Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups: Demaryius Thomas and Others to Avoid

On the Week 14 waiver wire, the following players should be avoided:

Dan Orlovsky, Colts

It's tempting to look at the stats—30-for-37, 353 yards, two touchdowns—and think that Orlovsky might be a guy to add for a game or two down the stretch. Please don't. He was in comeback mode against the league's worst pass defense. Those stats are a mirage.

Demaryius Thomas, Broncos

Thomas caught four passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday in Minnesota, but let's keep those numbers in context. The Vikings secondary is playing as bad as any we've seen this season, and both touchdowns came on broken coverages. Add in the fact that the Broncos remain a run-heavy team, and you get a risky add in Thomas over the final couple of weeks. 

Dexter McCluster, Chiefs

McCluster tallied over 100 total yards on Sunday against the Bears, but keep in mind that a good chunk came on a lucky Hail Mary touchdown catch in the first half. McCluster has been inconsistent all season, and I'd expect that to continue this week when the Chiefs travel to New York to take on the Jets. Unless you're really hurting at receiver, avoid him. 

Austin Collie, Colts

Collie was the recipient on seven of Orlovsky's 30 completions against the Patriots, but like we said on the quarterback: Don't believe that this is the new norm in Indianapolis. Collie hadn't went over 50 yards in a single game this season before last week. He'll fall back under the half-century mark this week against Baltimore.

Brandon Saine, Packers

James Starks will likely miss this week with an ankle injury, but don't expect Saine to come in and get 20 touches in his absence. The Packers will start Ryan Grant, and Saine should see 10 or so plays on passing downs. Does that sound fantasy worthy to you? 

Kahlil Bell, Bears

Matt Forte is out, and it's expected that both Bell and Marion Barber will be called on to fill in. I suppose it's possible that Bell sees 10 to 15 touches on Sunday, but I'd bank more on Barber being the lead guy. Until you know, don't roll the dice.