Week 14 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

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The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Jared Goff, DET (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. QB Tyler Huntley, BAL (waiver wire: 25-50%)
3. QB Mike White, NYJ (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. QB Daniel Jones, NYG (waiver wire: 12-25%)
5. QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. QB Justin Fields, CHI
7. QB Brock Purdy, SF (waiver wire: 5-10%)
8. QB Josh Johnson, SF (waiver wire: 1%)
9. QB Desmond Ridder, ATL (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
10. QB Bailey Zappe, NE (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Lamar Jackson, BAL (waiver wire: HOLD)
3. QB Marcus Mariota, ATL (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
4. QB Mac Jones, NE (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
5. QB Aaron Rodgers, GB (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
6. QB Deshaun Watson, CLE (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
7. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB James Cook, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. RB Raheem Mostert, MIA (waiver wire: 20-40%)
3. RB Zonovan Knight, NYJ (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. RB Cam Akers, LAR (waiver wire: 12-25%)
5. RB Jordan Mason, SF (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. RB DAndre Swift, DET
7. RB Jerick McKinnon, KC (waiver wire: 7-15%)
8. RB Samaje Perine, CIN
9. RB A.J. Dillon, GB
10. RB Najee Harris, PIT
11. RB Tony Jones, SEA (waiver wire: 5-10%)
12. RB Ty Johnson, NYJ (waiver wire: 3-5%)
13. RB Isiah Pacheco, KC
14. RB DeeJay Dallas, SEA (waiver wire: 1%)
15. RB Dameon Pierce, HOU

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB James Robinson, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB Ken Walker, SEA
3. RB Gus Edwards, BAL (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
4. RB Aaron Jones, GB
5. RB Jamaal Williams, DET
6. RB Derrick Henry, TEN
7. RB Devin Singletary, BUF (waiver wire: HOLD EXCEPT TO DROP FOR COOK)
8. RB Kyren Williams, LAR (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER)
9. RB Jeff Wilson, MIA (waiver wire: DROP FOR 20-40% OR HIGHER)
10. RB Alvin Kamara, NO

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR D.J. Chark, DET (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. WR Michael Gallup, DAL (waiver wire: 15-30%)
3. WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: 12-25%)
4. WR Corey Davis, NYJ (waiver wire: 12-25%)
5. WR Curtis Samuel, WAS (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (waiver wire: 7-15%)
7. WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN
8. WR Drake London, ATL
9. WR Darius Slayton, NYG
10. WR Isaiah Hodgins, NYG (waiver wire: 1%)
11. WR Equanimeous St. Brown, CHI (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
2. WR Chase Claypool, CHI (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
4. WR DeAndre Carter, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)
5. WR Zay Jones, JAX (waiver wire: HOLD)
6. WR Jakobi Meyers, NE (waiver wire: HOLD)
7. WR Skyy Moore, KC (waiver wire: DROP)
8. WR Michael Pittman, IND
9. WR Jaylen Waddle, MIA
10. WR Treylon Burks, TEN (waiver wire: HOLD)

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Greg Dulcich, DEN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
2. TE Evan Engram, JAX (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. TE Noah Fant, SEA (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. TE Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: 10-20%)
5. TE Gerald Everett, LAC
6. TE Cole Kmet, CHI
7. TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (waiver wire: 5-10%)
8. TE Cade Otton, TB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
9. TE Daniel Bellinger, NYG (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Hayden Hurst, CIN (waiver wire: DROP)

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Justin Fields, CHI - Fields was not restricted as a runner, scoring from 55 yards out, and he also had one of his most efficient passing days of the season considering how depleted his wide receiver group was entering and after the game. He'll be a strong QB1 after the bye.

QB Jared Goff, DET - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Goff is peaking with Amon-Ra St. Brown, D.J. Chark, and D'Andre Swift all healthy again. He's a solid QB1 going forward.

QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Heinicke had his best passing day of the season, and got secondary receivers involved while still feeding #1 Terry McLaurin. He has a bye this week, but is streamable against the Giants in Week 15 and Browns in Week 17.

QB Tyler Huntley, BAL - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Huntley should start for at least Week 14 against Pittsburgh, and could be starting for longer than that. He was a strong fantasy play last year and quarterback points have been harder to come by. He's worth adding whether you need him or not to deprive another team of his services.

QB Josh Johnson, SF - (waiver wire: 1%) - Johnson was poached from the Broncos practice squad to back up Brock Purdy. If Purdy falters or gets hurt, Johnson's running ability plus the potency of this offense could create a surprise league winner at quarterback.

QB Daniel Jones, NYG - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Jones was incredibly efficient as a passer when you consider what he has to work with the passing game, and he was a fearless and productive runner. He isn't startable against the Eagles this week, but matchups with Washington, Minnesota, and the Colts in the fantasy playoffs are not prohibitive.

QB Brock Purdy, SF - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Purdy was surprisingly competent against the Dolphins in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been lost for the season. The 49ers could always bring in a veteran, but after his performance, Purdy has to be considered the favorite to start going forward, and be at worst decent emergency depth in 1QB leagues when you consider his supporting cast.

QB Desmond Ridder, ATL - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Arthur Smith seemed to leave open that Ridder could replace Marcus Mariota after the bye. Ridder has some running ability and would have a similar fantasy outlook to Mariota.

QB Mike White, NYJ - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - White struggled to finish drives, but if Braxton Berrios had better hands, the Jets might have pulled off the road win White posting a week-winning stat line despite having to settle for five field goals. He'll have a tough start at Buffalo this week, but will be streamable during the fantasy playoffs against Detroit, Jacksonville, and Seattle.

QB Bailey Zappe, NE - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Mac Jones isn't playing well and he's expressing himself on the sidelines in a way that usually doesn't sit well with Bill Belichick. Zappe was better than Jones when he played earlier this year, and if he gets installed as the starter at some point, he'll face a good schedule vs. the pass in the fantasy playoffs, save for Week 16 against Cincinnati.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF - (waiver wire: DROP) - Garoppolo was lost for the season with a broken foot. He will go into the 2023 offseason with just as uncertain a future as he had after the 2021 season.

QB Lamar Jackson, BAL - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Jackson left with a knee injury. It could be "days or weeks" according to the team, so we have to just be patient and hope that Jackson can return sooner than later.

QB Mac Jones, NE - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Jones might not be to blame for all of the Patriots offensive woes, but he doesn't seem to have the wherewithal to overcome them and he could be in danger of being replaced soon if things don't change and he continues to show his displeasure. The Patriots do have a good schedule vs. the pass down the stretch, so if Jones can improve, there will be some value there.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - Lawrence's buzz from the comeback win over the Ravens wore off quickly against an improving Lions defense. He has streaming potential against the Titans this week and Texans in Week 17, assuming his foot is ok after he briefly left the game. He's having an MRI on Monday.

QB Marcus Mariota, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Mariota could get replaced during the bye, and even if he does start in Week 15, he is a few steps out on the plank and no sure thing to finish the game.

QB Aaron Rodgers, GB - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Rodgers wasn't bad against the Bears, but he didn't exactly own them either. The Packers are on bye and when they are eliminated from the playoffs, Rodgers could sit.

QB Deshaun Watson, CLE - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Watson brought new depth to the term rusty against the Texans and accounted for zero offensive scores. The Bengals are up next and their defense just contained Patrick Mahomes, so Watson should not in 1QB lineups. Baltimore, New Orleans, and Washington are up in the fantasy playoffs. Watson isn't an essential hold in 1QB leagues.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Cam Akers, LAR - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - The Rams have been vacillating on their backfield leader the last few weeks, but it was Akers in Week 13, and he ran hard, scoring twice in the back and forth game against the Seahawks. The Raiders, Packers, Broncos, and Chargers up the next four weeks is a manageable schedule for the Rams so Akers could end up being a relevant back down the stretch.

RB James Cook, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Will Cook take over the lead back job? Is he good enough to be startable as an RB2/Flex even in a committee? If you've been sitting on the biggest waiver wire bucks stash and Cook is out there, empty the wallet.

RB DeeJay Dallas, SEA - (waiver wire: 1%) - We know Kenneth Walker has an unusual foot/ankle injury. We know Dallas got banged up in Week 13, and Travis Homer wasn't healthy enough to play. It's hard to say whether Dallas will play a large role in Week 14, but in deep leagues, he's worth an add to the end of your bench while we wait for more details.

RB A.J. Dillon, GB - Dillon is peaking at the right time if you were able to still make the fantasy playoffs despite taking Dillon with a 5th/6th round pick. He'll be well-rested after the bye and likely a bigger part of the Packers offense than he was for most of the season, save for a falsely promising Week 1.

RB Najee Harris, PIT - Harris not only played in Week 13 after only getting in one limited practice (but not being listed on the injury report), but he played well and led the backfield even though Jaylen Warren was also active. Harris is a solid RB2 play against the Ravens this week.

RB Ty Johnson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Johnson got the most work in the passing game of the Jets backfield, so if Michael Carter is out again in Week 14, consider Johnson a viable PPR desperation play with six teams on bye.

RB Tony Jones, SEA - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - At the end of Week 13, Jones was in line to start in Week 14 against the Panthers because of injuries to the other three backs on the roster. Whether he will actually start is something we'll have to wait and see about, but for now, he's worth an add in typical leagues.

RB Zonovan Knight, NYJ - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Knight showed why the Jets had him as the #2 back in Week 12, looking good as the starter in place of Michael Carter in Week 13. We'll see if Carter can play this week against the Bills. If not, Knight is a solid RB2/Flex play.

RB Jordan Mason, SF - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Mason looked good as the backup to Christian McCaffrey in Week 13, so we should assume that he'll keep that job going forward. He's an essential bench stash now.

RB Jerick McKinnon, KC - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - McKinnon had his best fantasy output of the season, albeit in a tough day for the Chiefs offense. He's worth carrying as desperation play depth if benches are deep enough.

RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - The Dolphins can't seem to make up their minds on who they want to lead their backfield. Mostert got more looks than Jeff Wilson in Week 13 and he's the better play against the woeful Chargers run defense in Week 14.

RB Isiah Pacheco, KC - Pacheco had a productive day running the ball and scored on a long afternoon for the passing game. He should be a solid RB2 play against the Broncos in Week 14.

RB Samaje Perine, CIN - Perine looked as good or better than Joe Mixon has looked this year against the Chiefs. He ran with power and toughness and consistently got yards after contact. Mixon's availability for Week 14 against Cleveland isn't a sure thing, so Perine could be in lineups again.

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU - Pierce wasn't a huge help to lineups in Week 13, but he wasn't a liability either. He's more desperation play than RB2/Flex plug and play until we get to Week 17 against Jacksonville with the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Titans up the next three weeks.

RB DAndre Swift, DET - Swift was back to 50+% snaps and he is back to being the most valuable fantasy running back on the Lions roster and a must start every week going forward. He could be a league winner if you survived spending a second round pick on him.

Running Back Downgrade

RB Gus Edwards, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - With Lamar Jackson hurt, Edwards took a back seat to Kenyan Drake. It's not clear when Jackson will play again or when J.K. Dobbins will return or whether this running game will get on track. Edwards isn't an essential hold.

RB Derrick Henry, TEN - Defenses just aren't afraid of Henry right now. He's still a must start against Jacksonville and he has a high ceiling, but it won't be a surprise if he continues to disappoint in fantasy down the stretch with defenses focused on him.

RB Aaron Jones, GB - Jones left with a shin injury, but returned and should be ok after the Week 14 bye. The bigger problem is that A.J. Dillon is running hot and should make this a full blown RBBC down the stretch.

RB Alvin Kamara, NO - Kamara goes into his bye a player we're not sure whether to start in the fantasy playoffs. He's a low-end RB2 at best at this point with a banged up Mark Ingram getting more work we expected.

RB James Robinson, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - If Robinson can't get a decent number of touches when Michael Carter is out, then it's the end of the line for him in fantasy leagues this year.

RB Devin Singletary, BUF - (waiver wire: HOLD EXCEPT TO DROP FOR COOK) - Singletary still scored and got a decent amount of work against the Patriots, but the emergence of James Cook could relegate the former starter to mere injury upside backup status.

RB Ken Walker, SEA - Walker went down with an "unusual" foot/ankle injury according to Pete Carroll. He could play this week, he could be out for a while, it's hard to know, but for now set your lineup for Week 14 without him.

RB Jamaal Williams, DET - Williams scored, and the Lions did put up 40 points, but he's behind D'Andre Swift in the pecking order for carries again, and should only be considered a flex play going forward, with the exception of the matchup against the Bears in Week 17, when he'll be an RB2 play.

RB Kyren Williams, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 5-10% OR HIGHER) - Williams was well behind Cam Akers in the pecking order after seemingly building momentum to become the lead back in previous weeks. He's not an essential hold.

RB Jeff Wilson, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 20-40% OR HIGHER) - Raheem Mostert getting back on the field relegated Wilson to a smaller role and he struggled in his few opportunities. He still has Mostert injury upside, so don't drop Wilson for just anyone.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Boyd dropped an easy score, but he still had a solid showing in the box score and he could be a WR3/Flex play going forward if Hayden Hurst's calf injury sidelines him for multiple weeks.

WR D.J. Chark, DET - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Chark was the #1 deep threat for the Lions even though first-round pick Jameson Williams was finally healthy enough to take the field. The Lions offense is humming, making Chark a WR3/Flex play against the Vikings this week.

WR Corey Davis, NYJ - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Davis is back as a fantasy commodity as Mike White has unlocked the passing game. He had a huge catch on 4th and 10 to keep the team alive and should be rostered as emergency depth with a chance to level off as a solid WR3/Flex.

WR Jahan Dotson, WAS - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Dotson looked great weaving through the Giants defense for the game-tying score. He's on bye this week, but will provide desperation play value with upside going forward.

WR Michael Gallup, DAL - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Gallup scored twice in the win over the Colts. Odell Beckham still hasn't signed anywhere and he may not play until later in the season, so Gallup is a solid WR3/Flex against the Texans.

WR Isaiah Hodgins, NYG - (waiver wire: 1%) - Hodgins was a solid Week 13 play with a touchdown and five catches. He is entrenched as a top two wide receiver and can provide desperation play value going forward.

WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN - Courtland Sutton went out with a hamstring injury, so Jeudy's value is on the rise as he returned from an ankle injury of his own in Week 13. The Broncos should have to pass more to keep up with the Chiefs this week.

WR Drake London, ATL - London actually had a good fantasy game as the Falcons had to pass more to try to comeback from a deficit, although he could also be catching passes from a new quarterback after the bye. He could have some value in the fantasy playoffs.

WR Curtis Samuel, WAS - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Samuel bounced back with a good PPR showing against the Giants after fading in the offense while the passing volume was low and the Commanders were winning. He could have WR3/Flex value in the rematch with the Giants after the bye.

WR Darius Slayton, NYG - Slayton has leveled off as a consistent play since he became the #1 receiver for the Giants. He has a tough matchup against the Eagles this week, but could be WR3/Flex material in the fantasy playoffs.

WR Equanimeous St. Brown, CHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - We're waiting for news about the severity of Chase Claypool's injury. It looked bad, so it won't be a surprise if St. Brown is the #1 wideout for the Bears after the bye.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Treylon Burks, TEN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Burks had a tough touchdown catch that saw him suffer a concussion but still hold on to the ball. He will be back in our lineups once he is back on the field for the Titans.

WR DeAndre Carter, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Carter had been a good play any time Mike Williams was out, but that came to screeching halt against the Raiders. Even if Williams isn't back this week, Carter is droppable.

WR Chase Claypool, CHI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Claypool looked like he had some promise against the Packers as the Bears new #1 receiver, but then he left with a gnarly leg injury. He's droppable unless we get surprisingly good news about his injury.

WR Zay Jones, JAX - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Jones had a couple of drops on a long afternoon for the Jaguars offense in Detroit. He's still PPR desperation depth with a chance of a big game this weekend at Tennessee because the Titans strong run defense encourages a lot of passing.

WR Jakobi Meyers, NE - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Mac Jones and the Patriots passing game were cold against the Bills, so Meyers production suffered. He has been one of the few things that has worked consistently in this offense, so he should still have desperation play value in PPR leagues at worst, but could still get hot against a weak schedule vs. pass except in Week 16 vs. Cincinnati.

WR Skyy Moore, KC - (waiver wire: DROP) - It's hard to understand what the Chiefs are doing with Moore. After getting six targets in two straight games and trending up in snaps, he was a non-factor in Week 13. Better things are coming in the future, but it's time to get off of this ferris wheel.

WR Michael Pittman, IND - Pittman was rendered useless by the Cowboys defense and now he's on bye. He's still good PPR depth and a fine WR3/Flex option, but if you have to drop him to get a quarterback or James Cook, do it.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Smith-Schuster hasn't heated back up since suffering a concussion and the Chiefs passing game was cold against the surging Bengals defense. Smith-Schuster is more emergency depth than WR3/Flex heading into a matchup with Denver.

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Sutton left with a hamstring injury. You have permission to drop him and end this terrible disappointment of a fantasy season.

WR Jaylen Waddle, MIA - Waddle was in and out of the game Sunday and doesn't appear to be 100%. It's hard to bench him if he's active against the Chargers, but don't be surprised if he underperforms again.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Daniel Bellinger, NYG - (waiver wire: 1%) - Bellinger had a decent PPR game in his return from an eye injury and he could continue to be a frequent target because the Giants offense is depleted. He's a viable desperation play against the Eagles.

TE Greg Dulcich, DEN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Dulcich bounced back in the same game that Courtland Sutton went down, so there's a chance for his production levels to stay above the fantasy relevant line at tight end, which is very low. The Chiefs are up next.

TE Evan Engram, JAX - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Engram had been ice cold the last three weeks, but came out of his slumber to score against the Lions and post a great result for the lowly tight end position. He's worth a play against the Titans this week.

TE Gerald Everett, LAC - Everett is surging back up after catching a game-winning two pointer in Week 12. He posted his highest yardage total of the season (80) and should continue to be a solid TE1 start against the Dolphins.

TE Noah Fant, SEA - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Fant had a touchdown and his snaps and targets have been trending up as of late. The Seahawks backfield is banged up, so he could get more targets in a more pass-friendly approach against the Panthers this week.

TE Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Hill caught a touchdown to provide a good fantasy week and one wonders why he isn't being used more in short yardage. Hill has room for his value to grow during the fantasy playoffs.

TE Cole Kmet, CHI - Kmet is the de facto top pass catcher for Justin Fields now that they've lost Chase Claypool. The Bears on bye this week, but Kmet could be a solid tight end option for the fantasy playoffs.

TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Okonkwo had his highest snap count of the season, tied his season high in targets (set in Week 12), and posted his best fantasy game of the season. He's worth a streamer play against the Jaguars this week.

TE Cade Otton, TB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Otton got a full-sized role because Cameron Brate was a scratch with an illness, but it's clear he has more to offer than Brate. It wouldn't be a surprise if he was a decent tight end play down the stretch.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Hayden Hurst, CIN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Hurst left with a calf injury and will miss Week 14 at a minimum.