Fantasy football-top waiver wire week 14 pickups

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Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) is pursued by Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37), free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) and strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) during an NFL football game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Ameer Abdullah-RB-Detroit Lions (47.0%)

At the beginning of the season, many fantasy owners thought that Abdullah was the answer to the Lions’ long search for a running back. However, he struggled at times during his rookie season and the Detroit backfield continued to be a mess through most of the year.

However, over the last few weeks and with a new offensive coordinator, Abdullah is starting to emerge as the top option in the three-man committee in the Lions’ backfield. Abdullah has double-digit carries in each of the last three weeks with 44, 63, and 67 yards. He hasn’t been able to get into the end zone since week 1, but if he keeps getting most of the work I think he’ll be able to get to pay dirt in the coming weeks.

After a horrible loss to Green Bay on Thursday, Detroit has a fairly favorable schedule coming down the stretch. This week they visit St. Louis to take on the toughest run defense they’ll face before finishing with the Saints, 49ers, and Bears in the closing weeks of the season. If you need a running back, Abdullah is the safest option with upside even though he’ll need to hold off Joique Bell and Theo Riddick to keep the main portion of the Lions’ backfield share.

Next: Another RB stepping up in a committee

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