Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

The playoffs are within reach, but one final battle stands between you and your chance at glory. For many, Week 14 is more than just another matchup. It is the fight for survival, where every roster decision could make or break your season. This is the moment to sharpen your lineup, secure the best weapons available, and leave nothing to chance. Even for those who have already clinched a playoff berth, the work is far from done. 

Now is the time to fortify your roster with reinforcements, preparing for the unexpected battles ahead. The waiver wire holds the key to victory, whether you are fighting to survive or already gearing up for a championship run. The time to act is now and everything is on the line. With that in mind, here are the top waiver wire pickups to strengthen your roster and give you the edge for one final playoff push.

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Running Backs

This week’s waiver wire running backs are defined by high-upside backups who could become league winners if their starter suffers an injury. As we have already seen with Jordan Mason earlier this season, an unexpected injury to a starter can catapult a backup into a difference-making role.

While some options are highlighted in this article, other priority handcuffs worth adding include Antonio Gibson, Braelon Allen, Cam Akers, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Devin Singletary, Jaylen Wright, Jerome Ford, Jonathon Brooks, Justice Hill, Kenneth Gainwell, Ray Davis, Roschon Johnson, Tank Bigsby, Trey Benson, Tyjae Spears, Tyler Allgeier, and Zach Charbonnet.

Though there are probably other names that I could have added to this long list, these players stand out as those most likely to step into significant roles with league-winning potential if an opportunity arises.

Isaac Guerendo, RB, San Francisco 49ers – The fantasy football season seems to have come full circle. Our first waiver wire article of the year spotlighted Jordan Mason after a significant Christian McCaffrey injury. Now, as we approach the final week of the regular season, another San Francisco running back steps into the spotlight under eerily similar circumstances.

I would be lying if I said I had not already written an in-depth blurb on why Mason had league-winning upside following McCaffrey’s season-ending knee injury. Unfortunately, that was before Mason’s own injury news surfaced, as he is now headed to IR with a high ankle sprain. The silver lining? Much of what was said about Mason can now be redirected toward rookie Isaac Guerendo.

McCaffrey’s explosive start in Week 13 was cut short by a knee injury in the second quarter, one that is expected to end his season. In relief, Mason carried the ball 13 times for 78 yards, showcasing the efficiency that made him a star earlier this year. Guerendo also saw increased opportunities, logging four carries for 19 yards and a touchdown. With McCaffrey and Mason sidelined, Guerendo is expected to take on the lead-back role moving forward. While Patrick Taylor may carve out a complementary role, Guerendo stands out as the clear priority.

It is rare for a potential league winner to surface this late in the season, but Guerendo fits the bill. When utilized in a featured role in Week 8, he delivered 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown, adding three receptions for 17 yards. Heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Bears, who have struggled against the run, Guerendo should be leaned on as an immediate starter. He is the top waiver priority this week in all formats, offering legitimate league-winning upside as the fantasy playoffs approach.

Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams – Repeat after me: “We want more Blake Corum.” The Los Angeles Rams turned heads this offseason by drafting Corum 83rd overall, sparking questions about how their backfield would shape up. For most of the season, it has been the Kyren Williams show, as he has handled the bulk of the work. However, Williams has struggled recently with declining efficiency and ball security issues, opening the door for Corum to step in.

In Sunday’s win over the Saints, Corum earned his first full series and made the most of it, rushing eight times for 42 yards. While these numbers do not scream fantasy relevance yet, it was his best performance of the season and a sign that he is carving out a larger role. If Corum continues to see increased opportunities down the stretch, he could become a viable option for managers dealing with injuries.

More importantly, Corum stands out as one of the premier handcuffs in fantasy football. If Williams were to miss time, Corum could step in as a potential league-winner. For that reason, he should be rostered in all leagues to see how the Rams’ backfield evolves. Keep an eye on Corum in Week 14 against the Bills, a crucial matchup where the rookie could continue to earn trust and touches in this backfield.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers – While Gus Edwards remains the preferred pickup in this backfield despite his modest Week 13 performance, Kimani Vidal deserves some attention as well. After JK Dobbins’ injury, there was plenty of speculation about how the Los Angeles backfield would shape up for the rest of the season. In their first game without Dobbins, the team leaned heavily on the passing game, limiting production for all running backs involved.

In Sunday’s win over the Falcons, Vidal made the most of his limited opportunities, carrying the ball four times for 20 yards. Perhaps more notably, Hassan Haskins, who played ahead of Vidal in Week 12, saw just one carry—and fumbled it. This misstep could lead to Vidal sharing more of the backfield responsibilities with Edwards moving forward. If Edwards continues to underperform while Vidal showcases his efficiency, there is a chance Vidal could climb the depth chart and claim the lead role by season’s end. However, this remains extremely speculative for now. Vidal is best viewed as a bench stash with upside rather than an immediate starting option until his role becomes more defined.

Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos – The Denver Broncos’ backfield has been a complex puzzle all season, but in Week 13’s win over the Browns, Jaleel McLaughlin emerged as the clear standout. The explosive running back carried the ball 14 times for 84 yards, leaving Javonte Williams and Audric Estime far behind in production. 

True to their word, the Broncos continue to ride the hot hand week to week, making their backfield a headache for fantasy managers to predict. While it is tough to trust any of their backs in starting lineups right now, McLaughlin is worth a speculative pickup to see if he can sustain this momentum. Unfortunately, Denver’s Week 14 bye tempers the immediate enthusiasm from his impressive showing.

Sincere McCormick, RB, Las Vegas Raiders – The Las Vegas Raiders’ backfield has been a puzzle all season, with shifting roles making it hard to predict the most valuable player each week. Early on, Zamir White unexpectedly lost his lead role to Alexander Mattison, leaving many surprised. Then injuries struck, and Ameer Abdullah briefly stepped up two weeks ago. In Week 13, however, another unheralded name emerged: Sincere McCormick. After spending much of the season on the practice squad, McCormick was elevated to the active roster due to injuries to White and Mattison.

In a heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs in Week 13, McCormick seized his opportunity, leading the team in rushing with 12 carries for 64 yards and catching both of his targets (albeit for just one yard). Over the past two weeks, he has averaged an impressive 5.71 yards per carry, showcasing his burst and efficiency. While it is unclear how the backfield will shake out when everyone is healthy, McCormick may have done enough to secure a meaningful role moving forward. His limited involvement in the passing game, where Abdullah thrives, caps his ceiling, but he is worth a speculative pickup in deeper leagues for the season’s final stretch. If called back up to the active roster, he will have a sincere chance to build on his performance in a favorable Week 14 matchup against the Buccaneers.

Note: If Alexander Mattison is available in your league, he is still the preferred pickup in this puzzling backfield. 

Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Wide Receivers

MNF Update: If Cedric Tillman or Elijah Moore are available in your leagues, they would rank right towards the top of WR waiver pickups this week. With Jameis Winston airing it our at an elite level, this offense has quickly become a fantasy gold mine.

Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers – Last week, we highlighted the impressive and uncanny chemistry between Bryce Young and Adam Thielen; a connection that made Thielen an unexpected fantasy star early last season. Despite their significant age difference, the two are reigniting that magic now that Thielen has returned from an eight-game injury absence. In Week 12, Thielen caught three of four targets for 57 yards in his first game back, a modest but promising performance that caught the attention of fantasy managers. Those who took the chance to start him in Week 13 were immediately rewarded. Thielen delivered his best game of the season, hauling in eight of ten targets for 99 yards and a touchdown as Young’s clear go-to option.

At 34, Thielen looks like he is turning back the clock, and his late-season resurgence could provide surprising league-altering upside, particularly in deeper leagues. He should be rostered everywhere, though expectations should be tempered in Week 14 against the Eagles’ stout defense, which has recently excelled at shutting down opponents.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans – There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and a weekly Nick Westbrook-Ikhine touchdown. Despite recording just one game this season with more than three receptions, Westbrook-Ikhine has become a magnet to the end zone. Since the Titans’ Week 5 bye, he has scored a touchdown in seven of their last eight games, a stunning turnaround after going catchless in four straight games to begin the season.

While his production seemed unsustainable at first, Week 13 hinted at a more consistent role. Westbrook-Ikhine earned a season-high eight targets, marking his third straight game with five or more. He also notched his first multi-touchdown game of the season, finishing with three catches for 61 yards and two scores. Though he has been viewed as a boom-or-bust desperation option, it is becoming clear he is carving out a bigger role in the offense as the clear second target behind Calvin Ridley.

It is easy to doubt this kind of touchdown streak, but Westbrook-Ikhine’s usage and upside make him an intriguing flex play, especially with a favorable schedule to close out the season. In Week 14, he faces the Jaguars in an excellent matchup, and he should be a priority pickup at the position. I would not start him over your studs, but if needed, ride the wave until he gives you a reason not to. 

Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers – Two Carolina Panthers wide receivers leading the waiver wire discussion? Earlier this season, that might have sounded impossible. But since Bryce Young’s return to the starting lineup, the Panthers’ offense has found new life, and several weapons are reaping the rewards of his improved play. Rookie Xavier Legette, in particular, has started to show signs of consistent production after an up-and-down start to his NFL career. In Week 13’s overtime loss to the Buccaneers, Legette hauled in four of eight targets for 53 yards. This marked his second consecutive game with four receptions and at least 50 receiving yards, showcasing a growing role in the offense. With four touchdowns on the season, Legette has also proven to be a reliable red-zone threat and remains a weekly candidate to find the end zone.

Targeting rookie wide receivers who flash late-season potential is always a smart move, and Legette fits that profile perfectly. While a tough Week 14 matchup against the Eagles may limit his immediate appeal, Legette is worth stashing on your bench for the stretch run. With a favorable closing schedule, he offers depth for playoff-bound rosters and the upside to potentially contribute when it matters most.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, New Orleans Saints –  Speaking of wide receivers with unsustainable touchdown production, it is time to address Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS). The Saints’ depleted receiving corps has left them searching for anyone to step up, and over the last three games, MVS has been the one providing a spark. In Sunday’s loss to the Rams, he caught two of three targets for 36 yards and a touchdown. While the touchdown was the key to his fantasy value, that has always been the story with MVS. 

Over the last three games, the speedy receiver has racked up 232 yards and four touchdowns on just seven receptions. While those numbers are eye-catching, they highlight the boom-or-bust nature of his role. MVS is not a reliable fantasy asset, as his value depends on converting limited opportunities into touchdowns. However, with Taysom Hill suffering a serious knee injury, the Saints have even fewer playmakers to lean on, which should keep MVS in line for deep targets as they scramble to generate offense.

While relying on a touchdown-dependent player like MVS this late in the season is risky, he could be a high-upside option for managers projected to lose a matchup and in need of a big swing. His next chance to keep the touchdown streak alive comes in a Week 14 matchup with the Giants. If you are desperate, MVS might just provide the spark you need.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys – Brandin Cooks may have had a slow start to his eleventh NFL season due to injuries, but the 31-year-old wide receiver has re-emerged as an intriguing waiver wire option. After a productive season opener, Cooks faded from relevance and missed significant time with a knee injury. However, in his first game back, he made an immediate impact, catching three of seven targets for 16 yards and a touchdown.

Despite being on the field for only 39% of snaps, Cooks earned a solid 19.4% target share in Thursday’s win over the Giants. While his time on the field was limited, his involvement in the offense suggests his role could grow in the weeks ahead. Adding to his appeal, CeeDee Lamb aggravated a shoulder injury during the game, an issue that could linger. While Lamb is expected to play in Week 14, any limitations could force the Cowboys to lean more on Cooks to energize their passing attack.

At this point, Cooks feels a bit too touchdown-dependent to start immediately, but his potential for increased opportunities makes him a worthwhile stash. A favorable Week 14 matchup with the Bengals offers a chance for the veteran to deliver a surprisingly productive outing, especially if his snap count continues to rise. Keep an eye on him as a late-season sleeper with upside.

Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Tight Ends

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers – Don’t look now, but the Muth has begun to finally get Luth in recent weeks. While many anticipated a breakout season for the burly tight end, Pat Freiermuth’s production has been underwhelming for much of the year. However, since the Steelers’ Week 9 bye, Freiermuth has been quietly turning things around, finishing as the TE15 or better in three of the last four weeks.

In Week 13’s dominant win over the Bengals, Freiermuth delivered his best performance of the season, catching six of seven targets for 68 yards and a touchdown. This was his second touchdown in four games, signaling a possible increase in his role. Outside of George Pickens, the Steelers lack a clear second option in the passing game, and Freiermuth may finally be emerging as a focal point in the offense.

For managers in need of a Week 14 streaming option, Freiermuth gets a favorable matchup against the Browns, a team he recently put up four catches for 59 yards against in Week 12. While his weekly production remains volatile, his closing schedule offers some upside for those in need of tight end help.

Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints – Sometimes, being the last man standing has its perks, and that is certainly the case for Juwan Johnson with the New Orleans Saints. The team is dealing with an avalanche of injuries to their receiving corps, losing key contributors like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and most recently their versatile playmaker Taysom Hill. With a depleted roster of pass catchers, the Saints are desperate for someone to step up, and Johnson has the talent to help fill the void.

Johnson has flashed his potential before, showcasing rare athleticism for his size and the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. In Week 13’s loss to the Rams, he caught five of seven targets for 36 yards. While the yardage total was not impressive, his seven targets tied for the team lead, highlighting his growing role in the offense. With the Saints needing reliable options to move the chains, Johnson is poised to see significant opportunities to close out the season.

If you are in need of a streaming tight end, Johnson is worth considering in Week 14. However, his matchup against the Giants, who are typically strong against the position, might cap his ceiling. Still, the volume alone makes him a viable option for desperate fantasy managers.

Will Dissly, TE, Los Angeles Chargers – It is rare to recommend adding a player coming off a zero-point performance, but Will Dissly is an exception. Despite being shut out in Week 13’s win over the Falcons, Dissly has been a reliable contributor, recording four or more receptions in seven of his last eight games since the team’s Week 5 bye. While he is not immune to the occasional dud (as we saw on Sunday), he is typically a key part of this evolving offense and a trusted target for Justin Herbert.

If you need a bye-week replacement, Dissly faces a favorable Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have struggled to defend tight ends this season. Even after a disappointing week, he emerges as a more appealing streaming option than many tight ends who had better Week 13 performances.

Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Final Thoughts

The final week of the fantasy regular season can feel overwhelming, but it is crucial to assess where you stand and tailor your strategy accordingly. If you have yet to clinch a playoff spot, your sole focus should be on winning this week. Far too often, teams get distracted by planning for the playoffs before securing their place, only to lose their current matchup and miss out entirely. Prioritize addressing your immediate roster needs and consider blocking your opponent or other playoff contenders from key waiver additions.

If you have already secured a playoff spot, congratulations! But the work doesn’t stop here. Use this week to fine-tune your roster for the playoffs. Consider dropping players you’ll never start in favor of high-upside handcuff running backs or other potential league-winners. Also, look to stash defenses with favorable playoff matchups to give your team an edge in the weeks ahead. Our 2024 Playoff Primer is your guide to the best and worst schedules for each position during the playoffs, including defenses with optimal matchups that you might want to grab early to gain an edge. 

No matter where you stand, I hope these waiver wire articles have guided you in the right direction throughout the season. I sincerely thank you for trusting us each week. Here’s to crushing Week 14 and heading into the most exciting part of the fantasy season: the playoffs.