It’s Week 14, and we still have no idea who the best team in the NFL is. Before this week, it looked like the Rams were headed to the Super Bowl—then Bryce Young tore them apart. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens cost a lot of people their fantasy season on Thanksgiving, and Dak Prescott reminded everyone why he deserves to be in the top-ten quarterback conversation. Three upsets on Thanksgiving made for a memorable holiday.

We also had several injuries that will affect fantasy lineups. Marvin Harrison Jr., in his first game back, exited with a heel injury and did not return. Dylan Sampson was ruled out against a tough 49ers defense. Parker Washington left with a hip issue. In major news, Justin Herbert broke a bone in his left arm; Coach Harbaugh said there’s a chance he plays next week, but we’ve all seen how that usually turns out. De’onte Thornton was ruled out with a concussion, and Aaron Jones’ shoulder will need a closer look this week.

For additional Week 14 pickups, check out ASL Chris Hexter's Injuries & Opportunities - Week 14 or ASL founder Leonard LaPadula's Streamers For The Desperate - Week 14

With all that out of the way, let’s jump into the waiver wire.

 
Quarterbacks

Tyrod Taylor (4% Rostered, Yahoo)

Tyrod looked sharp this week against a good Falcons team. He delivered another win for the Jets and is proving that sitting Justin Fields was the right call. His passing line of 19 of 33 for 172 yards and one touchdown is not impressive on its own, but he continues to make up for it with his legs, adding 44 rushing yards and another score on the ground.

He faces Miami this week, a defense that has been one of the worst in the league against opposing quarterbacks. If you need a desperation streamer, I’m comfortable starting Tyrod.

Marcus Mariota (10% Rostered, Yahoo)

The guy just keeps showing up in big games—and for fantasy. Mariota gave us a thriller on Sunday Night Football. He threw for nearly 300 yards, added two touchdowns through the air, and ran in another.

There’s also something interesting to consider here. There were rumors that Jayden might return, but after that loss, why would he? I don’t see a reason to rush him back to a team with no chance of making the playoffs. That only strengthens Mariota’s case.

It seems like he’s locked in to give you around 15 fantasy points every week, no matter the opponent. He does face a tougher Vikings defense next week. Although they’ve been strong against opposing quarterbacks, I’m not worried about the matchup. According to PlayerProfiler, Mariota ranks fifth among all NFL quarterbacks in designed quarterback runs per game. I’m playing him with confidence this week.

 
Running Backs

Blake Corum (16% Rostered, Yahoo)

The whispers are getting louder, and Corum keeps looking stronger. The Michigan product had seven carries for 81 yards and looked great against the Panthers defense. As time goes on, I’m starting to think this is becoming more of a committee than Kyren Williams managers want to admit.

This spot is also unique. Next week, the Rams face an Arizona team whose run defense has been an absolute joke. They rank 26th out of 32 against running backs, and I expect the Rams to take control early. That means we should see a lot of Corum.

I’m also putting my Touchdown Guarantee on Blake Corum this week. If you need a flex play, it’s time to fire him up.

Bam Knight (25% Rostered, Yahoo)

This is a pure volume play. Bam Knight is starting to look like the lead back in Arizona. I do want to add a caveat, though: if Trey Benson plays this week, you can’t confidently start Knight.

If Benson sits, Knight should see 11 to 15 carries and give you at least 10 fantasy points, just like he has the last three weeks. Against a solid Tampa defensive line this week, he went 11 for 62 with a touchdown and added a couple of receptions.

If you have a free bench spot, I would still add him. Benson’s health has been unreliable in the past. The Vikings defense is also not as intimidating against running backs, ranking right in the middle of the league. If you need a desperate start and Benson does end up playing, keep an eye out for quotes from Coach Gannon about whether Benson will be on a pitch count. Arizona is playing for nothing but pride and the number-one overall pick, so there’s no reason for them to overwork a banged-up Benson.

Wide Receivers

Kayshon Boutte (33% Rostered, Yahoo)

People have forgotten about Boutte, but it’s time to revisit him. Drake Maye is playing like an MVP, and this team is fighting for the number-one seed. This is also a stash play, with New England heading into a bye week. I’m throwing out the game against the Bengals because he still didn’t look completely healthy.

After the bye, he gets Buffalo, a team that’s going to put up a lot of points. I expect New England to have to throw to keep up with Josh Allen, which means more targets for Boutte. You may need to find another flex option for the bye, but if you have the extra roster spot, I genuinely believe you can start him with confidence in Week 15.

Adonai Mitchell (2% Rostered, Yahoo)

Mitchell showed why he was a high draft pick. The former Colt put on a clinic, going 8 for 102 and a touchdown. Tyrod Taylor targeted him a whopping 12 times, and my hope is that this doesn’t slow down. We knew someone would eventually emerge in this offense; we just weren’t sure who it would be.

Mitchell gets a great matchup this week against Miami, and I expect the Jets to have to throw to keep pace. If your roster is in shambles, consider building the Tyrod–Mitchell stack. At this point in the fantasy season, it’s better to go out swinging than to die a slow death with Tua in your lineup. I would start Mitchell as a WR2 with full confidence.

 
Tight Ends

Darren Waller (30% Rostered, Yahoo)

Everyone forgot about him after the injury, and that works in your favor. I truly believe Waller is one of the best tight ends you can have heading into the fantasy playoffs outside of the elite tier. Even in his first game back, he still put up 47 yards. The matchups ahead are excellent: Waller gets the Jets, Steelers, and Bengals over the next three weeks.

If you need a longer-term solution at the position, this could be it. The end-zone targets should start returning, especially since Waller played meaningful snaps when Tyreek Hill was still getting targets. Expect Malik Washington to fade a bit. The ball is going to two players: Waddle and Waller.

Start him with full confidence over the next three weeks.

Brenton Strange (32% Rostered, Yahoo)

For the second straight week, he’s still on this list. Scoring 10.5 fantasy points is more than serviceable in this tight end landscape. There’s also a real possibility that Parker Washington could miss time, which would leave Strange and Brian Thomas Jr. as the primary options. Three receptions for 45 yards is not eye-popping, but the Jaguars continue to look for him in the end zone.

I also love his athleticism and what he brings to the Jacksonville offense. This team will be fighting for a playoff spot until the very end, and that’s exactly what you want in fantasy. He also gets some favorable matchups during the fantasy playoffs, so pick him up before it’s too late.