Week 14’s deep waiver wire list is full of upside and long-term potential, perfect for a playoff run. Here’s a list of players who can make a difference as the season winds down.

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Dontayvion Wicks (WR – GB) | 1% rostered in Yahoo, 1% rostered in ESPN

If Christian Watson‘s injury is significant Dontayvion Wicks should step in as the replacement for Watson. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs would benefit as well but Wicks is the direct backup to Watson’s role.

Often when a receiver goes down, targets don’t trickle down to the WR2 or WR3. We’ve seen this on several occasions this year. Jake Bobo had a significant increase in workload with the Seattle Seahawks over Jaxon Smith-Ngijba when DK Metcalf was injured, while Cincinnati Bengals wideout Trenton Irwin was a big beneficiary in the absence of Tee Higgins.

What truly makes Wicks a strong waiver wire add is the promise he’s already shown on a very limited workload. Since Week 8, Wicks has had a minimum of four targets in each game he’s been active on a snap count in the 30-40% range typically. Much like Watson, Wicks is a big deep-threat receiver and has a strong rapport with Jordan Love. Wicks had standalone deep league value prior to the Watson injury and is truly start-worthy if Watson misses time.

Chris Rodriguez (RB – WAS) | 1% rostered in Yahoo, 0% rostered in ESPN

Washington is on a bye week so we lack details around the severity of Brian Robinson‘s injury. But, a multi-week absence is common with hamstring injuries. Stashing Chris Rodriguez is a sneaky move that could pay off if Robinson misses time.

The backfield would likely operate as a committee as Antonio Gibson typically sees around a 40% snap count with work on the ground and through the air. Ron Rivera hasn’t given Gibson a significant workload in over a year and Rodriguez is a strong complement to Gibson’s usage. Rodriguez profiles as the workhorse type similar to Robinson and could see the bulk of short yardage and goal line carries. Monitor Robinson’s status and stash Rodriguez.

Jalin Hyatt (WR – NYG) | 5% rostered in Yahoo, 2% rostered in ESPN

We last saw Jalin Hyatt in Week 12 when he led the New York Giants’ receiving corps with five receptions on six targets for 109 yards. It was Hyatt’s best performance of the season against a difficult matchup against the New England Patriots. Hyatt is an intriguing waiver add because he’s a deep threat and the Giants have no true WR1.

As the season winds down for the Giants, they could push higher volume to younger players to focus on developing talent for 2024. View Hyatt as a “grab and stash” players versus an actual start-worthy option for this week. Prior to the Week 12 performance, Hyatt had 1.7, 0, 3.9 and 0 fantasy points. We need to see if Hyatt earns consistent target share before trusting over a player like Wicks for comparison.

Alec Pierce (WR – IND) | 2% rostered in Yahoo, 1% rostered in ESPN

Of all the players on this list, Alec Pierce is the only one to consistently have a snap count between 90-100% in all but one game. Unfortunately, on field opportunities haven’t translated to consistent target share. But Pierce did have his breakout performance in Week 13 with three receptions on six targets for 100 yards and one touchdown.

Josh Downs was in the midst of a breakout rookie season but has cooled off over the past two weeks. Ultimately, Downs still likely has the higher upside and Pittman is the clear WR1 but Gardner Minshew has increased pass volume over the past two games. With lack of usage from the tight ends, this offense can support three receivers if Minshew continues to push pass volume in the absence of running back Jonathan Taylor.

Michael Wilson (WR – ARI) | 7% rostered in Yahoo, 5% rostered in ESPN

Arizona is on a bye week and the hope is that Wilson can return in Week 15. When healthy, Wilson is the WR2 in this offense. The entire Arizona Cardinals’ receiving corps has struggled to find volume with tight end Trey McBride as the clear preference in this offense. But, Wilson has shown upside and typically has a high snap count so the opportunity exists for a late season breakout.

Wilson showed upside earlier in the season with a breakout performance of two touchdowns for 26 fantasy points. Arizona’s playoff schedule – San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia – is ugly, but all three are pass-friendly games with shootout potential. The Cardinals’ first matchup with San Francisco was Wilson’s 26-point game. Wilson offers good deep league value rest of season.

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