As the fantasy football regular season reaches its conclusion, Week 14 presents unique challenges with the Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Patriots, and Commanders all on bye. For fantasy football managers pushing for the playoffs, here are the top waiver wire targets to help fill gaps and secure a competitive edge.
Must-Add Waiver Wire Targets to Navigate Late-Season Bye Weeks
Quarterbacks
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (Rostered: 4.0%)
Levis continues to show promise after his Week 12 performance of 278 passing yards and two touchdowns. With matchups against the Jaguars (twice), Bengals, and Colts from Weeks 14-17, Levis is primed for success. The Titans’ soft schedule makes him a reliable QB2 option with potential upside for the playoffs.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (Rostered: 28.3%)
Stafford bounced back in Week 12 with 278 passing yards and two touchdowns, finishing as a top-12 QB. When Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are healthy, Stafford thrives, averaging over 18 fantasy points per game in his last two full outings. While matchups against the Browns and Ravens are tough, Stafford is a strong depth option for QB-needy teams.
Running Backs
Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders (Rostered: 1.2%)
With Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) sidelined, McNichols has an opportunity to shine. In Week 13, he played a significant role, totaling 32 rushing yards on six carries. Facing the Titans in Week 14, McNichols’ versatility makes him a high-priority waiver claim, especially for managers needing a fill-in RB.
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (Rostered: 42.0%)
With Christian McCaffrey’s knee injury in Week 13, Mason stepped up, leading the 49ers with 78 rushing yards on 13 carries. Mason has proven his value in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season and would be a plug-and-play RB1 should McCaffrey miss additional time. Mason is a must-add for any team needing running back depth.
Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders (Rostered: 0.0%)
McCormick emerged as the Raiders’ lead rusher in Week 13, tallying 64 rushing yards on 12 carries. Injuries to Alexander Mattison and Zamir White have opened the door for McCormick to secure a larger role. While his status depends on the health of his teammates, McCormick’s efficiency (5.3 yards per carry) makes him an intriguing bench stash.
Wide Receivers
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans (Rostered: 17.0%)
Westbrook-Ikhine’s touchdown streak extended in Week 13 with two scores on three receptions for 61 yards. He’s found the end zone eight times in his last eight games, solidifying his role as a key red-zone target. With the Titans’ favorable schedule, Westbrook-Ikhine is a WR3/flex option for managers in need of consistent production.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints (Rostered: 15.6%)
Valdes-Scantling has emerged as a key big-play weapon for the Saints, highlighted by 196 receiving yards and three touchdowns over Weeks 10 and 11. While his deep-threat role can lead to boom-or-bust performances, his ability to deliver game-changing plays makes him a worthwhile addition for teams needing upside at WR. With the Saints’ favorable schedule, Valdes-Scantling is a potential flex play for the fantasy playoffs.
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (Rostered: 1.0%)
Washington stepped up in Week 13 with Trevor Lawrence sidelined, posting six catches for 103 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. With Lawrence’s status uncertain and a matchup against the Titans’ struggling secondary in Week 14, Washington is a sneaky add for WR-needy teams looking for immediate production.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers (Rostered: 19.9%)
Thielen returned to form in Week 13, averaging 7.0 targets, 5.5 receptions, and 78 receiving yards per game since Week 12. His chemistry with Bryce Young makes him a reliable flex option, especially in PPR formats. As the Panthers face favorable matchups ahead, Thielen is a valuable depth piece for the playoffs.
Tight Ends
Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills (Rostered: 8%)
Knox led the Bills in receiving on a cold, snowy evening in Buffalo during Week 13, highlighted by a 39-yard reception in the second quarter. With Dalton Kincaid sidelined due to a knee injury, Knox has stepped into a larger role, earning a 14% target share over the last two weeks. The Rams, Knox's Week 14 opponent, have struggled to defend tight ends, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. If Kincaid remains out, Knox becomes a top streaming option for managers without a locked-in top-5 tight end.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (Rostered: 4%)
In Week 13, Juwan Johnson led the New Orleans Saints in receiving yards, catching five of seven targets for 36 yards in a 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With Taysom Hill likely sidelined due to a knee injury, Johnson is expected to see increased targets, making him a viable streaming option for Week 14. The Saints face the New York Giants, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Johnson's expanded role and favorable matchup position him as a valuable addition for fantasy managers seeking tight end depth.
Proactive Planning for the Fantasy Football Playoffs
Week 14’s byepocalypse creates significant roster gaps, but these waiver-wire pickups provide key opportunities to address positional needs and maintain momentum heading into the fantasy playoffs. Act quickly to secure these impactful players before your league competitors do.