"NFL Week 14 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Revealed Amidst Rising Injuries and Favorable Schedules"

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ICARO Media Group
News
04/12/2023 23h19

Injuries are taking a toll on players across the NFL in Week 14, affecting the fantasy football landscape. With key names such as Rhamondre Stevenson, Derrick Henry, Brian Robinson Jr., and D'Andre Swift leaving their games due to injuries, fantasy owners are now seeking viable replacements. Fortunately, their backups are readily available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues, providing potential waiver wire targets.

Additionally, injuries to Tank Dell, Amari Cooper, Christian Watson, Derek Carr, and Josh Whyle have opened up opportunities for other players to step up and make an impact. As fantasy managers assess their lineups, taking note of the remaining opponents for each team becomes crucial in making informed decisions regarding player choices.

One quarterback that has experienced a rollercoaster ride is Josh Dobbs. After a rough performance on Monday Night Football, where he threw four interceptions, doubts arose about his status as the team's starting quarterback. Combined with the Minnesota Vikings' Week 13 bye, many fantasy managers dropped Dobbs. However, it is worth noting that he had been a top-12 fantasy quarterback in the previous four weeks, proving his potential. Moreover, Dobbs now has the exciting prospect of throwing to Justin Jefferson, reinvigorating his fantasy value. The Vikings' advantageous quarterback schedule for the remainder of the season further emphasizes Dobbs and even potential replacements like Nick Mullens as worthy waiver wire additions.

Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams has been steadily improving his fantasy performances. Completing 22 of his 37 passing attempts for 279 yards and three touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, Stafford has shown a proficiency for finding the end zone. While his schedule in the coming weeks may not seem favorable, a notable exception occurs in Week 15 when the Rams face the Washington Commanders, who have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Therefore, fantasy managers with uncertain quarterback situations might consider stashing Stafford ahead of time to take advantage of this dominant matchup.

Jameis Winston of the New Orleans Saints is another quarterback to keep an eye on. Taking over when Derek Carr suffered a head injury in Week 13, Winston showcased his potential despite limited opportunities, completing two of five passes for 41 yards. With a history of performing well in fantasy, including finishing as the third-leading scorer among quarterbacks in 2019, Winston's value could rise significantly if Carr is sidelined for multiple games. Additionally, the Saints have the fifth-best schedule for quarterbacks in the remaining weeks, making Winston an intriguing waiver wire option.

Gardner Minshew's notable performance in the Indianapolis Colts' overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans also caught the attention of fantasy managers. Throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns while the Colts overcame a 10-point deficit, Minshew showcased his abilities as a reliable backup. The absence of star running back Jonathan Taylor might have influenced the Colts' game plan to rely more on the passing game. Looking ahead, Minshew benefits from the Colts' favorable schedule for quarterbacks, ranking second-best according to PFF's strength of schedule tool. Facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, Minshew presents a highly favorable matchup for fantasy managers seeking a quarterback option from the waiver wire.

As injuries continue to impact fantasy football lineups, savvy managers are scouring the waiver wire for valuable replacements. Keeping a close eye on favorable schedules and potential breakout performances can make a significant difference during this critical stretch of the fantasy season.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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