Jake Browning has the dog (Bengal) in him. After beginning his career in Minnesota, the backup QB was thrust into action after Joe Burrow suffered a season ending wrist injury in week 11. I think the majority of people had written this Monday night game off as a loss before it even started. What a game from Browning though, throwing for 354 yards and touchdown with no interceptions as well as rushing for an additional score. And you can’t forget about putting together a game winning drive in overtime to set up a walkoff Even McPherson field goal. This win puts the Bengals at .500 and keeps them in the mix for playoff contention. The Jaguars fall to 8-4 and ended the game pretty banged up as both Christian Kirk (Left in the first quarter) and Trevor Lawrence had to exit the game due to injury.
Week 13 brought a lot of injuries to key players just as we are reaching the end of the fantasy football regular season. With one game to go before the playoffs, here are my favorite waiver wire targets heading in week 14.
Waiver Wire Targets:
Chuba Hubbard (Rostered in 58.9% of ESPN leagues)
While it is unlikely you are able to pickup Hubbard due to the high percentage to which he is rostered, it is certainly worth if he is available. I have admittedly been very hesitant to add him to this list at multiple points this year because how awful the Panthers have been on offense. However he now has two back to back weeks on 20+ points as well as a heavy involvement in the offense. Against the Bucs, Hubbard saw a season high 25 attempts. Hubbard also faces some soft defenses down the stretch making him appealing.
Keaton Mitchell (Rostered in 30.6% of ESPN leagues)
As the Ravens head out of their BYE week, this is just another friendly reminder for fantasy managers that they should add Keaton Mitchell. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
Also, just FYI, Mitchell led the Ravens backfield with 11 touches against the Chargers in week 12… He also has double digit fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games.
Ezekiel Elliott (Rostered in 34% of ESPN leagues)
Rhamondre Stevenson is set to miss time due to a high ankle injury. This opens the door for Elliott to take over the starting gig. Elliott’s best days may be behind him but he can certainly provide fantasy managers value. Let the man feast in New England!
Tajae Spears (Rostered in 31.9% of ESPN leagues)
Derrick Henry got a little banged up this past weekend but should be back this week. However, Spears remains one of the top handcuff options in fantasy football that is worth a roster spot. If anything were to happen to Henry, he would take over RB1 duties.
Noah Brown (Rostered in 34.4% of ESPN leagues) Genius Pick of the Week
The Texans lost Tank Dell to a season ending leg injury this past Sunday dealing a big blow to many fantasy managers rosters. Someone will need to fill the hole in the offense and my best guess would be Noah Brown. Brown has shown his big play potential in weeks 9 and 10 where he Scored 20+ fantasy points in each week. I don’t love this week’s matchup against the Jets but he should be rostered in all leagues in the hopes he fills Dell’s role.
Joshua Palmer (Rostered in 21.7% of ESPN leagues)
Palmer should return from IR sometime this season as he has already served the 4 game minimum. Once back, Palmer would immediately slot into the WR2 role right behind Keenan Allen. He is a target machine when healthy. While he may not be back this week, consider Palmer a stash for those making their push for the championship.
Jalin Hyatt (Rostered in 2.4% of ESPN leagues)
I was higher on Hyatt to begin the year and rostered him in a few leagues hoping for a rookie breakout. The Giants have done a lot to hinder that but it looks like Hyatt is starting to get the swing of things and become more involved in the offense. In week 12 againstthe Patriots, Hyatt exploded for 109 yards securing 5 of his 6 targets. This may be a flash in the pan but Hyatt is worth consideration if in need of a wide receiver.
Jonathan Mingo (Rostered in 12.1% of ESPN leagues)
Similar to Hyatt, Mingo has been getting more involved in the offense and has scored back to back double digit outings. He saw a season high 10 targets against the Buccaneers. If he can keep it up, he is worth fostering as a flex play.
Isaiah Likely (Rostered in 23.2% of ESPN leagues)
I mentioned in last week’s list that Likely put up a modest 8 points against the Chargers with Mark Andrews sidelined. While this doesn’t scream top tight end production, Likely led the team in receiving yards (40) and only Zay flowers caught more passes (5 to Likely’s 4). Likely also played 73% of the offensive snaps for the Ravens. As the Ravens come out of their BYE, Likely is a valuable addition to fantasy rosters down the stretch.
Joshua Dobbs (Rostered in 46% of ESPN leagues)
I think a lot of people are going to look too harshly upon his outing against the Bears. He has a favorable schedule the rest of the year and Justin Jefferson is set to return after coming off IR and having a BYE week under his belt. Dobbs currently sits as QB15 on the year. With the amount of injuries across the league, Dobbs could be a great fill in option.
*Point totals mentioned assume full point PPR scoring
Want to tell me who I left off or needs to be added? Follow me on twitter at @The_FFGenius and let me know!