Fantasy Football Playoff Push: Week 14 Waiver Wire Targets and Crucial Start/Sit Advice

We have reached the fantasy football playoffs for many leagues. Week 14 is the final regular season week for others. The margin for error is gone. Four key NFL teams are on a bye this week. This creates major lineup holes for managers.

The San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots are all idle. Their star players cannot help you win. According to analysis from RotoBaller, this makes the waiver wire more critical than ever. Every add and start decision carries immense weight.

Critical Running Back Decisions for Week 14

The running back position is fraught with risk this week. Injuries and shared backfields complicate everything. You must choose wisely between your current roster and the waiver wire.

Several backs are recommended starts despite tough matchups. Travis Etienne of the Jaguars is one. He faces a Colts defense that can be run on. D’Andre Swift of the Bears is another trusted option. His role remains secure in a improving Chicago offense.

On the waiver wire, new names are emerging. Chris Rodriguez Jr. of the Commanders is a top add. He is seeing valuable goal-line work. Jordan Mason of the Packers is another. He is a handcuff with league-winning upside if Aaron Jones misses time.

Do not forget about Trey Benson. The Cardinals back could return from injury. He would immediately command a large workload. Stashing him now could pay off huge in the playoffs.

Wide Receiver Landscape Shifts With Key Injury

The wide receiver pool got a major shakeup. Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown is likely out. This vaults his teammate into must-start territory.

Jameson Williams becomes a WR1 this week. He is coming off a massive game. The Lions will need him to step up against Dallas. He is widely available on waivers and is the top priority add.

Other receivers are solid starts regardless of matchup. Chris Olave of the Saints has been a model of consistency. Terry McLaurin of the Commanders always gets targets. You can trust them in your lineup during this crucial week.

For deeper leagues, look at rookies like Isaac TeSlaa. He benefits directly from the St. Brown injury. Adonai Mitchell of the Jets is also seeing his role grow rapidly. These are the types of dart throws that win playoff weeks.

Streaming Quarterbacks, Tight Ends, and Defenses

Quarterback streaming is a valid strategy for Week 14. Several options have excellent matchups. Jordan Love of the Packers is the top choice. He faces the Chicago Bears’ struggling secondary.

Sam Darnold is another option for desperate managers. He gets a favorable game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks’ offense has enough weapons to support him.

The tight end position remains thin. Brenton Strange of the Jaguars is the top add. He has been a top-10 fantasy tight end recently. Juwan Johnson of the Saints offers a safe, if unspectacular, floor.

Defense streaming is key. Target units playing against bad offenses. The Cleveland Browns facing the Titans is a great start. The Miami Dolphins playing the New York Jets is another strong option. These picks can provide the extra points needed to advance.

Your fantasy football playoff hopes hinge on Week 14. Aggressive but smart waiver wire activity is non-negotiable. Focus on players with clear opportunity and favorable matchups to secure your victory.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is the top waiver wire pickup for Week 14?

Jameson Williams is the top priority. With Amon-Ra St. Brown injured, Williams becomes the Lions’ primary receiver. He has elite speed and a great matchup.

Which running backs should I start this week?

Trust proven workhorses like Travis Etienne and D’Andre Swift. Both have secure roles in their offenses. Matchup concerns are secondary to their guaranteed volume.

Is it safe to stream a quarterback in the playoffs?

Yes, if you pick the right matchup. Jordan Love and Sam Darnold have plus matchups this week. Their teams’ offensive systems give them a safe floor for fantasy points.

What defense is best to stream for Week 14?

The Cleveland Browns are a strong streaming option. They play the Tennessee Titans, an offense that allows sacks and turnovers. Miami against the Jets is also a great play.

Why is Week 14 so important for fantasy?

It is the final week before playoffs in many leagues. Four NFL teams are on bye, creating lineup emergencies. Winning this week often decides who advances.

Should I use a high waiver priority this week?

Absolutely. This is the week to use your priority or budget. Getting a player like Jameson Williams could be a season-altering move. Do not save resources for later.