Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Optimus Staff

Published On: December 1st, 2025

IT’S TIIIIIIIIIIIMEEEEEEEE

a woman in a red dress is standing in front of a glass door and says `` it 's time '' .

Yes, it is December 1st, which in my book means it is now acceptable to play Christmas music. She has broken free, but maybe that’s not your speed. Perhaps the Dropkick Murphys sound more like your family at Christmas. Or maybe you’re like us and just want some dang fries. However, you aren’t here for Christmas music, at least I don’t think you are…

You are here to gear up for the fantasy football playoffs. In most leagues, the playoffs start next week (Week 15). This is your last chance to claim your spot and forge your path to the championship. Santa Claus may be coming to town, but so are these hot waiver wire pick-ups we have for you for Week 14.

GUESS WHAT?! It is the final time you will see this graphic this year! Wooohooo!

Week 14 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

(click me ^)

Running Backs:

I need to start this section off with a bit of a warning/disclaimer. RB handcuffs are generally not a great idea throughout the season. They take up a roster spot. Yeah, RBs get hurt, but unless the RB you have the handcuff for gets hurt, does that help? Obviously not. So it’s easy to waste a roster spot by focusing on rostering handcuffs. And….

As we start to turn our attention to playoff runs, now is the time to start making sure you have an RB to start if, fantasy football gods forbid, you end up losing your high-end RB to injury. So every week, I’m going to highlight a ‘handcuff who matters.’ Because not all handcuffs are created equal.

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens | Sleeper 7% | ESPN 1.6% | FAAB 20%

If you’re in need of an RB3 or better on your team, Keaton Mitchell needs to be on your squad as soon as humanly possible. Justice Hill is now on IR, and according to John Harbaugh, he’s “three or four weeks away.” This means Mitchell will see consistent, if low, volume throughout the fantasy playoffs. Low volume is perfect for Mitchell’s skill set; however, as a small yet devastatingly speedy RB in a run-centric offense. Mitchell can take literally any touch and turn it into a TD better than any RB not-named Jahmyr Gibbs in the NFL. But he’s not built for a heavy workload, so 8-12 touches is perfect to keep him healthy as well as return RB3 value for you.

Also, it’s Week 14. We’re not taking our FAAB into the offseason here. If you need Keaton Mitchell, you spend what it takes to get him. Plain and simple. 

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills | Sleeper 9% | ESPN 5.1% | FAAB 5%

Embed from Getty Images

I’ve long been a proponent of Ty Johnson in this space, particularly as a backup to starter James Cook. Something interesting happened in Week 13, though. For the first time in months, the Bills gave Ray Davis relatively extensive work behind Cook as his relief. Don’t get it twisted, Davis still only received nine carries compared to Cook’s 32, so Davis is not viable on his own. But we’re in the “we need to be ready for anything” part of the season as we head into the playoffs. There’s no way to predict that Cook will get hurt, however, so he could be a big ole nothingburger on your bench. For the first time, though, we have a different look at how the Buffalo backfield would look if Cook misses time.

Week 14 Handcuff Who Matters:

Malik Davis, Dallas Cowboys | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.2% | FAAB 0-1%

If you are a Javonte Williams manager, you probably don’t need me to outline Malik Davis here. But just in case you are and aren’t aware of him, Davis is clearly the backup to Williams now. With only three carries in Week 13 and 10 total since Dallas’ Week 10 bye, Davis isn’t a threat in any way to Williams’ job. However, with a 43-yard TD run against Kansas City, Malik Davis showed exactly why he’s a handcuff who matters for Javonte Williams managers.

As always, this is a hedge against injury. Dallas is a high-powered offense capable of putting up a lot of points. Even better, they have a mauling offensive line when fully healthy. This is the perfect recipe for an RB to thrive. While Davis wasn’t a top prospect coming out of college three years ago, he fits the profile of a late-round, feisty RB who can make some noise if given a chance. The perfect recipe for a Handcuff Who Matters.

Wide Receivers:

Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets | Sleeper 7% | ESPN 2.7% | FAAB 4-6%

Since his trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the New York Jets, Adonai Mitchell has had at least six targets in all three of his games as a Jet. In the first two games against the Patriots and Browns, he parlayed 13 targets into just three receptions for 52 yards. However, in Week 13, he set a career high with 11 targets and turned them into eight receptions, 102 yards, and a touchdown.

The Jets are one of the worst offensive environments for fantasy football, so his production may be more volatile than we’d like, but the Jets are trying to find contributors going forward. Pinpointing Mitchell as a return in the Sauce Gardner trade was a solid addition for the Jets, who rescued him from a logjam of other wide receivers playing ahead of him despite being a second-round pick in 2024.

Mitchell is taking advantage of his late-season audition of sorts with the Jets, and with quarterback Tyrod Taylor providing a bit more of a fantasy floor in this offense, Mitchell should be a solid flex play through the end of the season. Also beneficial for the Jets is that with a three-game stretch starting in Week 15 with the Jaguars, Saints, and Patriots, Mitchell has excellent fantasy playoff matchups. He’s definitely worth an add and a stash on your roster should you need to use him.

Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 0.6% | FAAB 3-5%

Devaughn Vele was traded from the Denver Broncos to the New Orleans Saints, as he was likely caught up in a numbers game on the team, and hasn’t done much until the last couple of weeks with the Saints. Kickstarting his increased utilization was the trade of Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks and the release of Brandin Cooks. That’s gotten Vele at least 89% of routes per dropback in his last three games, but Week 13 is where he blew up a bit. 

With a season-high eight receptions, 93 yards, and a touchdown, Vele saw his biggest opportunity of the season. The Saints aren’t a great offense, but they’re condensed at the top, with Chris Olave, Vele, and tight end Juwan Johnson as the primary target-earning pass-catchers. Also important to note is that Olave has been dealing with back spasms, so any absence from the Saints’ top pass-catcher benefits Vele directly. As it stands right now, Vele is a situational flex play. He deserves to be on the majority of 12-team fantasy rosters for the rest of the season, with good matchups upcoming against two bottom-12 teams against fantasy wide receivers: the Buccaneers in Week 14 and the Titans in Week 17.

Quarterbacks:

* As a general rule, these fantasy football waiver wire QB recommendations apply to 2QB and Superflex leagues, unless otherwise noted.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets | Sleeper 6% | ESPN 4.7% | FAAB 2-3%

No, it’s not the mid-2010s, though seeing the name Tyrod Taylor in a waiver wire article might lead you to believe you accidentally fell into a wormhole. I promise you did not. 

The fact is, this iteration of the 15-year veteran QB has wedged his way into fantasy football relevance as we near the fantasy football playoffs. Of all places for a signal caller to find new life, the New York Jets certainly are low on the list of possibilities. However, with the faltering of Justin Fields and head coach Aaron Glenn committing to Taylor for the rest of 2025, here we are. 

In three starts this season, Taylor is averaging a more-than-respectable 17.6 fantasy points per game (FFPG), completing 60.7% of his passes with five TDs and four INTs. He’s also shown that, despite being 36, he can still run. In five total appearances this season, Taylor has logged 5.3 yards per carry on 27 attempts and has one rushing TD.  

If you’re looking for a solid QB2 to get you through the next few weeks, Taylor is an inexpensive option you’re unlikely to be fighting anyone for on the waiver wire. The Jets’ upcoming schedule looks very good for Taylor and the Jets. Weeks 13 and 14 bring matchups against Miami and Jacksonville, who are tied for the eighth-worst defense against fantasy QBs, allowing 21.1 FPPG.

You can count on Taylor to have a solid floor that will keep him in QB2 territory over the next few weeks with real QB1 tier upside in those two favorable matchups. He’s unlikely to be high on anyone’s priority list this week, and it shouldn’t cost you more than a few FAAB bucks to add Taylor to your Superflex or 2QB rosters. 

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans | Sleeper 38% | ESPN 45.3% | FAAB 8-10%

As unexciting as it may be, Texans QB C.J. Stroud is back from concussion protocol after missing three games. His return didn’t turn any heads, with the third-year veteran completing 22 of his 35 attempts for 276 and an INT and an even 10 fantasy points in a win over the struggling Colts.

While it wasn’t electric, it shouldn’t be surprising that Stroud was slow out of the gate after the extended absence. Houston ramped down its passing attack, throwing the ball on 52.1% of plays this past Sunday, despite averaging nearly 59% over their last three games. That is unlikely to continue, with playoff hopes high and matchups against Kansas City, Arizona and Las Vegas looming.

We don’t live in a world where adding Stroud is a league-winning move. It’s not sexy or flashy. This is like finding that old, consistent pair of jeans at the bottom of your drawer and pulling them out for old times’ sake. Stroud offers a consistent double-digit floor every week, with a ceiling of 20-plus points in more pass-scripts – think this coming week in Kansas City and Week 15 versus Arizona.

Like Taylor, most fantasy managers won’t be clamoring for Stroud on the waiver wire this week. Yes, he’s boring, but on your way to the fantasy football championship, consistency matters, and that’s what the veteran Houston QB brings to the table the rest of this season.

Tight Ends:

Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 0.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Gunnar Helm returns to this column for the second week in a row, and I see people aren’t taking my advice. That’s OK, though. Because it means you, Dear Reader, get to benefit. I mean, as much as one can benefit from the Tennessee Titans’ offense, of course.

This is a low-ceiling, decent-floor type of play. We’re not expecting the moon here; we’re just doing whatever we can to not go home with a zero. So really, this is a PPR-only type of play, because 23 yards receiving as he had in Week 13 won’t get it done, no matter what. Six receptions on seven targets, however? That’s a different story, and it definitely plays. Considering Helm has led the team in targets in both Weeks 12 and 13 now, there’s no reason to believe this volume won’t continue, as well.

Ross Dwelley, Detroit Lions | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.1% | FAAB 0%

Embed from Getty Images

I don’t want to hear a single word about how “you never talk about guys that are available in my league.” If Ross Dwelley isn’t available in your league, you need to play in more casual leagues. 

This is all about opportunity and nothing else. Sam LaPorta is still on IR. Amon-Ra St. Brown has the lowest of ankle sprains to hear the team tell it and will be out a week or two. And now backup TE Brock Wright is dealing with a trachea (I’m sorry, did they say “trachea?!”) injury, and Dan Campbell thinks he’ll be out a while. Yes, we know Jameson Williams will see more volume in the interim, but somebody else has to as well, right?

Remember Ross Dwelley? The guy who used to back up George Kittle and would kinda show out every time Kittle got hurt? Yup, same guy. He’s not the spring chicken he used to be, but he’s Done The Thing. When you have a team like the Lions, who are trying to make the playoffs, every little thing counts. If you’re hurting at TE, a dart throw with Dwelley against the Cowboys isn’t the worst idea in the world.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Washington Commanders | Sleeper 13% | ESPN 2.7% | FAAB 0-1%

If it wasn’t clear before this weekend, it certainly must be now. The Minnesota Vikings offense has a massive QB problem. Well, my D/ST streaming friends, that QB problem is your gain this weekend.

Fresh off a frustrating overtime loss to the Denver Broncos this past weekend, the Washington Commanders go on vacation to Minneapolis to face off against the Vikings in Week 13. While QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion) still has an unknown status, it won’t matter who starts for the Purple and White. Between McCarthy and backup Max Brosmer, they have a combined 14 INTs this season, with the latter throwing four in his first NFL start in Week 12.  

The Commanders are mad, and Minnesota is bad. That’s a powder keg for turnovers, and a blowout waiting to happen this weekend in the Twin Cities. A $1 bid should get the Washington defense on your roster for a one-week rental that you can move on after the Week 14 dust settles.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sleeper 31% | ESPN 23.1% | FAAB 2-4%   

Sometimes, get-right games come at the right time, and that’s what Tampa Bay is getting this weekend. The banged-up and bruised Buccaneers host the relegation-deserving Saints this weekend, and it could be a bloodbath in the bay.

The Buccaneers’ defense has been solid most of this season, but has struggled in tough matchups since their Week 9 bye. Before the bye, Tampa Bay boasted the number three overall fantasy D/ST, but has been the number 28 unit since the break. Week 14 is a gift for a tired unit, with rookie QB Tyler Shough struggling mightily. The rookie out of Louisville has committed four turnovers and been sacked nine times in the last two games. 

The Saints’ offense is bad, having scored 20 or more points only once this season, and Shough and company managed a lonely field goal in Week 8 against this same Tampa Bay defense. The Buccaneers are nearly a lock to be a top 10 defense this week. 

But wait, there’s more!

Tampa Bay has a very favorable schedule the rest of the way, drawing Atlanta, Carolina and Miami after this weekend dance with New Orleans. If you’re so inclined, you should be able to set and forget the Buccaneers D/ST for the rest of the fantasy football season. 

Kickers:

Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals | Sleeper 27% | ESPN 12.3% | FAAB 1-2%

In a world where lack of opportunity can handcuff even the most efficient kickers in fantasy football, Evan McPherson isn’t having that problem. 

While the veteran Cincinnati kicker had a slow start to the season, as the Bengals’ offense has warmed up, so has he. Since Week 7, McPherson has averaged 2.3 field goal attempts and a solid three extra point attempts per game. That ranks him as K2 in that span, one point behind Jason Myers in Seattle.

With QB Joe Burrow back and the team believing they have an outside shot at making the playoffs, McPherson will continue to be primed for fantasy scoring opportunities the rest of this season. The veteran Bengal is a solid addition to your fantasy rosters and can end your streaming search as a set-and-forget option in your kicker roster slots.

Riley Patterson, Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 1.1% | FAAB 0-1%

Kickers don’t necessarily need to be in a good offense to be fantasy relevant. Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson is clear evidence of that this season. 

While the Dolphins are technically still in playoff contention, they rank 24th in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game through 13 weeks. Their only saving grace has been RB De’Von Achane, but he can only get them so far, resulting in many stalled Dolphins drives and creating many opportunities for Patterson. In the team’s last four games, the veteran has attempted 11 field goals and six extra points, missing one each. In that span, Patterson ranks as K7 in FPPG.

There isn’t much to like in Miami the rest of this season, but Patterson has been consistent, and he will continue to get plenty of opportunities to finish stalled Tua-led drives. The Dolphins’ Week 14 matchup against the Jets should be a boon, with the team allowing the third most FPPG to the position (11.6). The remaining slate for Miami is all teams in the bottom half against the position as well, so if you’re tired of streaming kickers, you can lock Patterson in for the rest of the 2025 fantasy football season.

For more wavier wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

IT’S TIIIIIIIIIIIMEEEEEEEE

a woman in a red dress is standing in front of a glass door and says `` it 's time '' .

Yes, it is December 1st, which in my book means it is now acceptable to play Christmas music. She has broken free, but maybe that’s not your speed. Perhaps the Dropkick Murphys sound more like your family at Christmas. Or maybe you’re like us and just want some dang fries. However, you aren’t here for Christmas music, at least I don’t think you are…

You are here to gear up for the fantasy football playoffs. In most leagues, the playoffs start next week (Week 15). This is your last chance to claim your spot and forge your path to the championship. Santa Claus may be coming to town, but so are these hot waiver wire pick-ups we have for you for Week 14.

GUESS WHAT?! It is the final time you will see this graphic this year! Wooohooo!

Week 14 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

(click me ^)

Running Backs:

I need to start this section off with a bit of a warning/disclaimer. RB handcuffs are generally not a great idea throughout the season. They take up a roster spot. Yeah, RBs get hurt, but unless the RB you have the handcuff for gets hurt, does that help? Obviously not. So it’s easy to waste a roster spot by focusing on rostering handcuffs. And….

As we start to turn our attention to playoff runs, now is the time to start making sure you have an RB to start if, fantasy football gods forbid, you end up losing your high-end RB to injury. So every week, I’m going to highlight a ‘handcuff who matters.’ Because not all handcuffs are created equal.

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens | Sleeper 7% | ESPN 1.6% | FAAB 20%

If you’re in need of an RB3 or better on your team, Keaton Mitchell needs to be on your squad as soon as humanly possible. Justice Hill is now on IR, and according to John Harbaugh, he’s “three or four weeks away.” This means Mitchell will see consistent, if low, volume throughout the fantasy playoffs. Low volume is perfect for Mitchell’s skill set; however, as a small yet devastatingly speedy RB in a run-centric offense. Mitchell can take literally any touch and turn it into a TD better than any RB not-named Jahmyr Gibbs in the NFL. But he’s not built for a heavy workload, so 8-12 touches is perfect to keep him healthy as well as return RB3 value for you.

Also, it’s Week 14. We’re not taking our FAAB into the offseason here. If you need Keaton Mitchell, you spend what it takes to get him. Plain and simple. 

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills | Sleeper 9% | ESPN 5.1% | FAAB 5%

Embed from Getty Images

I’ve long been a proponent of Ty Johnson in this space, particularly as a backup to starter James Cook. Something interesting happened in Week 13, though. For the first time in months, the Bills gave Ray Davis relatively extensive work behind Cook as his relief. Don’t get it twisted, Davis still only received nine carries compared to Cook’s 32, so Davis is not viable on his own. But we’re in the “we need to be ready for anything” part of the season as we head into the playoffs. There’s no way to predict that Cook will get hurt, however, so he could be a big ole nothingburger on your bench. For the first time, though, we have a different look at how the Buffalo backfield would look if Cook misses time.

Week 14 Handcuff Who Matters:

Malik Davis, Dallas Cowboys | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.2% | FAAB 0-1%

If you are a Javonte Williams manager, you probably don’t need me to outline Malik Davis here. But just in case you are and aren’t aware of him, Davis is clearly the backup to Williams now. With only three carries in Week 13 and 10 total since Dallas’ Week 10 bye, Davis isn’t a threat in any way to Williams’ job. However, with a 43-yard TD run against Kansas City, Malik Davis showed exactly why he’s a handcuff who matters for Javonte Williams managers.

As always, this is a hedge against injury. Dallas is a high-powered offense capable of putting up a lot of points. Even better, they have a mauling offensive line when fully healthy. This is the perfect recipe for an RB to thrive. While Davis wasn’t a top prospect coming out of college three years ago, he fits the profile of a late-round, feisty RB who can make some noise if given a chance. The perfect recipe for a Handcuff Who Matters.

Wide Receivers:

Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets | Sleeper 7% | ESPN 2.7% | FAAB 4-6%

Since his trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the New York Jets, Adonai Mitchell has had at least six targets in all three of his games as a Jet. In the first two games against the Patriots and Browns, he parlayed 13 targets into just three receptions for 52 yards. However, in Week 13, he set a career high with 11 targets and turned them into eight receptions, 102 yards, and a touchdown.

The Jets are one of the worst offensive environments for fantasy football, so his production may be more volatile than we’d like, but the Jets are trying to find contributors going forward. Pinpointing Mitchell as a return in the Sauce Gardner trade was a solid addition for the Jets, who rescued him from a logjam of other wide receivers playing ahead of him despite being a second-round pick in 2024.

Mitchell is taking advantage of his late-season audition of sorts with the Jets, and with quarterback Tyrod Taylor providing a bit more of a fantasy floor in this offense, Mitchell should be a solid flex play through the end of the season. Also beneficial for the Jets is that with a three-game stretch starting in Week 15 with the Jaguars, Saints, and Patriots, Mitchell has excellent fantasy playoff matchups. He’s definitely worth an add and a stash on your roster should you need to use him.

Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 0.6% | FAAB 3-5%

Devaughn Vele was traded from the Denver Broncos to the New Orleans Saints, as he was likely caught up in a numbers game on the team, and hasn’t done much until the last couple of weeks with the Saints. Kickstarting his increased utilization was the trade of Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks and the release of Brandin Cooks. That’s gotten Vele at least 89% of routes per dropback in his last three games, but Week 13 is where he blew up a bit. 

With a season-high eight receptions, 93 yards, and a touchdown, Vele saw his biggest opportunity of the season. The Saints aren’t a great offense, but they’re condensed at the top, with Chris Olave, Vele, and tight end Juwan Johnson as the primary target-earning pass-catchers. Also important to note is that Olave has been dealing with back spasms, so any absence from the Saints’ top pass-catcher benefits Vele directly. As it stands right now, Vele is a situational flex play. He deserves to be on the majority of 12-team fantasy rosters for the rest of the season, with good matchups upcoming against two bottom-12 teams against fantasy wide receivers: the Buccaneers in Week 14 and the Titans in Week 17.

Quarterbacks:

* As a general rule, these fantasy football waiver wire QB recommendations apply to 2QB and Superflex leagues, unless otherwise noted.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets | Sleeper 6% | ESPN 4.7% | FAAB 2-3%

No, it’s not the mid-2010s, though seeing the name Tyrod Taylor in a waiver wire article might lead you to believe you accidentally fell into a wormhole. I promise you did not. 

The fact is, this iteration of the 15-year veteran QB has wedged his way into fantasy football relevance as we near the fantasy football playoffs. Of all places for a signal caller to find new life, the New York Jets certainly are low on the list of possibilities. However, with the faltering of Justin Fields and head coach Aaron Glenn committing to Taylor for the rest of 2025, here we are. 

In three starts this season, Taylor is averaging a more-than-respectable 17.6 fantasy points per game (FFPG), completing 60.7% of his passes with five TDs and four INTs. He’s also shown that, despite being 36, he can still run. In five total appearances this season, Taylor has logged 5.3 yards per carry on 27 attempts and has one rushing TD.  

If you’re looking for a solid QB2 to get you through the next few weeks, Taylor is an inexpensive option you’re unlikely to be fighting anyone for on the waiver wire. The Jets’ upcoming schedule looks very good for Taylor and the Jets. Weeks 13 and 14 bring matchups against Miami and Jacksonville, who are tied for the eighth-worst defense against fantasy QBs, allowing 21.1 FPPG.

You can count on Taylor to have a solid floor that will keep him in QB2 territory over the next few weeks with real QB1 tier upside in those two favorable matchups. He’s unlikely to be high on anyone’s priority list this week, and it shouldn’t cost you more than a few FAAB bucks to add Taylor to your Superflex or 2QB rosters. 

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans | Sleeper 38% | ESPN 45.3% | FAAB 8-10%

As unexciting as it may be, Texans QB C.J. Stroud is back from concussion protocol after missing three games. His return didn’t turn any heads, with the third-year veteran completing 22 of his 35 attempts for 276 and an INT and an even 10 fantasy points in a win over the struggling Colts.

While it wasn’t electric, it shouldn’t be surprising that Stroud was slow out of the gate after the extended absence. Houston ramped down its passing attack, throwing the ball on 52.1% of plays this past Sunday, despite averaging nearly 59% over their last three games. That is unlikely to continue, with playoff hopes high and matchups against Kansas City, Arizona and Las Vegas looming.

We don’t live in a world where adding Stroud is a league-winning move. It’s not sexy or flashy. This is like finding that old, consistent pair of jeans at the bottom of your drawer and pulling them out for old times’ sake. Stroud offers a consistent double-digit floor every week, with a ceiling of 20-plus points in more pass-scripts – think this coming week in Kansas City and Week 15 versus Arizona.

Like Taylor, most fantasy managers won’t be clamoring for Stroud on the waiver wire this week. Yes, he’s boring, but on your way to the fantasy football championship, consistency matters, and that’s what the veteran Houston QB brings to the table the rest of this season.

Tight Ends:

Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 0.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Gunnar Helm returns to this column for the second week in a row, and I see people aren’t taking my advice. That’s OK, though. Because it means you, Dear Reader, get to benefit. I mean, as much as one can benefit from the Tennessee Titans’ offense, of course.

This is a low-ceiling, decent-floor type of play. We’re not expecting the moon here; we’re just doing whatever we can to not go home with a zero. So really, this is a PPR-only type of play, because 23 yards receiving as he had in Week 13 won’t get it done, no matter what. Six receptions on seven targets, however? That’s a different story, and it definitely plays. Considering Helm has led the team in targets in both Weeks 12 and 13 now, there’s no reason to believe this volume won’t continue, as well.

Ross Dwelley, Detroit Lions | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.1% | FAAB 0%

Embed from Getty Images

I don’t want to hear a single word about how “you never talk about guys that are available in my league.” If Ross Dwelley isn’t available in your league, you need to play in more casual leagues. 

This is all about opportunity and nothing else. Sam LaPorta is still on IR. Amon-Ra St. Brown has the lowest of ankle sprains to hear the team tell it and will be out a week or two. And now backup TE Brock Wright is dealing with a trachea (I’m sorry, did they say “trachea?!”) injury, and Dan Campbell thinks he’ll be out a while. Yes, we know Jameson Williams will see more volume in the interim, but somebody else has to as well, right?

Remember Ross Dwelley? The guy who used to back up George Kittle and would kinda show out every time Kittle got hurt? Yup, same guy. He’s not the spring chicken he used to be, but he’s Done The Thing. When you have a team like the Lions, who are trying to make the playoffs, every little thing counts. If you’re hurting at TE, a dart throw with Dwelley against the Cowboys isn’t the worst idea in the world.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Washington Commanders | Sleeper 13% | ESPN 2.7% | FAAB 0-1%

If it wasn’t clear before this weekend, it certainly must be now. The Minnesota Vikings offense has a massive QB problem. Well, my D/ST streaming friends, that QB problem is your gain this weekend.

Fresh off a frustrating overtime loss to the Denver Broncos this past weekend, the Washington Commanders go on vacation to Minneapolis to face off against the Vikings in Week 13. While QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion) still has an unknown status, it won’t matter who starts for the Purple and White. Between McCarthy and backup Max Brosmer, they have a combined 14 INTs this season, with the latter throwing four in his first NFL start in Week 12.  

The Commanders are mad, and Minnesota is bad. That’s a powder keg for turnovers, and a blowout waiting to happen this weekend in the Twin Cities. A $1 bid should get the Washington defense on your roster for a one-week rental that you can move on after the Week 14 dust settles.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sleeper 31% | ESPN 23.1% | FAAB 2-4%   

Sometimes, get-right games come at the right time, and that’s what Tampa Bay is getting this weekend. The banged-up and bruised Buccaneers host the relegation-deserving Saints this weekend, and it could be a bloodbath in the bay.

The Buccaneers’ defense has been solid most of this season, but has struggled in tough matchups since their Week 9 bye. Before the bye, Tampa Bay boasted the number three overall fantasy D/ST, but has been the number 28 unit since the break. Week 14 is a gift for a tired unit, with rookie QB Tyler Shough struggling mightily. The rookie out of Louisville has committed four turnovers and been sacked nine times in the last two games. 

The Saints’ offense is bad, having scored 20 or more points only once this season, and Shough and company managed a lonely field goal in Week 8 against this same Tampa Bay defense. The Buccaneers are nearly a lock to be a top 10 defense this week. 

But wait, there’s more!

Tampa Bay has a very favorable schedule the rest of the way, drawing Atlanta, Carolina and Miami after this weekend dance with New Orleans. If you’re so inclined, you should be able to set and forget the Buccaneers D/ST for the rest of the fantasy football season. 

Kickers:

Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals | Sleeper 27% | ESPN 12.3% | FAAB 1-2%

In a world where lack of opportunity can handcuff even the most efficient kickers in fantasy football, Evan McPherson isn’t having that problem. 

While the veteran Cincinnati kicker had a slow start to the season, as the Bengals’ offense has warmed up, so has he. Since Week 7, McPherson has averaged 2.3 field goal attempts and a solid three extra point attempts per game. That ranks him as K2 in that span, one point behind Jason Myers in Seattle.

With QB Joe Burrow back and the team believing they have an outside shot at making the playoffs, McPherson will continue to be primed for fantasy scoring opportunities the rest of this season. The veteran Bengal is a solid addition to your fantasy rosters and can end your streaming search as a set-and-forget option in your kicker roster slots.

Riley Patterson, Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 1.1% | FAAB 0-1%

Kickers don’t necessarily need to be in a good offense to be fantasy relevant. Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson is clear evidence of that this season. 

While the Dolphins are technically still in playoff contention, they rank 24th in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game through 13 weeks. Their only saving grace has been RB De’Von Achane, but he can only get them so far, resulting in many stalled Dolphins drives and creating many opportunities for Patterson. In the team’s last four games, the veteran has attempted 11 field goals and six extra points, missing one each. In that span, Patterson ranks as K7 in FPPG.

There isn’t much to like in Miami the rest of this season, but Patterson has been consistent, and he will continue to get plenty of opportunities to finish stalled Tua-led drives. The Dolphins’ Week 14 matchup against the Jets should be a boon, with the team allowing the third most FPPG to the position (11.6). The remaining slate for Miami is all teams in the bottom half against the position as well, so if you’re tired of streaming kickers, you can lock Patterson in for the rest of the 2025 fantasy football season.

For more wavier wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

IT’S TIIIIIIIIIIIMEEEEEEEE

a woman in a red dress is standing in front of a glass door and says `` it 's time '' .

Yes, it is December 1st, which in my book means it is now acceptable to play Christmas music. She has broken free, but maybe that’s not your speed. Perhaps the Dropkick Murphys sound more like your family at Christmas. Or maybe you’re like us and just want some dang fries. However, you aren’t here for Christmas music, at least I don’t think you are…

You are here to gear up for the fantasy football playoffs. In most leagues, the playoffs start next week (Week 15). This is your last chance to claim your spot and forge your path to the championship. Santa Claus may be coming to town, but so are these hot waiver wire pick-ups we have for you for Week 14.

GUESS WHAT?! It is the final time you will see this graphic this year! Wooohooo!

Week 14 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

(click me ^)

Running Backs:

I need to start this section off with a bit of a warning/disclaimer. RB handcuffs are generally not a great idea throughout the season. They take up a roster spot. Yeah, RBs get hurt, but unless the RB you have the handcuff for gets hurt, does that help? Obviously not. So it’s easy to waste a roster spot by focusing on rostering handcuffs. And….

As we start to turn our attention to playoff runs, now is the time to start making sure you have an RB to start if, fantasy football gods forbid, you end up losing your high-end RB to injury. So every week, I’m going to highlight a ‘handcuff who matters.’ Because not all handcuffs are created equal.

Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens | Sleeper 7% | ESPN 1.6% | FAAB 20%

If you’re in need of an RB3 or better on your team, Keaton Mitchell needs to be on your squad as soon as humanly possible. Justice Hill is now on IR, and according to John Harbaugh, he’s “three or four weeks away.” This means Mitchell will see consistent, if low, volume throughout the fantasy playoffs. Low volume is perfect for Mitchell’s skill set; however, as a small yet devastatingly speedy RB in a run-centric offense. Mitchell can take literally any touch and turn it into a TD better than any RB not-named Jahmyr Gibbs in the NFL. But he’s not built for a heavy workload, so 8-12 touches is perfect to keep him healthy as well as return RB3 value for you.

Also, it’s Week 14. We’re not taking our FAAB into the offseason here. If you need Keaton Mitchell, you spend what it takes to get him. Plain and simple. 

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills | Sleeper 9% | ESPN 5.1% | FAAB 5%

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I’ve long been a proponent of Ty Johnson in this space, particularly as a backup to starter James Cook. Something interesting happened in Week 13, though. For the first time in months, the Bills gave Ray Davis relatively extensive work behind Cook as his relief. Don’t get it twisted, Davis still only received nine carries compared to Cook’s 32, so Davis is not viable on his own. But we’re in the “we need to be ready for anything” part of the season as we head into the playoffs. There’s no way to predict that Cook will get hurt, however, so he could be a big ole nothingburger on your bench. For the first time, though, we have a different look at how the Buffalo backfield would look if Cook misses time.

Week 14 Handcuff Who Matters:

Malik Davis, Dallas Cowboys | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.2% | FAAB 0-1%

If you are a Javonte Williams manager, you probably don’t need me to outline Malik Davis here. But just in case you are and aren’t aware of him, Davis is clearly the backup to Williams now. With only three carries in Week 13 and 10 total since Dallas’ Week 10 bye, Davis isn’t a threat in any way to Williams’ job. However, with a 43-yard TD run against Kansas City, Malik Davis showed exactly why he’s a handcuff who matters for Javonte Williams managers.

As always, this is a hedge against injury. Dallas is a high-powered offense capable of putting up a lot of points. Even better, they have a mauling offensive line when fully healthy. This is the perfect recipe for an RB to thrive. While Davis wasn’t a top prospect coming out of college three years ago, he fits the profile of a late-round, feisty RB who can make some noise if given a chance. The perfect recipe for a Handcuff Who Matters.

Wide Receivers:

Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets | Sleeper 7% | ESPN 2.7% | FAAB 4-6%

Since his trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the New York Jets, Adonai Mitchell has had at least six targets in all three of his games as a Jet. In the first two games against the Patriots and Browns, he parlayed 13 targets into just three receptions for 52 yards. However, in Week 13, he set a career high with 11 targets and turned them into eight receptions, 102 yards, and a touchdown.

The Jets are one of the worst offensive environments for fantasy football, so his production may be more volatile than we’d like, but the Jets are trying to find contributors going forward. Pinpointing Mitchell as a return in the Sauce Gardner trade was a solid addition for the Jets, who rescued him from a logjam of other wide receivers playing ahead of him despite being a second-round pick in 2024.

Mitchell is taking advantage of his late-season audition of sorts with the Jets, and with quarterback Tyrod Taylor providing a bit more of a fantasy floor in this offense, Mitchell should be a solid flex play through the end of the season. Also beneficial for the Jets is that with a three-game stretch starting in Week 15 with the Jaguars, Saints, and Patriots, Mitchell has excellent fantasy playoff matchups. He’s definitely worth an add and a stash on your roster should you need to use him.

Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 0.6% | FAAB 3-5%

Devaughn Vele was traded from the Denver Broncos to the New Orleans Saints, as he was likely caught up in a numbers game on the team, and hasn’t done much until the last couple of weeks with the Saints. Kickstarting his increased utilization was the trade of Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks and the release of Brandin Cooks. That’s gotten Vele at least 89% of routes per dropback in his last three games, but Week 13 is where he blew up a bit. 

With a season-high eight receptions, 93 yards, and a touchdown, Vele saw his biggest opportunity of the season. The Saints aren’t a great offense, but they’re condensed at the top, with Chris Olave, Vele, and tight end Juwan Johnson as the primary target-earning pass-catchers. Also important to note is that Olave has been dealing with back spasms, so any absence from the Saints’ top pass-catcher benefits Vele directly. As it stands right now, Vele is a situational flex play. He deserves to be on the majority of 12-team fantasy rosters for the rest of the season, with good matchups upcoming against two bottom-12 teams against fantasy wide receivers: the Buccaneers in Week 14 and the Titans in Week 17.

Quarterbacks:

* As a general rule, these fantasy football waiver wire QB recommendations apply to 2QB and Superflex leagues, unless otherwise noted.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets | Sleeper 6% | ESPN 4.7% | FAAB 2-3%

No, it’s not the mid-2010s, though seeing the name Tyrod Taylor in a waiver wire article might lead you to believe you accidentally fell into a wormhole. I promise you did not. 

The fact is, this iteration of the 15-year veteran QB has wedged his way into fantasy football relevance as we near the fantasy football playoffs. Of all places for a signal caller to find new life, the New York Jets certainly are low on the list of possibilities. However, with the faltering of Justin Fields and head coach Aaron Glenn committing to Taylor for the rest of 2025, here we are. 

In three starts this season, Taylor is averaging a more-than-respectable 17.6 fantasy points per game (FFPG), completing 60.7% of his passes with five TDs and four INTs. He’s also shown that, despite being 36, he can still run. In five total appearances this season, Taylor has logged 5.3 yards per carry on 27 attempts and has one rushing TD.  

If you’re looking for a solid QB2 to get you through the next few weeks, Taylor is an inexpensive option you’re unlikely to be fighting anyone for on the waiver wire. The Jets’ upcoming schedule looks very good for Taylor and the Jets. Weeks 13 and 14 bring matchups against Miami and Jacksonville, who are tied for the eighth-worst defense against fantasy QBs, allowing 21.1 FPPG.

You can count on Taylor to have a solid floor that will keep him in QB2 territory over the next few weeks with real QB1 tier upside in those two favorable matchups. He’s unlikely to be high on anyone’s priority list this week, and it shouldn’t cost you more than a few FAAB bucks to add Taylor to your Superflex or 2QB rosters. 

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans | Sleeper 38% | ESPN 45.3% | FAAB 8-10%

As unexciting as it may be, Texans QB C.J. Stroud is back from concussion protocol after missing three games. His return didn’t turn any heads, with the third-year veteran completing 22 of his 35 attempts for 276 and an INT and an even 10 fantasy points in a win over the struggling Colts.

While it wasn’t electric, it shouldn’t be surprising that Stroud was slow out of the gate after the extended absence. Houston ramped down its passing attack, throwing the ball on 52.1% of plays this past Sunday, despite averaging nearly 59% over their last three games. That is unlikely to continue, with playoff hopes high and matchups against Kansas City, Arizona and Las Vegas looming.

We don’t live in a world where adding Stroud is a league-winning move. It’s not sexy or flashy. This is like finding that old, consistent pair of jeans at the bottom of your drawer and pulling them out for old times’ sake. Stroud offers a consistent double-digit floor every week, with a ceiling of 20-plus points in more pass-scripts – think this coming week in Kansas City and Week 15 versus Arizona.

Like Taylor, most fantasy managers won’t be clamoring for Stroud on the waiver wire this week. Yes, he’s boring, but on your way to the fantasy football championship, consistency matters, and that’s what the veteran Houston QB brings to the table the rest of this season.

Tight Ends:

Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 0.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Gunnar Helm returns to this column for the second week in a row, and I see people aren’t taking my advice. That’s OK, though. Because it means you, Dear Reader, get to benefit. I mean, as much as one can benefit from the Tennessee Titans’ offense, of course.

This is a low-ceiling, decent-floor type of play. We’re not expecting the moon here; we’re just doing whatever we can to not go home with a zero. So really, this is a PPR-only type of play, because 23 yards receiving as he had in Week 13 won’t get it done, no matter what. Six receptions on seven targets, however? That’s a different story, and it definitely plays. Considering Helm has led the team in targets in both Weeks 12 and 13 now, there’s no reason to believe this volume won’t continue, as well.

Ross Dwelley, Detroit Lions | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.1% | FAAB 0%

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I don’t want to hear a single word about how “you never talk about guys that are available in my league.” If Ross Dwelley isn’t available in your league, you need to play in more casual leagues. 

This is all about opportunity and nothing else. Sam LaPorta is still on IR. Amon-Ra St. Brown has the lowest of ankle sprains to hear the team tell it and will be out a week or two. And now backup TE Brock Wright is dealing with a trachea (I’m sorry, did they say “trachea?!”) injury, and Dan Campbell thinks he’ll be out a while. Yes, we know Jameson Williams will see more volume in the interim, but somebody else has to as well, right?

Remember Ross Dwelley? The guy who used to back up George Kittle and would kinda show out every time Kittle got hurt? Yup, same guy. He’s not the spring chicken he used to be, but he’s Done The Thing. When you have a team like the Lions, who are trying to make the playoffs, every little thing counts. If you’re hurting at TE, a dart throw with Dwelley against the Cowboys isn’t the worst idea in the world.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Washington Commanders | Sleeper 13% | ESPN 2.7% | FAAB 0-1%

If it wasn’t clear before this weekend, it certainly must be now. The Minnesota Vikings offense has a massive QB problem. Well, my D/ST streaming friends, that QB problem is your gain this weekend.

Fresh off a frustrating overtime loss to the Denver Broncos this past weekend, the Washington Commanders go on vacation to Minneapolis to face off against the Vikings in Week 13. While QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion) still has an unknown status, it won’t matter who starts for the Purple and White. Between McCarthy and backup Max Brosmer, they have a combined 14 INTs this season, with the latter throwing four in his first NFL start in Week 12.  

The Commanders are mad, and Minnesota is bad. That’s a powder keg for turnovers, and a blowout waiting to happen this weekend in the Twin Cities. A $1 bid should get the Washington defense on your roster for a one-week rental that you can move on after the Week 14 dust settles.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sleeper 31% | ESPN 23.1% | FAAB 2-4%   

Sometimes, get-right games come at the right time, and that’s what Tampa Bay is getting this weekend. The banged-up and bruised Buccaneers host the relegation-deserving Saints this weekend, and it could be a bloodbath in the bay.

The Buccaneers’ defense has been solid most of this season, but has struggled in tough matchups since their Week 9 bye. Before the bye, Tampa Bay boasted the number three overall fantasy D/ST, but has been the number 28 unit since the break. Week 14 is a gift for a tired unit, with rookie QB Tyler Shough struggling mightily. The rookie out of Louisville has committed four turnovers and been sacked nine times in the last two games. 

The Saints’ offense is bad, having scored 20 or more points only once this season, and Shough and company managed a lonely field goal in Week 8 against this same Tampa Bay defense. The Buccaneers are nearly a lock to be a top 10 defense this week. 

But wait, there’s more!

Tampa Bay has a very favorable schedule the rest of the way, drawing Atlanta, Carolina and Miami after this weekend dance with New Orleans. If you’re so inclined, you should be able to set and forget the Buccaneers D/ST for the rest of the fantasy football season. 

Kickers:

Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals | Sleeper 27% | ESPN 12.3% | FAAB 1-2%

In a world where lack of opportunity can handcuff even the most efficient kickers in fantasy football, Evan McPherson isn’t having that problem. 

While the veteran Cincinnati kicker had a slow start to the season, as the Bengals’ offense has warmed up, so has he. Since Week 7, McPherson has averaged 2.3 field goal attempts and a solid three extra point attempts per game. That ranks him as K2 in that span, one point behind Jason Myers in Seattle.

With QB Joe Burrow back and the team believing they have an outside shot at making the playoffs, McPherson will continue to be primed for fantasy scoring opportunities the rest of this season. The veteran Bengal is a solid addition to your fantasy rosters and can end your streaming search as a set-and-forget option in your kicker roster slots.

Riley Patterson, Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 1.1% | FAAB 0-1%

Kickers don’t necessarily need to be in a good offense to be fantasy relevant. Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson is clear evidence of that this season. 

While the Dolphins are technically still in playoff contention, they rank 24th in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game through 13 weeks. Their only saving grace has been RB De’Von Achane, but he can only get them so far, resulting in many stalled Dolphins drives and creating many opportunities for Patterson. In the team’s last four games, the veteran has attempted 11 field goals and six extra points, missing one each. In that span, Patterson ranks as K7 in FPPG.

There isn’t much to like in Miami the rest of this season, but Patterson has been consistent, and he will continue to get plenty of opportunities to finish stalled Tua-led drives. The Dolphins’ Week 14 matchup against the Jets should be a boon, with the team allowing the third most FPPG to the position (11.6). The remaining slate for Miami is all teams in the bottom half against the position as well, so if you’re tired of streaming kickers, you can lock Patterson in for the rest of the 2025 fantasy football season.

For more wavier wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

By Published On: December 1st, 2025

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