Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Pickups to Target, Stash & Drop (Week 14)

It’s every fantasy football manager’s nightmare to enter the home stretch of the season with injuries to key players. Unfortunately, Week 13 was a medical catastrophe, meaning a lot of fantasy teams are going to be shorthanded for Week 14.

Among the players who were hurt on Sunday: Tank Dell (leg), Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), Brian Robinson (hamstring), Amari Cooper (concussion), Christian Watson (hamstring), D’Andre Swift (undisclosed), Marquise Brown (heel), Kenny Pickett (ankle) and Derek Carr (concussion/shoulder/back).

It was carnage, and it could have been even worse. We almost lost rookie sensation Puka Nacua, too, but he returned after temporarily leaving the game with a rib injury.

Not only are we losing some key players to injuries, but we’re also getting one final bye week, with the Cardinals and Commanders idle in Week 14. This will be a challenging week indeed.

It’s not ideal to have waiver wire needs in Week 14, but sometimes late-season additions provide a needed spark for a playoff run. There are some intriguing options at the all-important RB position this week, and it’s possible that one or more of these players could be difference-makers down the stretch.

As mentioned earlier, Brian Robinson sustained a hamstring injury in Week 14, which could mean increased usage for Antonio Gibson in the coming weeks. Gibson is now rostered in 56% of Yahoo leagues, making him ineligible for inclusion in this article. Still, it’s worth checking to see if he’s available in your league.

All right. Let’s get to it.

Grade: B

Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.

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RUNNING BACKS

Written by Bo McBrayer

Tyjae Spears (TEN): 35% rostered

Next Opponents: @MIA, HOU, SEA
True value: $14
Desperate need: $23
Budget-minded: $9

Analysis: Derrick Henry got rocked and left Sunday’s game against the Colts, although Titans head coach Mike Vrabel says Henry is not in the concussion protocol, according to Titans beat writer Turron Davenport. Spears jumped in and garnered 20 touches, including four receptions, for 88 scrimmage yards. His 12.8 fantasy points were only a couple of yards away from a lot more, as he was cut down on a breakaway play just before reaching the end zone. The rookie from Tulane is incredible in the open field and could see increased work going forward. With the Titans opening as 13-point underdogs against the Dolphins, Spears could get extra passing-down work this week in a contest likely to produce a negative game script for Tennessee.

Roschon Johnson (CHI): 21% rostered

Next Opponents: DET, @CLE, ARI
True value: $14
Desperate need: $23
Budget-minded: $9

Analysis: The other rookie RB from the University of Texas looked strong in primetime in Week 12. The Bears made a concerted effort to get Johnson touches on the ground and through the air in that game, and he finished with 10-35-0 rushing and 5-40-0 receiving. A post-bye rookie bump could be in order for Johnson, a perfect complement to Justin Fields in the RPO game.

Ezekiel Elliott (NE): 40% rostered

Next Opponents: @PIT, KC, @DEN
True value: $13
Desperate need: $21
Budget-minded: $8

Analysis: It was Rhamondre Stevenson who toted the rock nine times in the first quarter on Sunday, but his day was cut short by a lower leg injury caused by a hip-drop tackle. Elliott stepped in admirably and finished with 92 yards from scrimmage on 21 touches. He had four receptions for 40 yards, so it’s safe to project Zeke into Stevenson’s three-down role going forward. One word of caution; We should probably manage expectations for any player involved in this horrendous New England offense. It’s difficult to imagine upside on a team that couldn’t even muster a point against the Chargers on Sunday.

Ty Chandler (MIN): 22% rostered

Next Opponents: @LV, @CIN, DET
True value: $7
Desperate need: $13
Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: Don’t let one game deter you from rostering Minnesota’s best running back. After a 110-yard game for Chandler in Week 11, the Vikings inexplicably only ran the ball 14 times against the Bears and deservedly lost the game. Mattison had a near-season-high 5.2 yards per carry in that game but still has not found the end zone on the ground this season. Chandler is more widely available in competitive leagues than most of the other RBs in this article and one of my favorite sleepers for the fantasy playoffs.

Stash Candidates:

Fantasy managers who are rostering Kenneth Walker and/or Zach Charbonnet might want to consider adding DeeJay Dallas. Chance are that one or both of Walker and Charbonnet will be able to play this week, but Walker has been dealing with an oblique injury, and Charbonnet sustained what is believed to be a minor knee injury in Seattle’s loss to Dallas last Thursday.

Rico Dowdle has been very good this season in limited chances, but those chances have steadily increased in recent weeks. Tony Pollard‘s efficiency has also improved, so Dowdle is strictly a stash at this point.

Kenneth Gainwell was already a premium stash with his steady role, but could see a bump in play if D’Andre Swift misses game action with his injury. Gainwell is a strong receiver and can play all three downs in this potent Eagles offense.

It has been D’Ernest Johnson, not rookie Tank Bigsby, who has emerged as the second RB in Jacksonville behind Travis Etienne. Etienne did suffer a minor chest injury last week, but it wasn’t serious enough to propel Johnson into fantasy relevance.

Elijah Mitchell has not surpassed a 27% snap rate since Week 3 and only carried the ball three times in San Francisco’s blowout win in Philadelphia, but he stands to vault into a huge role if Christian McCaffrey misses any time.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Written by Derek Brown

Demario Douglas (NE): 26% rostered

Next Opponents: @PIT, KC, @DEN
True value: $6
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Douglas missed Week 13 due to a concussion. He should be back in Week 14. Douglas has finished as a WR3 or better in four of his last five games (WR29, WR27, WR23, WR35). Since assuming a starting role in Week 7, he has had a 22.4% target share, 1.96 yards per route run and a 27.8% first-read share as the unquestioned WR1 in the Patriots’ offense. He should flirt with WR2/3 production over the next two weeks. The Steelers and Chiefs have been plus matchups for slot receivers since Week 7, allowing the second-most and the eighth-most PPR points per target, respectively.

Noah Brown (HOU): 40% rostered

Next Opponents: @NYJ, @TEN, CLE
True value: $4
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Brown finally returned to the Texans’ lineup in Week 13 after dealing with a knee injury for the previous two weeks. He was immediately reinstalled as a full-time starter, as Robert Woods and John Metchie split snaps. With the unfortunate season-ending injury to Tank Dell, Brown should be Nico Collins‘ running mate for the rest of the season. In Weeks 8-10, Brown had a 17.1% target share, a 23.4% air-yard share, 4.55 yards per route run and a 16.7% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data), as he averaged 127.3 receiving yards per game over that stretch. Any receiver tied to C.J. Stroud warrants flex consideration, but Brown could develop into a weekly WR3 with his standing in the target tree now elevated.

Rashid Shaheed (NO): 43% rostered

Next Opponents: CAR, NYG, @LAR
True value: $4
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Shaheed missed Week 13 with a quad issue. While his return remains up in the air, Shaheed has the talent to pop off once he’s back. Among 100 qualifying wide receivers, he ranks 48th in yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). He has three games this season as a WR1 (WR12, WR12, WR8). With Michael Thomas still sidelined, Shaheed should compete with Alvin Kamara for the second spot in the target pecking order behind Chris Olave. Shaheed has plus matchups in Week 15-16 against the Giants and Rams. The Giants have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Since Week 7, the Rams have given up the sixth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Khalil Shakir (BUF): 12% rostered

Next Opponents: @KC, DAL, @LAC
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Since Week 8, Shakir has had an 11.2% target share and 2.29 yards per route run, but he has only seen a 6.8% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data), which accounts for his volatility. He’s a talented young receiver in one of the league’s best offenses, but he has been the fourth or fifth option in the target pecking order. Hopefully, that changes coming out of the bye, but there’s no guarantee that it will. Over his last five starts, Shakir has had two games with at least 92 receiving yards. His next three matchups are all intriguing spots to consider flexing him. Since Week 7, the Chiefs and Chargers have allowed the second-most and 10th-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data). Jourdan Lewis is the easiest corner to pick on in the Dallas secondary.

Elijah Moore (CLE): 43% rostered

Next Opponents: JAX, CHI, @HOU
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Moore was a target hog in Week 13. With Amari Cooper leaving the game with a concussion, Moore took over as the team’s top wide receiver with a 27.2% target share and 83 receiving yards. We’ll see if Cooper is available in Week 14. If not, Moore will be the de facto WR1, facing a Jacksonville secondary that since Week 7 has allowed the 13th-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Curtis Samuel (WAS): 38% rostered

Next Opponents: BYE, @LAR, @NYJ
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Samuel has been on fire the last two weeks, with 100 receiving yards vs. Dallas and 65 receiving yards vs. Miami. Samuel could have had an even bigger day in Week 13, but he was pushed out of bounds at the 1-yard line on one of his receptions. The Commanders will continue to be a pass-first offense the rest of the season, as their ground game and defense have struggled with consistency all year. Samuel warrants flex consideration in Week 15 against a Rams secondary that since Week 7 has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Jonathan Mingo (CAR): 6% rostered

Next Opponents: @NO, ATL, GB
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Mingo has displayed an interestingly high floor over the last six games, with at least four grabs and 60 receiving yards in three of those contests. Toss a touchdown on top of any of those games and Mingo would have snuck into the top 24-36 conversation for weekly wide receiver scoring. With Adam Thielen turning into a ghost in the Carolina offense, Mingo has stepped up. If he continues to ascend, he could make some noise in the fantasy playoffs.

Jalin Hyatt (NYG): 4% rostered

Next Opponents: GB, @NO, @PHI
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Hyatt is a deep-league pickup. While the weekly floor remains basement-level, Hyatt has sporadically flashed some upside this season, with 75 or more receiving yards in three games. He could offer some flex appeal in Week 16 against a Philly secondary that since Week 7 has given up the 12th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Stash Candidates:

Josh Palmer

The Chargers continue to struggle to put up points. Quentin Johnston has not been the answer at WR2. Once Palmer is fully healthy, he will immediately reprise his role as Keenan Allen‘s running mate, which makes him a WR3 with weekly WR2 upside. Palmer could be a difference-making pickup for your fantasy team for the playoffs.

QUARTERBACKS

Written by Bo McBrayer

Gardner Minshew (IND): 23% rostered

Next Opponents: @CIN, PIT, @ATL
True value: $7
Desperate need: $12
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: It wasn’t quite Minshew Mania, but he did score 20 fantasy points in Week 14, including a game-winning 4-yard toss to Michael Pittman Jr. in overtime. The streaming options at QB are as bleak in Week 14 as they have been all season, so I’m pretty keen on running it back with Gardner again.

Jake Browning (CIN): 10% rostered

Next Opponents: IND, MIN, @PIT
True value: $4
Desperate need: $7
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Browning isn’t Joe Burrow, but he is one of the most proficient backup QBs in the league. The schedule is favorable for the Bengals, and they have their full stable of stud WRs back on the field with the return of Tee Higgins. Browning is the most decorated QB in the history of high school football and led the Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff. He deserves consideration for a spot start in fantasy among the slim pickings available on this week’s wire.

Jameis Winston (NO): 1% rostered

Next Opponents: CAR, NYG, @LAR
True value: $2
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Derek Carr was playing like hot garbage, with Saints fans raining boos down on him before he was obliterated by a free rusher. Carr entered concussion protocol and also had sore ribs and a creaky throwing shoulder. Enter Winston, who has been a QB1 in fantasy before. I’ve long contended that Winston is a better QB than Carr, so we’ll see what he can do to keep the Saints alive in the playoff race.

Joe Flacco (CLE): 5% rostered

Next Opponents: JAX, CHI, @HOU
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The former Super Bowl MVP was very good in his Browns debut, especially considering that he joined the team two weeks ago and was facing Aaron Donald and the Rams out of the gate. Cleveland’s next three games are against bottom-10 pass defenses. It isn’t sexy, but streaming Flacco might propel your team into the fantasy playoffs and beyond.

Stash Candidates: N/A

Stream, don’t stash! Only add a QB if you intend on starting him. Save those precious bench spots for skill players only.

TIGHT ENDS

Written by Derek Brown

Isaiah Likely (BAL): 35% rostered

Next Opponents: LAR, @JAX, @SF
True value: $4
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: In Week 12, as Baltimore’s starting tight end, Likely had a 69.4% route run rate, a 15.6% target share, 1.60 yards per route run and a 13.3% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). All of those usage metrics are TE1-worthy. Likely has had an up-and-down history when called upon as Baltimore’s starter, but he should piece together solid stat lines over the next two weeks. The Rams and Jaguars have allowed the eighth-most and 12th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, respectively. Likely is a plug-and-play TE1.

Cade Otton (TB): 49% rostered

Next Opponents: @ATL, @GB, JAX
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Otton has been a familiar name in this article. When the matchup has been right, he has popped off as a TE1 this season, with four TE1 outings (TE11, TE12, TE3, TE12). The last time he played against the Falcons, he did exactly that, with five receptions and 43 receiving yards to finish as the TE12 for the week. Atlanta and Jacksonville have allowed the fourth-most and 12th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, respectively.

Gerald Everett (LAC): 39% rostered

Next Opponents: DEN, @LV, BUF
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: My love for Everett as a player has been well-known for some time, but I haven’t gushed about him since the summer. My lips have been sealed about Everett since August because of Kellen Moore’s yearning for a three-TE rotation. This still is a problem for Everett, but his usage ticked up some last week with a 63% snap share and a 13.5% target share. Everett is a TE2 who could find his way into the TE1 good graces this week with a wondrous matchup with Denver. The Broncos have allowed the most fantasy points per game and the most receiving yards per game to tight ends this season.

Brevin Jordan (HOU): 15% rostered

Next Opponents: @NYJ, @TEN, CLE
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Jordan was Houston’s starting tight end in Week 13, as Dalton Schultz was sidelined with a hamstring injury. As long as Schultz is out, Jordan will be the full-time tight end tied to the magic-producing football cannon that is C.J. Stroud‘s right arm. Last week, Jordan played 77% of the offensive snaps with a 14.8% target share and 2.37 yards per route run. He finished second on the team in receiving yards. With Houston’s wide receivers having to deal with Jets CBs Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed in Week 14, Jordan could see an elevated role. Don’t be surprised if he is a TE1 in Week 14.

Stash Candidates: None

DEFENSES

New Orleans Saints: 42% rostered

Next Opponents: CAR, NYG, @LAR
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Here’s a defense you can ride for at least the next two weeks thanks to a pair of scrumptious matchups. The Saints host the Panthers this week, then stay home in Week 15 for a matchup against the Giants. The Panthers have scored 15 points or fewer in each of their last six games. Rookie QB Bryce Young has been sacked 44 times this season and has thrown eight interceptions. The Giants are an even more appealing matchup than the Panthers. It’s unclear whether the Giants will start Tommy DeVito at quarterback or if Tyrod Taylor will return from a rib injury and get the nod. The Giants’ offense has been dysfunctional all season regardless of who’s played quarterback. The Giants have taken 69 sacks and committed 14 turnovers, and defenses are averaging 13.5 fantasy points per game against them. Go the extra buck to add the Saints for these important weeks.

Houston Texans: 13% rostered

Next Opponents: @NYJ, @TEN, CLE
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Houston defense entered Week 13 averaging a modest 6.5 fantasy points per game, but it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the Texans have a dream matchup against the Jets in Week 13. After pulling the plug on QB Zach Wilson a few weeks ago, the Jets benched third-stringer Tim Boyle in Sunday’s dispiriting 13-8 loss to the Falcons and inserted veteran journeyman Trevor Siemian. Jets quarterbacks have been sacked 51 times this year behind a bad offensive line and have thrown 11 interceptions. The Jets have also lost 12 fumbles in 12 games.

Detroit Lions: 31% rostered

Next Opponents: @CHI, DEN, @MIN
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: If we’re being honest, the Detroit defense has been pretty terrible lately. Opponents have put up 121 points against the Lions over the last four weeks, and Detroit has been particularly vulnerable against the pass. But the Lions are still a strong fantasy play for Week 14 because of their matchup. They’ll face the Bears, who are giving up 10.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Bears QB Justin Fields has taken 29 sacks and thrown six interceptions in eight starts this season.

Green Bay Packers: 18% rostered

Next Opponents: @NYG, TB, @CAR
True value: $2
Desperate need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Packers’ defense has been playing well, with Green Bay yielding 18.4 points per game over their last eight contests. The Packers get a tasty Week 14 matchup against the woebegone Giants, who are giving up 13.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses.

Indianapolis Colts: 31% rostered

Next Opponents: @CIN, PIT, @ATL
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Colts’ defense entered Week 13 tied for seventh in fantasy points per game (8.5). The Indy D has posted a double-digit point total in four consecutive games. This week, Indianapolis faces Cincinnati, which is forced to play Jake Browning at quarterback after losing Joe Burrow to a season-ending wrist injury.

Las Vegas Raiders: 7% rostered

Next Opponents: MIN, LAC, @KC
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Led by star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas defense has become a respectable unit. The Raiders’ defense has scored eight or more fantasy points in six of its last eight games. Las Vegas has a home game at Minnesota this week, and it’s unclear who’ll get the start at quarterback for the Vikings after Joshua Dobbs‘ abysmal Week 12 performance in a Monday-night loss to the Bears had the Vikings contemplating a QB change.

Stash Candidates: None.

KICKERS

Matt Gay (IND):37% rostered

Next Opponents: @CIN, PIT, @ATL
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Gay drilled four field goals last week in the Colts’ 31-28 overtime win against the Titans, and he’s hit double-digit fantasy points in four of his last five games. For the season, Gay is 23-of-27 on field goals and 29-of-29 on extra points. He gets an appealing Week 14 matchup against the Bengals, who were giving up 9.1 fantasy points per game to kickers entering Week 14.

Jake Moody (SF): 43% rostered

Next Opponents: SEA, @ARI, BAL
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The 49ers’ offense is roaring. Over the last four weeks, San Francisco has hung 134 points on its overmatched opponents. Moody has kicked five field goals and 17 extra points over that span. This week, Moody and the 49ers get a home date against the Seahawks, who have allowed 9.9 fantasy points per game to kickers this season.

Will Lutz (DEN): 31% rostered

Next Opponents: @LAC, @DET, NE
True value: $1
Desperate need: $0
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Broncos are 5-1 over their last six games, and Lutz has kicked 17 field goals during that stretch. He’s a solid play this week in a warm-weather game against the Chargers in Los Angeles.

Daniel Carlson (LV):39% rostered

Next Opponents: MIN, LAC, @KC
True value: $1
Desperate need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Carlson wasn’t getting many scoring opportunities early in the season, but he’s averaging 9.0 fantasy points over his last seven games. He gets a home game against Minnesota this week. Entering Week 14, the Vikings were giving up the sixth-most fantasy points per game (9.9) to opposing kickers.

Stash Candidates: None.

FOOL’S GOLD

DeVante Parker had 4-64-0 on a team-high nine targets Sunday. But the New England passing game is anemic, WR Demario Douglas could very well return from a concussion this week and cut into Parker’s target total, and matchups against the Steelers and Chiefs over the next two weeks aren’t very favorable.

Alec Pierce ranked WR89 in half-point PPR fantasy scoring going into Week 13, so we should probably take his 3-100-1 stat line from Sunday with a margarita glass worth of salt. As a big-bodied receiver with good speed, Pierce could eventually become a fantasy-viable option, but he hasn’t done enough to warrant a buy-in for the final weeks of 2023.

DROP RECOMMENDATIONS

Droppable:

It’s so depressing that we lost Tank Dell to a broken leg in Week 14. An electric playmaker who was giving us a memorable rookie season, Dell is expected to be back as good as new in 2024 and will be a coveted asset in next year’s fantasy drafts.

Jahan Dotson had 12-177-2 in Weeks 8 and 9. But it appears that spike in productivity was directly related to Curtis Samuel‘s absence. In Week 8, Samuel left with a toe injury after 14 snaps, and Dotson put up 8-108-1 against the Eagles. Samuel was ruled out for Week 9, and Dotson had 4-69-1 vs. the Patriots. Samuel returned in Week 10, and in the four games since he’s been back, Dotson has averaged 2.5 catches and 24.5 receiving yards per game. Time to cut bait.

Droppable with a chance of regret:

It seemed as if Juwan Johnson was destined to be prominently involved in the New Orleans passing game in Week 14 with WR Michael Thomas on injured reserve and WR Rashid Shaheed out with a quad injury. But the veteran tight end was targeted only three times against the Lions and had zero catches. Johnson could bubble up with a nice game in the weeks to come, but he’s not a tight end you can trust in your starting lineup in the most important weeks of the fantasy season.

Terry McLaurin might be droppable? I’m afraid so. Despite the Commanders’ heavy pass volume this season, McLaurin is having the least productive season of his five-year NFL career. McLaurin, who was held without a catch on Sunday, is averaging a career-low 53.4 yards per game and has scored only two touchdowns. He’s on bye this week, and then McLaurin gets unfavorable matchups against the Rams and Jets in Weeks 15-16. Don’t feel guilty about moving on from Scary Terry.

Logan Thomas was held without a catch in Week 14 and has averaged just 30.1 receiving yards over his last eight games. Thomas has had a small handful of nice games this season, but he’s not an answer to anyone’s TE problem.

Don’t drop yet:

Dameon Pierce got a bump in usage for the Texans in Week 14 — a disappointing development for Devin Singletary stakeholders. Singletary out-snapped Pierce 31-25 against the Broncos on Sunday, but Pierce had 15 carries while Singletary had eight. Singletary did run more pass routes (14) than Pierce, although Singletary was targeted only once. If you need to drop Singletary, we’ll understand, but he’s just one injury away from being a workhorse in a high-quality offense.

Miami running backs have produced an immense amount of fantasy value this season. De’Von Achane‘s return from a knee injury in Week 14 dramatically reduced Jeff Wilson‘s role, but if anything were to happen to Achane or Raheem Mostert, Wilson would once again be a potentially useful asset.