Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 14: Time for Johnny Manziel?

We await official word out of Cleveland on whether Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer will start this week at quarterback, after the rookie came into last week’s game in the fourth quarter and led a touchdown drive. If you are in a deep quarterback league, or a start two league, he may be worth a shot. We know that he is going to try to make plays with his legs, and that the ball will probably be in his hands a fair amount against the Colts if he starts. You also don’t get any penalty for laying down on the job.

Before moving on, I do have to pass this on because it made me laugh. I went to Manziel’s player page at pro-football-reference.com and the debate rages on. Someone who is squarely on the Brian Hoyer bandwagon has some thoughts.

Of course, this is fantasy playoff week for many leagues, and if not, it’s the final week of the season. There are no huge pickups this week-no major injuries going out so far that would rocket a running back up the charts. There are a few matchup type plays that you could go to if needing one more start.

QUARTERBACKS

Shallow and Average Leagues: I’d go with Kyle Orton (30%) against Denver, because he will get to throw it a lot. I don’t expect a dip in his performance.

Deep Leagues: Ryan Fitzpatrick (9%) just threw 6 touchdowns AND he is playing against Jacksonville, making him a likely target in deep leagues. Teddy Bridgewater (13%) vs. Jets is the other matchup option.

RUNNING BACKS

Shallow: Latavius Murray (62%) may be available coming off missing the game with a concussion, and if he is, becomes the most startable candidate among waiver wire options this week. The Raiders scored zero last week, so I suspect he gets a bigger role if active.

Jonathan Stewart (56%) is the less inspiring option, but DeAngelo Williams broke his hand, and his status is uncertain.

Average: Matt Asiata (49%) is a play IF Jerick McKinnon is still out. Similarly, Theo Riddick (28%) will be a flex possibility against Tampa Bay if Bush is out again.

Deep: Keep an eye on Arizona, where Stepfan Taylor (7%) could get more touches vs. Chiefs if Ellington is out.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Shallow: John Brown (63%) against the Chiefs. Doug Baldwin (65%) should see action in a competitive game against the Eagles.

Deep: Charles Johnson (23%) vs. Jets is the matchup play this week. Johnson has been the leading receiver for the Vikings over the last three weeks and is likely available against the New York secondary. Marqise Lee (9%) scored a touchdown last week and has an opportunity in Jacksonville.

TIGHT ENDS

Shallow: Jordan Reed (53%) is the best option at tight end this week. Jordan Cameron (57%) is a wait-and-see.

Deep: Dion Sims (1%) is serviceable in place of Charles Clay, so keep an eye on the injury report this week.

OVERALL

Latavius Murray
Charles Johnson
Marqise Lee
Johnny Manziel
Jonathan Stewart
Stepfan Taylor
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Jordan Reed
Dion Sims
Theo Riddick

[GIFs by Michael Shamburger]