed better when Higbee had more passes going his way
Higbee is currently ranked at TE10 in our Week 14 PPR fantasy football rankings. With five teams on bye and the Raiders’ passing defense being vulnerable, he’s a strong option for fantasy managers. It’s unlikely he’s available off waivers in your league, but if you need a streamer and he’s available, he’s worth a claim. Additionally, consider throwing him into your lineup on Underdog Fantasy.
I’d definitely be willing to play Higbee against the Raiders if you don’t have a bonafide top-four tight end. The only non-elite tight ends I’d prefer over him in Week 14 are Gerald Everett and Dalton Schultz. I feel that good this matchup is advantageous for Higbee and that his first touchdown is closer to happening than not.