If you’re reading this, that means you must still be playing for something. For those of you that earned a spot at the dance that is the fantasy football playoffs, congratulations. For others maybe playing to avoid a Sacko award, or some sort of last place honors, you might actually need these streamers more than the playoff-bound managers. Either way, with waiver candidates snatched up this morning I’m back in my weekly spot checking in with the top fantasy football streamers of Week 14.
As always, my free agency deep dive will include favorites (my locks) and honorable mentions (more risk, or reliant on an injury update). For certain positions I’ll even recommend streamer options to avoid. I will also look past the most obvious waiver candidates, targeting Week 14 streamers that are available in less than 40 percent of all ESPN leagues. Bold names mentioned are usually waiver candidates that would also qualify as streamers.
Disclaimer: My selections will be based on their matchups, recent play, and upside potential in deeper PPR formats. I recommend checking weather and injury/COVID updates for each streamer in the days leading up to each game, being that this article is written mid-week.
Week 14 Fantasy Streamers: QB
Recapping Week 13, I had Fitzpatrick as my number one streamer IF he played. It ended up being Tua and let me just say that the Dolphins would not have struggled so much if they had gone with the veteran.
I also recommended Trubisky and Glennon, who were extremely average at best, so overall it wasn’t my best week at QB. The top streamer was Mayfield by far (who proved me wrong and had a huge day). Mullens and Darnold also had decent games for once, but it wasn’t the best week overall for available quarterbacks (besides Baker).
At this point it’s sort of the same old waiver candidates at quarterback, with Rivers and Bridgewater topping the list, but younger guys like Mayfield and Darnold may get more action after their recent performances. There has been a clear dividing line between the fantasy HAVES and HAVE NOTS at this position in recent weeks though, and that line begins at Drew Brees (54 percent rostered) and ends before Tua Tagovailoa (32.4 percent). Having said all that, I’m most confident in these four streamers this week if they’re available after waivers.
Teddy Bridgewater (CAR) – 31.4% (v DEN)
Teddy B is best described as an oldy, but a goody, as far as fantasy 2020 is concerned. He has probably been the QB that I have listed most this season, which means he’s been consistent, but not consistent enough to remain on rosters.
The Panthers are coming off a bye, and I like this matchup for their offense IF McCaffrey is back (it looks like he will be). A.J. Bouye just got suspended for PED’s and Bryce Callahan is still out with injury, so this Broncos secondary has very little to be excited about. The only issue here is that Carolina currently has a COVID situation. Most notably, D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel have ended up on the COVID list. Whether or not they will miss the game is unknown at this point, but it could obviously affect Bridgewater if they’re out. Personally, so long as CMC plays I think Teddy does okay, but he could have a monster game if his WR’s are all there too.
Sam Darnold (NYJ) – 2.4% (@SEA)
I let a windy weather forecast and my negativity as a Jets fan dissaude me last week, but Darnold finally showed up in 2020. The kid has talent, but whether it’s a confidence issue or a consistency problem, he doesn’t usually put it all together.
This Seahawks defense has improved, and yes Jamal Adams is playing against his old team, but I feel like the Jets will have to throw the ball in this game to keep up and the Seahawks still give up monster points to QB’s most weeks. He may turn the ball over a couple times, but at the end of the day I believe Sam will put up decent fantasy numbers in Week 14, even if Denzel Mims misses the game. P.S. The weather doesn’t look like a major factor in Seattle this week.
Honorable Mentions
Philip Rivers (IND) – 25.2% (@LV)
If he’s still available, Rivers generally makes for a sturdy play in this Colts offense. He isn’t likely to blow an opponent away with four touchdowns or 300-plus yards per game, and he almost never runs the ball himself, but he’s also been an uncharacteriscally safe play this season. Indy limits Rivers to play action passing and game-managing, which should yield 15-20 points against the Raiders D in a dome at the least.
(DEEP DIVE) Mike Glennon (JAX) – 3.6% (v TEN)
(DOUBLE DOWN) Glennon kind of snapped back to reality last week, but I still like him as my deep dive option over a player like Trubisky, Dalton or Jalen Hurts. The Jags are playing in nice weather against a Titans defense that cannot cover the pass, just look at what Baker was able to do last week. Don’t expect those numbers from Glennon, but he might put in a serviceable effort against this pathetic defense.
QB Streamers to Avoid
Jalen Hurts (PHI) – 2.4% (v NO)
Nothing against the rookie, but this isn’t the right matchup for his first start. The Saints will easily shut down this run game and I expect Hurts to be running for his life most of this contest.
Baker Mayfield (CLE) – 25.9% (v BAL)
Alright fine, Baker torched me just as bad as the Tennessee defense. I said to avoid him and he murdered that prediction. I’m always the first to admit if I’m wrong. Having said that, he will NOT repeat those numbers against the Ravens. Don’t ride the lightning with this one, you will get zapped.
Week 14 Fantasy Streamers: RB
At least so far, Week 13 was not my week. I had been very hot at running back with two straight weeks of multiple RB’s hitting, but we had a total dud last weekend. Boston Scott, nothing. Benny Snell, virtually nothing. Ito Smith, virtually nothing. Alex Mattison, late scratch with an appendectomy. Trust me when I tell you that this was my worst week at any position all season. Let’s move on, got to have a short memory in this business sometimes.
Top waiver candidates are Cam Akers, J.D. McKissic and Devontae Booker if still available.
Cordarelle Patterson (CHI) – 6.6% (v HOU)
I’m most confident in Patterson as a safe option. The wide receiver/running back hybrid has become a part of this Chicago offense. He has had 10-plus carries in two out of the last three games, and he usually gets at least two targets. The reason I like him this week is that I believe there will be a heavy run gameplan for the Bears at home. Houston has struggled against the ground game, and Chicago will need Montgomery and Patterson both to tire out this defense.
Ty Johnson (NYJ) – 1.1% (@SEA)
For what its worth, I listed Ty Johnson the week before his Week 13 explosion (and I have the link to prove it), but Frank Gore didn’t get injured on the first drive that time around. If Gore is out, Ty is a definite streamer option. He has had more success in both the run and pass game than Gore, La’Mical Perine and even Le’Veon Bell when he was still with the Jets. Johnson deserves to start this week no matter what, but Adam Gase will probably start Gore if he’s available. Either way, you would have to think that Ty earned some more snaps based on his performance against Vegas (22 for 104, TD, two receptions).
Honorable Mentions
Jeff Wilson Jr. (SF) – 4.1% (v WAS)
Most probably aren’t aware of this, but Jeff Wilson Jr. outsnapped Raheem Mostert and Jerick McKinnon last week (and that’s coming from a manager who has Mostert on almost all of my teams). Wilson is the better pass-catcher, making him a viable option in PPR leagues that has had a nose for the endzone in the past.
Peyton Barber (WSH) – 1.1% (@SF)
Let me be clear, I hate this matchup for Barber. McKissic is the guy you want with Antonio Gibson out against a stout Niners run D, no doubt about it. If you’re desperate though, it’s never bad to have a starting running back in fantasy, especially one that would get the goal line carries.
(DEEP DIVE) Lynn Bowden Jr. (MIA) – 0.4% (v KC)
Bowden was used in a receiving role in Week 13, with four catches for 41 yards. If Salvon Ahmed returns, there may be no snaps for Bowden between Gaskin and Ahmed, but he’s a really deep option to watch leading up to the weekend.
Week 14 Fantasy Streamers: WR
Well, finally some Week 13 hits, and I’m talking money streams. My number one WR streamer from last week was Keke Coutee, and he had a HUGE game, as did my number two Tim Patrick. Hunter Renfrow was fine after that, Damiere Byrd not so much, and Henry Ruggs did have at least one BIG play against the Jets as predicted (who would of known it would have been such a controversial one). Even Collin Johnson did well as a deep dive. Overall we went an outstanding five for seven, which sort of makes up for how badly we did at QB and RB. Sort of.
The main waiver names here will be T.Y. Hilton, Nelson Agholor, Breshad Perriman, Keke Coutee and possibly Michael Gallup among others. For all your waiver needs check out Rich King’s weekly article!
I love Keke Coutee again this week in the depleted Texans WR core, and would consider Gallup or Perriman as well if you can get your hands on them.
(DOUBLE DOWN) Tim Patrick (DEN) – 24.7% (@CAR)
It’s hard to resist going right back to Patrick. Here is a player that has really grown on me this season. The 6’4″ wide-out has had a breakout year, with two touchdowns last week in a challenging matchup, and yet he’s still available in most fantasy leagues. The Panthers secondary has been decent, but worse than KC (week 13). If Drew Lock doesn’t falter, Patrick may shine again in Week 14.
(DEEP DIVE) Collin Johnson (JAX) – 0.8% (v TEN)
(DOUBLE DOWN) Sticking with gigantic receivers, we are also taking Collin Johnson for the second straight week. Chark played and the rookie still had a large role in Glennon’s version of this Jay Gruden offense. I’m convinced that Jacksonville will throw the ball a lot in this one as they attempt to keep up with Tennessee, and Johnson is Glennon’s new favorite wide receiver (eight for 162 with a TD in the last two games).
Anthony Miller (CHI) – 11.9% (v HOU)
The former second round pick has become and unexciting possession receiver for the most part, but he has been much more of a Trubisky WR than a Foles one. In games with Mitch starting, Miller has had 10 or more fantasy points in PPR leagues three out of five times. Last week he caught five of five targets for 56 yards, and this Texans matchup is just as favorable as the Lions in Week 13.
Honorable Mentions
Laviska Shenault Jr. (JAX) – 14.4% (v TEN)
Although I like the less-hyped Johnson better, the other Jags rookie is also currently in the spotlight late in another hapless season for Jacksonville. Shenault is more similar to a Deebo Samuel type. They work the playmaker the ball off run plays, screens and passes. He’s less likely to have a huge play, but more likely to get solid production in PPR leagues.
Gabriel Davis (BUF) – 8.4% (v PIT)
What was once a boom or bust play has become a trend. Josh Allen likes Gabriel Davis, and this deep ball threat has paired perfectly with the bazooka-armed QB. This may not be the perfect matchup for the rookie, but matchups haven’t seemed to matter. Davis has 65-plus yards and a touchdown in three of his last four games.
Week 14 Fantasy Streamers: TE
We sort of hit on waiver/streamer Logan Thomas, who had an awesome Week 13, but Jordan Akins burned us once again. I’ve lost count how many times that is now. It’s fair to mention that Houston still has nobody to throw to, and Akins has a much better TE matchup this week, but I can’t list him again with how many times he’s insulted the integrity of this weekly article.
We’ll assume Logan Thomas and Jordan Reed are still top waiver candidates, leaving these two as our Week 14 streamers…
(DEEP DIVE) Cole Kmet (CHI) – 0.8% (v HOU)
Remember how I said to keep an eye on Cole Kmet a number of weeks ago? Well now is the time to actually play him. The Bears finally started the rookie over Jimmy Graham last week, and he provided an immediate spark with five receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. Not a ridiculous line, but a sturdy one for a rookie tight end. His second start against Houston might be even better.
Honorable Mention
Will Dissly (SEA) – 3.1% (v NYJ)
The Jets have been awful at guarding the tight end this season. Waller was the most recent TE to destroy them, and Dissly could be the next. My main two concerns are that Metcalf and Lockett will demand targets against inexperienced Jets corners (1), and Hollister will continue to split snaps (2). I would slant Dissly over Hollister this week though. He’s the better blocker, and the Seahawks may be in run formations more often than not if they have a lead on NYJ, leading to more bootleg opportunities for Dissly.
Week 14 Fantasy Streamers: D/ST
As mentioned prior, WR was the only position that seemed to work out in Week 13. Everything else was a dumpster fire, including D/ST where I went with the Chargers and 49ers (both were bad). The Raiders were my best Week 13 streamer at team defense, listed as an honorable mention.
New York Giants – 28.8% (v ARI)
There was a big sell-off for NYG D/ST last week ahead of their matchup with Seattle, but there shouldn’t have been. This defense is downright good. They were all over Russell Wilson and I have no reason to believe they won’t pressure Kyler Murray just as much, especially since he’s been banged up. This is also a home game for the G-Men, and I’d bet on the defense any day with the way they’re playing right now.
Honorable Mention
Carolina Panthers – 7.0% (v DEN)
Right now looking at the top D/ST’s available in less than 40 percent of leagues (Chargers, Cardinals, Eagles, Broncos, Titans, Texans, etc.), I’m really not crazy about any of them this week. I’m not 100 percent on Carolina either, mainly because of the COVID situation I mentioned earlier (Derrick Brown and Gross-Matos are among the players that could be absent), but I’m moreso betting against Drew Lock here. He’s been really terrible this year with turnovers, and the Panthers D has been very opportunistic via the turnover in their last two games.
Week 14 Fantasy Streamers: K
I have not had bad kicker weeks much this season, but even my top position went sideways last weekend. Matt Gay missed one field goal and Dan Bailey missed three kicks total. Shameful! Let’s correct that now.
Brandon McManus (DEN) – 38.3% (@CAR)
Always a huge fan of McManus, he’s one of the top kickers in the sport in terms of range and consistency, and this offense leaves him with field goal trys more often than not. Weather check is fine for Carolina on Sunday, making McManus my top kicker play.
Ryan Succop (TB) – 32.2% (v MIN)
One of my favorite kickers earlier in the season is now available again after a Buccaneers bye. I expect Tampa to score A LOT on the Vikes this week, and it’s sunny and 75 in TB.
Honorable Mention
Joey Slye (CAR) – 26.6% (v DEN)
Also a fan of the Panthers kicker in this battle in Carolina. I trust McManus more, but Slye is probably on the better offensive unit.
Kickers to Avoid
There really isn’t too much bad weather this week, but the worst forecast is probably in Chicago (cold and windy) for the Texans-Bears game. I never like to chance weather if I can avoid it for kickers, especially during a crucial fantasy playoff week, so I would AVOID Ka’imi Fairbairn and Cairo Santos this weekend because of that.
Thanks for reading! Check in next week for more streaming options or tweet @the_mizzardFF with questions, or for fantasy football advice.
That’s it for our fantasy streamers for Week 14 come back next week for more! Remember, you can always reach out to us on social media with any questions we are on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And don’t forget to check out our weekly rankings!
Image Credit: Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports
