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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 14 Pickups

By Vince Cavalieri

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It’s Week 14!! The fantasy playoffs are finally upon us. Hopefully griding through those weekly matchups, adding and dropping players and inserting plug-and-plays has paid off. For those squads who made it here, press the reset button. The goal is to survive one week at a time and that starts now. There are players on the waiver wire that can be beneficial to your fantasy football playoff roster. I will highlight one player from each position that could be an upgrade for your roster. Good Luck To All!!

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QUARTERBACK

Ryan Fitzpatrick (Texans) (Owned in 8% of Yahoo! Leagues)

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws on the run against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Week 13 saw the return of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick, who was benched following the Texans Week 9 loss to the Eagles, had a career game on Sunday. He went 24 of 33 with 358 yards passing and a ridiculous 6 TDs. Throwing 6 TDs in a game seems to be the norm as of late in the NFL. Fitzpatrick’s 6 TD game was the 4th such game this season. It will be near impossible for Fitzpatrick to repeat his Week 13 performance, but he should be picked up this week. The reason being the Texans play the Jaguars in Week 14. This looks like a favorable matchup for the Texans QB as Jacksonville has allowed the 9th most passing yards to QBs this season. They have also given up 10 TDs in 6 home games. If you’re a fantasy owner who has been plugging in different quarterbacks week to week, or want a good value in a daily fantasy league, Fitzpatrick can be a safe bet.

WIDE RECEIVER

Kenny Stills (Saints) (Owned in 42% of Yahoo! Leagues)

Kenny Stills had himself an impressive game against the Steelers in Week 13. He had 5 receptions for 162 yards and 1 TD. Stills has come on strong in place of the injured Brandin Cooks. In the last 3 games, Stills has been the #1 option for Drew Brees. In that time, Stills has been targeted 19 times, which has resulted in 17 receptions for 292 yards and 2 TDs. This week the Saints host the Panthers in a huge divisional game. Stills should feast off this Panthers defense as they have allowed the 4th most fantasy points to WR this season.

RUNNING BACK

Doug Martin (Buccaneers) (Owned in 45% of Yahoo! Leagues)

Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Just in case fantasy owners forgot, Doug Martin still plays for the Buccaneers. For the most part, Doug Martin has had a miserable 2014 campaign. Up until Week 13, Martin has been poor, infective, and injured. He did, however, have his best game of the season against the Bengals. He carried the ball 18 times for 58 yards and 1 TD. He also had a 3 yard reception. Martin should steal back the starting role moving forward. If Martin stays healthy, he can be a big factor in fantasy leagues. He is owned in under 50% of Yahoo! leagues, so he is out there. It’s hard to find a starting RB this late in the season, so I would advise to scoop him up if possible. He does have a tough matchup this week at Detroit. Martin will be a high-risk, high-reward play. If Martin can find his 2012 form in these final few weeks, he can be the steal of the playoffs.

 TIGHT END

Jordan Reed (Redskins) (Owned in 48% of Yahoo! Leagues)

Jordan Reed had his best game of the season in Week 13. He was targeted a team high 11 times, and had 9 receptions for 123 yards. There is chemistry between Colt McCoy and Jordan Reed. In the 3 games McCoy has played this season, Reed has 19 receptions for 188 yards on 22 targets. Now that Reed is healthy, he will have a big fantasy impact. In a season where so few TE have put up big numbers, Reed is an important key to have on your team for this playoff run.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Minnesota Vikings (Owned in 26% of Yahoo! Leagues)

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings DST played exceptionally well in Week 13. They allowed only 13 points to the Carolina Panthers. They sacked Cam Newton 4 times, picked him off once, and returned two blocked punts for touchdowns. This week the Vikings host the New York Jets. The Jets have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to team defenses this season. The Jets are averaging 15.8 points per game, which ranks them 3rd worst in the league. The Jets offensive line have given up 38 sacks to opposing defenses, which is the 4th most. Given the Jets misfortunes this season, adding the Vikings to your playoff squad is a no brainer.

**SLEEPER**

Robert Woods (Bills) (Owned in 6% of Yahoo! Leagues)

Robert Woods had himself a nice game in Week 13 as he caught the ball 4 times for 71 yards. Over the last 4 weeks, Woods has been the most productive WR on the Bills. His 21 receptions and 256 yards are the most for any player on the team. Sammy Watkins suffered a hip injury during the Browns game. It is still too early to tell what kind of effect the injury will have on Watkins. This hip injury might give Woods even more targets. This week the Bills travel to Mile High to play Peyton Manning and the Broncos. The feeling is that the Bills are going to need to throw the ball often to keep up with Peyton. Owners in a WR jam might look to Woods as a surprise play.

 

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