Week 14 Waiver Wire Watch for Defense/Special Teams
Hello and welcome! With Thanksgiving behind us and December officially here, it’s time to focus on the upcoming Fantasy Football Playoffs. Most leagues have completed their regular season, so now’s the moment to strategize for the playoff kickoff next week.
In this article, we’ll highlight some D/ST units worth considering from the waiver wire ahead of Week 14. As a reminder, we categorize exempt additions as those owned in up to 50% of leagues. This week also wraps up the final league-wide byes, so it’s essential to watch who’s available.
Week 14 Bye Teams: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST (41.6% Ownership)
The Jaguars recently beat the Titans 25-3, putting them atop the AFC South. This game saw them rack up three sacks, defend three passes, and recover two fumbles, earning a solid 14 fantasy points. They’ve become one of the few defenses with 20 turnovers this season. I find them to be a viable streaming option this Sunday, especially since the Colts haven’t shown much strength lately.
Week 14 Matchup: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET
Miami Dolphins D/ST (12.9% Ownership)
The Dolphins managed a close win against the Saints, 21-17, with their defense holding strong against Tyler Schau and his offense. They recorded four sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. This marks their third consecutive game with at least nine fantasy points. Although the Jets’ offense has picked up recently, I think the matchup leans in Miami’s favor.
Week 14 Matchup: @ New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST (27.0% Ownership)
Tampa Bay’s defense has seen a resurgence over the past month. They held off Arizona for a 20-17 win, though Jacoby Brissett still managed to throw for over 300 yards. The Buccaneers will face the Saints, a team they previously defeated 23-3 in Week 8, marking one of their best defensive outings this season with four turnovers and five sacks. Despite Schau’s recent performances, I think Tampa could create some challenges for the rookie quarterback.
Week 14 Matchup: vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET
