Fantasy football Week 14 sleeper picks: 11 players to target as streamers

Week 14 marks the final stretch of the fantasy football regular season. For many managers, it's a crucial win-or-go-home week, effectively the start of the playoffs. However, extended NFL bye weeks complicate things, leaving some teams without key players like Christian McCaffrey, Drake Maye, George Kittle, and Tetairoa McMillan. These absences make securing necessary victories more challenging.

Exploring the waiver wire can uncover hidden gems who might outperform your bench. Here are 10 players plus one defense to consider for this pivotal week.

Quarterbacks

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Strouds return from injury in Week 13 was modest, failing to throw a touchdown, but his passing volume is promising. In Weeks 7 and 8 before his injury, he attempted 49 and 39 passes, respectively. His Week 13 comeback included 35 passing attempts, showing he will maintain a high-volume passing role. With targets like Nico Collins, Stroud offers a valuable streaming option at quarterback.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets

Taylor faces a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins after posting 21.28 fantasy points last week. His rushing ability adds extra fantasy value, with 44 yards and a touchdown on the ground in his previous game. The growing role of receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell strengthens his potential against the Dolphins vulnerable secondary.

Running Backs

Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders

Rodriguez has become the Commanders primary back, handling 43% of rushing attempts recently. He has accumulated 130 yards and a touchdown over 26 carries in the last two games, including a strong performance against Denvers defense. A matchup with the struggling Minnesota Vikings could allow him to continue his productive streak.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

Corum recently delivered his best performance of the season, yet remains underrated. The Rams game against the Arizona Cardinals could lead to an increased workload, particularly in a potential blowout scenario.

Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals

With Trey Benson unlikely to play, Knight is expected to start. Although facing the Rams defense is tough, Knights short-yardage scoring ability makes him a viable streaming option.

Wide Receivers

Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets

Mitchell recorded 102 yards and a touchdown on eight catches in Week 13. Over the past three weeks, he has been targeted 25 times, ranking among the top in the league. High target volume makes him a strong candidate for streaming.

Pat Bryant, Denver Broncos

Bryants involvement has increased over the past two games, outpacing Troy Franklin in snaps and targets. Though he is nursing a hamstring injury, if active, his matchup against the Raiders presents a promising opportunity.

Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints

Veles role has expanded recently, recording 15 targets in the last two games. Last week, he caught eight passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. If the Saints fall behind early, he could see significant opportunities.

Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins

Returning from injury, Waller played 46% of snaps in Week 13 and ran routes on 75% of them. His involvement should increase this week, leading to more targets. Previously, Waller has scored two touchdowns against the Jets, adding to his upside.

A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks

Barner has been inconsistent but shows potential. Since his 11-target game in Week 11, he has remained involved, including short-yardage and goal-line carries. These scoring chances make him a viable streaming option.

Defense

Washington Commanders

The Commanders defense has struggled this season, but Week 14 presents a favorable matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who have allowed the most points to opposing defenses. The Vikings quarterback situation has been unstable, with 19 interceptions this season, 10 of which occurred in the last four weeks. With J.J. McCarthy back under center, the Commanders still have an opportunity to capitalize defensively.

Author: Gavin Porter