Everything changes when the calendar hits December. You aren't just "managing a roster" anymore. You’re survivalists. One bad start, one missed injury report, or—heaven forbid—leaving a league-winning RB on the wire because you were too cheap with your FAAB can end a season that you’ve spent months obsessing over. Honestly, the waiver wire pickups week 14 landscape is less about finding "sleepers" and more about finding volume.
Volume is king. If a guy is getting 15 touches, I don't care if he’s playing for a team that hasn't won a game since October. You start him.
We saw some massive shifts in Week 13. Injuries to stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and the ongoing soap opera in the Washington backfield have opened doors that were previously locked. If you're sitting there with a comfortable playoff seed, you're looking for handcuffs and lottery tickets. If you're fighting for your life, you need guys who can put up 12 points tomorrow.
The RB Chaos: Chris Rodriguez and the Commanders' Logic
Look, I know Chris Rodriguez Jr. isn't the sexiest name in fantasy. He’s basically a human bowling ball. But the Commanders have quietly decided he’s their guy. Before the Week 12 bye, he was already trending up, and coming out of it, he’s clearly the preferred goal-line hammer.
In a world where reliable running backs are rarer than a humble wide receiver, Rodriguez is a gold mine. He’s rostered in about 23% of leagues. That's way too low. He’s had three touchdowns in his last four games. Washington is heading into a Week 14 matchup against a Vikings team that—let's be real—is struggling. If the Commanders get a lead, Rodriguez is going to see 15+ carries. He isn't going to give you much in the passing game, but in a standard or half-PPR league, he's a rock-solid RB3 with RB2 upside.
Then there is the Bears situation. Kyle Monangai is a name you need to know. Chicago is tied for the top record in the NFC, which is still weird to type, but it's the reality of 2025. While D'Andre Swift is the lead, Monangai is carving out a role that makes him more than just a backup. He just hung 130 yards on the Eagles. If he’s available in your league (he’s around 40% rostered), you grab him. Ben Johnson’s run game is cooking, and Monangai is a huge part of the recipe.
The Backup Lottery: Blake Corum and Trey Benson
If you have Kyren Williams, and you don't have Blake Corum, what are you even doing? Corum is the ultimate "insurance policy" add. He’s playing about 30-35% of the snaps, but he’s efficient. He turned seven carries into 81 yards and a score recently. He’s the definition of a league-winner if Kyren misses time.
The same goes for Trey Benson in Arizona. There’s been some chatter about an ankle injury, and some managers might have dropped him while he was on IR. Check your wire. If he’s back for Week 14, he’s the lead back for the Cardinals. Arizona’s backfield is a mess without him, and the moment he’s active, he’s a must-start.
The Adonai Mitchell Explosion is Real
We need to talk about the New York Jets. Specifically, the trade-deadline acquisition of Adonai Mitchell. For weeks, the underlying data was screaming at us. He had the air yards. He had the first-read share. But the production wasn't there.
Then Week 13 happened. Eight catches. 102 yards. A touchdown.
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With Tyrod Taylor under center, Mitchell has become the "alpha" in that offense while Garrett Wilson is sidelined. He had a 36% target share against the Falcons. You simply don't find that on the waiver wire in December. He’s only 2% rostered. Honestly, it’s criminal. Even with a tough-ish matchup against Miami in Week 14, the volume alone makes him a WR3. If you look ahead to Weeks 15 and 16, he gets the Jaguars and Saints—two of the worst defenses against perimeter receivers. This is the waiver wire pickups week 14 move that could actually win you a trophy.
Other WR Targets to Sneak Into Your Lineup
- Isaac TeSlaa (DET): With Amon-Ra St. Brown nursing an ankle injury, the rookie TeSlaa is the next man up. Detroit’s offense is high-powered enough that even the third or fourth option can put up 15 points.
- Jayden Higgins (HOU): He’s emerging as the clear No. 2 for C.J. Stroud. He’s been targeted 7+ times in three of the last four games.
- Devaughn Vele (NO): Since Brandin Cooks was released, Vele has led the Saints in receiving yards. He’s a big-bodied target who just put up 23 fantasy points.
Streaming for Your Life: QB and Defense
Most people get to Week 14 and realize their "stud" quarterback has a nightmare matchup. Or maybe you've been riding a guy like Daniel Jones (who is now on bye or injured, depending on the day).
Jacoby Brissett is the boring-but-effective answer. He has topped 18 fantasy points in seven straight starts. That is the definition of a "floor." He’s playing a Rams defense that just got shredded by the Panthers. If you need a streamer, he's the guy. If you want more risk/reward, Trevor Lawrence against the Colts is tempting. The Colts might be without Sauce Gardner (calf), and Lawrence has been playing better lately, averaging about 16.4 points per game.
On the defensive side, it’s all about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They get the Saints. The Saints are giving up the fifth-most points to opposing defenses. When these teams met earlier this year, Tampa put up 26 fantasy points. It’s a layup. If they’re gone, look at the Washington Commanders. They play the Vikings, who lead the league in sacks allowed. It’s a "dirty" play, but it works.
Why Waiver Wire Pickups Week 14 Matter More Than You Think
Misconceptions about this time of year usually involve people holding onto "names." You might have a guy like Alvin Kamara who is struggling with injuries, or a receiver who hasn't done anything in three weeks.
Don't be afraid to cut them.
The playoffs are a sprint. You don't need "depth" that you'll never start. You need specific pieces for specific matchups. If you aren't going to start a guy in the next three weeks, he shouldn't be on your bench. Use that spot for a second defense with a good Week 16 matchup or a backup QB like Tyrod Taylor who could save your season if your starter goes down.
Honestly, the biggest mistake is being passive. People think the "good players" are all gone. They aren't. They’re just disguised as rookies like Isaac TeSlaa or "boring" vets like Devin Singletary.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your league's "Transfers" or "Transactions" page immediately. You're looking for these specific names in order of priority:
- Adonai Mitchell (WR): The target share is too high to ignore.
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB): The goal-line role is yours for the taking.
- Tampa Bay DST: If you need a one-week rental, this is the best one on the board.
- Isaac TeSlaa (WR): Only if Amon-Ra is confirmed out, but grab him now before the news breaks.
- Jacoby Brissett (QB): The safest streaming option available in 60% of leagues.
Verify your bench for "dead weight." If a player has a "Bye" or a "Red" matchup and hasn't produced in a month, drop them for one of the high-upside handcuffs like Blake Corum or Jordan Mason. Your 2025 title depends on what you do in the next 24 hours.