Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups - All Positions

December 4, 2018

Week 14 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds and sleepers for the 2018 NFL season. Pierre Camus recommends running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), quarterbacks (QB) and tight ends (TE) to target through waivers or free agency in fantasy leagues.

The picture is pretty clear for fantasy owners seeking help on the waiver wire. All the good quarterbacks are gone, the tight end outlook is bleak at best, there are a ton of wide receivers who could pop in a given week, and one RB (in Pittsburgh) stands clearly above the rest in a group of rookies that are starting to make noise.

In this weekly waiver wire series, we provide a curated list of fantasy-viable players that are typically owned in less than half of all fantasy leagues, so that you can make an educated decision about who to add or claim that might be available in your league. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all eligible players that could be picked up, nor is it ranked in priority order - that's what our Lightning Round is for! These are also not all strict recommendations to add, simply a list of options. As always, it is up to you, the fantasy owner, to see who's available in your league and make the best-educated decision possible.

Let’s look around the league at the players who may be worth adding or bidding on as we move on to Week 14 of the 2018 NFL season. Be sure to also check out our other waiver wire articles, including FAAB auction bidding recommendations, for even more in-depth analysis an all positions heading into Week 14.

Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options

Case Keenum, Denver Broncos (20% owned)

It looks like the ceiling is going to remain low for Keenum regardless of matchup; he only threw for 151 yards and one score in a mouth-watering matchup with the Bengals. The running game will keep doing the heavy lifting as the Broncos try to tighten things up to stay in the Wild Card hunt. Game manager Keenum is now on a four-game streak without an interception, which is great for the Broncos but not so much for fantasy owners. His yardage total has gone down three straight weeks and he doesn't seem like a great candidate, except the matchup again begs some attention. Keenum will face a 49ers team that was just dissected by Russell Wilson and is a bottom-10 pass defense.

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (5% owned)

Could Allen, the biggest question mark among the rookie quarterback draft class, be the best waiver option among the QB group this week? It appears so, as he outrushed Lamar Jackson and outproduced every other QB under 50% ownership in terms of passing yards in Week 13. Allen finished with 231 passing yards, two TD, and two INT, which would be far less interesting if he didn't also run for 135 yards. In Week 14, he'll be back at home and gets the Jets, both recipes for a QB2 day.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins (4% owned)

The Dolphins finally finished what they started and came away with a victory over Buffalo, as Tannehill threw for three touchdowns. He's still being held back by his coaching staff, throwing 24 times on the day for 137 yards after throwing 25 times for 204 yards last week. The upside is limited for sure, but if Tannehill can remain efficient then he is a decent floor play since he doesn't turn the ball over often. The best bet for a standout fantasy day in Week 14 is the hope that the Patriots go up early and force the Dolphins to pass much more in the second half.

Josh Rosen, Arizona Cardinals (4% owned)

As far as relying on a rookie QB for the fantasy playoff stretch, it's definitely not advised. Those looking for a streaming option in TwoQB leagues could consider Rosen at home against the Lions, who allow the 11th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. He didn't register any touchdowns in an upset over the Packers, as the team had him handing off in the red zone instead. This is merely a desperation play but at this point he looks like a safer play than Marcus Mariota or Derek Carr.

Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options

Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins (48% owned)

Thompson's return on Monday Night was a letdown, as he managed just 21 total yards on six touchdowns. Adrian Peterson stole the show with a 90-yard TD run but this entire offense now looks troublesome despite the return of several skill players, as they are down to their third quarterback. Even worse, it's Mark Sanchez, who was pulled off the street two weeks ago. If Thompson were able to get close to what he was doing last season, he could step in immediately as a low-end RB2 in PPR leagues. Given the state of affairs in Washington, that's looking a bit dubious however.

LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions (42% owned)

He ran for 61 yards and was held out of the end zone in Week 13, a bit disappointing after his two-TD game on Thanksgiving day. As long as Kerryon Johnson is out, we must give Blount some attention however. The Cardinals are one of the worst run defenses in the league and could provide a chance for the bruising back to score.

Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks (30% owned)

Penny ripped off a 20-yard touchdown run and averaged a hefty nine yards per carry against the Niners. Reports that Penny had earned more playing time were a bit misleading though. He carried the ball seven times for 65 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Relative to the other backs, he did nearly double Mike Davis' workload and starter Chris Carson only touched it 13 times. Penny has the physical tools, he just needs to gain his coaches' trust a bit more each week. It's doubtful he sees much more work or is able to rip off many big runs against the Vikings next week, so he remains a bench stash only as long as Carson is healthy.

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts (26% owned)

It turns out Marlon Mack cleared the concussion protocol in time to play Week 13, limiting Hines to four carries for five yards. There is a role for him in full PPR leagues, as Hines made nine receptions on the day for 50 yards. With Jack Doyle out for the year, Hines could serve as an outlet option for Andrew Luck and provide a modest floor for those unable to secure Chris Thompson through waivers.

Damien Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (24% owned)

The new RB2 on the most potent offense in the NFL, Williams was scooped up by several owners in deep leagues after the Kareem Hunt news hit. Williams wasn't heavily involved, carrying five times for 38 yards and catching two passes for seven yards, despite a great matchup against the Raiders. Williams' main appeal lies in PPR leagues, since he is a better pass-catcher than Spencer Ware. There is no chance either he or Ware will replace Hunt's value but Williams does have a better chance to score on a weekly basis than most low-end RB pickups based on his offensive situation. Although his usage is still in question, Williams is someone to watch. It was just a year ago that he was effectively the starting RB in Miami, only to suffer a knee injury and cede the job to Kenyan Drake in the second half. Charcandrick West was just re-signed but may not work back into the offense right away, giving Williams another chance to produce.

Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers (21% owned)

Jackson was a no-show in the first half on Sunday night's game, ceding to Austin Ekeler as expected. In the second half, it was a totally different story for both he and the Chargers. Jackson finished with 63 rushing yards on just eight carries, including a go-ahead touchdown to cap an improbable comeback. It should earn him more work next week in a far easier matchup at home against the Bengals. Given how bad Cincinnati has been against the run lately and how good Jackson looked in the late moments of last week's game, he is a must-add in all leagues and a good candidate to stream.

Kenneth Dixon, Baltimore Ravens (11% owned)

Once again, Kenneth Dixon is fantasy-relevant. Alex Collins is on IR and Javorius Allen was last seen on the back of a milk carton, making Dixon the RB2 in Baltimore. The Ravens will be a run-heavy team as long as Lamar Jackson is at quarterback, so Dixon should get 10-12 touches if he sees just a slight uptick from his first game of the season where he carried eight times for 37 yards and added one catch for six yards. It's not a great matchup for the running game coming up in Week 14, as the Ravens travel to Arrowhead Stadium. If he becomes heavily involved as a receiver, there could be a path to flex value.

Jaylen Samuels, Pittsburgh Steelers (5% owned)

The sight of James Conner clutching his lower leg in the late minutes of Sunday Night Football likely had some owners running to the computer to put in a claim for Samuels. That proved to be a smart move. Conner has been ruled out for Week 14 already and it's possible he misses longer. Samuels suddenly inherits the role as RB1 on a dynamic offense and is a universal must-add. Samuels took over late in the game and immediately cashed in on a touchdown reception, proving his value immediately in Week 13. A matchup against the Raiders this week amplifies the urgency and begs fantasy owners to start him, even if you weren't a Conner owner. The best thing about Samuels is that even if you're stacked at RB, he qualifies at TE in most leagues too. This is the type of player you save your FAAB for late in the season.

Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals (1% owned)

You might have been confused if you checked in to the Cardinals-Packers game last week and not just by the scoreboard. When the Cardinals got into the red zone, it was rookie Chase Edmonds, not David Johnson, scoring twice. Ultimately, it wasn't a matter of higher usage though. Edmonds totaled seven touches on the day while Johnson was third in touches for Week 13 at 21. Edmonds simply made the most of his chances, finding the end zone twice and running for 53 yards on those five carries. The question is whether Edmonds' red zone involvement is a wrinkle the team included to throw off the Packers or the start of a trend, given his effectiveness. For now, Edmonds simply moves from being a low-end handcuff to a high-end handcuff for DJ owners.

Jeffery Wilson, San Francisco 49ers (1% owned)

Matt Breida owners can only shake their collective heads. While Breida ran five times for six yards, limited by an ankle injury (what else is new?), Jeff Wilson operated as the lead back and carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards. He was even better as a receiver, catching eight balls for 73 yards. An undrafted free agent out of North Texas, Wilson doesn't have combine numbers to boast or All-American awards on his shelf. He did finish third in Conference USA in yards from scrimmage last season, averaged 6.5 yards per carry, and scored 16 touchdowns as a senior. If he can continue to be as effective as he's proven the last two weeks, he could be very effective as the top runner in Kyle Shanahan's offense. It appears Breida is being ruled out for Week 14, so don't hesitate to make a claim for Wilson.

Others to consider: Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots (24% owned); Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles (18% owned)

Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options

Adam Humphries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50% owned)

Since the return of Jameis Winston as starting QB, Humphries has been the most consistent and productive receiver in Tampa. Against the Panthers, Humphries caught seven of his team-high nine targets for 61 yards and a touchdown. He's now caught a touchdown in three straight games and gone over 50 yards in six straight. In a game that's almost sure to be a shootout in Week 14 as the Bucs face the Saints, Humphries isn't just a must-add, he's a must-start.

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (48% owned)

In a game that was light on passing offense, Sutton was able to shine with a season-high 85 yards and a touchdown. The bigger news is that he out-targeted Emmanuel Sanders 7-6 on the day. That isn't guaranteed to happen from here on out but both receivers could get plenty of action in a home matchup with San Francisco next week.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (46% owned)

Taking advantage of DeSean Jackson's absence, Godwin went for 101 yards and a TD. It's unclear whether D-Jax will return for Week 14, but the matchup against New Orleans is enough to make Godwin a strong consideration in all fantasy leagues regardless.

Tre'Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints (43% owned)

Good luck trying to figure out whether Smith will put up a huge game or a goose egg each week. Once again he followed up a huge game with a complete dud and has proven to be the most boom-bust receiver of all this season. A road matchup with Tampa begs a start in 14+ team leagues, as only four teams allowed more fantasy points to opposing receivers after the first 11 games. If nothing else, Smith is worth a stash due to his big play ability.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers (40% owned)

Another disappointing game with 48 total yards, more rushing than receiving, has dropped MVS out of the flex conversation in most leagues. If you believe that a coaching change could reinvigorate the team, then there may be some hope for Valdes-Scantling as the No. 2 receiver in Green Bay. A home matchup against the Falcons is another factor that could work in his favor.

Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears (34% owned)

It was a lonely line for Miller in Week 14, as he caught one pass for one yard, resulting in one touchdown. The score saved an otherwise drab day in a disappointing loss to the Giants. The Bears will likely turn back to Mitch Trubisky unless his shoulder injury is more serious than suspected and keeps him out longer. Miller has had a nice second half to his rookie year, catching 16 passes for 238 yards and three TD in his last five games. He can be considered a solid WR4/flex in PPR leagues if Trubisky goes.

Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers (17% owned)

It appears Samuel is becoming more than a change-of-pace/deep threat at receiver. He was targeted a team-high 11 times against the Panthers, catching six for 88 yards. It's the second time in the last three games that he's caught five or more passes. Even with Devin Funchess back, Samuel has established his value in this offense and has the speed to be a home run threat each week.

Antonio Callaway, Cleveland Browns (14% owned)

Callaway's highlight-reel play unfortunately ended in a fumble just in front of the goal-line, marring an otherwise excellent day. He scored on a 77-yard play earlier, only to have it called back for holding. Callaway is a big play waiting to happen, assuming he holds on to the ball. The Browns have an easier matchup in Week 14 at home with the Panthers, who have been exposed in the secondary recently, so Callaway can be flexed in standard leagues.

Devante Parker, Miami Dolphins (10% owned)

Unbelievably, Parker scored his first touchdown of the 2018 season in Week 13. It wasn't a huge game overall, as Parker caught four passes for 43 yards. This is to be expected, as Parker has only exceeded that total once all year. He can't be relied on, but he is still a gifted athlete who could see action by default as the Dolphins have a multitude of receivers unavailable due to injury.

Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys (6% owned)

Lost in the shock of the fact that Dallas upset the New Orleans Saints on Thursday is the fact that Gallup was the leading receiver in the game on both sides. 76 yards represents the second-highest output of the season for the rookie wideout and he only has one TD so far, but his target totals have risen the last three weeks and he could see easier coverage now that Amari Cooper is drawing attention on the other side. He doesn't need to be started in most leagues other than the deepest of the deep given the number of other options available on the wire.

Marcell Ateman, Oakland Raiders (4% owned)

Maybe there's some hope in Oakland after all. The Raiders put up 33 points in a shockingly close game against the Chiefs, with Ateman scoring one of their four touchdowns on the day. Ateman only caught a total of two balls for 16 yards, so don't expect him to be more than a touchdown-dependent streamer in leagues that require five wide receivers. Yes, those do exist.

Dante Pettis, San Francisco 49ers (2% owned)

Sure to be one of the biggest adds of the week, Pettis has now scored three times in the last two weeks and is taking advantage of his opportunity with Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon continuing to sit out. Pettis caught five passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks, providing most of the offense on the day.

Zay Jones, Buffalo Bills (1% owned)

After a big game in Week 10 with eight catches for 93 yards, Jones had a bye then a zero-catch performance to help us forget him again. Just when you thought that Josh Allen didn't have eyes for Jones, he targeted him nine times, five more than any other receiver in Week 13. Jones caught four for 67 yards but cashed in twice by reaching the end zone. You don't want to hitch your wagon to a Bills player if possible, but with a home game against the Jets on deck, Jones could make a sneaky play in deeper leagues once again.

Others worth consideration: Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (48% owned); Tyrell Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (31% owned); Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals (38% owned); David Moore, Seattle Seahawks (27% owned); Josh Doctson, Washington Redskins (14% owned); Bruce Ellington, Detroit Lions (9% owned); Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns (1% owned)

Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options

C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals (26% owned)

The Jeff Driskel-led offense was predictably bad in Week 13, with Uzomah chipping in five receptions for 33 yards in a 24-10 loss. Uzomah has scored only twice all season and doesn't carry the upside he once did. Only the fact that A.J. Green appears set to miss even more time keeps Uzomah on the radar.

Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans (23% owned)

It was the Taywan Taylor show in Week 13, but Smith must still have some value based on his red zone usage and scoring potential. He was targeted in the end zone in the fourth quarter, failing to come away with the grab. The Titans face the Jaguars next week so it may be best to look elsewhere if possible.

Chris Herndon IV, New York Jets (13% owned)

It was a quiet day for Herndon, as he caught two passes for 31 yards. He was targeted six times, making 22 targets in the last four games. This offense doesn't have enough juice to make any receiver particular noteworthy but Herndon does see more action his way than many other tight ends in this tier.

Ian Thomas, Carolina Panthers (1% owned)

It appears Greg Olsen is done for the 2018 after suffering a rupture of the plantar fascia in Week 13. It's been a rough year for the veteran, who already had missed time earlier in the year. During that span, rookie Thomas stepped in to start but wasn't overly productive, catching eight passes for 68 yards in three games. With so many other receivers stepping up, Thomas is on the low end of TE2 options, especially considering he hasn't scored all year.

Rhett Ellison, New York Giants (1% owned)

Evan Engram's disappointing sophomore season has injury added to it, as a hamstring issue cropped up in pre-game warmups ahead of Week 12, keeping him out of the past two games. Ellison contributed by catching four passes in each game for a total of 119 yards. He's got a limited ceiling that could be capped even more if Engram returns in Week 14 but could be worth a look in deep PPR leagues if he gets another shot to start.

Others worth consideration: Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Rams (35% owned); Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (2% owned)

Defenses - Waiver Wire Options

New Orleans Saints (46% owned)

The Saints are an interesting case this week, as they take to the road to face the Tampa Bay Bucs. It would seem like a spot to sit this defense out, as the Bucs are ninth in the league in total offense and put up 48 points against the Saints back in Week 1. Then again, the Saints are far better on defense lately, just sacked the mobile Dak Prescott seven times and recovered two fumbles, and now face the turnover-prone Jameis Winston. If your league emphasizes points allowed, you should pass on the Saints DST this week but if it leans more heavily toward turnovers or doesn't take points into account, you can start them with some semblance of confidence.

Buffalo Bills (30% owned)

The Bills registered three sacks and two interceptions against the Jets four weeks ago and could put up better numbers at home in Week 14. It may not be a blowout victory again, so temper expectations for a huge game.

Dallas Cowboys (27% owned)

We're all believers in the Cowboy defense now, as they were able to throttle the high-flying Saints offense in a 13-10 win. It wasn't a big fantasy day, however, as they only tallied two sacks and one turnover. The Cowboys can pressure the quarterback but don't always turn that into tangible results. Dallas gets a home game against Philly in Week 14 - a must-win for each club vying to stay on top of the NFC East. In Week 10 they put up the same results when facing this team, with two sacks and one turnover. The Cowboys DST can be used in leagues with few exciting waiver options at defense but if the Eagles offense clicks like it did on MNF, it could lead to disappointing results.

Arizona Cardinals (14% owned)

The Cards' shocking win over the Packers in Lambeau will be attributed to poor coaching by the recently-fired Mike McCarthy but we should give the defense some credit too. They held the Pack to 17 points, but on the other side they only sacked Aaron Rodgers once. They had registered at least four sacks each of the last four games prior to Week 14, however. A home game against the Lions should result in a few takedowns of Matthew Stafford. Be aware that they are near the bottom of the league in interceptions and are more of a safe-floor defense than one that could come through with a huge week.

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