![Week 14 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders](https://footballguys.imgix.net/nfl-action-photos/HowaJo00_H.jpg?auto=format,compress&w=730)
The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.
Quarterback Upgrades
- QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- QB Trey Lance, SF (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- QB Kyler Murray, ARI
- QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- QB Jared Goff, DET (waiver wire: 1%)
- QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)
- QB Jake Fromm, NYG (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
- QB Davis Mills, HOU (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
- QB Trevor Siemian, NO (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
Quarterback Downgrades
- QB Patrick Mahomes II, KC
- QB Tyrod Taylor, HOU (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: HOLD)
- QB Jalen Hurts, PHI (waiver wire: HOLD)
- QB Dak Prescott, DAL
Running Back Upgrades
- RB DOnta Foreman, TEN (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Sony Michel, LAR (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Jordan Howard, PHI (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Justin Jackson, LAC (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB David Montgomery, CHI
- RB Samaje Perine, CIN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Boston Scott, PHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Javonte Williams, DEN
- RB Jeff Wilson, SF (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Chuba Hubbard, CAR
- RB Tony Pollard, DAL
- RB Devonta Freeman, BAL
- RB Josh Jacobs, LV
Running Back Downgrades
- RB Kenyan Drake, LV (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Darrell Henderson, LAR
- RB James Robinson, JAX (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
- RB Mark Ingram, NO (waiver wire: HOLD)
Wide Receiver Upgrades
- WR Julio Jones, TEN (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Van Jefferson, LAR (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Russell Gage, ATL (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- WR Justin Jefferson, MIN
- WR Tee Higgins, CIN
- WR Diontae Johnson, PIT
- WR Jalen Guyton, LAC (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- WR Hunter Renfrow, LV
- WR Josh Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- WR CeeDee Lamb, DAL
- WR Mike Williams, LAC
Wide Receiver Downgrades
- WR Corey Davis, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Adam Thielen, MIN (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Rashod Bateman, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Antonio Brown, TB (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Christian Kirk, ARI
- WR Terry McLaurin, WAS
- WR Tyreek Hill, KC
- WR Darnell Mooney, CHI
- WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
Tight End Upgrades
- TE Tyler Conklin, MIN (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- TE Dallas Goedert, PHI
- TE George Kittle, SF
Tight End Downgrades
- TE Logan Thomas, WAS (waiver wire: DROP)
- TE Gerald Everett, SEA (waiver wire: DROP)
- TE Zach Ertz, ARI (waiver wire: HOLD)
- TE Foster Moreau, LV (waiver wire: DROP)
- TE Travis Kelce, KC
- TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
Quarterback Upgrade
QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Fields hasn't hit as a fantasy quarterback yet, but with the scoring at the position going down and games against Minnesota, Seattle, and the Giants during the fantasy playoffs, he could have value yet.
QB Jake Fromm, NYG - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Fromm was just added from the Buffalo practice squad, but with Mike Glennon concussed and Daniel Jones nursing a neck injury, he could start against the Chargers this week.
QB Jared Goff, DET - (waiver wire: 1%) - Goff finally got a win, and with a nearly perfect final drive against the Vikings. He could be startable in 2QB/Superflex leagues and provide emergency depth in 1QB leagues. Week 16 at Atlanta looks like a good matchup for him.
QB Trey Lance, SF - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Jimmy Garoppolo didn't get it done against the Seahawks, enough so to wonder if Lance will get the call before the end of the season with every game a must-win. The fantasy playoffs bring Atlanta, Tennessee, and Houston, so Lance could have a good Week 15-17 stretch if he ends up starting.
QB Davis Mills, HOU - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Mills will get the start in Week 14 in place of Tyrod Taylor and maybe beyond as the starter nurses a wrist injury.
QB Kyler Murray, ARI - Murray only threw the ball 15 times, but two of them were for scores, and he also returned to being a regular runner and ran in two scores, one by design. Whatever he loses as a passer in fantasy leagues can be more than made up as a runner. He'll face the Rams, Lions, Colts, and Cowboys - all indoors - over the next 4 weeks.
QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Roethlisberger came alive in the second half against the Ravens, and it's possible that the Steelers give him more freedom to do that down the stretch of his likely final season with the team. On Thursday, he'll face the Vikings team that made Jared Goff look like Tom Brady.
QB Trevor Siemian, NO - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Taysom Hill has the same finger injury that sidelined Russell Wilson for a month. It's possible that he'll have surgery, which would make Siemian the starter for the rest of the season.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - If Tagovailoa is dropped during his bye week, pick him up as a high floor backup for the fantasy playoffs. He'll get the Jets, Saints, and Titans during the fantasy playoffs.
QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - Wilson had a good half against the Eagles and accounted for three touchdowns. He'll face a reeling Saints team this week and could have emergency value in 1QB and startable value in 2QB/Superflex.
Quarterback Downgrade
QB Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Hill had a terrible night as a passer, but a great night as a runner. Unfortunately, he also suffered a finger injury that may end his season if surgery is necessary. Stay tuned.
QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Hurts missed Week 13 with an ankle injury, but should come out of the bye healthy enough to start in Week 15. Gardner Minshew was good and should give the Eagles some second thoughts, but Nick Sirianni reaffirmed that Hurts is the starter when healthy.
QB Patrick Mahomes II, KC - Mahomes has been a good fantasy quarterback in exactly one of the last six weeks. If he wasn't Patrick Mahomes II, he would have been dropped from rosters in some leagues. He lit up the Raiders in that one good game, and they are his Week 14 opponent, so there's hope.
QB Dak Prescott, DAL - Prescott wasn't as sharp as he has been at his best and a lot of value was created by CeeDee Lamb against the Saints. The Cowboys offense has been conservative and it should remain the way against Washington in two of the next three weeks.
QB Tyrod Taylor, HOU - (waiver wire: DROP) - Taylor was benched in Week 13, but it could have been in part because of a wrist injury that has him week-to-week on the injury report. It's possible the Texans don't go back to him.
Running Back Upgrade
RB DOnta Foreman, TEN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Make sure Foreman isn't on your waiver wire. He could be the lead back for the Titans down the stretch, and this week against the Jaguars.
RB Devonta Freeman, BAL - Freeman continues to establish himself as the clear lead back and tighten his hold on the job. He's practically a fantasy RB1 heading into a matchup against Cleveland.
RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Gainwell was a valuable fantasy back for anyone that threw him in as a desperation play, and he is the healthiest Eagles back right now. That could change after their bye, but he's worth rostering to see what happens.
RB Jordan Howard, PHI - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Howard's knee injury kept him out of Week 13, but with Week 14 to rest, he could be healthy enough to play in Week 15, and with Miles Sanders suffering an ankle injury in the win over the Jets, he might even be the starter. We'll be monitoring the Eagles backfield closely.
RB Chuba Hubbard, CAR - Hubbard should have been picked up once Christian McCaffrey was put on injured reserve. The Panthers fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady in a clear sign that they will run more from here on out, which will give Hubbard even more of an opportunity as long as the team is competitive, which they should be at least against Atlanta this week.
RB Justin Jackson, LAC - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Austin Ekeler appeared to get a little banged up against the Bengals, and at least this week Jackson was the primary backup. He's also the most talented Chargers backup running back, but also the least durable. If you can only carry on, Jackson should be it.
RB Josh Jacobs, LV - Jacobs got a little banged up in the loss to the Football Team, but Kenyan Drake went down with what looked like a severe injury, which will increase Jacobs workload going forward.
RB Sony Michel, LAR - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Michel had a workmanlike performance against the Jaguars that helped put fantasy teams over the top with Darrell Henderson nursing a quad injury. Henderson could return for the game against Arizona, but Michel's no-nonsense style could be appealing and create a committee in an offense that needs balance.
RB David Montgomery, CHI - Montgomery was outstanding as a runner and a receiver against the Cardinals. He should be the bulk of the offense going forward and faces Minnesota, Seattle, and the Giants during the fantasy playoffs.
RB Samaje Perine, CIN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Joe Mixon was held in check, fumbled, and got a little banged up against the Chargers, so Perine needs to be on a roster in every league.
RB Tony Pollard, DAL - Pollard's long touchdown run to ice the game *should* open up more opportunities for him as Ezekiel Elliott has slowed down with a knee injury. The Cowboys may have other plans, but at least Pollard showed he can hit with limited opportunity.
RB Boston Scott, PHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Scott didn't play in Week 13 because of an illness, but he could be the #1 back in Week 15 after the bye if Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders are held back by their injuries.
RB Javonte Williams, DEN - Williams was the only good thing about the Broncos offense. With Melvin Gordon ruled out before the game, there's a decent chance Williams starts again this week against Detroit.
RB Jeff Wilson, SF - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Wilson didn't get a touch in Week 13, but Elijah Mitchell got banged up a bit again, and he's no stranger to the injury report. The 49ers have a soft schedule during the fantasy playoffs, so Wilson needs to be on a roster.
Running Back Downgrade
RB Kenyan Drake, LV - (waiver wire: DROP) - Drake suffered a broken ankle and will miss the rest of the season.
RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL - Elliott looked limited by his knee injury even though the Cowboys don't seem to be into the idea of resting him to get healthier for a potential playoff run. His ceiling and floor are lower unless this miraculously gets better.
RB Darrell Henderson, LAR - Henderson didn't play in Week 13 because of a quad strain and Sony Michel was effective enough in his stead to potentially force a committee against the Cardinals this week and going forward.
RB Mark Ingram, NO - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Ingram was ineffective against the Cowboys and could be sharing with Alvin Kamara again this week with Kamara getting a mini-bye before the Jets game.
RB James Robinson, JAX - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Robinson was benched for part of the game because of another fumble, even though it was mostly a great individual play by Aaron Donald. He's also not 100%, but was in at the end of a blowout loss. He's not a reliable play against the Titans.
Wide Receiver Upgrade
WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Boyd's ups and downs are enough to make you nauseous, but as Joe Burrow plays through a finger injury and the Bengals have trouble avoiding the big mistake, his value could stabilize. He's at least worth a bench spot again in PPR leagues.
WR Russell Gage, ATL - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Gage had a bad fumble and got a little banged up at the end of the game, but it's clear that he's the #1 target for Matt Ryan as the team should be having to pass a lot down the stretch. Consider him a solid WR3/Flex with upside.
WR Jalen Guyton, LAC - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - We've been waiting a while to see a long Guyton score, and we finally got it in Week 14. He reeled in the deep ball even though it was underthrown, winning a contested catch, and otherwise was a big part of the offense in the win over the Bengals. He's worth a what the heck flex play against the Giants.
WR Tee Higgins, CIN - Higgins appears to have supplanted Ja'Marr Chase as the #1 target for Joe Burrow, and he is playing well enough to keep that trend going against the 49ers this week.
WR Justin Jefferson, MIN - Jefferson put together the best four-game yardage stretch for a receiver in Vikings history with his massive Week 13. Adam Thielen is out for at least this week and probably longer, setting up Jefferson to be a league winner.
WR Van Jefferson, LAR - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Jefferson got it done in the short game this week, and should remain in a central role with Odell Beckham banged up and still getting acclimated to the offense. Consider him a WR3/Flex against Arizona this week.
WR Diontae Johnson, PIT - Johnson was dominant in the second half as the Steelers went to the Ben Roethlisberger offense, and if he had caught a long one he dropped, Johnson would have had three scores and nearly 150 yards. He's a strong WR1 against the Vikings this week.
WR Julio Jones, TEN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - It has been a while since we have seen good, sustained play from him, but Jones has a chance to be the #1 receiver for the Titans with A.J. Brown on injured reserve. He was designated to return this week, but might not get back on the field in Week 14.
WR CeeDee Lamb, DAL - Lamb is defying the Cowboys' conservative ways and putting up good numbers in a balanced offense. He is very difficult to handle in the open field right now and Lamb should be featured against Washington this week.
WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - The Vikings appear to be going more pass-heavy while Dalvin Cook is out and now Adam Thielen is going to miss time with an ankle injury. Osborn had an excellent drive in the loss to the Lions, capping it with a touchdown, and he should be a starter for at least this week against the Steelers and potentially for the rest of the season.
WR Hunter Renfrow, LV - With Darren Waller out, Renfrow dominated targets and had his second straight 100-yard game. He should get a lot of looks against the Chiefs as the Raiders try to keep their season alive.
WR Josh Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Reynolds is emerging as the top downfield target for his old teammate Jared Goff. He's at least good desperation depth at the tough to solve wide receiver position.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - St. Brown has something good going with Jared Goff in the slot, which is also a main weakness of the Vikings pass defense. He is at least worth rostering in PPR leagues to see if this keeps up now that the Lions finally have a win.
WR Mike Williams, LAC - Williams is off the schneid and putting up fantasy start-worthy numbers again. He may tangle with James Bradberry this week, but Williams and Justin Herbert's hookup is back and Williams should be back in lineups.
Wide Receiver Downgrade
WR Rashod Bateman, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Not only is the Rashod Bateman breakout game not coming, but it appears that he is being marginalized in favor of Sammy Watkins again.
WR Antonio Brown, TB - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Brown is suspended for three games due to covid policy violations, but he could return for matchups in the fantasy playoffs against the Jets and Panthers.
WR Corey Davis, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - Davis will have core muscle surgery and he is out for the remainder of the season.
WR Tyreek Hill, KC - The Chiefs offense continues to struggle as the defense is doing the heavy lifting in wins. Hill could bounce back against the Raiders this week, but he's not a clear WR1 in fantasy right now.
WR Christian Kirk, ARI - The Cardinals only threw the ball 15 times in the win at Chicago, and it's fair to wonder if they intend to throw the ball more than 20-25 times a game as long as their defense and running game do their jobs. Kirk is only bench depth until we see the passing game take flight again.
WR Terry McLaurin, WAS - McLaurin isn't an essential part of how the Football Team wins games with Antonio Gibson taking over as a classic bell cow. He's still a WR3/Flex at worst against Dallas, but McLaurin's ceiling games are getting smaller in the rearview mirror.
WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - Mooney's 100-yard game streak ended at two as Jakeem Grant played a bigger role in the passing game this week. We still don't know when Allen Robinson will return and the Bears have the Vikings and Seahawks coming up after the Packers this week, so don't drop him.
WR Courtland Sutton, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Sutton just isn't going to get it going with Teddy Bridgewater. Even if he goes off against the Lions this week, you can't trust him week-to-week until the Broncos get a new quarterback.
WR Adam Thielen, MIN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Thielen left with a high ankle sprain that will cost him at least Week 14, and if the Vikings fall out of the playoff picture, perhaps the rest of the season.
Tight End Upgrade
TE Tyler Conklin, MIN - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Conklin steps up to be a steady target for Kirk Cousins with Adam Thielen sidelined. He's worth a start going forward at the brutal in fantasy tight end position.
TE Dallas Goedert, PHI - Goedert probably won't get the benefit of Gardner Minshew starting after the bye, but at least the Eagles saw what he can do when he is featured. It will be hard to put him on the bench in the fantasy playoffs.
TE George Kittle, SF - Kittle took over the game with Deebo Samuel sidelined. He's the most valuable fantasy tight end right now.
Tight End Downgrade
TE Zach Ertz, ARI - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Ertz was leveling off as a strong TE1 with DeAndre Hopkins out, but with Hopkins back and the Cardinals only throwing the ball 15 times, he was a fantasy non-factor in Week 13. He's still worth a look in lineups this week against the Rams, but another small result may demote him to streamer status at best.
TE Gerald Everett, SEA - (waiver wire: DROP) - Everett had two costly fumbles and a drop that led to an interception, all at key junctures, and somehow the Seahawks still won. He is only a what the heck tight end against the Texans after appearing to become a fantasy TE1 for the stretch run.
TE Travis Kelce, KC - Kelce was a dud in Week 13 along with the rest of the Chiefs offense. He could bounce back against the Raiders, but it's clear now that expectations need to be lowered across the board.
TE Foster Moreau, LV - (waiver wire: DROP) - Moreau was not featured in place of Darren Waller as the Raiders pass offense focused on Josh Jacobs and Hunter Renfrow. Even if Waller is out against the Chiefs, Moreau is only a desperation play.
TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Pitts was just ok in what should have been a smash spot for him vs. the pass funnel defense of the Bucs. He is still worth a TE1 start against the Panthers, but expectations are getting lower.
TE Logan Thomas, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP) - Thomas suffered a knee injury against the Raiders that may or may not be an ACL tear. We probably won't see him again for at least a few weeks.