Week 14 Waiver Wire: Breakout Fantasy Football Pickups from Sunday's Box Scores
Week 13 in the NFL provided a look at some potentially game-changing waiver-wire additions for fantasy managers as their league playoffs draw near.
From two receivers who had big games despite otherwise quiet stat lines this season and a veteran tight end who is as steady as any since Week 7, there are options for those seeking to change up their lineups or add to their rosters in deeper leagues.
Who are they and why should managers consider them? Find out with this preview, based on the weekend's box scores.
Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
After starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence left the game with a concussion following a questionable hit (at best) from Texans defender Azeez Al-Shaair, Mac Jones stepped in and completed 20-of-32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Parker Washington exploded onto the scene for the Jags, catching six balls for 103 yards and a touchdown, with his longest reception being 30 yards.
It was by far the best day of his young career, with two times his career high in receptions for a single game and more than double his season high in yards. There is plenty of reason to be skeptical of the 2023 sixth-rounder, especially when no numbers support picking him up.
What flashed on tape was Jones' comfort level with the second-year receiver and, if the former Pats signal-caller plays in place of Lawrence in the coming weeks, Washington could be a low-key fun fantasy pickup, especially in deeper leagues.
The Jags have tough defensive matchups against the Titans and Jets the next two weeks, third and best against opposing wide receivers, respectively, so some might scoff at the idea of adding a No. 3 on the depth chart to their teams.
Jones will have to throw the ball, though, and Washington appears to be the receiver he is most comfortable with, making him an intriguing option if nothing else.
The Penn State product is available in nearly all leagues in Yahoo and ESPN fantasy.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
If you are a fantasy manager who has yet to buy into Hunter Henry as a TE1 option, consider this: Since Week 7, the veteran tight end has caught less than five balls just one time and tallied under 40 yards just once.
He is quarterback Drake Maye's favorite receiver, his safety blanket for want of a better phrase. The rookie trusts him and looks for him in tough situations.
What he doesn't do is find Henry for touchdowns, which is a potential cause for concern. The 30-year-old has just one score on his resume this year, meaning managers in PPR leagues will add him based on catches and yardage.
While not the dynamic or uber-athletic tight end Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Sam LaPorta or Brock Bowers have been, the 29-year-old has been consistent and dependable.
Managers experiencing frustration at the position or lackluster play from their starters should consider Henry. With games against Arizona and Buffalo on the docket, two middle-of-the-road teams against tight ends giving up 9.87 and 11.74 points, respectively, he will have an opportunity to produce.
Henry is available in 54 percent of Yahoo and 32 percent of ESPN leagues.
Ray-Ray McCloud III
The Atlanta Falcons may be underperforming as a whole, but receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III has been a fun addition to the squad.
Against the Chargers in Week 13, the 28-year-old caught four passes for 95 yards.
He isn't a threat to score, with just one touchdown to his name this season, but he has four consecutive games of at least three receptions and double-digit yards.
As the Falcons struggle to fix an offense that struggled its way to a four-interception day for quarterback Kirk Cousins, and favorable matchups against Minnesota, Las Vegas, the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers upcoming and in the bottom half of the league against opposing wide receivers, there will be opportunities for McCloud to impact those games.
Look for Cousins to throw the ball until he rediscovers some of the midseason chemistry he had with his receivers. After showcasing some big-play potential against Los Angeles, including a 23.8 yards-per-reception average, don't be surprised if the veteran quarterback calls McCloud's number.
He is available in just under 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
All stats via FantasyPros unless otherwise noted.