Waiver Wire Week 14

Week 13 is officially in the books and it came with many ups and downs as usual. We saw the Bengals lock up their first win of the season. Also, we saw the Redskins and Dolphins get another win. There were some significant injuries, especially if Dalvin Cook misses extended time. As always it’s important to stay active with the waivers as playoffs begin for many of us this week. 

As always, we want to continue to pay attention to injuries as more news comes out for some players. Most of the players listed below are the ones who are most likely available on your waiver wire in your league and I’ve found a few players at each position that may be available in your league. Every player listed is owned in less than 50 percent of leagues (Yahoo and ESPN formats) with a few who might have a little more ownership, but possibly available. 

Week 14 Waiver Wire: Possibly owned, but worth a look

Devante Parker (WR, MIA) 

I think I have done a disservice by not listing Devante Parker in this article more as he has been productive most of the year, but he is the one who is definitely worth looking in to see if he is available. He sits around 80% owned in Yahoo leagues, but only 64% in ESPN and he just blew up on the Eagles this last week posting 7 receptions for 159 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Miami gets the Jets, Giants, and Bengals the next three weeks and Fitzpatrick is one whose willing to throw it up to him. 

Derrius Guice (RB, WAS)

Derrius Guice took advantage of a positive matchup against the Panthers and rushed for 129 yards on 10 attempts while adding 2 touchdowns. He was out-touched by Peterson 13-12, which makes it a pretty split backfield, but they get another positive matchup against Green Bay who has struggled against the run at times. 

Rashaad Penny (RB, SEA) 

Rashaad Penny found the end zone twice on Monday Night on 15 attempts for 74 yards. He also added 4 receptions for 33 yards. He was out-touched by Carson 23-19, but Penny did nothing to lose a chance at future snaps. 

Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)

Kyle Rudolph found the end zone again on 4 receptions for 50 yards. He continues to stay busy with Adam Thielen missing time. As long as Thielen continues to miss time then Rudolph is a start at tight end. 

Less than 50% ownership 

Running Back Handcuffs

If you’ve made it to the playoffs then it may be time to lock up your handcuff to provide some insurance should an injury occur late in the season. Like I’ve said before you can handcuff your top running backs, but still is beneficial to have these guys even if you don’t own the running back ahead of them. 

Gardner Minshew (QB, JAX) 

Gardner Minshew mania is back after Nick Foles struggled mightily against the Buccaneers. Head coach Doug Marrone has already announced Minshew as the starter in week 14 and was quoted as saying “ideally” he’s the starter for the final four games. He’s most likely widely available and gets Oakland and Atlanta in week 15 and 16 after the Chargers in Week 14. 

Alexander Mattison (RB, MIN) 

Dalvin Cook exited Monday night with an injury and if he misses extended time, Mattison becomes a league winner type pickup. He’s going to be highly sought, but definitely worth an add if available. 

Nyheim Hines (RB, IND) 

Nyheim Hines had a decent Week 13 outing where he totaled 6 touches for 40 yards and a touchdown. He hasn’t had significant touches throughout most of the season, but the Colts are going up against the Buccaneers in week 14 who have a very stingy run defense. Tampa Bay continues to put up points as well, which might swing the game script to a pass-heavy one for the Colts. This works in Hines’ favor and could be a fill-in flex play if you’re needy. 

Raheem Mostert (RB, SF) 

Raheem Mostert came alive in Week 14. He rushed 19 times to Coleman’s 5 attempts and out rushed him 146-6. Mostert definitely earned a chance at more rushing attempts moving forward and has been good with his touches as he averages over 5 yards a carry. He’s probably the top running back available and brings flex appeal if he continues to see the work. However, it’s difficult to tell how the 49ers backfield shakes out week to week, especially once Breida returns. 

Adrian Peterson (RB, WAS) 

Adrian Peterson also had himself a day as he rushed 13 times for 99 yards and a rushing touchdown. He’s worth a pickup in a positive matchup in Week 14 and your hoping both him and Guice continue to at least split it 50-50. 

Patrick Laird (RB, MIA) 

Patrick Laird appeared to be the next man up in Miami as he had 14 total touches. He managed just 5 rushing yards on 10 attempts but caught 4 of 5 targets for 43 yards. It isn’t pretty and you’re mainly going to rely on his passing numbers, but Laird is worth a pickup if you’re in need. 

Darwin Thompson (RB, KC) 

Darwin Thompson stepped in and rushed for 44 yards on 11 rushing attempts and a touchdown after Darrell Williams left with an injury. Kansas City’s running back has been a revolving door this year and its possible Thompson benefitted from a blowout. However, it is always worth an add to grab a running back who may begin getting some work, which makes Thompson a decent stash, if you’re able to, to see how it shakes out in Week 14. 

Cole Beasley (WR, BUF) 

Cole Beasley apparently has read previous weeks articles where I had mentioned he doesn’t have “blowup” potential as he had 6 receptions for 110 yards and a receiving touchdown in Week 14. He also managed 6 receptions for 76 yards and a receiving touchdown in Week 12. The Bills get the Ravens in Week 14, which their defense has been playing very well. However, Allen and company will most likely be playing catchup and need to throw the ball. Beasley brings flex consideration and a fairly safe floor. 

James Washington (WR, PIT) 

James Washington has had two impressive weeks filling in as some of the other Steelers deal with injuries. In Week 14 he gathered all 4 of his receptions for 111 yards and a receiving touchdown. The Steelers get the Cardinals in Week 14, which is a plus matchup, but you’re still relying on Devlin Hodges to move the ball. 

Tyler Higbee (TE, LAR) 

Tyler Higbee filled in nicely while Everett missed Week 13 with an injury. He took advantage of the very plus matchup against the Cardinals and had 7 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. You’ll need to keep an eye on Everett’s health and unfortunately for Higbee, the Rams don’t play the Cardinals every week. He definitely may come crashing back down to earth in Week 14, but with the tight end position being a wasteland it never hurts to take a shot.