Week 14 Waiver Wire: Top Pickups and Drops

Now, we play for keeps.

In many leagues, Week 14 is the start of the fantasy playoffs. And that means every trade, waiver move and lineup decision you've made this season has led to this point. 

But that doesn't mean you should simply rest on your laurels. Far from it. There are still gems to be had on the waiver wire and players worth targeting. Below, you'll find some of the best options for your team this week, along with a few players you can bid adieu. 

Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns

Well, you knew this one was coming. How could I resist?

Look, we don't know if Brian Hoyer is losing his job. While he's played pretty miserably of late, he has led the Browns to a 7-5 record. And Manziel was brought on with the game nearly already decided in favor of the Buffalo Bills.

Still, Hoyer has thrown five interceptions and zero touchdowns in his last two starts. Manziel provided an instant spark on his first drive when inserted into the game. And let's be honest—most Browns fans probably want to see Manziel given the chance to start. He'd certainly add a new dimension to the offense. 

So with just the possibility of Manziel getting the starting gig, he's worth a speculative add. His ability to create plays with his feet alone makes him a potentially valuable fantasy option. If you have a deep team and can afford the speculative pick, snag Johnny Football this week. 

Dan Herron, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Remember when Ahmad Bradshaw was outplaying Trent Richardson in the Indianapolis backfield? 

Well, now Dan Herron has continued the tradition.

Herron and Richardson finished with eight carries apiece Sunday, but Herron did far more with his touches, finishing with 88 yards on the ground and a touchdown, as opposed to the 12 yards Richardson mustered. Herron also added two receptions for eight yards. 

Yes, Herron fumbled, but he was the far better player of the two, just like Bradshaw before him. Richardson keeps getting touches, but whichever player he's paired with in the backfield continues to be the better option for fantasy owners. 

Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Doug Martin has gone from a player I recommended cutting ties with earlier in the season to a player you might be wise to reacquire, if only because the other options in Tampa Bay's backfield—Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey—haven't seized the opportunity to be the lead back.  

Martin was certainly the main man Sunday, turning 19 touches into 61 yards from scrimmage and a score. Rainey and Sims combined for 12 touches. This still feels like a platoon situation, but it's a platoon Martin is leading at the moment. If you are desperate at running back, you could do worse.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers

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I generally recommend avoiding Carolina running backs like the plague, but if you are desperate, you would be wise to at least consider Jonathan Stewart. 

Stewart isn't very good at this point in his career, but he does have 10 or more fantasy points in two of his last three starts. Again, you're only adding him if you're really struggling at running back. A meeting against a porous New Orleans run defense certainly will help you justify the addition.

Kenny Stills, WR, New Orleans Saints

In his last three games, Kenny Stills has 17 receptions for 292 yards, two touchdowns and 40 fantasy points. He also has seven or more fantasy points in five of his last seven games.

It doesn't seem terribly coincidental, either, with Brandin Cooks out for the season. Trusting a wideout from the Saints is always tricky, of course, as the team has a history of spreading the ball around to a bevy of targets. But especially in deeper leagues—most of the wide receivers in this article are deeper-league considerations—Stills is definitely worth adding.

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers

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Davante Adams is never going to post huge WR1 numbers. He's third in the pecking order in the passing attack behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, after all. But he very quietly has posted seven or more fantasy points in six of his last eight games, and this past week, he led the Packers receivers with 12 fantasy points.

Sure, his ceiling is pretty low. But in deeper leagues in which you find yourself scrambling for a starting option, nabbing a player who gives you a 75 percent chance of getting seven or more points based on his recent production is pretty darn appealing. Adams is definitely worth your consideration this week.

Greg Jennings, WR, Minnesota Vikings

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The Good: Greg Jennings has scored seven or more fantasy points eight times this season.

The Bad: His upside is severely limited, as the most fantasy points he's posted is 11. 

The Ugly: He's only scored double-digit points twice.

The Verdict: He's worth adding, especially in deeper leagues, because he seems to be Teddy Bridgewater's preferred target. You aren't adding a game-winning player, sure, but if you are hurting at wide receiver or need another flex, he's a nice addition.

Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams

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We're diving pretty deep here, folks, but it's hard to ignore a pair of receivers who have each scored nine or more fantasy points the past two weeks. 

Bailey is doing it through the air, with 12 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown in that time. Austin is doing it in the air and on the ground, with two rushing touchdowns in the past two weeks. Perhaps the Rams are finally figuring out how to properly utilize Austin?

Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, in deeper leagues or dynasty leagues, these two are worth a look. If you're picking between them, I'd pick Bailey, as Austin has been erratic in his career and isn't a traditional target in the passing game.

Marqise Lee, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

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With Allen Robinson out of action and Cecil Shorts III and Allen Hurns not exactly the most dangerous of weapons, Marqise Lee has the opportunity to be the man down the stretch for the Jags. He certainly showed great chemistry with Blake Bortles this past week, catching six passes for 75 yards and a score.

Lee was drafted to be the man in this passing attack. Down the stretch, he has the chance to show he can be just that. In deeper leagues, he's worth an addition. 

Jordan Reed, TE, Washington

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The only reason Jordan Reed is available in most leagues is because he can't stay healthy, but when he's on the field, he has TE1 talent. He showed that this week, catching nine passes for 123 yards on 11 targets, proving to be one of Colt McCoy's most trusted targets.

Sure, Logan Paulsen had the red-zone touchdown catch. But it's clear Reed is the superior talent and has a rapport with McCoy. If you need a tight end, this is the guy to target this week. 

Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Heath Miller doesn't have the upside of Reed, but he does have 13 receptions for 153 yards in his last two games and a history of being one of Ben Roethlisberger's most trusted targets. Miller has been streaky this year but finally appears to be getting emphasized more in the passing game.

At a position where finding steady production has been tough, Miller is worth consideration as a low-end TE1 going forward.

Players to Drop

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If you haven't dropped Robert Griffin III already, feel free to do so now. McCoy is going to get the start again this week, and, quite frankly, RG3's days in Washington seem to be numbered. Cut and run.

Speaking of players from Washington you can ditch, bail on Pierre Garcon. He's reached double-digit fantasy points twice this season and has reached seven or more points just four times. It's become pretty clear he isn't a priority in Jay Gruden's offense.

If you added Anthony Dixon or Bryce Brown when Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller went down to injury, you can safely drop both players now. Jackson is back and clearly the top dog in that backfield, while Spiller might yet return this season. 

I just don't see a need to hold on to Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd with Drew Stanton under center. As he showed against the Atlanta Falcons, he just isn't very good. It won't be an easy cut given the reputation of each player, but if you really need the roster spot, don't stay married to either guy.

Hit me up on Twitter—I'll answer your fantasy questions and make some corny jokes, too. It's more fun than being Richard Sherman when the San Francisco 49ers come to town.