Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 14 (2017)

Kenyan Drake Miami Dolphins
Source: Icon Sportswire

Time sure does fly. It seems like only weeks ago we were doing mock drafts, getting our Excel spreadsheets ready, and maybe playing Madden just to prepare for the upcoming fantasy season. And now the playoffs are upon us (well, most of us at least). Whether you are getting ready for your first round matchup, getting ready for the consolation bracket, or you have one more week of regular season, you still need to be active on the waiver wire. Here are some guys worth looking for on your waiver wires in Week 14.

Kenyan Drake RB Miami Dolphins (68% owned)

Kenyan Drake had an opportunity to show what he can do in Week 13 with Damien Williams sidelined. He showed that he can handle the work load. Drake carried the ball 23 times for 120 yards and 1 touchdown, and added 3 catches for 21 yards. Drake ran all over the Denver defense, and looks to continue that against the Patriots in Week 14. He may be owned in a lot of leagues, but it's worth a check, especially if Williams misses more time. If Drake dominates carries, he could win you your league. The Dolphins, after New England in Week 14, get the Bills twice and Kansas Citydream matchups for running backs. Drake should be owned in all leagues.

Jamaal Williams RB Green Bay Packers (71% owned)

Jamaal Williams rushed 21 times for 113 yards and 1 touchdown in Week 13. He also caught 2 passes for 10 yards. Williams ran hard all game, proving that he should hold onto the starting job even with Aaron Jones getting healthy. With that being said, who knows what the Packers will do with the two running backs. Ty Montgomery is on IR, so that should help clear things up a bit in the backfield. Williams gets the Browns in Week 14, who have been solid against the run this season but has been faltering as of late. After that, an Aaron Rodgers return could really help open up the run game. Williams is highly owned, but 29% of leagues still have him available, so it's worth a check. Williams should be owned in all leagues.

Rex Burkhead RB New England Patriots (68% owned)

Sticking with the higher owned running backs, Rex Burkhead is another solid option to look for this week on your waiver wires. Burkhead rushed 12 times for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns, and caught 3 passes for 25 yards. Burkhead has had two solid games in a row now, and takes on Miami in Week 14 in a Monday night showdown. Burkhead also gets the Bills again in Week 16 (championship week for many leagues) so he could help you win your league if he plays like he did this week. He should be added in 10 team leagues.

Mike Davis RB Seattle Seahawks (8% owned)

It appears as though Seattle has finally found a running back after weeks of awful performances. Mike Davis rushed 16 times for 64 yards and caught 4 passes for 37 yards. The next closest running back had 1 carry all game. The Seahawks have a difficult schedule coming up against the Jaguars and Rams, so they may rely more on the run game to control the clock. Davis should be added in 12 team leagues.

Dede Westbrook WR Jacksonville Jaguars (28% owned)

Dede Westbrook got a ton of hype this pre-season, lighting up opposing secondaries before going on IR with an abdominal injury. Since his return in Week 11, Westbrook has been targeted 25 times (average of 8). In Week 13, Westbrook caught 6 of 9 targets for 78 yards. With the running game stalling recently, the Jaguars have had to find other ways to win, including Blake Bortles throwing the ball more. Dede has a tougher matchup in Week 14 against the Seahawks, but after that he has Houston, San Francisco, and Tennessee. Westbrook should be added in 12 team leagues.

Marquise Goodwin WR San Francisco 49ers (32% owned)

Marquise Goodwin was already a solid WR for fantasy once Pierre Garcon went onto IR a few weeks ago. But now it appears as though Goodwin has become a favorite target of newcomer Jimmy Garropolo. In Week 13 Goodwin caught 8 of 8 targets for 99 yards. Goodwin showed his QB that he can trust him, consistently making catches no matter where he was on the field. The 49ers face the Texans and the Titans the next 2 weeks, so Goodwin should have some opportunity to have some good games. He should be added in 12 team leagues.

Peyton Barber RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5% owned)

Peyton Barber has sneakily been getting more carries the last 5 weeks, and got the nod in Week 13 with Doug Martin out due to a concussion. Barber rushed 23 times for 102 yards and caught 4 passes for 41 yards. Barber looked like a breath of fresh air from the awful Martin performances, breaking off big gains multiple times. It's unknown whether or not Martin will return in Week 14 or if Barber will get more carries, but it is worth monitoring over the next few weeks. If anything, Barber should be added by the Martin owner just in case. Barber is more of a 14 team league addition unless news comes out that he will start again.

Matt Forte RB New York Jets (37% owned)

When Matt Forte is healthy, he is a solid running back option for fantasy football. In Week 13, Forte rushed 15 times for 58 yards and caught 3 passes for 33 yards and 1 touchdown. This may not be the most exciting pickup, but Forte seems to get the bulk of the touches in this three headed backfield. The Jets play Denver and New Orleans the next two weeks, so as long as Forte stays healthy he should get a good amount of work. He is more of a 14 team addition for players who need a safe play.


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