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In most fantasy football leagues, we are now just one week from the start of the fantasy football playoffs. The crux of the bye weeks is over with just the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders out here in Week 14. If you are in a must-win situation this week to make your league's fantasy playoffs then it is all hands on deck. No need to save any of your FAAB or Waiver Wire priority and now is the time to make that needed push to get that win.
Thursday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots has already been played and it's great to think that the bye weeks are just about behind us. If you have already clinched a spot in your league's playoffs or a first-round bye, now is the time to play spoiler and block your league mates. Even if a certain player you think has upside stays on your bench, it's likely better than having him performing in your opponent's lineup.
Looking at Week 14, it's sad to think of how many starting quarterbacks are out league-wide and that has made playing offensive players from certain teams for fantasy uncomfortable, to say the least. And remember, even if you're confident in your fantasy football roster, the hunt for the next breakout sensation is a never-ending game. Stay on your toes, refine your strategy consistently, and get ready to work some waiver wire wonders!
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Weekend Waiver Wire Stashes Before Week 14
Josh Palmer (WR), Los Angeles Chargers
30% rostered on Yahoo, 22% on ESPN
It's no secret that the Chargers offense has struggled in certain games this season. Between WR Mike Williams being lost for the season as well as wear-and-tear starting to catch up with RB Austin Ekeler, it has taken a toll on their offense. After selecting WR Quentin Johnston in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, many expected him to step up in Williams' absence, but so far that hasn't happened.
Over the last four games before injury in Week 8, Palmer has stepped up significantly, racking up 29 catches and being a useful tool for the offense. Palmer has proven himself to be a more impactful player than Jalen Guyton and has outperformed Quentin Johnston to this point. As the Chargers rally to support Head Coach Brandon Staley, there's an expectation for an overall improvement in their offensive play, with Palmer likely playing a key role in this resurgence. The only potential issue is Palmer getting eased back into action, but with their season on the line, the Chargers coaching staff might not have that option.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB), Philadelphia Eagles
31% rostered on Yahoo, 15% on ESPN
D'Andre Swift has emerged as the shining light in the Eagles' backfield, solidly securing the primary running back spot. This development has led to a dramatic decline in Kenneth Gainwell's presence in fantasy leagues, but Swift has slowed for fantasy over the last month, often overshadowed by Jalen Hurts' effectiveness as a runner in the red zone.
On the other hand, despite his agility and skill as a receiver, Gainwell hasn't quite found his footing in the Eagles' current game plan. However, should Swift face any downtime, Gainwell is in line to step up as the lead back. This scenario is a reminder of the NFL's inherent unpredictability, where fortunes can shift in an instant. It's important to remember that injuries, while unfortunate, are a part of the sport. Therefore, managing your fantasy bench as a tactical reserve is key, always being prepared to bring out a surprise performer who might just tip the scales in your favor when it matters most.
Gardner Minshew (QB), Indianapolis Colts
27% rostered on Yahoo, 16% on ESPN
Minshew has had the most value in Superflex leagues this season by teams who picked him. He likely isn't available on waivers in any Superflex leagues and he doesn't have the weekly QB1 upside that you will need in the fantasy playoffs. Nonetheless, if you are in a 14-team league, he could have value and if your league has deep benches it wouldn't hurt to scoop up Minshew to stop someone else from playing him should one of their other QBs suffer an injury.
Minshew has finished as the QB12 in back to back weeks. He doesn't have a ton of rushing upside, but the Colts offense has some solid skill players with RB Jonathan Taylor and WRs Michael Pittman and Josh Downs. Minshew has gone over 250 yards passing in each of his last two starts.
Roschon Johnson (RB), Chicago Bears
29% rostered on Yahoo, 29% on ESPN
The Chicago Bears' offense and their running back situation in 2023 have been quite the unpredictable ride. Heading into their Week 13 bye, there's a notable shift happening, with Johnson emerging as a more prominent figure in the offense. His performance in the Week 12 victory against the Vikings was a glimpse of this: ten carries for 35 yards, coupled with an impressive receiving contribution of five catches for 40 yards.
Johnson's involvement in 74 percent of the plays suggests he might be stepping ahead of the usual starter, Khalil Herbert. Of course, the return of D'Onta Foreman in Week 14 could mix things up again, potentially leading to a shared workload. However, taking a punt on Johnson right now seems wise, considering his potential. Additionally, it's worth noting that despite the Bears having a particularly late bye week, there's a trend of rookies ramping up their game post-bye. Johnson could very well follow this pattern.
Zay Jones (WR), Jacksonville Jaguars
27% rostered on Yahoo, 24% on ESPN
The Jaguars had a brutal appearance on Monday Night Football with QB Trevor Lawrence suffering an ankle sprain and WR Christian Kirk potentially going on injured reserve. In steps Jones, who was previously the WR3 in the offense now into a more meaningful role. In Week 13, Jones saw eight targets to finish with five receptions for 78 yards. The Jaguars have two tough matchups coming up against Cleveland and Baltimore in Weeks 14 and 15, but the upside potential is there with Jones likely playing WR2 snaps.
Tyjae Spears (RB), Tennessee Titans
45% rostered on Yahoo, 38% on ESPN
Spears, a name that has cropped up several times in this column but hasn't quite hit his stride, holds great promise as a fantasy running back. While Derrick Henry outperformed him in Week 13 Spears's prowess as a pass-catching back from the field is noteworthy, already making him a valuable player in fantasy circles for his receiving skills. For Spears to elevate to a fantasy standout, it would take an unexpected turn of events, like Henry being out of play.
Spears was picked up in a lot of leagues as it appeared incumbent RB Derrick Henry was in the concussion protocol, but that didn't turn out to be the case. With the Titans' playoff chances looking uncertain, we might see more of Spears on the field. Considering Henry's contract is up after this season, the team may be more open to varying his playtime. Spears had his highest share of carries on the year in Week 13 when he saw 16 rushes for 75 yards on top of seeing six targets.
Tucker Kraft (TE), Green Bay Packers
9% rostered on Yahoo, 2% on ESPN
Luke Musgrave has been an impressive rookie tight end for the Packers this season, but after suffering a lacerated kidney he could miss the rest of the 2023 season. Kraft was taken in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after an impressive career at South Dakota State. He had an NIL deal for 2022 to transfer to Alabama and play tight end there, but he chose to stay in South Dakota because his help was needed on the family farm. I mean, it doesn't get any more tight end than that does it? Kraft had six targets on MNF in Week 13 and finished with 37 receiving yards. He will likely be a TD-dependent play for fantasy, but given how hot Green Bay's offense has gotten he could very well find the end zone.
Minnesota Vikings Defense
21% rostered
Minnesota's defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been a lot better than expected and the Vikings find themselves back into the thick of the playoff race. The defense is getting turnovers and racking up sacks, everything that we want for fantasy. They have some favorable opponents coming up at quarterback too: Aidan O'Connell, Jake Browning, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love.
We hope you like these selections ahead of Week 14! Even if you don't have room to pick up some of these players, it's important to stay ahead of your league mates and preserve FAAB so that you have it at the end of the year when you need it. Feel free to follow me on Twitter/X for more waiver and player analysis throughout the season!
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