In most league formats, Week 14 marks the last week of the regular fantasy football season. Your last chance to add and drop players who will or will not be with your team for the crucial playoff weeks. Perhaps you do not need to add anyone and you have been rolling with the same guys all year. In that case, consider yourself lucky.
Being active on the waiver wire is always one of the biggest keys to building a playoff contender, and that continues to hold true as the fantasy season hits the final stretch.
Here are six waiver wire pickups to target entering Week 14:
RB Raheem Mostert: 14.1% rostered (ESPN)
In what was once a crowded backfield in San Francisco with Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman having a majority of the carries, it was hard to judge which 49ers running back would be worth adding. Mostert has survived the injury bug that has started to attack this 49ers offense and has taken over as the lead back.
Against Baltimore in Week 13, Mostert totaled 19 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown in a downpour that lasted all game. Mostert brings a dynamic speed and toughness aspect to this young 49ers team.
The upcoming schedule isn’t great, but Mostert has flex appeal—especially if something happens to Coleman and/or Breida.
Next game: at New Orleans
TE Mike Gesicki: 10.3% rostered (ESPN)
The Dolphins picked up another win on Sunday against Philadelphia as the offense seemed to find new life. Gesicki contributed a large part of that with five catches for 79 yards and a score. Ryan Fitzpatrick loves his big tight end which could be huge if you are looking for a little boost at that position.
In a brutal tight end landscape, finding consistent production is difficult. However, the opportunities have been there for the uber-athletic tight end. Gesicki has seen no fewer than six targets in each of the last five games.
With a beautiful schedule coming up, the Penn State product could be in for a strong stretch.
Next game: at New York (Jets)
WR Zach Pascal: 24.9% rostered (ESPN)
Pascal was one of the only veteran receivers left standing in Sunday’s loss to Tennessee. He had a solid performance with seven catches for 109 yards and seemed to connect with Jacoby Brissett more. With T.Y. Hilton still out, look for Pascal to continue to receive a majority of targets.
The third-year wide receiver has enjoyed a quasi breakout campaign. He’s stepped up nicely into the WR1 role for Indy when they have needed it (albeit with some goose eggs). As Chester Rogers hit the injured reserve, Pascal’s role in the offense is safe.
He certainly has some flex appeal immediately with the Colts traveling to visit the porous passing defense of the Buccaneers in Week 14.
Next game: at Tampa Bay
WR James Washington: 22.6% rostered (ESPN)
How many times do I have to put Washington on this list?!? The young receiver has been on a tear the past five weeks with injuries in the Pittsburgh receiving room to Juju Smith-Schuster and others.
Sunday against Cleveland, Washington totaled four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. He has big-play capability and a very solid connection with Devlin Hodges which has proven to be effective.
It’s a toss-up with Washington, but he’s been productive lately. In three of his last four games, he’s scored fewer than 16 fantasy points in just one outing. Can that continue in Week 14? It just might.
Next game: at Arizona
TE Tyler Higbee: 0.6% rostered (ESPN)
Los Angeles finally got their offense back on track after an embarrassing performance the week before against Baltimore. Jared Goff had a monster 400-yard performance and got a collection of receivers involved including Higbee.
He finished the blowout win against Arizona with seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. Goff seems to be more productive when he gets Higbee the football, so expect that connection to continue in the coming weeks.
The schedule isn’t great for Higbee but if Gerald Everrett continues to miss time, the upside is always there.
Next game: vs Seattle
RB Peyton Barber: 35.9% rostered (ESPN)
The Buccaneers took advantage of Jacksonville’s struggles on Sunday in a commanding 28-11 victory. Barber finished the day with 44 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He is a great flex option and RB3 add if you need an extra player who can be productive in key spots.
That said, it can be difficult to sift through the risk of starting a Buccaneers running back. There really isn’t a tell-tale sign if Barber is going to be the guy or if it will go back Ronald Jones.
However, it could pay off if Barber continues to be the guy.
Next game: vs Indianapolis
