Fantasy football waiver wire: Sincere effort part of playoff push

The fantasy football regular season is over and now the chase for the championship begins.

If you managed to make it to the playoffs in your league, you probably won’t find anyone on the waiver wire you’ll need to plug into this week’s starting lineup. However, there are always some unexpected bumps along the road to a title, so fortifying your bench for the weeks ahead is a smart move.

The bar is admittedly higher this week, so we won’t have as many suggestions or any FAAB recommendations. Just add anyone who could potentially help you.

Fantasy football players to add for Week 14

Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here are in the lowest to highest availability rates in Fantrax leagues, which may or not match rates on other platforms.

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RB Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders (63% available)

I’m not joking. A player who just played his first offensive snap in the NFL three weeks ago could be a factor down the stretch. McCormick averaged over five yards per carry on Sunday, racking up 78 yards rushing and another 11 on two receptions – running over multiple defenders in the process. The Raiders’ quarterback situation is a mess, but after hosting Atlanta this week, they play the Jaguars and Saints in the fantasy playoff semifinals and finals. Believe me, he can help you win.

TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (52%)

Speaking of unsettled quarterback situations, Derek Carr has a fracture in his non-throwing hand (in addition to being in the concussion protocol) and is considered week-to-week. Johnson had four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, making him the TE3 on the week. He could see even heavier usage if the Saints have to turn to Spencer Rattler under center this week vs. Washington. Also note the nice matchups against the Packers and Raiders in Weeks 16 and 17.

WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (56%)

McMillan has lived in the shadow of Mike Evans all season, but he had a breakout game on Sunday with four catches for 59 yards and a pair of touchdowns – his first scores since Week 1. While he’ll have a tough matchup this week against the Chargers, McMillan gets to face Dallas and Carolina in Weeks 16 and 17 when he could be worth starting as a flex.

RB Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (75%)

Gotta keep an eye on those injuries. Bucky Irving left Sunday’s game with back tightness, leaving Rachaad White to get most of the snaps in his place. White scored twice and was the week’s No. 3 running back, but he’s already rostered in every league. Should Irving miss more time and the Bucs decide to share the workload, Tucker (192 total yards, two TDs in Week 6 with White out) could be a useful fill-in, especially with that enticing schedule.

RB Patrick Taylor, San Francisco 49ers (80%)

Apologies to all those who added potential ‘league-winning pickup’ Isaac Guerendo last week. The Niners’ backfield injury bug may have claimed yet another victim. Guerendo exited in the fourth quarter with a foot injury that could keep him out of Thursday’s game vs. the Rams. If that’s the case, Taylor figures to be the next man up. He had seven carries for 25 yards and scored a touchdown in relief on Sunday.

RB Isaiah Davis, New York Jets (88%)

With Breece Hall sidelined by a knee injury, Davis and Braelon Allen split the backfield duties against the Dolphins. Once again, the less-heralded Davis was the more productive player. He rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, plus added three catches for 27 yards. The Jets say they aren’t shutting Hall down, but it’s hard not to see them continuing to give Davis and Allen plenty of work.

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