NFL Week 14 Predictions: Underrated Players Ready to Have Superstar Performances

Judging players late in the season is the perfect time to get an accurate read on where they are going to be heading into 2012. We have been waiting to see signs of life from a number of them, but a number of them are showing signs of breaking out. 

In fact, they have been dominant at times in recent weeks. Some of that could just be a lucky trend that isn't likely to continue, but it could also be a sign that they have finally figured it out. 

Here are three players that have been trending upward in recent weeks and will have superstar performances in Week 14. 

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

After two years of disappointments and being labeled a bust, Crabtree is having a breakout 2011 season. Is he ever going to be an elite wide receiver? Probably not. But he can be a great No. 2 fantasy receiver who occasionally plays like a No. 1.

With the playoffs starting this week, it is time for fantasy owners to take notice of what Crabtree has been doing. He has had three double-digit points games this season, including two in the last three weeks.

Going against an Arizona defense that allows over 250 passing yards and 22 points per game, Crabtree should be able to have another 10-point game this week.

Alex Smith has not had an elite receiver in his time as 49ers quarterback, but Crabtree is giving him some hope for the rest of this season and the future.

Matt Moore, QB, Miami Dolphins

While Dolphins fans might be angry because the team has screwed itself out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes by winning four games in the last five weeks, at least Moore has given them something to latch onto over the final month of the year.

And even though I would have thought the idea of Moore as a starting quarterback in the fantasy playoffs would be murder, the fact that he has three straight games with double-digit points in standard scoring leagues makes him a valuable asset.

When you factor in that he is going up against the Eagles defense, which has been terrible in four of its last five games, Moore is a lock to perform like a star this week.

Laugh if you must, but you will hate yourself when your opponent is beating you with Moore as its starting quarterback.

Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers

It would appear that the fates have decided to turn the clock back and give Grant his starting job back, even if it is just because of an injury to James Starks.

Going up against the Raiders run defense, which allows over 141 yards per game, could give Grant his best rushing game since 2009. It might even create a possible running back controversy, though it will probably take more than one game to do that.

Still, fantasy owners know a great matchup when they see one, and Grant is too good to pass up this week. Considering that it is playoff time, it is the perfect time to take some chances on the waiver wire. You need to take bold steps to put yourself over the top. 

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