Week 14 closes many fantasy regular seasons and sights shift to the playoffs. Deep lineups can be the norm in Dynasty, and contributions from under-the-radar players can swing leagues. We asked our staff for recommendations and players who fit that profile.

Question:  Who is an under-the-radar player capable of emerging as a contributor in deep league formats during the fantasy playoffs?

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee

Ryan Weisse- Is Westbrook-Ikhine still under the radar? If so, choose him. He has scored in seven of his last eight games and has a favorable schedule for receivers in the fantasy playoffs.

Another option could be Ja'Tavion Sanders. Once he gets cleared to play, Sanders could make an impact for some tight-end needy teams. The Panthers offense is finding some footing at the perfect time, and they face a few teams that give up plenty of points to the tight end, including a championship week tilt with Tampa Bay. Bryce Young has targeted the tight end spot about five times per game since taking over and threw to tight ends 10 times in Week 13. A healthy Sanders could be a top-10 option down the stretch.

RB Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh

Matthew Montgomery- Warren has been a serviceable back for the Steelers despite being the second fiddle to Najee Harris, who is having a renaissance year. Warren has a steady number of touches per game (10.3), which is the first clue that he can help you in a deep league. However, I am most excited about his ability to perform well in his divisional games. In standard PPR leagues, he averages 11 points per game. Two of his next three matchups are against divisional opponents. While they’ll be typical AFC North battles, I expect he will continue this success, specifically in the receiving game. 

RB Craig Reynolds / Sione Vaki, Detroit

Josh Fahlsing: One place to find gems is buried on the depth charts behind star players relied upon by playoff-bound teams. With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, Reynolds and Vaki with the Lions fit that bill. These guys are so under the radar that they might live in a bunker below it. Combined, they barely have more career rushing yards than I do. However, Detroit wants to run the football.

There is risk. Detroit is chasing that top seed and is unlikely to rest anyone unless or until they clinch it, and Minnesota, Green Bay, and Philadelphia are not going away. But here’s the upside: Detroit is going to run the ball. If Minnesota, Green Bay, and Philly stumble in the next couple of weeks and the Lions keep winning, there is a real possibility Detroit could rest some stars as it tries to get healthy headed into the playoffs. If you’ve relied on Gibbs and/or Montgomery all year or just need a flyer RB for the playoff depth, it would be negligent not to stash these guys now. Detroit would have to clinch before Week 17 for Reynolds and Vaki to be useful, but if either one is plugged into the lineup for a game, the volume - and fantasy points - could easily follow.

RB Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas

Corey Spala: Sincere McCormick offers the upside desired for the fantasy playoffs. The running back depth is a bonus. After a strong performance, he signed to Las Vegas’ active roster this week. He has four rushes over 10 yards in two games, while Zamir White and Alexander Mattison have combined for seven on the season. McCormick offers a spark to the offense and should earn more reps with White and Mattison’s lingering injuries. 

Since being activated from the practice squad, he has averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 17 carries. Looking into McCormick and the playoffs, Las Vegas has the second-best favorable matchup, playing Atlanta, Jacksonville, and New Orleans. 

WR Parker Washington, Jacksonville

Hutchinson Brown: After week eight, Christian Kirk’s season ended with an injury; Gabe Davis got put on IR after week eleven. Jacksonville hit their week twelve bye, and then in week thirteen, twelve targets were given to Parker Washington. With their necessity at wide receiver, there seemed to be a plan to get their young wideout more involved this week. He came through with his chances, making some great catches with his big frame and long reach, and was consistently getting open on his routes.

He is in an offense that will have to continue throwing the ball often due to the Jacksonville defense playing poorly most of this season. Even if the targets from Mac Jones or Trevor Lawrence are inconsistent in quality when he returns from his concussion, we must remember that volume is king in fantasy football. Washington may have a big role in this offense going forward; he should be looked at in deep leagues as a potential contributor.

David Zacharias - Mac Jones replaced concussed Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter of the Jaguars' Week 13 game versus Houston, and Parker Washington was the clear beneficiary. Washington caught 25% of Jacksonville's completed passes on the day, posting 103 yards and a score. He was targeted 12 times after receiving only 18 targets before Jacksonville's Week 12 bye. With Lawrence in the concussion protocol due to a wicked hit from now-suspended Azeez Al-Shaair and Jaguar receivers Davis (knee) and Kirk (collarbone) on Injured Reserve, Washington has a clear opportunity to hold down the WR2 role in Jacksonville for the remainder of the season. 

TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans

Jeff Blaylock – In the four games since Derek Carr returned, Johnson was second on the team behind Taysom Hill in first-read and target percentage, with nearly double Hill’s air yards. In Week 13, Johnson tied a season-high with five receptions on a season-high seven targets, with Hill on the field. Johnson figures to get more involved in the Saints offense after Hill’s season-ending injury. The Saints face Washington, Green Bay, and Las Vegas during the fantasy playoffs, the latter two being in the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to tight ends. 

RB Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco

Jason Wood: Isaac Guerendo is the obvious choice, although he won't remain under the radar much longer. The fourth-round rookie out of Louisville has risen to prominence after Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason were placed on injured reserve this week. Guerendo is now in line for a starter's workload in a Kyle Shanahan offense that needs to maintain a balanced approach to stay competitive. Guerendo could see 16-20 opportunities per game down the stretch.

QB Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas

Andy Hicks: I would be looking at Aidan O’Connell as a quarterback option, despite the lack of depth at receiver and weak options in the running game at his disposal. Against the Chiefs, he made noticeable strides in his game and looked like a player the Raiders should persist with. Just surround him with better weapons. He has a soft schedule against the pass, with the Bucs, Falcons, and Jaguars up next. If O’Connell can continue developing against soft pass defenses, he will surprise those who take a chance on him.