Week 14 in fantasy football is often a make-or-break moment, and last-minute adds can be the difference between sneaking into the playoffs or watching from the sidelines.
This is the time to scour the waiver wire for overlooked players who’ve stepped into bigger roles due to injuries or favorable matchups. Backup running backs suddenly thrust into starting duties, wide receivers facing weak secondaries, or streaming quarterbacks with soft defenses can all provide crucial points. Don’t be afraid to take risks; sometimes a bold pickup is exactly what pushes a team over the edge. Staying alert, checking injury reports, and making decisive moves right before kickoff can give you the edge you need in this pivotal week.
With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 14.
Running Backs to Add for Week 14
Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals (@ Buffalo Bills): ESPN- 6.5%
Honorable Mention: Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Los Angeles Rams): ESPN- 8.5%
Although Samaje Perine is a handcuff, the Bills‘ run defense has been gashed by collective backfields all season, and in a potential snow game, if you need a start due to bye weeks, the Bengals‘ backup might be a decent pickup this week.
If the Cardinals shut down Trey Benson for the season, then it will be the Bam Knight, Michael Carter show for their backfield. Carter is a desperation start against a tough Rams defense, but he does have enough pass-catching appeal this week with Emeri Demercado out again.
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 14
Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (@ Green Bay Packers): ESPN-11%
Honorable Mention: John Metchie III, New York Jets (vs. Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 13%
With Rome Odunze out for the Bears, rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland, along with Olamide Zaccheus, will take more snaps against the Packers, and while it looks to be a run-heavy game, Green Bay is hard to run on this year. Caleb Williams might be forced to throw more in order to pull off the upset.
While Adonai Mitchell was the big pickup this week, the other Jets receiver, John Metchie, has been a consistent PPR option that could have another decent game, this time against the Dolphins. Both are good stashes, as they look to continue from their recent big weeks and could be flex options moving forward.
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 14
Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins (@ New York Jets): ESPN- 21%
Honorable Mention: A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks (@ Atlanta Falcons): ESPN- 16%
Darren Waller is back and has a favorable schedule to end the year for the Miami Dolphins. This week, he goes against the Jets, as New York shut down De’Von Achane last game, so Tua Tagovailoa may need to push the ball downfield to Jaylen Waddle and Waller this week.
A.J. Barner remains a low-owned but 4-5 target guarantee player at tight end, as Seattle has him take the tush push at the goal line. This could be a pass-heavy script against the Falcons, as Sam Darnold trusts him on play-action and near the red zone.
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 14
Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets (vs. Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 11%
Honorable Mention: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers): ESPN- 5%
Tyrod Taylor is here to stay, as he has become a steady streaming option for the Jets, and the veteran quarterback will look to continue to do so against Miami at home. The rookie Saints quarterback, besides one or two games, has also been decent as a waiver streamer, as Tyler Shough gets a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay that could be pass-heavy without Alvin Kamara (first matchup vs. Bucs was Spencer Rattler).
Defenses to Stream for Week 14
New York Jets (vs. Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 9%
New Orleans Saints (@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers): ESPN- 4%
The Jets’ defense, plus Tua in the cold, might be a recipe for success, as New York has been better in their win streak as of late. The Saints’ defense took advantage and rattled Baker Mayfield, so they could have a repeat performance against the Buccaneers this week. New Orleans also has a good playoff schedule as a stash defense.
