Fantasy Football Today Express – Beat the Waiver Wire! MUST-STASH Players Before Week 14! (12/04/25)

Episode Theme
This concise, high-urgency episode of FFT Express with Adam Aizer and Dave Richard is all about “beating the waiver wire” ahead of the fantasy football playoffs. The hosts break down exactly who you need to stash—defenses, quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends—to set your roster up for success in the coming weeks. The focus is on actionable, forward-thinking moves, especially for managers on playoff bubble or those prepping for Weeks 15-17.

DST Stashes: Prioritizing Playoff Matchups

• 49ers DST = Top Priority
  • Dave Richard (02:41):

    “The best stash that you can make right now for your fantasy team for week 15 is a DST. The 49ers DST taking on the Tennessee Titans. It does not get any better than that ... I would just pause this video right now, find some schlub on your bench, cut them, pick up the 49ers DST.”

    • Available in ~50% of CBS leagues.
    • Great matchup vs. Titans, ideal for Week 15/start of playoffs.
• Don’t Fear Roster Depth at DST
  • Adam (03:18):

    “Don’t be afraid to roster two DSTs right now.”

• DSTs to Pivot Away From (Week 15 Matchups Not Favorable):
  • Browns (vs. Chicago), Lions (vs. Rams), Rams (vs. Lions), Commanders (vs. Giants), Ravens, Patriots, Bills (all tough or even matchups), Chargers, Steelers (iffy vs. Miami).
• Alternative DST Streamers (Week 15):
  • Bears (vs. Browns), Jaguars (vs. Jets), Cowboys (vs. Vikings), Buccaneers (vs. Falcons) – worth adding if top DSTs aren’t available.

Quarterback Options: Limited Upside This Late

• Slim Pickings
  • Dave Richard (05:05):

    “Where have all the quarterbacks gone? Don’t ask me again. Tyrod Taylor is as good as it gets.”

• Waiver QBs to Consider (if desperate):
  • Tyrod Taylor (at Jacksonville), Bryce Young, Tyler Shough (face each other), Aaron Rodgers (vs. Miami), Kirk Cousins (vs. Tampa), J.J. McCarthy (vs. Dallas) — all require desperation and a little luck.
• Situational Usage
  • If you’re streaming and planning ahead (e.g., you have Jordan Love who faces Denver, or Caleb Williams facing Cleveland), look for a pivot early.
• Jaden Daniels (Washington)
  • Adam (06:02):

    “One guy, 71% rostered, I believe, is Jaden Daniels. ... He’s got the Giants next week. So please check your leagues and make sure he’s not available.”

Running Back Stashes: Handcuff SZN

• Free Agent RBs: Not Exciting, Still Useful
  • Blake Corum, Tyjae Spears (available in about half of leagues), Chris Rodriguez (about a third).
• Handcuff Rankings & Philosophy
  • Dave Richard (06:50):

    “Most of all, you’re going to want to get the handcuff to your own stud running back. Not all backups are created equally.”

    • If you have a clear RB1, prioritize their direct backup.
• Best Handcuffs To Target:
  • Bijan Robinson → Tyler Allgeier
  • Kyren Williams → Blake Corum
  • Christian McCaffrey → Brian Robinson Jr.
  • James Cook → Ray Davis
  • Devon Achane → Ollie Gordon
  • Saquon Barkley → Tank Bigsby
  • Travis Etienne → Bhayshul Tuten
  • Josh Jacobs → Emmanuel Wilson
  • Note: Not all backups are true handcuffs (e.g., Keaton Mitchell is not a direct Derrick Henry replacement).
• Other Possible Adds:
  • Devin Singletary (pending injury status), only 43% rostered.

Wide Receiver Targets: Stash Now, Start Soon?

• High-Value Stashes & Fringe Starters
  • Dave Richard (09:39):

    “These are guys that you can not only stash, but you could start them this week. ... It’s just surprising that they’re still on the waiver wire.”

• Top WR Stashes:
  • Greg Dortch (85% available, monitor injury). If healthy, top PPR option.
  • Adonai Mitchell (58% available; strong volume since Tyrod Taylor took over; playable matchups).
  • Jaden Higgins (playing well, safe PPR floor, has Chiefs/Arizona coming).
  • John Metchie, De’Von Vele (deep-league PPR stashes, emerging target volume).
• Breakout Watch Candidates:
  • Luther Burden (Bears):
    • 57% route run rate last three weeks and five+ targets in three straight.
  • Pat Bryant (Broncos):
    • 61+ routes last four games, six+ targets last two.
• Usage Guidance
  • Some stashes are “hold and see,” others (Dortch, Mitchell, Higgins) could be flexed immediately.

Tight End Streamers: Playoff-Ready Options

• Dave Richard (12:10):

  “There’s a lot of them. This is good. Brenton Strange and Dalton Schultz are the highlights. You can add them now off the waiver wire and start them this week.”

• Waiver TEs To Add:
  • Brenton Strange (35% available; Colts this week, then Jets)
  • Dalton Schultz (chiefs, then Arizona – both good matchups)
• If You’re Trying to Replace These TEs:
  • Harold Fannin, Hunter Henry, Oronde Gadsden, Darren Waller, Cade Otton (unappealing matchups or volume; Otton is being faded rapidly).
  • Adam (13:05):

    “Yeah, I’m done with Cade Otton, Dave.”

• Week 15 Stashes:
  • Isaiah Likely (80% available; at Cincinnati; “gross” but effective streamer)
  • T.J. Hockenson (49% available; vs. Dallas)
    • Both are “stash and see” for favorable playoff matchups.
• Cautious Optimism for Schultz/Strange:
  • “I’d rather have Strange, I’d rather have Schultz, but if I’ve got one of those other tight ends ... maybe I’m stashing Likely or Hockenson.” (13:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Playoff Nerves:
  • Adam (14:19):

    “It’s crazy and it’s nerve wracking. It is. You know, our reputations are on the line.”

• On Roster Churn:
  • Dave Richard (06:52):

    “Look to your bench. If there’s a player that you’re just not going to start, doesn’t have a lot of upside, you can cut them now to pick up the handcuff to your stud running back.”

Key Takeaways & Strategy Guidance

• Be Aggressive Now.
  • Stash second DSTs or speculative flex contributors NOW, even at the cost of depth elsewhere.
• Handcuff Season is Here.
  • Prioritize the handcuff to your stud RB above random backups elsewhere on your roster.
• Wide Receiver/TE Breakouts Still Hiding on Waivers.
  • Several ascending talents remain under-rostered; keep an eye on usage upticks.
• Think Ahead—Not Just About This Week.
  • Especially if you’ve clinched a playoff berth or have little to play for in Week 14.

For the full playoff push, use this cheat sheet to beat your league-mates to the best remaining waiver wire stashes.