NFL Waiver Wire: Week 14 Deep Dive

We're in crunch time with leagues either in playoffs or concluding their regular seasons. Either way, be sure to know your league rules and particularly whether pickups continue through the postseason or if rosters are frozen. With different settings in mind, we'll try to cover some good plays this week but also some potential stashes to reach the end of the season. 

Quarterback

Cam Newton vs. Falcons (35 percent ESPN)

Newton is the definition of boom-bust, as he was benched the last time he took the field. However, he's produced a rushing touchdown in each of his three games. If you're searching for a safe floor, look elsewhere.   

Ben Roethlisberger at Vikings (17 percent ESPN)

It's unpleasant watching Roethlisberger, but he's posted multiple touchdowns in three of his last four starts and topped 250 yards twice during that span. He doesn't offer the highest ceiling of the group, but should provide a decent floor. 

Jimmy Garoppolo at Bengals (14 percent ESPN)

Garoppolo attempted 30 passes for only the second time since Week 3 against the Seahawks last week while putting up decent yards (299) and TDs (two). He also threw two interceptions, but the 49ers may not have a choice but to open the offense up again if they hope to walk out of Cincinnati with a win.

Taylor Heinicke vs. Cowboys (29 percent ESPN)

Heinicke hasn't been all that productive, but streaming options remain slim at the position. He's also managed multiple touchdowns in two of his last four games and Dallas has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season.    

Justin Fields at Packers (15 percent ESPN)

Fields is drawing the start against the Packers. That's not a particularly favorable matchup, but he showed promise in each of his two full outing prior to suffering an injury. Of note, Fields also closes the fantasy campaign against the Seahawks and Giants.

Running Back

Dontrell Hilliard vs. Jaguars (41 percent ESPN)

D'Onta Foreman vs. Jaguars (42 percent ESPN)

Hilliard and Foreman are likely rostered in most active leagues, but it's worth making sure as the Titans face the Jags.

Jeff Wilson at Bengals (16 percent ESPN)

Wilson could be the last man standing in the 49ers' backfield as he logged a limited practice Wednesday despite a knee injury. Elijah Mitchell is dealing with both a knee injury and concussion, making his status for Sunday murky at best. If Mitchell is sidelined, Wilson would be in a position to lead.

Ty Johnson vs. Saints (18 percent ESPN)

Austin Walter vs. Saints (one percent ESPN)

Tevin Coleman is in concussion protocol, and it's unclear whether he may be able to suit up this weekend. Johnson isn't likely to see a full workload out of the backfield even if Coleman is sidelined, but he should see plenty of targets while mixing in as a rusher. Austin Walter was signed from the practice squad and would likely lead the team in carries and may get goal line work in the absence of Coleman.

Rashaad Penny at Texans (two percent ESPN)

Last week, Penny reached double-digit carries in a game for the first time this season. Afterwards, coach Pete Carroll said he hopes Penny will be able to build on that effort. While Carroll is famous for his overly-optimistic outlook on players, Penny could be someone who pays dividends down the stretch if the Seahawk offense remains on track.

Kenneth Gainwell – BYE (12 percent ESPN)

Gainwell got heavily involved in the Philadelphia offense last weekend as Miles Sanders got beat up during the game, Jordan Howard was inactive and Boston Scott was either benched or ill. It's unclear what the running back depth chart may look like in Week 15, but Gainwell is worthy of consideration if you have an open roster spot.

Ameer Abdullah vs. Falcons (five percent ESPN)

We know Christian McCaffrey is out for the season, but what is less clear is what roles the remaining healthy backs will hold. Presumably Chuba Hubbard will remain the traditional lead back, but Abdullah should log plenty of involvement as a receiver even if that is the case. In his last five games, Abdullah has received at least four targets in four contests and five in three.  

JaMycal Hasty at Bengals (two percent ESPN)

Back to the 49ers situation. It's possible Hasty leads the backfield with Wilson looking questionable for Sunday. Even if Wilson is active, he's only seen three targets in four contests this year, which could lead to Hasty being the primary receiving back.  

Brandon Bolden – BYE (seven percent ESPN)

Damien Harris suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's win over Buffalo. With the Patriots on a bye, it's unclear whether he'll be able to return Week 15 against Indianapolis. That could make Bolden worth a stash, even if Rhamondre Stevenson would be the biggest beneficiary.  

Carlos Hyde at Titans (nine percent ESPN)

Things somehow have recently gotten more bizarre in Jacksonville. Regardless of whether James Robinson was hurt or benched, Hyde saw an uptick in usage last week. He's far from explosive (3.5 yards per attempt, no rushes of more than 20 yards), but Urban Meyer and company insist on keeping him involved in the offense.

Adrian Peterson at Texans (12 percent ESPN)

Peterson is a disaster at this point, and his primary contribution is ensuring other backs on the roster have their roles decreased. He does remain capable of falling into the end zone, an outcome that is possible in a positive matchup against Houston.

Khalil Herbert at Packers (19 percent ESPN)

Damien Williams at Packers (seven percent ESPN)

This is mostly a note to follow the progress of David Montgomery throughout the week. He's dealing with a trio of injuries that held him out of practice Wednesday. If Montgomery remains sidelined, Herbert would presumably operate as the lead back, though Williams returned to practice in limited fashion Wednesday.

Corey Clement at Washington (zero percent ESPN)

Clement could be more of a long-term stash option. Both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are banged up, so Clement could get some extra run both in the short and long-term. If Dallas can beat Washington this week, they'll hold a comfortable lead in the NFC East and may be able to focus on getting healthy for the playoffs during relevant fantasy weeks.

Wide Receiver

Russell Gage at Panthers (35 percent ESPN)

Gage has tallied at least five receptions in four of his last five games. He's likely rostered in the most competitive and deepest leagues, but he's trending towards being a must-start option in PPR leagues.

Jamison Crowder vs. Saints (25 percent ESPN)

Crowder will benefit from the absence of Corey Davis, as targets should now be split primarily between he and Elijah Moore.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling vs. Bears (11 percent ESPN)

MVS has commanded 19 targets across his last two outings. If that continues after the bye, he's likely to produce some good production so long as Aaron Rodgers stays under center.

Amon-Ra St. Brown at Broncos (eight percent ESPN)

Josh Reynolds at Broncos (three percent ESPN)

It's admittedly difficult to trust anyone associated with the Lions' offense, particularly against a fairly strong defense. However, St. Brown and Reynolds have established consistent roles in Detroit. Particularly in Weeks 16 and 17 against the Falcons and Seahawks, stashing one of this duo on benches could pay off. St. Brown should provide a better floor while Reynolds offers more big-play potential.

Josh Palmer vs. Giants (one percent ESPN)

Both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are likely to be out. Jalen Guyton may take over the role as top receiver, but Palmer should be second in line for targets.

Tre'Quan Smith at Jets (13 percent ESPN)

Marquez Callaway at Jets (33 percent ESPN)

It's not the most extreme situation around the league this week, but targets have narrowed slightly in New Orleans with the suspension of Deonte Harris. In a positive matchup, this could be a strong week for both Smith and Callaway.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine vs. Jaguars (three percent ESPN)

Westbrook-Ikhine has found a way to produce – either through volume or touchdowns – with the Titans' wide receiver corps depleted. Julio Jones is likely to return, but Westbrook-Ikhine should maintain a role with A.J. Brown sidelined.

Laquon Treadwell at Titans (zero percent ESPN)

It's easy to dismiss Treadwell based on both his status as a draft bust and the fact he plays on one of the league's worst offenses. However, the reality is he's posted four receptions in each of his last two games and has been the most productive wideout in Jacksonville – granted, that's not a high bar to clear.

Trent Sherfield at Bengals (zero percent ESPN)

There was considerable Jauan Jennings hype heading into last week in the absence of Deebo Samuel. However, it was Sherfield who saw the bigger boost and earned five targets. Samuel may return to practice Thursday. And if he is active against the Bengals, Sherfield is safe to ignore.

Allen Lazard vs. Bears (four percent ESPN)

Lazard played 64 percent of offensive snaps and saw six targets in Week 12 against the Rams. Randall Cobb remained sidelined from practice with a groin injury even after a bye, so Lazard could be locked into the third wide receiver role for the Packers for now.

Tight End

Evan Engram at Chargers (29 percent ESPN)

Engram's quarterback situation is far from ideal, but he's recorded at least three receptions in all but two of his 10 contests.

Cole Kmet at Packers (16 percent ESPN)

Kmet had a disappointing Week 13 performance, but he's drawn at least six targets in five of his last six games. Justin Fields taking over at quarterback may be a reason for concern, but Kmet remains worth considering.  

Tyler Conklin vs. Steelers (40 percent ESPN)

Conklin has already seen a consistent role in the Minnesota offense with three targets inside the 10 and nine inside the 20 over his last four appearances, and those marks could increase thanks to Adam Thielen's absence.

Austin Hooper vs. Ravens (21 percent ESPN)

Hooper has had an inconsistent role in the Browns' offense. However, Jarvis Landry continues to deal with a knee injury and the wide receiver corps is generally beat up. David Njoku is on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so opportunity should be there for Hooper to produce.

Gerald Everett at Texans (nine percent ESPN)

Everett endured a mistake-riddled performance last week, but he's a key part of the Seahawks offense. That doesn't seem likely to change, so don't give up on him due to one bad performance.

Foster Moreau at Chiefs (22 percent ESPN)

Moreau disappointed in his first start without Darren Waller, but he's worth keeping in mind if provided a second chance.

James O'Shaughnessy at Titans (zero percent ESPN)

O'Shaughnessy is the clear starter at tight end in Jacksonville and he led the team with six targets last week. That didn't translate to much production, but there should be ongoing opportunity going forward.

Nick Vannett at Jets (zero percent ESPN)

Vannett's performance last week was notable because he drew four targets in Taysom Hill's first start. The suspension of Deonte Harris should open up some targets. Vannett is a deep-league option only, but could see some sneaky volume.  

Donald Parham vs. Giants (zero percent ESPN)

Parham is a pure dart throw who enters the conversation due to the likely absences of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. That could inspire the Chargers to play more two-tight end sets, which would benefit Parham.