Waivering: Week 14

Tue Dec 3 10:29am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Guerendo is setup for big role


Last week wasn’t too pretty on the waiver wire but the options are better this week. And it comes at a good time with six teams on a bye once again. There are some top-level players off this week, so the waiver wire should be a busy place in such a crucial week of games. Hopefully, the players you get to replace those bye-week players come up big for you in Week 14.

QUARTERBACK

Will Levis, Titans (35.5% owned). Levis had multiple touchdowns once again last week and didn’t turn the ball over. He has at least 18.6 fantasy points four straight games since his return to the starting lineup. Levis is posting consistent numbers, showing a very solid floor right now. He is making strides offensively.

Bryce Young, Panthers (19.1% owned). Young is really playing his best football as a pro. He had a great game last week, throwing for 298 yards and a touchdown. He also ran in a score, giving him 26.6 fantasy points. Young is still a scary fantasy play but his play the last few weeks is really encouraging for his future. 

Aidan O’Connell, Raiders (8.8% owned). O’Connell returned from his thumb injury last week and enjoyed his best game of the season. He was 23-of-35 for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. O’Connell has big-game potential, making him a guy to consider as a spot-start play going forward.

RUNNING BACK

Jeremy McNichols, Commanders (42.2% owned). Austin Ekeler was put on Injured Reserve last week, so McNichols will be the top backup the next several weeks. He has fantasy value in that role. He had six carries last week and has found the end zone four times this season.

Blake Corum, Rams (43.8% owned). Corum played a lot more last week, rushing eight times for 42 yards. He tied a season-high in carries. With Kyren Williams having ball security issues, Corum could be setup for more work going forward. He is a good speculative add for fantasy teams.

Isaac Guerendo, 49ers (17.7% owned). Guerendo is going to be the hot item on waivers this week. He is set to take over the starting role for the 49ers going forward. He has great value in that role. Guerendo scored a touchdown last week, rushing four times for 19 yards and a score. He should be added in all formats.

Antonio Gibson, Patriots (31.6% owned). Gibson ran seven times for 62 yards and a touchdown in Week 13. Gibson averaged 8.9 yards per carry last week and 6.2 yards per carry over his last four games. He could be getting more work going forward with his solid play and Rhamondre Stevenson having some struggles. Gibson got more work last week, seeing a 23.6 percent snap share, his second-highest mark since Week 6.

Sincere McCormick, Raiders (0.7% owned). McCormick was the Raiders leading rusher last week, running 12 times for 64 yards. He has played well with his chances the last two games. He could continue to play a big role down the stretch, especially since none of the Raiders backs have been very good this year. He could be a fantasy factor the rest of the way.

WIDE RECEIVER

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Titans (44.3% owned). All Westbrook-Ikhine does is score touchdowns. He scored two more last week, giving him eight total on the season. He has just 20 receptions but eight of them have been for scores. As long as he keeps scoring. Westbrook-Ikhine has solid fantasy value.

Adam Thielen, Panthers (40.3% owned). Thielen was even more involved in the passing game his second game back from his hamstring injury. He had eight receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets in Week 13. He could be the leading receiver for this team the rest of the way. His value is going up.

Parker Washington, Jaguars (3.2% owned). Washington was a huge surprise last week, catching six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. He did not have more than three catches in a game all season before last week. But his good play last week could be getting him more chances going forward in this offense. Washington could be setup for a solid finish to his season.

Tre Tucker, Raiders (14.2% owned). Tucker reached double-digit fantasy points for the second straight game last week. He had just a catch but it was a 58-yard touchdown. He also ran once for 11 yards. He is a big-play threat in this offense and is capable of the big game any given week.

Demarcus Robinson, Rams (41.1% owned). Robinson scored his seventh touchdown of the season in Week 13. He has scores two straight games. Robinson might have a lot to compete with for targets in Los Angeles, but he is a top red-zone target on this team. He has some spot start value.

Brandin Cooks, Cowboys (10.2% owned). Cooks played his first game since Week 4 last week, catching three passes for 16 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted seven times, getting plenty of looks. Cooks is a bit of a boom-or-bust play but his track record suggests he could be worth grabbing for fantasy owners.

TIGHT END

Noah Gray, Chiefs (21.6% owned). Gray was held out of the end zone last week but had four receptions for 58 yards on six targets. He has four catches each of his last three games, showing he doesn’t need to score to help fantasy teams. Gray has some standalone fantasy value - even with Travis Kelce ahead of him on the depth chart.

Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys (16.5% owned). Schoonmaker had five receptions for 33 yards on six targets last week. He has 14 receptions his last three games. As long as Jake Ferguson is sidelined, Schoonmaker can be a big help to fantasy teams.

Tommy Tremble, Panthers (0.3% owned). With Ja’Tavion Sanders hurt, Tremble got a chance for an expanded role in Week 13 and played well. He had five receptions for 77 yards on eight targets. He is a bit of a wild card going forward but could be worth a speculative pickup in an offense that likes to use the tight end.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Caleb Williams Dec 3 10:10pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator and now head coach this season, will be considered among the candidates for the permanent job in January, according to two team sources. The Bears also hope to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who interviewed for Chicago's offensive-coordinator position last offseason before they gave the job to Shane Waldron. Brown's role in the development of first overall pick Caleb Williams has been noticeable. Since Brown took over Waldron's job in Chicago on Nov. 12, Williams has five touchdown passes the last two games after nothing throwing one in the previous four contests. The young QB also hasn't thrown a pick in 232 pass attempts, which is the longest streak by a rookie in NFL history.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 3 10:00pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said "absolutely not" when asked if the team was considering replacing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as the play-caller. Caserio also said that he thinks Slowik is a "great coach." Quarterback C.J. Stroud has regressed in his sophomore season under Slowik, and the Texans offense in general has looked sluggish in recent weeks. Houston has just one win all year against team with a winning record and will be fighting for a postseason spot down the stretch despite starting the year 5-1. Stroud specifically has really struggled under pressure and has seen his accuracy decline from what was a very impressive rookie season. The Texans' offense currently ranks 20th in EPA per play, which will need to improve drastically. The good news is Houston will look to work on their offensive inefficiencies on bye this week.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms from the team's Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler does not remember walking off the field until getting into an ambulance to take a trip to the hospital. It's similar memory loss that he experienced after a Week 3 concussion he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to his concussion symptoms, he has neck pain, which led to the team putting him on Injured Reserve. Ekeler has yet to pass the concussion protocol but hopes to clear that hurdle soon and is staying positive through his recovery. With Ekeler not eligible to come off IR until the Week 18 regular-season finale, he effectively becomes useless to fantasy managers that have their championship matchups in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Sincere McCormick Dec 3 9:00pm CT
Sincere McCormick

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick has been signed off the practice squad on Tuesday. The undrafted back couldn't be sent back to the practice squad after being elevated three times. The Raiders are banged up with Alexander Mattison (quad) and Zamir White (quad) missing each of the last two games. That being said, the Raiders decided to sign McCormick to the 53-man roster. He has been operating as the No. 2 back over the last two games. He rushed 12 times for 64 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He figures to get a decent look down the stretch of the season with the Raiders not playing for much right now.

From RotoBaller

DJ Turner Dec 3 9:00pm CT
DJ Turner

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (knee) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. Turner suffered a knee injury during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The severity of the knee is unknown, but it appears to be enough to force Turner to miss the next four games. The 27-year-old has put together a fairly quiet season with 16 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. His absence should mean that Terrace Marshall Jr. gets more snaps on offense. However, Marshall probably won't see enough playing time to warrant rostering in any fantasy formats. Tre Tucker could benefit with a few more targets, but he has been boom-or-bust this season.

From RotoBaller

Carlton Davis Dec 3 8:40pm CT
Carlton Davis

Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis III (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news to see Davis getting upgraded to full in practice ahead of Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. It appears Davis is on track to return from his one-game absence after suffering a knee injury during the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Davis has been an important piece to the secondary with 51 tackles, 10 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. Davis should be ready to go, barring any setbacks ahead of Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Dec 3 8:30pm CT
Riley Patterson

Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Patterson was added to the roster as insurance in case Younghoe Koo (hip) was unable to play. Koo ended up being able to play through the issue and appears to be fine going forward. That being said, the Falcons have decided to release Patterson on Tuesday. This does make sense considering there really is no need to keep another kicker on the roster with Koo healthy. Patterson has only played in one game this season and made all three of his extra point attempts during his lone game with the New York Jets. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as the 25-year-old should be able to find another spot.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Dec 3 8:20pm CT
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was a limited participant once again during Tuesday's practice. This is now back-to-back limited sessions for Alexander ahead of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions. Alexander has missed three of the last four games due to a partially torn PCL. Despite that, Alexander appears to have a chance at playing in this important divisional contest. The All-Pro defensive back would give this defense and especially this secondary a huge lift. His participation during Wednesday's practice will go a long way to determining his status for Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Azeez Al-Shaair Dec 3 7:17pm CT
Azeez Al-Shaair

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is being suspended three games for his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) in the Week 13 win on Sunday. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game after the hit on Lawrence, who was giving himself up on a slide in the middle of the field before Al-Shaair came in hard with a forearm to his helmet that left him concussed. Lawrence stayed on the ground before eventually being carted off, and he could miss the rest of the season because of his head injury. The 27-year-old Al-Shaair was also fined back in Week 2 for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson, so it's not his first offense in 2024. He also had a late hit on Titans RB Tony Pollard out of bounds in Week 12. Al-Shaair is appealing the suspension, but if it is upheld, he won't be eligible to return until Week 18 against the Titans. Houston is on their bye in Week 14.

Christian McCaffrey Dec 3 6:43pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Fantasy Spin: This was the expected move, and it's likely McCaffrey will miss the rest of the season. With Jordan Mason (ankle) also expected to land on IR, Isaac Guerendo will take the reins as San Fran's lead back and is a must-add player this week. The rookie has proven to be an explosive weapon in limited work and could be a solid RB2.

From TheHuddle

Dallas Goedert Dec 3 6:13pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) is considered week-to-week and could go on injured reserve but the injury isn't season-ending, per source on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Fantasy Spin: If placed on injured reserve, Goedert would be eligible to come back by Week 18, although that doesn't do much good for fantasy owners. At the very least, it looks like Goedert is going to miss time, which means Grant Calcaterra will get more run, and it's possible C.J. Uzomah, who is on the practice squad, will get some playing time. However, neither is a suggested lineup option.

From TheHuddle

Brandin Cooks Dec 3 6:10pm CT
Brandin Cooks

The Athletic's Saad Yousuf does not believe that veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will return to the team in 2025. Cooks is a strong presence in the locker room, but his production the last two seasons has fallen short of expectations as the No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb. If the Cowboys also feel the same way about Cooks' future, they could give more playing time to rookie Ryan Flournoy and recent acquisition Jonathan Mingo for the rest of the season. Dallas sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers for Mingo and might want to get a head start on evaluating him for their 2025 roster. The 31-year-old Cooks has six 1,000-yard seasons in his 11 NFL seasons, but he's slowed down the last two years in Dallas and has also played in only five games in 2024 due to injury. If the Cowboys move on from Cooks after this year, they could look to replace him with another veteran pass-catcher.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 3 5:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (calf) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. There's been no indication that Jacobs' calf injury will put him in danger of sitting out of Thursday's divisional clash against the Detroit Lions, but we'll have a more clear picture after Green Bay releases their final injury report for the week on Wednesday. As of now, fantasy managers should plan on keeping the 26-year-old lead back in their starting lineups for Week 14 action. In his first year with the Packers, Jacobs has been money for fantasy managers as an RB1 with 192.2 total half-PPR points, which ranks him as the RB7 heading into Thursday's game against Detroit. The two-time Pro Bowler has at least 15 touches in each of the team's last eight games, and although the Lions aren't the greatest matchup, Jacobs did go for 95 yards against them back on Nov. 3.

From RotoBaller

John Ross Dec 3 5:40pm CT
John Ross

The Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday released veteran wide receiver John Ross (undisclosed) from their practice squad. Ross was active for one game with the Eagles this year and caught one of his two targets for a six-yard pickup and had been on the practice-squad injured list due to an undisclosed ailment since Oct. 21. The 29-year-old speedster will now go back on the open market and he's unlikely to sign with another team with only five weeks remaining in the 2024 season. The former ninth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2017 out of Washington played in 10 games (one start) with the New York Giants back in 2021 and had 11 receptions on 20 targets for 224 yards and one touchdown. Ross did have seven scores in his second season in 2018 with Cincy and had a career-high 506 receiving yards the following year, but that was the extent of his production in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Mike Edwards Dec 3 5:40pm CT
Mike Edwards

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, according to a source, and is expected to be out for a week. Edwards suffered the injury in the Week 13 overtime win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers and is now likely to miss the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old defensive back will get treatment with his eyes set on returning for a Week 15 tilt versus the Los Angeles Chargers. With Edwards' injury in mind, Tampa added Kaevon Merriweather off the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Tuesday. Christian Izien is expected to start at safety alongside All-Pro Antoine Winfield in the Bucs' secondary this Sunday if Edwards is indeed ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Israel Abanikanda Dec 3 5:30pm CT
Israel Abanikanda

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday and also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad, according to a source. In corresponding moves, the Niners officially placed both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve, meaning they'll be out for at least the next four games. CMC has a PCL sprain and will need six weeks to recover, so his season is essentially over unless the Niners make a run to get into the playoffs. Abanikanda didn't play in a single game for the Jets this year but could serve as the team's No. 3 down the stretch behind rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Vaughn also hasn't seen the field in 2024 after averaging 3.7 yards a carry in four previous seasons with Tampa. They can both stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Dec 3 5:30pm CT
Josh Reynolds

The Denver Broncos waived wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hand) on Tuesday as they head into their bye week, according to the team. Reynolds has been on Injured Reserve since Week 5 and had his 21-day practice window opened ahead of the team's Week 11 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He has been practicing over the last three weeks and looked ready to return from his hand injury, but now he'll be on the open market and will be looking to latch on with another team with the 2024 campaign in the home stretch. Before his injury, Reynolds caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown in five games in Denver, back when rookie quarterback Bo Nix was struggling to move the offense consistently. With Reynolds now out of the picture for the rest of the year, it's good news for rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. and Lil'Jordan Humphrey behind WR1 Courtland Sutton.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 3 5:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers officially placed running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, which means he'll be forced to miss at least the next four games. However, McCaffrey suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills and is expected to need at least six weeks of recovery time. It means that unless the 49ers pick things up and make a run to the postseason, CMC's injury-plagued 2024 campaign will come to an end. Jordan Mason (ankle) is also on IR with a high-ankle sprain, which will force rookie Isaac Guerendo into the team's lead-back role for at least the next four weeks. With CMC officially on IR, fantasy managers can drop him in redraft leagues. The 28-year-old was a huge bust for fantasy managers this year. He didn't make his season debut until Week 10 due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis and ended up playing in just four games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Deon Cain Dec 3 4:43pm CT
Deon Cain

Buffalo Bills WR Deon Cain was released from the practice squad Tuesday, Dec. 3.

From TheHuddle

John Ross Dec 3 4:13pm CT
John Ross

Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross was released from the practice squad on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

From TheHuddle