Honestly, if you're still grinding the waiver wire in December, you’ve probably survived a nightmare. This 2025 season has been particularly brutal. We’ve seen established stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown go down with an ankle injury just as the playoffs loom, and Kyler Murray is officially done for the year. It’s a mess. But week 14 fantasy football pickups aren't just about desperation; they're about blocking your opponents and finding that one rookie who finally "gets it."
Most managers are staring at the same three names. You’ve seen them in every ranking. But the real edge comes from knowing who actually has the volume versus who just had a lucky touchdown.
The Rookies Taking Over the League
Let's talk about Isaac TeSlaa. Nobody knew this kid's name in September. Now, with St. Brown likely out for Detroit's massive showdown against the Cowboys, TeSlaa is the top priority. He isn't just a "next man up" situation. He’s a big-play threat that Jared Goff has actually started to trust. The rookie has that "it" factor when it comes to vertical routes, and in a high-scoring environment like Jerry World, he could legitimately win you a week.
Then there is Adonai Mitchell. His season has been a weird rollercoaster. He started slow in Indy, got traded to the Jets, and suddenly he's the guy. He saw 12 targets last week against Atlanta. 12! He turned that into 102 yards and a touchdown. Even with Tyrod Taylor under center, Mitchell is getting the kind of volume that you usually only see from Tier 1 receivers. If he’s sitting on your wire, you need to fix that immediately.
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Why Volume Trumps Talent in December
It’s easy to get enamored with a "talented" player who has a low floor. Don't do it. At this stage, you need touches.
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. is currently the preferred goal-line hammer in Washington. Is he flashy? No. But he's getting the high-value carries that actually result in fantasy points.
- Kyle Monangai has emerged for the Bears. Chicago is somehow tied for the best record in the NFC, and Monangai is a huge part of that. He’s sharing time with D'Andre Swift, but he’s the one getting the tough yards.
- Devin Neal in New Orleans is another one. With Alvin Kamara dealing with his own issues, Neal has stepped in and looked like a seasoned veteran.
The Quarterback Crisis: Do You Trust Jacoby?
Losing Kyler Murray is a gut punch. There's no other way to put it. But Jacoby Brissett is remarkably consistent. He’s hit 18+ fantasy points in seven straight starts. That is the definition of a safe floor. If you're looking for a streamer for Week 14 against a Rams defense that just got shredded by the Panthers, Brissett is your guy.
If you want a higher ceiling and don't mind a little chaos, Trevor Lawrence is sitting there in about 40% of leagues. The Jaguars are fighting for the AFC South lead against the Colts this week. Lawrence has been up and down, but the Colts' secondary is banged up, and Sauce Gardner (calf) is likely out. This is a "smash" spot for Lawrence if he can just keep the turnovers in check.
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Tight Ends: Finding Gold in the Garbage
Tight end has been a wasteland. Again. Brenton Strange is the name you’ll see everywhere, and for good reason. He’s a top-7 fantasy TE over his last two games. He finally caught a touchdown last week and seems to be Lawrence’s favorite safety valve.
But keep an eye on Harold Fannin Jr. in Cleveland. He’s led the Browns in targets since Shedeur Sanders took over at QB. Fannin isn't going to give you 100 yards, but he’s seeing enough volume to be a "set it and forget it" TE1 in most PPR leagues.
Defensive Streamers to Stash
If you haven't started looking ahead to the playoffs, you're already behind.
The Denver Broncos are facing the Raiders this week. That’s a dream matchup.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also a solid play against a Saints team that is still trying to find its identity post-Brandin Cooks.
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Strategy for Your Final Roster Spots
Stop holding onto "names." If a guy hasn't produced for you in three weeks, he’s probably not going to start doing it now. Use those bench spots for high-upside handcuffs like Blake Corum or Jordan Mason. If Kyren Williams or Aaron Jones goes down, those two become instant RB1s.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with week 14 fantasy football pickups is being too conservative. This is the time to be aggressive. If you have the FAAB, spend it. There are no more "next weeks" if you lose now.
Your Actionable Next Steps
- Check the St. Brown news. If he's officially ruled out, Isaac TeSlaa is your #1 waiver priority regardless of position.
- Evaluate your QB floor. If you've been limping along, grab Jacoby Brissett for the stability.
- Audit your bench. Drop any "project" players who aren't in a position to see 10+ touches if an injury occurs. Pick up Blake Corum or Jordan Mason instead.
- Look at the Week 15/16 matchups. If a top-tier defense is sitting on waivers with a bad matchup this week but a great one in the playoffs, grab them now before the price goes up.
The fantasy regular season is basically a war of attrition. The manager who wins isn't always the one with the best draft; it's the one who reacts the fastest to a Sunday afternoon injury report. Good luck.