Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance.
Week 14 Byes: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers
It is almost playoff time, and this week brings four teams on a bye that have tons of fantasy-relevant players. I hope you planned ahead while other managers are nervously trying to fill roster spots. If you DID plan ahead, nice work. Now, let's focus on the playoff weeks. You will be dancing with the majority of the guys that brought you, but also look for players on teams that are surging and pushing towards a playoff spot themselves. Keep in mind that some of the hottest fantasy stars might be rested by their teams in hopes of a successful real football run.
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
WR Jakobi Meyers, Jacksonville Jaguars (83% rostered on Sleeper)
Another team pushing for a playoff run, the Jaguars have a couple of nice wide receiver matchups in the fantasy playoffs. Minus a Week 16 game against the Broncos, Jacksonville gets two matchups against the Colts. Parker Washington left the game in the second quarter, and from then on Meyers had a 23.5% target share.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
You probably have your quarterback situation sorted for the playoffs, but it doesn't hurt to have a fallback on your roster or to play keep away.
QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (38% rostered on Sleeper)
Stroud returned on Sunday to help Houston snag a big win over the Indianapolis Colts. He may have been dropped in leagues, as he never went on IR. The Texans look like they have a chance to push for the AFC South crown, so Stroud could give them some late-season firepower, especially with the emergence of rookie Jayden Higgins.
QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (53% rostered on Sleeper)
Always a nerve-racking player to start in your lineup, Lawrence has actually been good as of late. He has four top-12 finishes in the last five games, including a Week 13 outing with 229 yards passing and two touchdowns. The Jags have a couple of decent quarterback matchups on the horizon, and they are another team fighting hard for the playoffs.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Joe Burrow (88%)