NFL Waiver Wire: Week 14 Early Watch

This article is part of our NFL Waiver Wire series.

This article comes out every Sunday night. It's not expected to be a deep dive. Instead, we'll explore players who had atypical workloads and/or opportunity during the Sunday games. We won't consider whether these players are available in most leagues. The hope is that you become aware of the short-term usage change. If you're looking for detailed waiver-wire coverage, we have two weekly articles to set you up. On Tuesday, Kevin Payne publishes his weekly pickups. Then on Wednesday, Dan Marcus provide a deep dive of the waiver list.

Quarterback

• Aidan O'Connell passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns against a suddenly vulnerable Kansas City defense. Regardless, the quarterback focused on getting the ball to Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers. With the Raiders expected to trail often, O'Connell could be a solid QB2.
• Bryce Young now has solid games in consecutive weeks. Even though Young did well against the struggling pass defenses of the Chiefs and Buccaneers, he is a vastly improved player. Young is now someone to consider as a QB2.
• Mac Jones will start for the Jaguars if Trevor Lawrence is unable to return from a concussion. In leagues that start two quarterbacks, Jones would have instant fantasy value.

Running Back

• Sincere McCormick rushed 12 times for 64 yards against the Chiefs. It's possible that McCormick retains a role in the backfield even if Alexander Mattison and Zamir White return from injury.
• Jonathon Brooks finally had significant usage for the Panthers. After touching the ball twice in his Week 12 debut, the rookie handled nine touches this week, resulting in 41 yards in a competitive game against the Buccaneers. It's possible that Brooks is ready to close the gap in touches with Chuba Hubbard.
• Chris Rodriguez rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown against the Titans. Since most of the production came in garbage time, it's possible that this was a one-week opportunity. However, Brian Robinson has struggled to stay healthy all season, so Rodriguez might have earned a spot in the running back rotation with Austin Ekeler on IR.
• Raheem Mostert played behind teammate Jaylen Wright the last couple weeks. However, against Green Bay, Mostert was back in the change-of-pace role. Even though he may not get much volume, Mostert could see work as a receiver and near the goal line along with a handful of carries.
• Kimani Vidal only had four rushing attempts against Atlanta, but starter Gus Edwards only handled six carries in the game. In games that the Chargers play with a lead, it's possible that Vidal sees an expanded role. 

Wide Receiver

• Adam Thielen has played well in each of the two games since returning from injured reserve. in last week's game, he was interfered with on a touchdown reception. In this week's game, instant replay failed to change what was likely another touchdown. Finally, the receiver scored a late TD to send the game to overtime while posting 99 yards. Thielen should see significant target volume and be productive each week.
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling continues to score touchdowns at an incredible rate. Although it may not be sustainable, he is the de-facto No. 1 receiver in the injury-plagued Saints' receiver room.
• Brandin Cooks was targeted seven times in his return from injured reserve. It's difficult to bet on the receiver with Cooper Rush at quarterback, but Cooks should be the second option at wide receiver.
• Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has scored eight touchdowns on 20 receptions. He plays a full-time role and sees regular targets. It would seem that the touchdowns will have to dry up, but there's no guarantee that will happen. 
• Demarcus Robinson has scored six touchdowns over the Rams' last six games. The veteran plays over 70 percent of snaps and typically sees at least four targets. Robinson injured his hand late in Sunday's game, so keep an eye on his status.
• Ray-Ray McCloud has averaged more than five targets in the last three games. The receiver also plays a nearly full-time role in the offense. In PPR leagues, his scoring floor could be helpful when six teams are off in Week 14. 
• Andrei Iosivas lacks upside, but he has posted 29-46 yards in each of the last three games. Iosivas also sees occasional targets in the red zone. He's a deep-league option only. 
• Parker Washington has done little since moving into the lineup after Christian Kirk's season ending injury. However, Washington posted 103 yards and a touchdown against the Texans. The receiver remains a desperation option in PPR leagues.

Tight End

• Pat Freiermuth had a season-high seven targets this week, and he also has at least 59 yards in consecutive games. If coach Arthur Smith decides to continue featuring Freiermuth, his fantasy value may quickly be on the rise.
• Noah Gray failed to find the end zone for the first time in three games. That said, Gray recorded 58 or more yards each of the last two games. He remains an integral part of the Kansas City offense while seeing targets in the red zone.
• Austin Hooper is a depth option in leagues that emphasize the tight end. Hooper has exactly four targets in each of the last four games. In those games, the TE has posted at least 35 yards each time while scoring TDs in his last two games.