Week 14 Waiver Wire: Marion Barber and Last-Second Pickups for Your Playoff Push

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It took a tragic injury to a rolling Chicago Bears team for Marion Barber to step forward as a fantastic fantasy option. He joins a few other stars as options you need to target to power through the playoffs.

It's time for a great many of you fine fantasy owners to make the final push to the playoffs. Every single NFL team has been battered to a pulp for weeks, and that is not relegated to the pros.

By now, even the finely-tuned teams drafted with the wit of a million Mel Kipers will have had a few players fall to malaise or injury. Well, I in no way feel sorry for you.

I join those teams that put a great deal of faith in Chris Johnson, who decided to play ball when most of his season was trash. But, I made the necessary adjustments to make amends for such travesties. Now, you need to do the same at the most important time in the season for fantasy players.

The waiver-wire has nearly been picked clean of its wealth. This is where we come in for this week's most available solutions.

There is no reason to be caught on Saturday night without an option due to last-minute probables turning into doubtfuls. I know how that feels and don't want you folks to be caught with that sick feeling.

Let's first have a moment of silence for the Chicago Bears. Their season may be over, as their two best offensive players take a breather to the sidelines due to injury.

Their demise is your gain as Marion Barber steps to the forefront as a running back about to see a surge in his production.

Jump into the Barber waters because they are just fine. While you're at it, consider several other players for what will certainly be a successful playoff push. Enjoy.

Marion Barber RB

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Taken in 39 percent of Yahoo Leagues

Matt Forte is lost for anywhere from 2-6 weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain. That means Marion Barber will get a whole heap of touches in the next couple weeks.

It's clear that Caleb Hanie is no superstar under center, so the Bears have to take care to keep the running game going.

Barber is no Forte, and the Broncos are defending very well in the last few weeks. But, you have to consider what it means to get a bona fide starter this late in the season.

He will build on his 14 carries for 44 yards last week. I am confident he will near 15 points with far more touches in prime red zone territory.

Dan Orlovsky QB

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Taken in 2 percent of Yahoo Leagues

I will stop short of calling him Dan the Man, but Orlovsky showed that there is a ton to like in regards to his fantasy potential.

A still-very-soft Patriots defense allowed the back-up quarterback to throw for 353 yards and two touchdowns.

I will give the usual buyer beware in that he is no shoo-in to be the starter, and the Ravens are on board next. However, the Colts can't keep this kind of production on the bench.

If you are in need of a QB in a deep league, Orlovsky is a great option.

Christian Ponder QB

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Taken in 15 percent of Yahoo Leagues

The bad news is that Ponder received a hip pointer in last week's game. The good news is far more agreeable to teams in need of a sleeper at quarterback.

Ponder was left in the game, so you can safely assume that he will star in next Sunday's game against the Lions.

You also can't dismiss the breakout game he had against the Broncos, throwing for 381 yards and two touchdowns.

Golden Tate WR

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Taken in 2 percent of Yahoo Leagues

With Sidney Rice gone for the rest of the season, I would have you target Golden Tate. That sentiment gets added exuberance after the game he had against the Eagles.

He caught all four of the passes thrown to him for 47 yards and a touchdown. He showed that he can be trusted in the wake of another injury to star Rice.

He should get a whole lot more love going forward.