This week brought a lot of hurt and heartache to fantasy owners, particularly to those who own A.J. Green, Kareem Hunt, Greg Olsen, and any Packer outside of Davante Adams. The first three have all likely played their last game of the season and Adams has now become the only player in Green Bay who can be trusted each week. Fortunately for you, you’re likely in the playoffs or have a shot at the postseason if you’re reading this.

In which case, if you’re affected by all the negative news, injuries, and flat out poor performances that hampered almost everyone in some way throughout Week 13, then fear not brethren. The waiver wire may be quite barren, which is to be expected this time of year, but it’s not without value. Matt Breida’s injury may open the door for Jeff Wilson to step in if he can’t play, Dante Pettis showed he could be productive as San Francisco’s top wideout, Josh Allen’s athleticism gives him a higher floor than people realize, and Curtis Samuel is emerging as one of Cam Newton’s favorite options. Which free agents standout above the rest and deserve your attention as we begin the fantasy playoffs? Find out what our featured experts think below.

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Featured Experts:
Bobby Sylvester – FantasyPros
Jamie Calandro – Fantasy Team Advice
Mike Tagliere – FantasyPros
Mauricio Gutierrez – Estadio Fantasy
Joe Bond – Fantasy Six Pack

*Ownership % derived from a consensus of Yahoo & ESPN leagues

Q1. How much are you willing to spend (FAAB %) on your favorite waiver wire target (or two) and why do you like him?

Justin Jackson (RB – LAC)
“My favorite addition is Justin Jackson of the Chargers. It was Austin Ekeler who got the start and saw the majority of the touches, but for the second straight week, Jackson was the better overall back. With a great matchup against the Bengals this week, I’m spending all my FAAB money in hope that he can carry my teams to the semi-finals. Jaylen Samuels is a great add too with James Conner out for week 14.”
– Bobby Sylvester (FantasyPros)

“I would be going all in on Jackson, especially if I was a Melvin Gordon owner. It seems unlikely that Gordon will return in Week 14 and Jackson was fantastic Sunday night in the second half. Jackson should be given the Gordon role moving forward until Gordon can return, of course, while Ekeler will go back to being a change of pace back.”
– Joe Bond (Fantasy Six Pack)

Adam Humphries (WR – TB) 
“Humphries is worthy of at least 75% of your remaining budget in PPR formats. Chris Godwin led the Bucs in receiving with DeSean Jackson sitting, but it was Humphries who led the team in targets with nine (catching seven of them for 61 yards and a score). With D-Jax not a lock to return next week, Humphries should be in the WR3 mix for a Bucs team that has the highest passing percentage in the red zone and over 1,000 more air yards (!) than any other team in the NFL.”
– Jamie Calandro (Fantasy Team Advice)

Jeff Wilson (RB – SF) 
“Wilson impressed while Matt Breida aggravated his ankle injury and also injured his right knee in the third quarter. Wilson ended Week 13 with 72% of snaps played, 23 touches, and 134 total yards. He demonstrated enough versatility to be considered a workhorse with Breida injured and Alfred Morris being a healthy scratch in recent weeks. I’m willing to spend about 80% of the remaining budget.”
– Mauricio Gutierrez (Estadio Fantasy)

Jaylen Samuels (RB/TE – PIT) 
“With the injury to James Conner, it should be the reminder you need to pick up Samuels, who appears to be his direct backup. Even better, he has dual-position eligibility on multiple sites, which would allow you to start a running back in your tight end slot. Conner has already been ruled out for week 14 and Samuels is a lottery ticket to win your league if Conner were to miss more time beyond the one week, as the Steelers run a one-back system. He’s worth the remainder of your budget.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

Q2. For owners renting a D/ST in Week 14, what readily available option (under 40%) should they target and why?

“Let’s go with the Arizona Cardinals, who’ll be at home against the Lions. Not only has Matthew Stafford been sacked 26 times in the last six weeks, but he’s also been intercepted six times, the Lions have lost five fumbles, and allowed two defensive touchdowns. Combine that with the Cardinals racking up 28 sacks in the last eight games, including at least four sacks in six of the last eight games. They haven’t generated many turnovers, but we’ll take the high floor at home.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

“Washington is my favorite pickup this week for D/ST streamers. They have been shutting down almost everyone this season, having surrendered the second-fewest points in the NFC this year. Add in 32 sacks, 21 forced turnovers, and a cake matchup against Eli Manning and his abysmal offensive line and you’ve got yourself a top five D/ST this week.”
– Bobby Sylvester (FantasyPros)

“Target the Titans against the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. As a solid defense facing Cody Kessler, there could be plenty of turnovers. Leonard Fournette is going to be back, but the Tennessee defense is going to focus on stopping him. In Week 13, the Titans had one interception, two sacks, and five passes defended against the Jets.”
– Mauricio Gutierrez (Estadio Fantasy)

“The Bills are available in 70% of leagues and make for a great streaming option in the fantasy playoffs. Buffalo ranks 10th in adjusted sack rate and has 10 sacks and six interceptions over its last four games. Sam Darnold is expected to return for the Jets on Sunday and he has thrown 14 interceptions in nine starts.”
– Jamie Calandro (Fantasy Team Advice)

“I like the Jets as a streaming option this week. Buffalo is starting to show some life on offense lately, but Josh Allen is still turning the ball over quite a bit so there is a bit of a higher floor against the Bills. Not only that, the Jets will want to get revenge for the embarrassing 41-10 loss to the Bills just a few weeks ago.”
– Joe Bond (Fantasy Six Pack)

Thank you to the experts for naming their top waiver targets. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter if you’re not already doing so and check out our latest podcast below for more great advice.

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