Week 14: NFL Waiver Wire Pickups and Fantasy Football Player Rankings

Here we go, the start of the fantasy football playoffs are about to kick off in many fantasy leagues.

Our waiver wire this week is all about wide receivers who are emerging to help your fantasy team make it to the big game in a week or two.

Below, we have the top players you might want to pay attention to for waiver pickups.

Even if you don't select a waiver (or have already done so), it's good to keep these names in mind for the future playoff weeks.

Quarterbacks

Bruce Gradkowski (Raiders)

The Raiders have finally found a stable quarterback for their franchise and his name is Bruce Gradkowski.

This quarterback won't blow you away with a big arm, but he does get the most from his talent and the talent around him.

With Chaz Schilens back and healthy, the Raiders now have another viable option in the passing game for Gradkowski to throw to.

Last week against the Steelers, Gradkowski had over 300 yards passing and three touchdown passes.

Not only did Gradkowski post good numbers, but he led the Raiders to their second big victory in the past three weeks.

Look for the Raiders to continue to give Gradkowski more opportunities to help the team as the season winds down.

From a fantasy perspective, I wouldn't recommend starting him, but he is a good player to have on your depth if you need an emergency quarterback.

Wide Receivers

Devin Thomas (Redskins)

This offseason, the Redskins' beat writers and team were talking up second-year receiver Devin Thomas as a player who had matured and might be ready to start.

In the middle of the preseason, the team grew frustrated with Thomas' shortcomings and favored fellow second-year man Malcom Kelly to start instead.

Most of this season, Thomas has been a zero factor, but he is starting to pick it up of late.

In this game, Thomas easily had his best game as a pro with seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdown catches.

With Thomas and Jason Campbell's emergence over the past couple weeks, Thomas now makes for a solid waiver wire pickup before the fantasy playoffs.

Davone Bess (Dolphins)

The Dolphins have been looking for a receiver to step up and be the main man on the team.

Of late, that receiver's name is Davone Bess, as he's been Chad Henne's top target for a few weeks now.

This week, Bess had 10 receptions, 117 yards, and a second-half touchdown score.

Bess seems to be a receiver who likes playing in the final weeks of the season.

This is a little funny considering that Bess plays football in Miami and went to college in Hawaii.

You would think a player who comes from that background would be a strong starter and a poor finisher because of the weather.

In Bess's case, that is just the opposite, as he was strong to end last year and is finishing well this year.

Bess makes for a good No. 3 fantasy receiver option going forward, as his chemistry with Henne is too good to deny.

Antonio Bryant (Buccaneers)

The Buccaneers' top target from a year ago is finally healthy, and his production on the field is starting to show up once again.

Antonio Bryant has put together two strong games in a row and has become the top target for emerging rookie quarterback Josh Freeman.

Bryant makes for a solid third receiver for fantasy football rosters moving forward.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com