Week 14 Waiver Wire Options for Quarterbacks (QBs)

December 4, 2013

RotoBaller discusses a few quarterbacks (QBs) to consider picking up off the waiver wire, as we look towards Week 14 and the fantasy playoffs. Some of these QBs may be able to help you in standard or 2 QB leagues.

For all of you fantasy GMs out there, Week 14 is going to make or break your playoff chances.  In the RotoBaller league, there are 5 teams tied for the final 2 playoff spots - it doesn't get tighter than that.  Whether you're looking for QB options to stream in Week 14, or just trying to keep your head above water with injuries, RotoBaller has you covered as we analyze the most underowned quarterbacks from around the league. Below, you'll find some of our favorites plays for standard and two-QB leagues as we contemplate this week's waiver wire decisions.

Week 14 Waiver Wire - Quarterbacks (QBs)

Jay Cutler - QB, Chicago Bears – 34% owned in Yahoo Leagues

Week 13: Didn't play (injured)
Analysis:  Chicken Cutler is targeting a Week 14 return, but he's somehow only 34% owned in Yahoo leagues. Cutler was a top-10 QB, a.k.a. a surefire QB1 across-the-board before getting injured.  There's a chance he's not 100% good to go, and McCown has been great, so our recommendation would be to own both of them and wait to see who gets the start.  Whoever starts, they'll be facing a Dallas defense that gives up the second-most points to QBs in all of fantasy.  This matchup should have you licking your chops!

Carson Palmer - QB, Arizona Cardinals – 46% owned in Yahoo Leagues

Week 13: 41 attempts, 24 completions, 302 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT - 25.98 pts
Analysis:  Palmer had another really solid outing vs. the Eagles in Week 13, making it his fifth in a row with at least 18 points and third in a row with at least 24.  He's been a QB1 over the past three weeks, and he gets a solid matchup vs. STL in Week 14.  Don't shy away from this old timer who can still sling it-- Palmer has averaged 40 attempts in each of the past three games, and he should be good for a minimum of 15 pts in this matchup, but probably closer to 20-25.   If you need a QB1 in deep leagues, Palmer is a real nice option.

Quarterbacks to Consider in Two-QB Leagues

Joe Flacco – QB, Baltimore Ravens – 2% owned in Yahoo leagues

Week 13:  35 attempts, 24 completions, 251 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INT – 16.74 pts
Analysis:  Flacco’s erratic season has leveled the last two weeks with consecutive games of more than 250 yards passing and 65.0%+ completion percentage.  All this makes him a desirable player for his Week 14 matchup against the 30th-ranked Vikings pass defense.  He has a top receiver in Torrey Smith who is a reliable #1 starter and Jacoby Jones continues to get better.  With the Ravens pushing for the #6 playoff seed, everything rides on Flacco’s ability to make plays.  Expect a high-end performance in a must-win game against a weak Viking D.

E.J. Manuel – QB, Buffalo Bills – 9% owned in Yahoo leagues

Week 13:  32 attempts, 18 completions, 210 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 1 rushing TD – 20.70 pts
Analysis:  E.J. Manuel played well enough to lead Buffalo  to a win, but Stevie Johnson and Scott Chandler literally fumbled away the game.  His Week 14 matchup against the middle-of-the-pack Bucs D-- who may be without Darrelle Revis-- makes Manuel a good option as a #2 QB in deeper league formats. Since returning from his injury on November 10, he’s played consistently, if unspectacularly.  Overall in his last three he’s averaged a tad over 200 yards passing per game and has four TD against just one INT.  The Bills passing offense is geared toward protecting Manuel from costly turnovers, and he’s rewarded Doug Marrone’s staff with nine TD and four INT overall.