Fantasy Football Week 14 - Top Waiver Wire Adds

Fantasy Football Week 14 - Top Waiver Wire Adds

Every Tuesday afternoon I'll send this sheet out to the interwebs, highlighting this week's top waiver wire pick-ups.
Criteria to Make this List:
  • All players must be owned in less than 50% of Yahoo Leagues.
  • FAAB is based on $100 budget. Y'all can do the simple math if your league isn't $100... The first bullet for each player is how much I would recommend spending on your league.
  • Is this FA Worthy of your top waiver wire claim?​ The second bullet is whether or not I would recommend spending your #1 WW claim on this player.

Sorry for any typos, I'v g0t no tyme to proophread.

Quarterbacks

    Josh McCown (42% Owned) - Jets

    • $3-5
    • I would NOT use #1 claim.
    • Facing one of the friendlier fantasy defenses in the NFL, McCown didn't disappoint, throwing for 331 yards and a score along with two more tuddys via his legs. This is his second consecutive 300-yard game.
    • With Robby Anderson emerging as a true WR1 for the Jets, McCown's upside is realy. The ceiling can be low on any given week, but he's done more than enough to prove himself a viable streaming option every week. He gets a tougher Week 14 slate at Denver, against a defense that just allowed Jay Cutler to wipe em for 235 yards and a pair of scores. They were without Aqib Talib and one of their top d-lineman Peko for the Week 13 tilt, however. Talib will be back in Week 14 so it'll be a bit tougher on the Jets vet, but the Broncos have proven that they're a beatable defense, even if it's only due to the lack of offense.

      Blake Bortles (34% Owned) - Jaguars

      • $4-6
      • I would NOT use #1 claim.
      • It would've been nearly impossible for Bortles to have a bad game on Sunday against a swiss cheese Colts pass defense that just lost their top CB Rashaan Melvin but at least he came through when he should have, throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Thanks to his ground ability, Bortles now has nearly 49 fantasy points over the Jags last two games. He's being asked to do much more as the once all-world rookie Fournette is averaging just 2.9 ypc over Jacksonville's last 4 games. 
      • The Jags get two home games in a row starting in Week 14, against Seattle and then Houston. Bortles is averaging over 258 passing yards/game in his 6 home starts this season, never throwing for less than 223 yards. 
      • Seattle's D looked decent (for missing so many key players) on SNF versus an elite Eagles pass offense, but Wentz still finished with 348 passing yards. The Seahawks away from home, without Sherman and Chancellor might actually be a plus matchup for Bortles. The Houston team he faces in the first round of fantasy playoffs is allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to QBs so don't be surprised if Bortles whips out a few top-12 fantasy games in the next couple of weeks. In Week 16 Bortles gets another great matchup at San Francisco.

      Jimmy Garoppolo (11% Owned) - 49ers

      • $1-3
      • I would NOT use #1 claim.
      • The stats didn't tell the whole story, but Jimmy G played well in his first real game for the Niners, throwing for 293 yards and leading the team down the field with poise and connecting with his top two WRs, Marquise Goodwin (8/99) and Trent Taylor (6/92) repeatedly. He was 100% (14/14) targeting these two guys, a real chemistry might be building here. I'd be super excited about the start if I'm a San Fran fan. 
      • I'm not looking to throw him in my lineup yet, but he does get two enticing matchups in a row, at Houston in Week 14, who I already touched on gets torched by fantasy QBs weekly, then at home versus the Titans who just allowed 365 passing yards to Tom Savage. Yes, Tom Savage. Yup, Tom Savage. Yeerrrr, Tom Savage. Skirt skirt, Tom Savage.

      Jameis Winston (49% Owned) - Buccaneers

      • $3-5
      • I would NOT use #1 claim.
      • He was one of my favorite streamers last week, despite coming back from a multi-week injury. The matchup was too good and Winston simply delivers numbers when he plays. He threw for 270 yards and 2 passing tuddys against a broken Packers pass defense. The 270 yards was impressive given he wasn't taking any shots down the field, despite having two of the better secondary weapons in Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. The healthier Winston's shoulder gets, the healthier his stats will get.
      • Winston and the Bucs now get two straight home games versus Detroit and Atlanta. The Lions have ironically given up back-to-back 270-yard, 2-touchdown performances (Keenum [also added a rushing score]/Flacco). This Lions team, at one point was one of the scarier matchups for offensive lines this season, but have gotten to the QB for just three sacks combined over their last three games. Matthew Stafford also left the game and his status is uncertain for Week 14. If Stafford sits, I see this as a big boost for Winston, they'll have trouble moving the ball undoubtedly which will result in good field position and a healthy time of possession number for Winston. Atlanta is another team to attack from the offensive side of things. They already played the Bucs in Week 12 without Winston, with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick filling in to muster up over 300 yards of offense. The Falcons have just three interceptions on the year, only 1-of-3 coming on the road.

              Running Backs

                Jonathan Stewart (38% Owned) - Panthers

                • $5-7
                • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                • Snoooooze. Another day at the office for Stewart resulted in 45 rushing yards on 11 carries and a goal-line score. It's his second consecutive game finding pay-dirt and his sixth straight with double-digit carries.
                • Carolina gets three straight home games starting in Week 14 versus MIN, GB and TB. I probably don't want Stew in my lineup against MIN who are allowing the LEAST amount of fantasy points to the RB position in 2017, surrendering only 3.5 yards per carry and 66 rushing yards per game to opposing backs.
                • After the Vikings, however, Carolina should have their way with GB and TB at home, setting up friendly game scripts and probably some scoring opps for J. Stew in the fantasy playoffs.

                Matt Forte (37% Owned) - Jets

                • $10-15
                • I WOULD use #1 claim. Prefer Barder if you're desperate for a Week 14 win, otherwise I like Forte for the next 3 weeks.
                • Forte's had trouble staying on the field in 2017, missing 25% of the Jets 12 games so far, but he's been used a lot and has found solid fantasy success when he does suit up. This is coming off the heels of their Week 13 win over the Chiefs, where Forte rushed for 58 yards on a szn-high 15 carries, adding 33 yards and a score through the air on 3 catches. 
                • Forte is nearly a lock for 3-5 catches a game + 8-14 carries. After failing to find the endzone from Weeks 1-8, Forte has now scored THRICE times in as many games. Powell is still being heavily utilized, but it's coming at the expense of rookie Elijah McGuire's play time. 
                • Forte will get a road matchup in Denver against a team that was just sliced and diced by Kenyan Drake to the tune of 141 total yards and a score. It would be a big boost if Broncos top run-stopping DL Domata Peko were to miss another week with his current knee issue which forced him to sit for Week 13. 
                • Forte is averaging over 15 touches a game over his last three and that should continue as long as he's healthy. After Denver he gets two plus matchups @ New Orleans before a gorgeous championship matchup at home against the Chargers who are allowing the single most rushing yards per game to RBs (115.3) and the 2nd most receptions/game to RBs (6.3).

                Gio Bernard (12% Owned) - Bengals

                • $8-12
                • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                • MNF was a royal rumble, pure madness. I'd say I loved every bit of it but I feel a bit inhumane at the moment if I did seeing as how I can't confidently say 2-3 players didn't die/are paralyzed. Any who, to Gio's fantasy benefit, stud rookie RB Joe Mixon left the game with a nasty concussion and didn't return. Since they played on Monday night, it's a short recovery week for Mixon putting the Bengals starter in jeopardy for Week 14 in a home matchup versus the Bears.
                • Gio picked up right where he left off his career for the most part, turning 15 touches into 96 yards. This was the first time since Week 2 that Gio saw more than 3 carries, it's become exclusively Mixon's backfield. But as history shows, the Bengals aren't against using Gio as a workhorse. 
                • My guess is Mixon misses the game. This would make Gio a no-brainer high-end RB2 with upside given his 3-down ability and having almost no competition in the backfield with Jeremy Hill sidelined for the remainder of the szn. The Bears have been pretty stiff against the run in 2017, but their defense has become depleted between injuries and suspensions and are nothing to shy away from, especially on the road.

                Peyton Barber (5% Owned) - Buccaneers

                • $8-10
                • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                • With Doug Martin sidelined in Week 13 due to a concussion, Peyton Barber lit up the Packers for 143 total yards on 23 carries and 4 receptions. Barbed played on 71% of their snaps, compared to just 23% for Charles Sims and 6% for Quizz. This comes a week after Barber found the endzone twice.
                • This is very reliant on Martin's Week 14 status, which is still unknown, but if he's out it looks like Barber can be relied on as a high-volume RB2 at home against the Lions who may be without Matt Stafford. With Winston still nursing a less than 100% shoulder, dump-offs could become a consistent theme down the stretch for Barber and the Bucs *sang to Benny and the Jets rhythm*. 
                • Keep a close eye on Martin's status throughout the week. I'd say if you have a decent chunk of FAAB left, roll the dice, Barber could secure you a playoff-clinching dub in Week 14.

                Mike Davis (8% Owned) - Seahawks

                • $4-7
                • I would NOT use #1 claim. (#1 overall pickup this week)
                • Playing in roughly 70% of Seattle's offensive snaps in their Week 13 smacking of Philly on SNF, Mike Davis is the clear lead back in Seattle... for now. His 16 carries (64 yards), dominated RB touches, as no other Seahawks back had more than a single rush. The exciting part, as a soon-to-be Davis owner was his involvement in the passing game. He caught all four of his targets for 37 yards, meanwhile J.D. McKissic was the only back to see a target, catching 1-of-3 for 15 yards.
                • This offensive line has taken a complete turn for the better since adding former Texans LT Duane Brown:
                • It's anybody's guess as to whether Davis will remain the RB1 here, but it might not be a fantasy position to completely avoid anymore. The offense is moving fluidly, averaging over 26 points per game over their last three led by the stellar play of Russell Wilson, drink. Davis and Seattle will get a trio of games against bottom-half run defense starting in Week 14 @JAX, LAR and @DAL. To my surprise, the Rams have given up the 2nd most fantasy points to the RB position in 2017, giving up 1.2 touchdowns and 147.5 total yards per game to opposing backfields. Dallas really ain't shit against the run either so.

                Rod Smith (14% Owned) - Cowboys

                • $0-1
                • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                • It's clear the Boys will keep using an RBBC until the imminent Week 16 return of Ezekiel Elliott. Smith being the second piece of the RBBC behind Alf Morris.
                • For at least two more weeks, Smith should benefit double-digit touches as he's done each of his previous two. His rushing score against Washington was also his second in as many games. 
                • The Cowboys will travel to the Meadowlands to take on this Giants defense that has been continuously trampled by opposing RBs. Their latest example was Marshawn Lynch who racked up a szn-high 121 total yards on 19 touches plus a touchdown.
                • You could do worse than double-digit touches against a bad defense. After NYG they get another plus matchup in Oakland before Zeke's suspension is over and he returns to play against Seattle in Week 16.

                      Wide Receivers

                        Corey Coleman (38% Owned) - Browns

                        • $3-5
                        • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                        • The return of Josh Gordon is definitely a big hit to both Coleman's ceiling and floor here. Gordon came back and immediately resumed as the Browns WR1 seeing a team-high 11 targets. Coleman failed to bring in any of his 4 targets. This doesn't mean Coleman's talent is gone. This ain't Space Jam. And it's very possible Coleman saw a heavy dose of arguably the league's top CB Casey Hayward on Sunday.
                        • In Week 14, the Browns get a great matchup at home against the Packers before another home game against the Ravens in Week 15, who just lost their top cover CB Jimmy Smith to a torn achilles. Smith hadn't allowed a TD in coverage this entire szn according to PFF, it'll be interesting to see how this top-tier pass D recovers from the loss.
                        • It's certainly looking like Gordon is the #1 here, but with a few good matchups on the horizon the love should be spread around on Cleveland. I'd be okay throwing Coleman in as a WR3/flex in 2017.

                        Josh Doctson (47% Owned) - Redskins

                        • $6-10
                        • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                        • The boy done did it again. Having found the endzone for the second consecutive week on Thursday night in Dallas, Doctson now has three straight double-digit PPR outings. He'll continue to be one of Kirk's top outside options and their number one redzone target. His leaping ability is second to none and they'll keep using it.
                        • His matchups don't get any easier down the stretch, likely facing off with Casey Hayward in LA next week before a home matchup against Patrick Peterson and the Cards and the Broncos tough duo of CBs in fantasy championship week. It's possible, unlikely, but possible, that the top opposing CB chooses to face off with Jamison Crowder though, as he's been arguably their most effective offensive weapons over the last month of the season. 
                        • Doctson can be considered a weekly WR3 going forward.

                          Marquise Goodwin (32% Owned) - 49ers

                          • $8-12
                          • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                          • He's been on this list for like 6 straight weeks and hasn't let me down once. With Jimmy G starting for the first time at QB for the Niners, Goodwin caught all 8 of his targets for 99 yards. He's now racked up at least 68 receiving yards in every game since Pierre Garcon's season ending injury (4 games). He's averaging 6 targets per during that span but I expect it to continue for sure, if not increase with Brady's former disciple under center in San Fran.
                          • Goodwin proved on Sunday, despite his all-world 4.27 speed, he's capable of running all the routes, grabbing short and intermediate level passes all day in Week 13. Not only will the volume continue, but Goodwin has tremendous upside given his speed and home run ability.
                          • I want him in my lineup next week and in Week 15 as they travel to Houston before a home game against Tennessee in the first round of fantasy playoffs. The Texans have a allowed the 3rd most passing TDs (23) on the season, as well as the most passing plays of 40+ yards (12). It's a perfect storm for Goodwin in Week 14.

                          Dede Westbrook (28% Owned) - Jaguars

                          • $2-5
                          • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                          • I still ain't necessarily in love with the rookie, but his floor looks to be safe. He has 25 targets in his three games since returning from a core injury that kept him out for the first ten weeks of the szn. With Bortles being leaned on more due to inconsistencies in the run game, the volume should keep funneling to Westbrook and Marqise Lee.
                          • These Jags WRs get arguably the best fantasy schedule for a wideout heading into the playoffs: SEA, HOU, @SF. Keep Westbrook on your squad as a flex fill-in, for PPR formats.

                          Dontrelle Inman (17% Owned) - Bears

                          • $2-4
                          • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                          • I actually picked up Inman in one of my leagues probably 6 minutes before kickoff on Sunday. I was too pumped when he got into the endzone, feeling like a fantasy genius. But that was where the celebration ended, he only caught two balls for 21 yards, thankfully the tuddy saved his, and my day. Since coming over in the trade, Inman has been Mitch Trubisky's top target, averaging 6 targets and 54 receiving yards in four games. Inman will be a medium-floor, low-ceiling flex fill-in going forward as they travel to play a stiff Bengals defense in Cincy in Week 14 before flying out to Detroit in Week 15. If you have the room to hang onto Inman until Week 16, he could pay dividends in the chip when the Bears get a home game against the Cleveland Browns.

                          Mike Wallace (35% Owned) - Ravens

                          • $3-5
                          • I would NOT use #1 claim.
                          • Wallace has been a completely usable fantasy WR over the Ravens last four games after eclipsing 115 yards for the second time this season on Sunday. He's seeing on average 7.5 targets per game and has either scored or surpassed 115 in 3-of-4. M-Wall leads the team in targets (29), receptions (18), yards (239) and touchdowns (2) since Week 9.
                          • I'm probably not looking to start Wallace in Week in a road matchup at the Steelers, but it's all systems go during the playoffs where Baltimore will take on Cleveland before wrapping up fantasy szns at home versus the friendliest WR fantasy matchup against Indy.

                          Tight Ends

                              Tyler Kroft (47% Owned) - Bengals

                              • $2-5
                              • I would NOT use my #1 claim.
                              • I'll be honest, I really don't feel like writing this for Kroft again, he's been on this for like 9 straight weeks.

                                Trey Burton (1% Owned) - Eagles

                                • $2-5
                                • Zach Ertz left the Eagles SNF game late in the third quarter with a concussion so his Week 14 status against the Rams is in jeopardy. 
                                • If Ertz can't suit up, his super-athletic backup will fill the void at TE, something he did in Week 9 where he caught two balls for 41 yards and a touchdown. This is a guy that gets a ton of offseason hype each year just based off his raw talent. Fantasy is a game of talent and opportunity and Burton may have both in Week 14. In 2017, Burton has matched Ertz to a tee in fantasy points per opportunity for both standard and PPR formats. Among the 45 TEs with at least 20 targets on the season, only Gronk, Ertz and Kelce lead Trey Burton in fantasy points per opportunity (0.48).
                                • The Rams have been very good against TEs this season, but not unbeatable. Burton will be a top-10 option in Week 14 if he starts.

                                  Defense

                                    Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears (33% Owned)

                                    • $2-4
                                    • Despite a 5-7 record, the Bengals will be a top fantasy streamer in Week 14 in a home game against the Bears.
                                    • I don't need to tell you that the Bears are far from an offensive juggernaut. On the road, they're even worse, allowing on average 14 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, compared to just 7.1 fantasy points per game at home. 
                                    • Cincy only got to Big Ben once on MNF, but prior to the that the Bengals had 11 sacks over their previous 3 games. However, monitor the deaths, I mean injuries that the Bengals defense suffered in last nights game including Vontaze Burfict and Pacman Jones. It's obviously downgrade to this defense if one or both miss the game, but I still think they'll be iight against the Bears in Week 14.
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