Fantasy Football Week 14: Rankings, Projections and Waiver-Wire Tips
The right move on the fantasy football waiver wire can boost or derail a playoff push heading into NFL Week 14.
Adding a player capable of stepping in at a moment's notice and providing production could equate to squeaking through a tough matchup and staying alive. But picking the wrong player to add to the mix could swing things the other way.
Case in point, Week 13. If players banked on Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Zay Jones for production in a pinch, they struggled as he put up just two catches for 16 yards. But if they rolled the proverbial dice on Houston Texans wideout Nico Collins, they got a nice boost in the form of three catches for 35 yards and a score.
That same risk-reward balance peppers the possible waiver wire pickups in Week 14, especially with running back and wide receiver seeing some rising names emerge late.
Here's a look at rankings, plus tips and projections for key names at critical waiver wire spots.
Week 14 Rankings
1. Nick Chubb (CLE) at CIN
2. Austin Ekeler (LAC) vs. MIA
3. Josh Jacobs (LV) at LAR
4. Derrick Henry (TEN) vs. JAC
5. Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) at ARI
6. Justin Jefferson (MIN) at DET
7. Tyreek Hill (MIA) at LAC
8. Christian McCaffrey (SF) vs. TB
9. Dalvin Cook (MIN) at DET
10. Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) at TEN
11. Davante Adams (LV) at LAR
12. Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) vs. CLE
13. Saquon Barkley (NYG) vs. PHI
14. Jamaal Williams (DET) vs. MIN
15. Stefon Diggs (BUF) vs. NYJ
16. Travis Kelce (KC) at DEN
17. Josh Allen (BUF) vs. NYJ
18. CeeDee Lamb (DAL) vs. HOU
19. Tony Pollard (DAL) vs. HOU
20. Patrick Mahomes II (KC) at DEN
21. Mark Andrews (BAL) at PIT
22. Jalen Hurts (PHI) at NYG
23. Tee Higgins (CIN) vs. CLE
24. George Kittle (SF) vs. TB
25. Amari Cooper (CLE) at CIN
Scoop Up James Cook and Other RBs
Running back has felt like a trap on the waiver wire for a few weeks now, but some late-season developments have provided needy fantasy teams with help.
Look at Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, who just rushed 14 times for 64 yards with another six catches for 41 yards as a receiver. He outpaced veteran Devin Singletary in usage and outgained him. While Week 14 against a tough New York Jets defense might not be the best matchup in the world, it's clear he's got a chance to see touches and perhaps take over the job down the stretch.
Zonovan Knight of the Jets made a little noise on the waiver wire last week but that should only increase. In Week 13, he had 90 rushing yards on 15 totes and caught all five of his targets for 28 yards. Goal-line carries and targets suggest he won't simply be shoved aside in a committee.
Cam Akers is the most recognizable name worth a look and for good reason—he scored two touchdowns in Week 13, out-touching Kyren Williams 18-3 in the process. To make it more convincing, his 17 carries were a season-high and the offense should shift to more of a run-based look with quarterback Matthew Stafford out injured.
Week 14 Projections:
James Cook: 15 carries, 63 yards, four catches, 35 yards, 1 TD
Zonovan Knight: 14 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 25 yards
Cam Akers: 16 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD
High Upside Gambles at WR
When it comes to upside rolls of the dice at wideout, Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions appears to be top dog.
Williams, the 12th overall pick this year, just made his NFL debut in Week 13 and didn't have a catch while playing limited snaps. But his usage figures bump weekly, he's in a solid passing offense and he is the guy who put up 1,500-plus yards and 15 scores last year, so there's a chance he can shock some opposing defenses sleeping on what he can do.
Nico Collins of the Texans is a more stable risk with an interesting upside. He only had those three catches with a score in Week 13, but it's impossible not to point out he had 10 targets. With Brandin Cooks battling a calf injury that popped up mid-week last week, Collins could be in line for extended heavy-target usage.
Finally, Trent Sherfield of the Miami Dolphins hauled in a 75-yard touchdown during a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. That was his highest output of the year and second score. Jaylen Waddle suffered an injury during that game and eventually returned, but it's something to monitor on the chance Sherfield sees an uptick in usage from his three targets from Sunday.
Week 14 Projections:
Jameson Williams: 4 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD
Nico Collins: 5 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
Trent Sherfield: 6 catches, 65 yards