RADIO
Here it is. For most of you, this marks the beginning of the playoffs and which I say congrats for advancing. For those of us with a game still to play, let's finish strong to solidify our playoff spot or play spoiler. One thing to keep in mind is depth is longer a necessity. Play the guys who got you here, not the guys you paid for.
Welcome to Week 14 of the fantasy season, and my column on recommended FAAB auction bidding for Week 14's waiver wire. There are a few injuries to report, but nothing major. Kapri Bibbs (ankle) was sent to the IR while Julio Jones (toe) and Lamar Miller (ribs) were banged up and left the games at various times Sunday but are expected to play in Week 14.
Let’s look around the league at who is worth a bid going into Week 14. Each price recommendation will be based on a $100 FAAB budget. Be sure to also check out our weekly waiver wire analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all Week 13 options.
Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 14 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - CUTS
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs
Justin Forsett (DEN, RB) - $8-12
22% owned in Fleaflicker
Just when you thought you'd seen the end of Forsett, news broke Monday that the Broncos had signed him following Kapri Bibbs (ankle) going to the IR. He now enters a backfield with struggling starter Devontae Booker, who continues to look unimpressive and reportedly was due to lose his job to Bibbs. Forsett as you may recall is a discipline of the Gary Kubiak school of running backs, meaning it should not take long for him to learn the playbook. Look for Forsett to begin seeing snaps immediately and if he shows effective, take Booker's job before the playoffs begin.
Jerick McKinnon (MIN, RB) - $6-8
39% owned in Fleaflicker
Remember when we all got way too giddy for McKinnon after Adrian Peterson went down? I was among the burn victims, but it's time we revisit this situation. Yes, the Vikings run game is last in the NFL, but they have given McKinnon a bigger cut of the pie lately. He's seen nine carries in consecutive games while adding six targets out of the backfield in Week 13, including a touchdown. The Vikings face the Jaguars who rank 23rd versus the run this season. If you are desperate, give him a second chance on Sunday.
Ty Montgomery (GB, RB) - $4-6
30% owned in Fleaflicker
The Packers backfield has been a mess all season long, and things didn't get any clearer on Sunday. They mixed in Montgomery with the ineffective James Starks (four carries, one yard) but used Montgomery to end the game. He rushed six times for 40 yards and caught both of his targets for 16 yards in the win. You likely have better options this week than Montgomery vs Seattle, but if the Packers give Montgomery the reigns he is tempting Week 15 at Chicago.
Also Consider: Come playoff time depth is meaningless, which means handcuffs are the name of the game. Jalen Richard (OAK, RB - $4) has been an effective backup for Latavius Murray and has a cake playoff schedule (@ SD, vs IND). Charles Sims (TB, RB - $4) is set to come back this week and should immediately enter the No. 2 role behind Doug Martin. Martin has dealt with injuries all year and the schedule (@ DAL, @ NO) is enticing.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers
We highlighted Malcolm Mitchell ($15) last week and he is the No. 1 option if available.
Tyler Lockett (SEA, WR) - FAAB Bid: $8-10
52% owned in Fleaflicker
A popular pick at Draft Day, Lockett has been a fantasy bust mainly due to various ailments throughout the season. Finally healthy, Lockett looked like the weapon he displayed his rookie season on Sunday. He caught 5-of-6 targets for 63 yards but the highlight was his 75-yard sweep run to start the second half. Lockett's speed turned the trick play from a six-yard gain to a massive play, and the Seahawks will continue to utilize it going forward. Next up is Green Bay, who ranked 23rd versus the pass and 26th versus slot receivers. Look for Lockett to be involved in this shootout.
Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR, WR) - FAAB Bid: $4-7
22% owned in Fleaflicker
Don't look now, but Ginn is heating up circa 2015 as we head to the playoffs. He now has a touchdown in three consecutive games and continues to be Cam Newton's preferred option when going deep. Greg Olsen continues to dominate the midrange targets but Kelvin Benjamin has been a disappointment, allowing Ginn to reemerge. Don't be afraid to ride the hot hand versus San Diego.
Brandon LaFell (CIN, WR) - FAAB Bid: $3-5
33% owned in Fleaflicker
While most of us anticipate Tyler Boyd taking A.J. Green's role, it has been LaFell that has Andy Dalton's eye. LaFell caught 5-of-7 targets for 95 yards and a touchdown on Sunday and has led Bengals wideouts in red zone targets since Green departed. His targets since Green left; 9, 9. 7. Next up is Cleveland and their 31st pass defense. LaFell is on the WR3/FLEX radar for Week 14.
Also Consider: Albert Wilson (KC, WR) - $3 ; Anquan Boldin (DET, WR) - $2 ; Corey Coleman (CLE, WR) - $1
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends
Dwayne Allen (IND, TE) - FAAB Bid: $6-8
43% owned in Fleaflicker
When you catch three touchdown passes (4-73-3), you get to be highlighted. It's that simple. Allen continues to show why the Colts let Coby Fleener leave and now has 13 targets in his past two games. That said, it's a tough game versus Houston, a team that has limited Allen to three catches for 35 yards in their previous three matchups. Avoid this if you can, but the other matchups (@ MIN, @ OAK) are tight end friendly.
Ladarius Green (PIT, TE) - FAAB Bid: $6-8
36% owned in Fleaflicker
Green is the real prize here. He has seen his snaps increase every week since entering the Steelers offense and had his best game on Sunday, catching 6-of-11 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. The 11 targets were behind only Antonio Brown on the offense. Green has been used solely for passing routes when put in the game, allowing him to having the second highest points-per-snap of any tight end (Jordan Reed is No. 1). Green will continue be utilized versus the Bills, a team that ranks 27th versus tight ends. Fire Green up as a TE1 this week.
Also Consider: Cameron Brate (TB, TE) - FAAB Bid: $3
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks
You shouldn't be streaming quarterbacks at this point as there are no more bye weeks. If you do need help, check and see if Andy Dalton ($4) or Carson Palmer ($2) is available.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Defense
Lions D/ST - FAAB Bid: $2-4
19% owned in Fleaflicker
It's time the Lions defense gets the credit they deserve. They just snapped Drew Brees' 60-game home streak with a touchdown and have allowed 20 points just once in the past six games. They get the Bears next who have allowed the ninth most points to fantasy defenses this year. At 81% availability, this is one we all can invest in.
Bengals D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3
55% owned in Fleaflicker
The Bengals season may be over but don't tell the defense that. They've limited opposing offenses to under 20 points in three straight games and now get to feast on Robert Griffin III in his return. Bengals will be a popular stream this week, but one that should pay off.
Rankings provided by Football Outsiders.
