Fantasy Football: Johnny Manziel Among Week 14 Waiver Wire Bargains
If you’re like millions of others on Cyber Monday, chances are you’re scouring the Internet for the steal of the holiday season.
But before you pull the trigger on that new laptop, consider this: Three of the top 10 fantasy running backs in Week 13 — Tre Mason, C.J. Anderson and Dan Herron — all likely were available on your waiver wire for much of the season.
The waiver wire has proven itself a valuable resource for fantasy owners in need of a boost, churning out an impressive list of solid fantasy performers to date. In many leagues, the playoffs are just one week away, so now is no time to neglect your fantasy wish list.
The Week 14 shopping list is stocked with excellent deals, highlighted by none other than Johnny Manziel, who could prove to be the best bargain buy at his position heading into the playoffs.
Your holiday shopping is important, but right now, it can wait. Here’s a group of players you should give yourself as gifts on the waiver wire this week.
Quarterback: Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns
There’s been no shortage of hype surrounding Johnny Football, but we might finally get the chance to see what he can do after Brian Hoyer was yanked in favor of the rookie Sunday. Manziel is an instant fantasy threat because of his ability to run, and the Browns face an Indianapolis Colts team next Sunday that just gave up huge numbers to Colt McCoy. If you have a disposable roster spot, go snag him now.
Other quarterbacks to watch: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Colt McCoy, Shaun Hill, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Orton
Running Back: Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders
It’s usually safe practice to avoid having any Raiders players on your roster, but Murray could be an exception. His monster game against Kansas City put him on the map, but he missed Sunday’s game with a concussion and should be available in most leagues. The Raiders play the Chiefs in Week 15, so if you’re looking for a guy to stash in deeper leagues, take a look at the talented 24-year-old.
Other running backs to watch: Dan Herron, Doug Martin, LeGarrette Blount, Chris Johnson, Carlos Hyde
Wide Receiver: Charles Johnson, Minnesota Vikings
Don’t be fooled by his generic name. This kid can play. Johnson has emerged as Minnesota’s No. 1 receiver ahead of Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson, and while he didn’t do much in a blowout win over the Carolina Panthers, he should see plenty of chances next Sunday against the New York Jets’ lowly pass defense. Snag Johnson for cheap while you still can.
Other wide receivers to watch: Donte Moncrief, Robert Woods, Kenny Stills, Jarvis Landry, Kendall Wright
Tight End: Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins
Reed’s up-and-down season has been marred by injuries, but he proved why he’s so appealing with a 123-yard effort against the Colts on Sunday. Reed was McCoy’s top target, which is a good sign if McCoy keeps the starting job going forward. If you’re desperate for a tight end this week, Reed is your guy.
Other tight ends to watch: Charles Clay, Mychal Rivera, Dwayne Allen, Scott Chandler
Have a fantasy/NFL question for Darren? Send it to him via Twitter at @darren_hartwell
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images
