And just like that, the fantasy regular season has ended for most of us. Week 14 marks the first week of the most important time of the year for fantasy football managers. It’s do-or-die time, win-or-go-home, and other applicable cliches. The waiver wire options this week don’t feature any clear-cut studs, but you can certainly find help if you need it. Running back handcuffs are particularly valuable this time of year, and a few of those make the cut this week. Other options for Week 14 include a couple of Dolphins, a quarterback famous for his facial hair, and a pair of AFC South D/STs.
Each Sunday night during the season, I’ll be bringing you early waiver wire suggestions to help you get a jump on the competition! Thanks for joining me as we hit the wire with players who can help you out for Week 14 and beyond. Best of luck in your first round matchups! Now let’s get to it!
Note: All players have less than 30% ownership in Yahoo leagues.
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Running Back
Raheem Mostert (SF): 12% owned
With Matt Breida ruled out, Mostert operated alongside Tevin Coleman and had himself a day, going for 154 scrimmage yards on 21 touches, compared to 15 yards on six touches for Coleman. San Fran is a run-first team with one of the best offenses in the league that typically utilizes a committee. Even if Breida is back in the mix for Week 14, there’s no guarantee he’ll be healthy for the rest of the season, and Coleman’s poor play as of late could mean Mostert stays involved regardless. Heading into the fantasy playoffs, Mostert is an excellent handcuff to own. With such low ownership, chances are he’s hanging out on your waiver wire.
Next three weeks: @NO, ATL, LAR
Patrick Laird (MIA): 1% owned
Kalen Ballage left Sunday’s game with what appears to be a season-ending leg injury, leaving Laird and Myles Gaskin as the top-remaining backs. Laird has been more involved in the offense, particularly in the passing game. This isn’t a sexy pickup, but Miami’s offense has been moving the ball as of late, and someone’s got to get touches out of the backfield. His dual-threat abilities make Laird a quality pickup this week.
Next three weeks:@NYJ, @NYG, CIN
Nyheim Hines (IND): 29% owned
Hines is the de facto backup in the Colts’ backfield, but he’s put together a quality season on limited touches, thanks to his pass-catching abilities. Hines is a low-owned handcuff option and a back-end flex for desperate owners in PPR leagues.
Next three weeks: @TB, @NO, CAR
There are plenty of quality handcuff options that are widely available on the waiver wire. If you’ve made the fantasy playoffs, congratulations! Here are some guys worth snagging if you have a roster spot available. The best among them are Mattison, Williams, Pollard, and Edwards.
Other handcuffs under 30% owned: Alexander Mattison (MIN) 27%, Darrel Williams (KC) 21% owned, Darrell Henderson (LAR) 14%, Tony Pollard (DAL) 13% owned, Gus Edwards (BAL) 13% owned, Malcolm Brown (LAR) 5% owned, Wayne Gallman (NYG) 4% owned, Ryquell Armstead (JAC) 2% owned, Ty Montgomery (NYJ) 2% owned
Wide Receiver
Anthony Miller (CHI): 14% owned
It was rough going early in the season, which explains Miller’s super-low ownership. He’s seen 33 targets over the last three weeks, racking up a 21/271/1 line in that span. He’s yet to find the end zone and has the downside of Mitch Trubisky tossing him the ball, but the volume certainly seems to be there for the second-year man, making him a nice pickup for those in need of receiver help heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Next three weeks: DAL, @GB, KC
Russell Gage (ATL): 11% owned
Gage has assumed No. 3 duties in Atlanta after Mohamed Sanu was shipped to New England, and he’s been productive in that role. Over the last two weeks, he’s turned 19 targets into a 13/128/1 receiving line, and with Julio Jones (shoulder) a potential shutdown candidate due to the Falcons’ 3-9 record, Gage could see even more run to end the season. He’s an excellent pickup at wideout this week.
Next three weeks: CAR, @SF, JAC
Quarterback
Gardner Minshew (JAC): 8% owned
Mustache enthusiasts rejoice! With Nick Foles struggling and the Jags down 25-0 at halftime, Minshew started the second half and played some quality football. He’s got a decent matchup with the Chargers in Week 14, followed by two great matchups with the Raiders and Falcons in Weeks 15-16.
Next three weeks: LAC, @OAK, @ATL
Tight End
Tyler Higbee (LAR): 10% owned
With Gerald Everett out of the lineup with a knee injury, Higbee drew the start at tight end and had his way with a soft Cards’ defense. There’s a chance Everett misses more time, and Higbee makes a nice play if he continues to start. Pick him up with confidence if you need help at tight end.
Next three weeks: SEA, @DAL, @SF
Mike Gesicki (MIA): 19% owned
He scored for the second straight week, and his connection with Ryan Fitzpatrick appears to be growing. Miami’s offense finally looks competent, and the athletic, big-bodied tight end could be in for a productive final quarter of the season. He can be scooped up if you need help at the position.
Next three weeks:@NYJ, @NYG, CIN
D/ST
Tennessee Titans D/ST: 29% owned
The Titans D/ST entered Week 13 as the DST11 to little acclaim. After a thorough beatdown of the Colts in Week 13, Tennessee’s defensive unit should be owned. Matchups with Oakland, Houston, and New Orleans don’t look super appealing on paper, but the Titans have played well against a variety of opponents this season. You could certainly do worse if you need help at D/ST.
Next three weeks: @OAK, HOU, NO
Indianapolis Colts D/ST: 27% owned
Indy’s D/ST hasn’t lit the world on fire this season, but they’ve been streamable given the right matchup this season. The right matchup happens to come along during the first week of the fantasy playoffs, with a trip to Raymond James stadium and turnover-prone Jameis Winston. Fire up the Colts here.
Next three weeks: @TB, @NO, CAR
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Zachary Hanshew is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.
