Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 14: Priority pickups ahead of the final bye week

It’s finally here, friends. We have reached the last of the bye weeks. When the opening round of the fantasy playoffs begins in Week 15, you are gonna actually like your starting lineup for the first time in months. 

But let’s not skip too far ahead. We still have work to do. If you have roster needs, we have solutions for any budget. Each week around here, we offer a collection of playable fantasy options, all available in a majority of leagues and approved for immediate use. 

RUNNING BACKS

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

50% rostered at Sleeper

By the end of Carolina’s first drive on Sunday, Hubbard had already handled four touches and gained 50 yards. He punctuated the opening possession with a 35-yard receiving TD on which he was an absolute missile:

Hubbard was mass-dropped not long ago at the peak of the Rico Dowdle frenzy, but he now seems like an obvious mass-add. He finished with 124 total yards on 19 touches against the Rams while Dowdle delivered 20 for 79. These backs are headed into a friendly matchup with the Saints following the team’s upcoming bye. 

FAAB: 26%

Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders

41% rostered

If Rodriguez would have emerged early in the season instead of waiting until November, he’d now be rostered in something like 80% of all leagues. We’d be finished hyping him as a pickup candidate. He took his sweet time rising to prominence, however, so here we are. He’s been a recommended add for weeks. Rodriguez is starting for the Commanders, blasting through arm tackles, steamrolling defenders, leaving destruction in his wake. He reached the end-zone again against Denver on Sunday, ultimately delivering 41 rushing yards on 11 carries. 

Someone in your league (possibly you) should have added him weeks ago.  

FAAB: 26%

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

23% rostered

What the Kyren Williams fantasy managers need to understand is that Sean McVay does not actually hate your guy. This is a common misconception. The issue is that McVay hates you, personally. 

He’s heard your complaints, he’s read your tweets. He’s sick of you. 

On Sunday, McVay lashed out by feeding the ball seven times to Corum, which the second-year back converted into 81 yards. Corum also delivered a hard-nosed short-yardage score, just like he did a zillion times back in his Michigan days. 

The Rams backfield is beginning to feel somewhat committee-ish (which, again, is largely your fault. You just had to run your mouth). Corum is certainly more than an annoyance. He’s an essential handcuff and a playable flex option in deeper leagues. 

FAAB: 16%