Make another trip beyond the mainstream with “In the Scope” as we delve into the depths of the Week 14 waiver wire. Our goal remains the same: to provide your fantasy team with the competitive edge it needs without breaking the bank. As we are almost onto the crucial playoff stretch, let’s explore some overlooked gems to bolster your roster.
Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Dec. 5.
Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups
Before spotlighting our waivers-a-week early targets, let’s first shine a light on some mainstream Week 14 waiver wire options. While these players are likely rostered in competitive 12-team leagues, there’s still a chance they might be available after waivers or for a modest Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) later in the week:
Quarterbacks
- Gardner Minshew (QB, Indianapolis Colts) | 10.5%
- Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams) | 32.0%
- Joshua Dobbs (QB, Minnesota Vikings) | 46.2%
Running Backs
- Ezekiel Elliott (RB, New England Patriots) | 34.0%
- Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears) | 20.4%
- Tyjae Spears (RB, Tennessee Titans) | 32.0%
- Keaton Mitchell (RB, Baltimore Ravens) | 30.7%
- Antonio Gibson (RB, Washington Commanders) | 44.7%
- Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Philadelphia Eagles) | 14.1%
Wide Receivers
- Noah Brown (WR, Houston Texans) | 34.5%
- Jayden Reed (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 42.6%
- Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, Baltimore Ravens) | 48.9%
- Elijah Moore (WR, Cleveland Browns) | 12.1%
- Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 38.5%
- Demario Douglas (WR, New England Patriots) | 33.4%
- Jalin Hyatt (WR, New York Giants) | 1.7%
- Jonathan Mingo (WR, Carolina Panthers) | 12.1%
Tight Ends
- Isaiah Likely (TE, Baltimore Ravens) | 23.2%
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Week 14 Free Agent Finds
Now, let’s shift our focus to the overlooked “In the Scope” targets that could make a significant impact on your fantasy roster moving forward.
Tanner Hudson (TE, Cincinnati Bengals) | 4.6% Rostered
Tanner Hudson has been quietly productive, averaging five targets in the past five games with a sound 83.9% catch rate on the season. Despite limited snaps, he’s consistently out-targeting higher-profile Cincinnati tight ends like Irv Smith and Drew Sample. Facing the Colts this week, who have been a top-seven matchup for tight ends this season, Hudson could offer a steady floor, especially in TE premium leagues. If you’re in need of a reliable tight end option, consider Hudson as a savvy addition after the Week 14 waiver wire clears.
Alec Pierce (WR, Indianapolis Colts) | 1.4% Rostered
Alec Pierce has rapidly emerged as a threat for the Indianapolis Colts, recording two consecutive games with six targets. In Week 13, he showcased his potential by finishing as the Points Per Reception (PPR) WR13, hauling in three of six targets for 100 yards and a touchdown.
With a favorable string of matchups ahead against Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Las Vegas, Pierce has the potential for continued success. The absence of Jonathan Taylor may force the Colts to maintain an aggressive passing approach, providing more opportunities for the second-year WR to shine.
Tied for No. 1 among wide receivers in route participation (100%), Pierce is out there a ton. With an Average Depth of Target (aDOT) of 13.6 (15th-highest among WRs), he has the big-play potential to reward fantasy managers if he just gets targets thrown his way. Pierce could serve as a potential desperation FLEX play this week against the Bengals and – if he shows up again – a more confident option in the following week against the Steelers. Consider adding the former Cincinnati Bearcat to your roster after the Week 14 waiver wire runs for a boost to your playoff push.
Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add following the Week 14 waiver wire run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
*Photo Credit: Katie Stratman – USA TODAY Sports*