Gridiron Glory. Football Analysis. Expert Insights.

USATSI 24786800 168400517 lowres scaled
December 2, 2024 By  Fantasy Football, NFL

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Quarterbacks

QB Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns (Rostered: 15%)

I’m going to repeat myself on this one. “Jameis continues throwing the deep ball in rain, shine, or even snow. In his last game ‘Snow Globe Game’ he threw for 219 yards 1 TD and 1 rushing TD. If you’re looking for a streamer this week he’s still a solid Quarterback, fun to watch as well.” If you’re reading this on Monday pick him up before Monday Night Football and get ahead of your league mates.

https://twitter.com/RockfordMav/status/1863441328366903298

QB Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Rostered: 35%)

The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Cincinnati and secured a commanding 44-38 victory, improving to 9-3 and strengthening their lead in the AFC North. Russell Wilson shined in the divisional win, ranking as the No. 3 QB of the week with 414 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Since taking over as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, Wilson has posted a 5-1 record and consistently delivered QB1-level performances. The lone exception came during last week’s challenging “Snow Globe Game” in Cleveland. While he no longer relies on rushing production at this stage in his career, Wilson has proven he still possesses a high ceiling, as demonstrated in this road win.

Next week, Wilson will aim to maintain his momentum at home in a rematch against the Browns. Following that, he faces tough road matchups against the Eagles and Ravens, where he may need to air it out to keep pace with high-powered offenses. For fantasy managers, Wilson remains a strong week-to-week option with QB1 upside in the weeks ahead.

Mentionables: QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (Rostered: 16%)

Wide Receivers

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans (Rostered: 17%)

WR Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (Rostered: 10%)

Cooks, who missed Weeks 5 through 12 due to a knee infection, made his return on Thanksgiving, catching three targets for 16 yards and a touchdown. During the Thanksgiving game, the Cowboys game script called for a more run-heavy game. If the Cowboys find themselves in closer matchups, their passing volume should increase.

Another factor to consider is CeeDee Lamb’s condition. Lamb appears to be playing through significant discomfort, and as the Cowboys’ playoff hopes fade, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team prioritize his health and give him some rest. This scenario could open up more opportunities for Cooks in the weeks ahead.

Mentionables: WR Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns (Rostered: 10%)

Running Backs

RB Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (Rostered: 42%)

We hate to see it, but in a run-heavy snow game, Christian McCaffrey was playing like his old self. He then limped to the locker room at halftime and never returned. As we’ve seen this season Jordan Mason is an excellent backup when healthy. He played most of the second half, only leaving for a minute to be evaluated for a concussion. He eventually came back and finished out the game. He scored 11 FPts with 13 carries for 78 yards in Week 13. If McCaffrey did sprain his PCL Mason will be a must pickup this week. Keep an eye on practice reports.

RB Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders (Rostered: 0%)

Rookie undrafted free agent Sincere McCormick carried the ball 12 times for 64 yards on Friday, marking just the third game of his NFL career. With the Raiders not making the playoffs this year they’ve decided to try out the rest of their players. McCormick could get 10+ touches moving forward. Although, keep an eye on the Raiders’ backfield this week, a lot of them were banged up. Meaning McCormick could find himself back on the pine.

Tight Ends

TE Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (Rostered: 5%)

He didn’t break off a big play this week, but he set a season-high with six targets, hauling in three catches for 27 yards. His connection with rookie QB Will Levis continues to grow, and his ability to deliver explosive plays gives him an intriguing upside in any matchup.

Looking ahead, Okonkwo has favorable matchups for tight ends, including two games against the Jaguars, as well as contests with the Colts and Bengals. The Titans will try to rebound from a tough loss in Washington as they return home to face Jacksonville this week. While he’s still more of a speculative add, his upside makes him worth a look in deeper leagues or as a plug-and-play option if you’re in need.

New England Patriots
Oct 13, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (9) after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

TE Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (Rostered: 47%)

If you’re still hesitant to trust Hunter Henry as a reliable fantasy tight end, consider his recent consistency. Since Week 7, the veteran has logged fewer than five catches just once and dipped below 40 yards only one time. Henry has become rookie QB Drake Maye’s go-to target and trusted safety valve. While his lack of touchdowns (just one this season) is a concern, his steady production in receptions and yardage makes him a viable PPR option. Henry’s dependability fills a key role for fantasy managers seeking stability at the position.

Mentionables: TE Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs (Rostered: 11%)

Read For More Fantasy Football Advice

Defenses

DEF New Orleans Saints (Rostered: 27%)

The Saints’ defense heads on the road in Week 14 to face either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock and the Giants, who rank as the sixth-best matchup for opposing defenses this season. On Thanksgiving, the Cowboys racked up six sacks, two takeaways, and a defensive touchdown against the Giants. The Saints defense, meanwhile, has been solid under interim coach Darren Rizzi. They’ve allowed 21 points or fewer in three consecutive games, recording multiple sacks in each and at least one takeaway. Coming off a strong showing at home against the Rams, the Saints also have a reliable special teams unit that adds value. They’re in a prime spot to exploit the Giants’ struggles in Week 14.

DEF Cincinnati Bengals (Rostered: 17%)

The Bengals’ defense has a favorable schedule ahead, with matchups against the Cowboys and Titans over the next two weeks. Both offenses have been vulnerable lately, positioning the Bengals D/ST as a strong streaming option for fantasy managers in need.

Mentionables: DEF Tennesse Titans (Rostered: 5%)

USATSI 24243787
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) reacts during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Read More:

For More Great Football Content

Follow me on Twitter at @Bjorn2bwsports and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here!

Avatar of Bjorn Anderson

About Bjorn Anderson

Bjorn Anderson is a sports writer for Gridiron Heroics with a passion for NCAA Football, NFL, and fantasy football coverage. With experience following teams like the Wisconsin Badgers, Minnesota Gophers, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings. Bjorn offers in-depth analysis and timely insights. Can be followed on X @Bjorn2bwsports and Insta: Bjorn2bwsports

Leave a Comment

Share your thoughts and join the discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in the Game

Get the latest sports news and analysis delivered to your inbox.

Share This Article