Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings: Nate Burleson and More Must-Starts at Flex

Just because the fantasy football playoffs are set to begin this weekend doesn't mean owners shouldn't be searching the waiver wire for potential upgrades.

Here are three players who are widely available and should be in starting lineups at the flex position in Week 14.

RB Toby Gerhart – Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson is questionable due to an ankle which still isn't 100 percent. That should lead the Vikings to play it safe with their star running back. Even if he does play, Gerhart should see a fair share of touches vs. the Detroit Lions.

The backup has scored double digits in back-to-back weeks. He's proven capable of handling a heavier workload and should see another one on Sunday. With Christian Ponder also battling an injury, Gerhart could become the sole focus on Minnesota's offense.

Have another option ready just in case the Vikings announce Peterson is healthy enough to handle every-down duties, but otherwise, Gerhart is a sneaky option again this week.

Week 14 Projection: 10 fantasy points

WR Malcom Floyd – San Diego Chargers

Floyd returned to the lineup on Monday night and scorched the Jacksonville Jaguars' shaky secondary to the tune of 108 yards and a touchdown. He quickly rediscovered his rhythm with Philip Rivers and helped rejuvenate a struggling Chargers offense.

He gets another strong matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. The Bills are fading quickly and their defense as looked like one of the league's worst units over the past month. That should lead to another big game for the Wyoming product.

San Diego is notorious for its late-season mad dashes toward the playoffs, so all of their fantasy players deserve a boost in the short term.

Week 14 Projection: 12 fantasy points

WR Nate Burleson – Detroit Lions

Ever since they returned from their bye week, the Lions have made a concerted effort to get the ball into the hands of Burleson more often. He's caught at least five passes in four straight weeks, and the touchdowns are sure to follow if that production continues.

Burleson shouldn't have much trouble putting together another solid outing vs. the Vikings, who rank 31st against opposing fantasy wideouts. As long as Matthew Stafford keeps targeting him, Burleson is an intriguing fantasy commodity.

Despite his recent hot streak, he's owned in barely over one-quarter of leagues. Take advantage of other owners' oversight by adding and starting Burleson.

Week 14 Projection: 14 fantasy points