Waivers of the future will focus on making decisions that improve our odds of our dynasty championship. The back of your dynasty roster should be flexible, with preferences made for players you can use in your lineup during the season.
Quarterback
Among the quarterbacks, there are two types of waiver options: those moving up this week and veteran backups.
Moving Up This Week
Derek Carr was injured on Sunday, landing in the concussion protocol, the second time he has landed in the concussion protocol in the past month. This could be an extended absence giving Jameis Winston the potential to be a league-winning player at the quarterback position. Carr has disappointed in his first season in New Orleans, with the team underperforming their talent this season. With Chris Olave, Rashiid Shaheed, Alvin Kamara, Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, and company, Winston is one of the better blends of resume and supporting cast of any backup quarterback in the league. If Carr’s absence is extended, Winston could be a dynasty league-changing performer for teams who have lost quarterbacks in recent weeks. For teams with a need at quarterback, Winston warrants a maximum bid in FAAB.
Kenny Pickett suffered an ankle injury and underwent surgery on Monday. The indication is that he will miss multiple weeks, but there is a potential he could return late this season if the Steelers can make a playoff run. However, in the upcoming weeks, Mitch Trubisky will get an opportunity to start. Trubisky has struggled in replacement duties for Pickett, but he has the right blend to be an emergency fantasy starter. Trubisky has been a starter in the past, with a high draft pedigree, and is entering a lineup with a quality set of supporting cast members. Trubisky falls below Winston but is a consolation prize for those looking for a spot starter to replace an injured recent starter.
Tyrod Taylor is returning from injured reserve with his 21-day practice window opened up this week. With Tommy Devito starting at quarterback for the Giants, Taylor should be an upgrade for the Giants if they are seeking to contend for the rest of the season. Taylor is more of an emergency depth option than a dependable lineup option with a Giants offense short on talent and a supporting cast. Taylor warrants a small waiver bid in formats where he is available.
Veteran Backups
As a general rule, you should have a limited amount of backup quarterbacks on your monitor list. With roster spots tight, optimized dynasty rosters under 25 spots in Superflex or quarterback premium. If you are in 25- to 35-man rosters and have a roster spot, these quarterbacks are the premium backups:
- Mike White, MIA
- Tyler Huntley, BAL
- Cooper Rush, DAL
- Jacoby Brissett, WAS
- Teddy Bridgewater, DET
Tight Ends
Tight ends to monitor on your waiver wires include:
Tyler Higbee suffered a concussion in week 13, so his status is uncertain for week 14. Hunter Long has jumped Brycen Hopkins on the depth chart and would figure to be a spot starter if Higbee misses time. Long was a productive tight end at Boston College but has struggled to carve out a role in the NFL. Notably, Long was included as compensation in the Jalen Ramsey trade, so the Rams specifically picked him in the deal and could get the opportunity to showcase him for a bigger role in 2024. You can stay away in shallow leagues, but he warrants a small bid in deeper or premium formats.
With Amari Cooper forced out of the lineup, Harrison Bryant stepped up in week 13 and caught all five targets for 49 yards and one touchdown. Bryant played behind David Njoku, but the offense could see a schematic shift if Cooper misses more time. Like Long, Bryant is a deeper league option that can be disregarded in shallower formats.
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