Welcome to December and it’s Week 14, and for most, just one week out of the fantasy football playoffs. If you’re reading this, you’re likely in one of two boats: you’re scrambling to secure that final playoff seed in a do-or-die matchup, or you’re trying to patch together a lineup because the NFL schedule makers decided Week 14 was the perfect time for a massive bye week.
Seriously, Christian McCaffrey and Drake Maye on a bye week right when the fantasy playoffs start for many of us? That feels personal. But there’s no use crying over empty roster spots. The waiver wire doesn’t sleep, and neither should you. This is the time of year when league winners are found in the scrap heap. Let’s dive into the guys who can save your season.
Quarterbacks: Streaming for Your Life
If you lost your starter or are just playing the matchups, don’t panic. The wire is surprisingly deep with viable options who can get you those precious 18-20 points.
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
When he plays clean football, Trevor Lawrence is a consistent fantasy streaming quarterback that can throw for 200+ yards and multiple touchdowns at times with some rushing upside. He can be a bye week fill-in for Maye, Brock Purdy, Jaxson Dart, or Bryce Young fantasy managers this week.
- Tyrod Taylor, N.Y. Jets
Need a little more upside? Tyrod Taylor is back on the radar. He put up over 21 points last week, thanks largely to his legs (44 rushing yards and a score). Rushing quarterbacks are a cheat code in fantasy, and Taylor faces a Miami Dolphins defense that can be generous. If you’re an underdog and need a boom week, roll the dice here.
Running Backs: The Next Man Up
Running back depth is nonexistent this late in the season, so when a starter goes down or a rookie breaks out, you have to pounce.
- Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals
We are done playing the guessing game with Trey Benson’s knee. He’s risky, and you don’t have time for risky. Enter Bam Knight. He’s stepped in and scored double digits three weeks in a row. He’s getting the volume, he’s finding the end zone, and he’s available in way too many leagues. If Benson sits again, Knight is an immediate RB2/Flex play.
- Devin Singletary, N.Y. Giants
Sometimes you need a guy who is going to touch the ball 15 times. With Tyrone Tracy getting banged up on Monday night, Singletary is back in the driver’s seat. The Giants have a juicy schedule for the fantasy playoffs (Commanders, Vikings, Raiders). Stash him now before your opponents realize he’s the starter again.
Wide Receivers: Chasing the Targets
- Adonai Mitchell, N.Y. Jets
Finally! We’ve been waiting for this breakout. Mitchell exploded for over 100 yards and a touchdown, proving he’s the serious threat this offense desperately needed. With Tyrod Taylor under center, the ball is actually moving downfield. Metchie is the safe, short-yardage guy, but Mitchell is the one who can win you a week with one play.
- Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans
Higgins is quietly becoming a staple in the Texans’ offense. He’s seeing a healthy route share and consistent targets. He’s not going to drop 30 points on you, but in PPR leagues, he’s a solid floor play who won’t goose egg you.
Tight Ends & Defenses: The Final Pieces in Week 14
- Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tight end is a wasteland, but Strange is surging. He found the end zone last week and now gets a Colts defense that has been handing out fantasy points to TEs like candy. If you’re streaming the position, he’s a top-tier option.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST
Defense wins championships, right? The Bucs have a dream schedule down the stretch (Saints, Falcons, Panthers). They might have been quiet recently, but they just woke up against Arizona. Grab them now and set your lineup for the next three weeks.
