Fantasy Football Week 14 waiver wire pickups: James Cook and more

In Week 13 of the regular NFL and fantasy football season, we learned a few things that will help us navigate waiver wire pickups before the playoffs start. Fortunately, we saw players return from injury, but unfortunately, we saw players suffer injuries, as well. We discovered players that have been balling out on some of the best teams in the leagues and the worst teams in the leagues.

Week 14 is typically the last regular season game for fantasy football. Before the week starts, get those late additions you need to make a playoff push, boast your playoff squad, or stay competitive. Here are some players I suggest picking up off your waiver wire.

Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 14: Running backs

James Cook, Bills

In Week 13, rookie running back James Cook (Dalvin Cook’s brother, haven’t you heard?) had more carries and rushing yards than lead back Devin Singletary. He also had more targets and receptions than both Singletary and Nyheim Hines. He turned 20 opportunities into 105 scrimmage yards against a tough defense, good for a top-20 fantasy football finish.

Only rostered in 16.5% of NFL.com fantasy football leagues, Cook will likely earn more opportunities moving forward. After all, he was a 2nd round pick in the 2022 draft. He has great pass-catching ability, which bodes well for him in this elite Bills offense. He is a priority add in all formats and has flex appeal in deep PPR leagues.

Cam Akers, Rams

You may remember me writing about Kyren Williams after Week 12. In what seems like a lost season for the Rams with the number of injuries, I thought they were going to evaluate their rookie running back further. They had given him many opportunities the week before. They didn’t, though, they fed their third-year back Cam Akers.

Only rostered in 49.3% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Akers was a back who was drafted and then dropped early into the season. The team wanted to trade him, cut him, but opted to keep him. They cut Darrell Henderson instead, so there are fewer mouths to feed. Akers may be in a “hot hand” situation, but he is worth stashing in deep leagues.

Bonus add, Travis Homer, Seahawks (if Kenneth Walker is injured/inactive in Week 14)

If he’s still available, Zonovan Knight, Jets