Week 14 DFS Cheapskate Plays is here to spotlight a few budget-friendly players who can help you stretch your salary cap without sinking your lineup.
We’re not chasing the “studs”. If I don’t mention the slate’s most expensive QB, it’s not because I think he’s a bad play; it’s because you don’t need me to tell you they will score the most points. The real purpose here is to dig for value, the affordable (cheap) options that make it possible to fit those high-priced studs into your build.
Of course, these picks come with more risk, and they don’t have the same floor as the proven stars. But when they hit, the payoff is huge. DFS is ultimately a game of points per dollar: a $4K player scoring 20 points (5x value) actually outperforms an $8K player scoring 24 points (only 3x). That’s why we hunt for these gems. They give you a better return on investment, even if they whiff more often.
Player prices are referenced from DraftKings, but the concept applies across all major DFS platforms.
Week 14 Cheapskate Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence $5,400, JAX vs Colts
Trevor Lawrence enters the Week 14 DFS slate with real ceiling appeal thanks to a recent touchdown surge and a strong run of fantasy finishes. Over his last four games, he has finished as a Top-12 quarterback in three of them, finally translating into consistent DFS production. Over his last two games, Lawrence has thrown five touchdown passes, the first time he has had multiple touchdown passes in back-to-back games in 2025.
This week, he also benefits from the return of Brian Thomas Jr., whose size, speed, and downfield presence give Lawrence a true matchup-tilting weapon. Thomas’s ability to stretch defenses opens throwing windows and enhances Lawrence’s chances of creating explosive plays. Combine that with Lawrence’s mobility and steady passing volume, and you get a quarterback positioned to outperform his salary. For managers seeking affordable upside, Lawrence stands out as a compelling Week 14 play.
Week 14 Cheapskate Running Backs
R.J. Harvey $5,700, DEN at Raiders
Through 12 games in 2025, R.J. Harvey has logged 74 carries for 279 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Modest numbers given his preseason fantasy draft price. But what if we throw in 222 receiving yards on 31 catches and 4 more scores? That’s a touchdown rate per game of 66%. His dual-threat usage gives him a reasonably high floor, and his touchdown upside is better than a coin flip.
Making Harvey especially interesting this week is his evolving role in Denver’s backfield. He remains the primary ball-carrier with J.K. Dobbins sidelined, and he has 14 and 16 touches the past two games.
What separates Harvey from other mid-tier DFS plays is his explosiveness: he’s shown the ability to rip off chunk gains and handle drive-finishing carries when the offense gets rolling. His matchup this week sets up well for exactly that script, facing a defense that has struggled with assignment discipline and second-level tackling.
Week 14 Cheapskate Wide Receivers
Tre Tucker $4,700, LV vs Broncos
Tre Tucker profiles as an excellent value this week thanks to his growing role, strong opportunity share, and clear big-play ceiling. On the season, Tucker has produced 44 receptions for 550 yards and 5 touchdowns
His recent usage underscores that upside: over the past three games, he’s seen 21 targets. Most importantly, Tucker is playing nearly every snap. His snap percentages over the last three games sit at 97%, 95%, and 96%, confirming he is locked into a full-time role and functioning as the team’s primary wide receiver. With that combination of opportunity and proven production, Tucker offers a strong ceiling play for DFS lineups in Week 14.
Week 14 Cheapskate Tight End
Colston Loveland $3,200, CHI at Packers
Colston Loveland profiles as a strong Week 14 fantasy tight end option, backed by both encouraging usage trends and tangible statistical growth. Over his last seven games, he has averaged 4.6 targets and nearly 48 yards, placing him in the fringe-TE1 range. His breakout performance in Week 9, a 6-catch, 118-yard, 2-touchdown explosion capped by a 58-yard score, showcased the high ceiling.
While his production has fluctuated week-to-week, that volatility is typical for tight ends and is softened by his deep-route usage and athletic profile, which create consistent chances for chunk plays. With rising involvement and demonstrated big-game potential, Loveland offers a compelling blend of floor and upside for Week 14.
Week 14 Cheapskate Defense
Cincinnati Bengals $2,100, CIN at Bills
The Bengals DST may not look like a traditional safe pick. They face a dangerous offense, and Josh Allen could always drop a six-touchdown game. But that very volatility is why Cincinnati becomes a smart value play on the Week 14 main slate. Adding to the list of cons, their pass defense also ranks last in yards allowed per game (256.8). They also sit near the bottom in yards allowed per attempt (7.9) and passing touchdowns allowed (26).
Even so, recent play helps their case. Over the past month, the Bengals have stabilized and climbed out of basement territory. Their upside remains intact if Allen continues his recent slump or the Bills’ offense gets sloppy. Given their price tag, the upside makes them a worthwhile contrarian option if you want to allocate salary toward higher-ceiling skill players.
For help filling out the rest of your lineup, check out the FSAN Rankings Page.