13 weeks of NFL action are officially in the books, which means it’s time for the fantasy football playoffs. Whether you’re looking to take home a championship or just avoid coming in last, now is the time to search the waiver wire for all the best available running backs. Heading into Week 14, you should set your eyes on Derrius Guice, Raheem Mostert, Peyton Barber, Darwin Thompson, and several other key handcuffs.
Note that in order to make this list, the player had to be available in over 50% of fantasy leagues. If you’re in smaller leagues, there may be better players available. Make sure to check your waivers to see if there are any diamonds in the rough before submitting your claims.
Week 14 Waiver Wire Claims: Running Back – Wide Receiver – Quarterback – Tight End – Defense
Derrius Guice, Raheem Mostert Highlight Fantasy Football Week 14 Running Back Waiver Wire Claims
Derrius Guice (41% owned)
Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice was one of the most exciting players from his draft class, and now he’s finally starting to put his talent together on the NFL stage. In Week 13, Guice went off to the tune of 129 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. He’s obviously not going to put together that type of yardage on just 10 carries every single week, but Guice has the ability to take it to the house every single time he touches the ball.
Adrian Peterson led the team in carries last week, but there’s every reason to believe that Guice is going to see a larger workload moving forward. The Redskins are clearly building for the future, and it’s in their best interest to see what they have in Guice. Look for him to be the main guy and have plenty of opportunities to rip off a big play in Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers.
Raheem Mostert
Matt Breida missed Week 13’s action, opening the door for Raheem Mostert to have a huge game. The third-string running back didn’t disappoint, going off for 146 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. His workload could decrease moving forward if Brieda returns, but he should continue to have a decent role in the offense.
Right now, it appears as though Mostert leapfrogged Tevin Coleman on the depth chart. Coleman played in Week 13 but only saw five carries for six yards. Throughout the season, Mostert has looked like the more complete player and has earned a larger share of the pie. Assuming Brieda’s healthy for Week 14, he and Mostert should earn an equal amount of carries and both should be solid flex plays against the New Orleans Saints.
Peyton Barber
After a brief moment of clarity, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield is once again a mess. Peyton Barber saw the majority of the work in Week 13, carrying the ball 17 times for 44 yards and two touchdowns. Ronald Jones, meanwhile, saw just six carries for eight yards. Arians reportedly benched Jones for missing a block, and that benching could continue into Week 14.
Trying to figure out this backfield is impossible, but you should roster Barber if you’re playing in a deep league. Finding a running back who can receive double-digit touches is no easy task, and Bruce Arians typically brings out the best in his running backs. Don’t start Barber in Week 14, but stash him in case he turns into the workhorse running back down the stretch.
Darwin Thompson
Everyone’s favorite offseason running back Darwin Thompson finally earned a chance to play in the Kansas City Chiefs offense. For those who weren’t following fantasy football throughout the offseason, Thompson was a sixth-round draft pick who impressed throughout camp and even earned first-team reps at various points in the offseason. He outplayed his draft stock in the preseason but struggled to carve out a role in Kansas City’s backfield. However, the rookie led the Chiefs with 11 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown in Kansas City’s blowout win over the Raiders.
There is a very good chance that Thompson only received these carries because of the one-sided nature of this game. However, Thompson played well during his time on the field and could see a larger role moving forward, especially if Damien Williams and Darrel Williams continue to miss time. He might turn into nothing more than a wasted bench spot, but Thompson’s upside makes him worthy of a one-week add.
Handcuffs
Tony Pollard, Dion Lewis, Alexander Mattison, Ryquell Armstead, etc…
Note: Mattison is nothing more than a handcuff, as Dalvin Cook says he doesn’t expect to miss time with a shoulder injury.
Week 14 Waiver Wire Claims: Running Back – Wide Receiver – Quarterback – Tight End – Defense
