Waiver Wire Week 14: Breakout Players to Pick Up for Fantasy Playoff Run

Just one game remains prior to the fantasy football playoffs getting underway in most leagues. Most owners already know their fate for the postseason, but the situation can still change on Monday Night Football.

Regardless of the current situation for owners, digging in the waiver wire will still be crucial. Breakout games from several players leaves the crop wide open in most leagues at nearly every position.

A potential change under center for the Cleveland Browns means new life for fantasy owners in need of a quarterback. Johnny Manziel might be a postseason hero, while others like Kenny Stills and Dan Herron look like great flex options.

Leading up to the first game in the fantasy playoffs, here's a look at the waiver-wire gold for owners to pick up late in the season.

Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns (16.8 percent owned)

I'm not ready to say Manziel is a surefire starter in fantasy, but he did register decent numbers against the Buffalo Bills. After rushing for a touchdown, owners in need should rush out and grab Johnny Football off the waiver wire.

Sure, the 63 passing yards and 13 rushing yards don't look outstanding, but the running touchdown means extra points for owners. Browns coach Mike Pettine spoke about the possibility of Manziel starting against the Indianapolis Colts, via Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer:

"

We're going to watch the tape, make an evaluation and we'll have more on Wednesday as far as what we're going to do. ...

The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position. It's not like we're just going to go back to Brian. This has been a cumulative thing, where discussions about a change at quarterback have been more and more lively. We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon.

"

Unfortunately, fantasy owners can't wait around until Wednesday to find out Manziel's fate. Given the small window of opportunity, snagging up the dual-threat quarterback might pay dividends during the weeks to come.

The matchup this weekend doesn't look bad, with the Colts allowing 17.19 fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Manziel might also face a Carolina Panthers defense that is allowing over 18 points and has allowed two rushing touchdowns to signal-callers.

It's still too early to tell exactly what Manziel will offer owners, but he has an explosive offense with Josh Gordon and Isaiah Crowell around him. Unlike Mark Sanchez, he's also guaranteed not to face the Seattle Seahawks this week, giving him much higher value on the waiver wire.

Dan Herron, RB, Indianapolis Colts (4.5 percent owned)

If Dan Herron is somehow still available in your league, pick him up immediately.

The running back infamously known as "Boom" looked the part of his superhero name on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. Compiling 96 total yards and a touchdown, Herron appears to have firmly grabbed the reins of the Colts lead back position.

ESPN Stats & Info noted the disparity between Herron and Trent Richardson:

Fumbling issues—he's had two in the last two weeks—might be concerning, but Herron is running with authority in Indy. Going up against a Cleveland Browns defense that allows 18.60 fantasy points per week, Herron is a solid flex play this week.

If the great results continue, he might move into RB2 status against the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers. Both of those teams allow over 20 points to tailbacks, so look for Herron's stock to continue to rise.

Kenny Stills, WR, New Orleans Saints (9.9 percent owned)

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Fantasy owners know that Drew Brees likes to throw the football. The biggest question surrounding the New Orleans Saints offense is finding out who he'll be throwing the ball to on Sundays.

Jimmy Graham is typically the man in the end zone, but Kenny Stills was the most explosive player on the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 69-yard touchdown capped off a five-reception, 162-yard performance.

Brandin Cooks is out for the season, and it appears Stills will be the go-to receiver for Brees moving forward. If he earns a few more targets moving forward, Stills should fill the role nicely against the porous Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons pass defenses.

All fantasy stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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