If you’re reading this article, you’ve most likely made it to the playoffs. Congratulations!
Studies show that people who make the fantasy football playoffs are generally more successful in life 👍🏻
— Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) December 4, 2018
Your need for contributors for this week off the waiver wire is probably minimal, but you may need to stream a player for this week if you’re not happy with your quarterback matchup or you have a tight end who’s been disappointing (looking at you, Trey Burton).
So, with that being said, let’s jump into waiver wire targets for Week 14.
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Over the past few weeks, I’ve consistently been pushing for Lamar Jackson to be in your starting lineups due to the floor he provides based on his rushing ability.
He’s had three good, but not great weeks, and he gets another plus matchup this week against the Chiefs.
The one thing that has been consistent with Lamar is that he’s had the rushing yards, but has not contributed much in the passing game due to the Ravens leading the past three games. I don’t think that continues this week.
With the Chiefs high-powered offense, Lamar is going to eventually have to throw the ball to keep up with them. I still expect Baltimore to come out and ground and pound by running the ball, but eventually they’re going to have to open things up and throw it.
Based on that, and the fact that the Chiefs defense is questionable at best, I’m expecting a nice week from Lamar. He’s only 46% owned still, so if you need a streamer, he can be acquired.
Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
If you weren’t paying attention to the Raiders this weekend, Carr actually had a really nice game…
Amidst a season that’s been dreadful for him, he turned in a solid game in a matchup most people did not expect to be so high scoring.
He now gets to take on a team that has a similar narrative coming into the game…this should be a game where the Raiders have to keep up with the Steelers offense. If you need a quarterback this week, I think Carr is a decent play. I’m not expecting anything world-beating, but if you’re desperate for a starter this week, I think you can roll Carr out there in what should be a good matchup.
Running Backs
Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers
At this point of the season, you’re not looking for a running back that’s going to contribute over the next 8 or so weeks.
You’re looking for someone who you can play this week and get production out of. The easiest way to do this is to look at the backups for running backs who are injured.
Already, Matt Breida has been ruled out for Week 14 against the Denver Broncos. With Alfred Morris being inactive for last week, and Breida re-injuring his ankle, Jeff Wilson Jr. took the starter reps and delivered with a solid day.
He went 15 for 61 on the ground, but the most impressive part is that he caught 8 passes for 73 yards. If you’re the Breida owner, and you need a replacement for this week, Wilson Jr. could help you advance to the next round.
Jaylen Samuels, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you’re the James Conner owner, you might be in a bit of a panic. You’ve ridden on Conner’s back all the way to the first round of the playoffs, only to have him be ruled out for Week 14 already.
Mike Tomlin has said that the Steelers will utilize a RBBC (Running Back By Committee), but Samuels seems to be the safest bet out of the other options. He may not do a ton on the ground, but he has sure hands and could see 10 or so targets in the passing game. If you’re in any sort of PPR, I’d pick up Samuels over the other options in the Steelers backfield. Plus, he’s TE eligible in Yahoo leagues, so you have the flexibility to put him into your tight end spot and get some guaranteed rushing yardage.
Wide Receivers
Dante Pettis, San Francisco 49ers
Following the same logic above, you need players this week who can contribute. Maybe you were relying on AJ Green and he’s now done for the year…Dante Pettis has shown that he can slide right in and pick up his production for your fantasy team.
Over the past two weeks, Pettis has brought in 9 catches for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s benefitting from Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon’s absence and Nick Mullens is repeatedly looking his way.
He’s currently only 7% owned in Yahoo leagues and faces off against Denver this week who just lost Chris Harris, their best corner.
Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers
Right before kickoff this past week, it came out that the Bucs would be playing without their top four corners. I tweeted out that DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel became instant great starts.
Oh my yikes.
Start DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel. https://t.co/Su82RVoFzh
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) December 2, 2018
Samuel went on to have a great day, seeing 11 targets and snagging 6 of them for 88 yards.
The better news for Samuel is that Greg Olsen just went down with an injury and is out for the season. This opens the door for more targets for Samuel moving forward…
Add that to the fact that they play Cleveland and then New Orleans the next two weeks and Samuel could be part of the team that leads you to a fantasy football championship!
Tight Ends
(See Jaylen Samuels Above)
Defenses
New York Giants
I love the Giants defense this week for two reasons…
The first reason is that they showed some life last week against the Bears and picked off Chase Daniel multiple times.
The second reason is that they’re playing Washington. The team that just lost their backup quarterback for the season and will now be relying on Mark Sanchez, who barely knows the playbook.
The Giants are an easy pickup decision this week.
New Orleans Saints
If you miss out on the Giants, a perfectly good backup plan might be waiting there for you.
Over the past three weeks, the Saints defense has put up spectacular fantasy numbers and I expect that to continue this week based on who they’re playing.
Jameis Winston is definitely a good bet to throw a couple of interceptions, even though he’s protected the ball the past couple of weeks. I think he gives up at least one this week and the Saints have shown that they can get to the quarterback.
