NFL Waiver Wire: Week 14 Pickups

First, I refuse to write about the Eagles' backfield after watching Monday Night Football. It's a crowded situation and Josh Adams is the most desirable back, but there are too many mouths to feed. That said, look at the handcuffs this week – Gio Bernard, Josh Kelly, Damien Williams (mentioned here). On any given week, an injury or Kareem Hunt situation could happen. Good luck to all of those in the playoffs.

If there are questions about the players mentioned or in general, feel free to hit up the comments section.

This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. 

QUARTERBACK

Secondary Targets

Josh Allen, BUF - It's hard to ignore what Allen's done with his legs his last two games with 22 rushes for 234 yards and a touchdown. If you include what he's done in the passing game he has 27.9 and 33.1 fantasy points in those two games. The last four games on his schedule shape up nicely as well with the Jets, Lions and Dolphins at home and only one more away game in New England. It's apparent his rushing ability has been a focal point of the offense, and expecting about 10 rushes from him per game is reasonable. FAAB: $4-$8

Hail Mary

Mark Sanchez, WAS - Well, hopefully he understands more of the offense in these upcoming weeks. Can you expect something, anything out of him? Probably not, but here's the one chance to prove he's still relevant in the league. In two-quarterback leagues he'll be the man with Colt McCoy out for the season. FAAB: $1, much more in 2-QB/WR flex leagues

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Jeff Wilson, SF - Matt Breida's bothersome ankle kept him limited Sunday, leaving the door open for Wilson to have a big day against the Seahawks. Wilson, an undrafted rookie out of North Texas, finished the game with 134 yards from scrimmage on 23 touches (15 carries, eight catches). At 2-10 the 49ers likely will give Breida extended time off until his ankle is completely healed and let Wilson handle the bulk of the workload. Breida is out this week, and Wilson should be very busy come Sunday. FAAB: Back up the Brinks truck

Justin Jackson, LAC - Jackson made the most of his opportunity Sunday night, finishing with nine touches for 82 yards from scrimmage. He had a more productive game than Austin Ekeler despite Ekeler getting 18 touches. Jackson looked to be the better running back, and the Chargers might be inclined to shift some of the workload to Jackson while Melvin Gordon is on the mend. Jackson converted near the goal line as well Sunday night, meaning he could be the guy who gets the short-yardage/goal-line work. FAAB: $25-$75

Jaylen Samuels, PIT - Samuels was listed in this article earlier this season and has the unique advantage of qualifying as a tight end on Yahoo. That means this week you can roster the Steelers' starting running back at tight end. James Conner hasn't been ruled out yet, and it sounded as if the injury wasn't as serious as first thought. That said, the Steelers could err on the side of caution this week and turn to the rookie out of North Carolina State. The likely reason Samuels is listed with tight end eligibility is due to the fact he was used all over the field in college, including lined up in the slot. That was how the Steelers were rumored to use him at the start of the season, but with all of Conner's success they eased the rookie into the fold. His value depends on Conner's status; adjust your bidding based on any relevant news this week. Stevan Ridley is worth a few bucks as well but likely would serve as Samuels' backup. FAAB: $10-$20

Secondary Targets

Damien Williams, KC - The Chiefs signed Charcandrick West on Monday in a move that was likely just to add some depth to the roster as well a player familiar with the offense. Williams has been with the team and now is the handcuff to Spencer Ware, though Williams may have earned more work. Williams finished with seven touches for 45 yards (averaging 7.6 yards per carry) while Ware had 14 carries for 47 yards (3.4 yards per carry). This pick is based on speculation that Kansas City turns its backfield into more of a timeshare situation rather than Ware being the workhorse. FAAB: $4-$8

Hail Mary

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Dante Pettis, Kendrick Bourne, SF - Someone has to catch the ball besides George Kittle while Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin are out and Pettis in particular has been very productive the last two weeks. Over those two game Pettis has nine catches for 206 yards and three scores while Bourne has six catches for 87 yard over the same span of games. The return of either Garcon or Goodwin (or both) will obviously have a negative impact on Pettis and Bourne but if the former ends up missing more games, Pettis will have another opportunity to produce. FAAB: Pettis $4-$8, Bourne $2-$4

Hail Mary

Cody Core, CIN - A.J. Green's season is over after the Bengals placed him on IR on Monday and now it's a matter of if he'll have surgery on his troublesome toe and be ready for the start of camp. Core caught only one pass Sunday, but it was a 30-yard touchdown from Jeff Driskel. Core has played more than 30 snaps on offense three consecutive games and should see an increased role with Green out. Being a backup, he likely has a good rapport with Driskel as often time the backups work together in practice. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

TIGHT END

Secondary Targets

Ian Thomas, CAR - Greg Olsen's season (and possibly career) is over after he ruptured the plantar fascia in his right foot. His body has shown signs of wearing down the last two seasons after playing in 16 games for nine consecutive seasons. Thomas hadn't been targeted in four straight games before Sunday when in relief of Olsen he finished with 5-5-46. Olsen leaves behind more than four targets per game with Thomas being the most likely to get those targets. FAAB: $4-$8