NFL Week 14 predictions, fantasy sleepers, upset picks, buzz - ESPN

It's Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season, and we're sure you are fully prepared for the loaded slate. But just in case you need some last-minute intel, our NFL analysts have you covered at the 11th hour.

First, analytics writer Seth Walder breaks down five stat trends that could be pivotal this weekend. Fantasy football writer Eric Moody runs through five players who are rostered in under 50% of ESPN fantasy football leagues as of Saturday and who could be picked up and started in a jam this weekend. That's followed by NFL analyst Matt Bowen pointing to five potential surprises and NFL analyst Ben Solak picking one team on upset watch. Finally, insider Jeremy Fowler gives the latest buzz, rumors and news you might have missed.

Let's dive in, starting with a key WR-CB matchup in an NFC West showdown.

Jump to a topic:
Stat trends | Fantasy sleepers
Potential surprises | Upset watch
Latest buzz

Can Garrett Williams slow down Jaxon Smith-Njigba?

Smith-Njigba's sophomore breakout is in full swing. His yards per route run has jumped from 1.3 last season to 1.9 this season — and he's all the way up to 3.2 since Week 8. It has helped him to 829 yards on 70 catches. But he has stiff competition in Week 14. Smith-Njigba plays from the slot 77% of the time, which means he should face off against Williams.

The 2023 third-round pick out of Syracuse is having his own impressive second season. He has allowed 0.5 yards per coverage snap and minus-21 EPA as the nearest defender, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Those both rank first among qualifying slot corners. The winner of this matchup should play a key role in determining which team comes out on top.

Can the Giants' pass rush regain its form against the Saints even without Dexter Lawrence II?

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