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The top 12 waiver-wire pickups for Week 14 of fantasy football

Tyler Lauletta   

The top 12 waiver-wire pickups for Week 14 of fantasy football
Russell Gage.AP Photo/John Bazemore
  • After 13 weeks of NFL action, it's time to get ready for the fantasy football postseason.
  • Whether you're still fighting for a playoff spot, or looking to improve your team after clinching a bye, there's work to be done to improve your roster.

Sony Michel, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Sony Michel, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Sony Michel.      AP Photo/John McCoy

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 60.9%

Week 13 stats: 121 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 8 receiving yards, 1 touchdown — 21.9 fantasy points

One thing to know: Sony Michel played brilliantly in relief of Rams starter Darrell Henderson, who was held out of action due to injury. While Henderson may be back in the fold next week, Michel should still see plenty of action in a Rams offense that looks ready to score points again after a few off weeks.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Devonta Freeman, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Devonta Freeman.      AP Photo/Don Wright

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 66.5%

Week 13 stats: 52 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 45 receiving yards, 1 touchdown — 20.7 fantasy points

One thing to know: Devonta Freeman is averaging 14.6 points per game in the five games the Ravens have played since their bye week. If he's available in your league, there's a good chance he can help your team make a push for the playoffs.

Dontrell Hilliard, RB, Tennessee Titans

Dontrell Hilliard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Dontrell Hilliard.      AP Photo/Steven Senne

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 35.9%

Week 13 stats: N/A

One thing to know: The Tennessee Titans had their bye week last week, but Dontrell Hilliard is still one of the most important adds in fantasy today for teams in need of a running back. Since being promoted into the Titans ' rotation, Hilliard cleared 16 fantasy points in each of his first two games and has a quality matchup against the Jaguars this weekend.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Kenneth Gainwell.      AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 11.2%

Week 13 stats: 54 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 33 receiving yards, 1 touchdown — 19.7 fantasy points

One thing to know: Kenneth Gainwell did everything that fantasy players could hope for from a backup running back. Gainwell had 12 carries, was involved in the passing game, and found the end zone for Philadelphia in a blowout. However, there are two marks against Gainwell from a fantasy perspective: 1) the Eagles are on bye next week, and 2) when they return, running backs Jordan Howard and Boston Scott could be back in the lineup, limiting Gainwell's usage.

That said, if you have the extra roster spot heading into the fantasy postseason, Gainwell could be a useful stash on your bench.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown.      AP Photo/Duane Burleson

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 6.5%

Week 13 stats: 10 receptions, 86 receiving yards, 1 touchdown — 24.8 fantasy points

One thing to know: Amon-Ra St. Brown was the hero of the Lions on Sunday, catching a game-winning as the clock expired to lift the Lions to their first victory of the season. St. Brown was also likely the hero of several fantasy teams, with a surprising 24.8-point performance. While that will likely be his best game of the season, St. Brown has some solid matchups coming up against the Cardinals and Falcons during the fantasy postseason if you feel like riding the hot hand.

Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Russell Gage.      AP Photo/John Bazemore

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 25.2%

Week 13 stats: 11 receptions, 130 receiving yards — 22 fantasy points

One thing to know: Russell Gage has been a top-15 wide receiver in fantasy for two straight weeks now. With games against the Panthers and Lions coming up on the schedule, he could be worth taking onto your roster as a spot-starter in the postseason.

Van Jefferson, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Van Jefferson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Van Jefferson.      AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 63.6%

Week 13 stats: 6 receptions, 41 receiving yards, 1 touchdown — 16.1 fantasy points

One thing to know: While Van Jefferson was previously more of a boom-or-bust player, he's emerged as a more central part of the Rams offense since Robert Woods got injured, with at least seven targets per game dating back to Week 9. With the Rams staring down a potential shootout with the Cardinals next week, he's a good add if available.

DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins

DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
DeVante Parker.      AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 54.4%

Week 13 stats: 5 receptions, 62 receiving yards — 11.2 fantasy points

One thing to know: There's a chance players in your league have forgotten about DeVante Parker simply because he hasn't played that much this year. But when he has played, he's produced, including when he caught all five targets against the Giants on Sunday. While the Dolphins are heading into their bye week, Parker against a reeling Jets defense is a great matchup to kick off your fantasy postseason if you have the extra roster spot.

Josh Reynolds, WR, Detroit Lions

Josh Reynolds, WR, Detroit Lions
Josh Reynolds.      AP Photo/Paul Sancya

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 2.7%

Week 13 stats: 4 receptions, 69 receiving yards — 10.9 fantasy points

One thing to know: If the Lions offense can open up a bit after finally stealing a win, Josh Reynolds would stand to benefit. That said, Reynolds is likely only more an option for those playing in deeper leagues at this point.

Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota Vikings

Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota Vikings
Tyler Conklin.      AP Photo/Duane Burleson

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 34.2%

Week 13 stats: 7 receptions, 56 receiving yards — 12.6 fantasy points

One thing to know: Hopefully, you have a better plan at tight end at this point in the season. However, if your fantasy team lost Logan Thomas to injury this week, Tyler Conklin is likely as good a replacement as you will find.

Streaming defense: Los Angeles Chargers

Streaming defense: Los Angeles Chargers
Uchenna Nwosu.      AP Photo/Michael Conroy

ESPN fantasy % rostered: 7.2%

Week 13 stats: 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 6 sacks, 22 points against — 19 fantasy points

One thing to know: The Chargers finished as the highest-scoring defense in fantasy in Week 13. If they can keep the hot streak going, they have a fantastic matchup next week against a Giants offense that has looked dismal of late.

And in case you need a quarterback...

And in case you need a quarterback...
Baker Mayfield.      AP Photo/David Richard

Baker Mayfield (25.2% rostered) has been playing through a shoulder injury the past few weeks, but will head into Week 14 fully rested thanks to Cleveland having the previous week off for their bye. He'll also be going against a Ravens team that is short-handed at cornerback after suffering key injuries, and could be vulnerable to giving up a few big plays.

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