5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 14 (Ep. 1880)

Summary

FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast – "5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 14" (Ep. 1880)

Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Lucas Wentzel
Podcast: FantasyPros (iHeartPodcasts)

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Episode Overview

As Week 14 approaches, host Lucas Wentzel spotlights the crucial last-minute waiver wire additions that can give you a decisive edge heading into your fantasy league playoffs. The episode is laser-focused on actionable advice: five under-the-radar players (plus a bonus DST option) you should stash now to secure roster depth and, possibly, steal a league-winning playoff play away from your competitors.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brian Robinson Jr. (RB, San Francisco 49ers)

Rostered in 31% of leagues
Timestamp: 01:23 – 02:42

• Top Handcuff Stash: “Brian Robinson is as premium of a handcuff stash as they come.” (Lucas Wentzel, 01:33)
• Even though Christian McCaffrey dominates the Niners’ backfield (75%+ snapshare in all but one game), Robinson has been seeing increased usage: 7+ carries in 5 of his last 7 games, and 4 straight games at that mark.
• Impressive Efficiency: Robinson is averaging 4.9 yards/carry recently, better than McCaffrey’s 4.0 over the same stretch.
• Playoff Upside: If McCaffrey goes down, Robinson “immediately enters the high end running back 2 conversation” (02:42).
• Notable Quote: “Even if you’re not a Christian McCaffrey manager, I like making sure Brian Robinson is on at least 50% of rosters, and honestly, it really should be more.” (Lucas Wentzel, 02:42)

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2. Luther Burden (WR, Chicago Bears)

Rostered in 19% of leagues
Timestamp: 03:02 – 04:42

• Persistent Breakout Candidate: Lucas repeatedly features Burden as a stash and says, “Luther Burden is probably going to be my most frequently talked about player in these episodes.” (03:11)
• Role Expanding: 4 straight games with 44%+ snapshare, back-to-back with 51%+. Increasing use of 11 personnel by Chicago (as pointed out by Nathan Yonke at PFF) enabled a season-high in snaps on Black Friday.
• Outperforming Expectations: Over the last four games, Burden has outpaced DJ Moore in target share.
• Elite Efficiency: 2.32 yards/route—11th among WRs (min. 75 routes), and earning a target on 24% of routes.
• Ready for Takeoff: “All it’s going to take is one singular bounce in Luther Burden’s favor, and we’re looking at the number one waiver wire pickup, an extremely viable lineup option as well.” (04:34)

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3. Ray Davis (RB, Buffalo Bills)

Rostered in 9% of leagues
Timestamp: 04:45 – 06:38

• Quiet but Essential Handcuff: “The box score for Ray Davis this year has been pretty dang desolate...But as you can guess, I’m not interested in Ray Davis for the standalone value here.” (04:58-05:01)
• Handcuff Logic: Should anything happen to James Cook, Davis is likely the primary replacement, with Ty Johnson sticking to a pass-catching role.
• Backup with Proven Upside: Reminds listeners Davis posted 20 carries for 97 yards and 3/55 as a receiver (18.2 PPR points, RB13) the last time Cook sat out.
• Strategic Advice: “Why wait until your star running back…potentially gets hurt during the most important stretch of the fantasy football season? Get your insurance policy stash now—or be a menace and stash your league mates’ handcuffs…” (06:21)

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4. Samaje Perine (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)

Rostered in 9% of leagues
Timestamp: 06:38 – 08:07

• Return from Injury: Perine resumed play on Thanksgiving after a high-ankle sprain, immediately seeing 16 touches.
• Role Projection: While unlikely to see 10+ weekly touches if Chase Brown is healthy, he would see a substantial workload increase in the event of an injury.
• Key Stat: While Perine was out, Chase Brown saw 96%, 82%, and 89% snap shares, averaging nearly 25 touches per outing—those would be redistributed with Perine first in line for about half the increase.
• Premium Schedule: Bengals have what Lucas calls “the easiest running back schedule rest of season,” plus a returning elite QB.
• Quote: “I want the potential handcuff value for the team that has the easiest running back schedule rest of season that also just had their elite franchise quarterback return to action last week.” (08:04)

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5. Pat Bryant (WR, Denver Broncos)

Rostered in 6% of leagues
Timestamp: 08:07 – 09:35

• Emerging from a Crowded Depth Chart: Surpassed Troy Franklin in snaps, routes, and targets last week.
• Usage Peak: Bryant’s 70% snap share was a season high, and he’s drawn 6+ targets in back-to-back games.
• Rookie Adjustment: Post-bye-week, the Broncos increased Bryant’s role, especially in 11 personnel.
• Cautious Optimism: “I’m hesitant to say that this is the new norm for the deployment of the Denver Broncos wide receivers…But based on what we saw, I’m inclined to keep Pat Bryant stashed…” (09:04, 09:14)
• Upcoming Opportunity: Faces the Las Vegas Raiders next—Bryant could soon be the week’s top waiver add.
• Actionable Tip: “This is your chance right here to beat your league mates to that punch.” (09:33)

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6. Bonus: New Orleans Saints Defensive/Special Teams

Rostered in 11% of leagues
Timestamp: 09:35 – 10:30

• Stream for Playoffs: Saints’ upcoming schedule: Carolina (Week 15), NY Jets (Week 16), Tennessee Titans (Week 17); all feature struggling offenses.
• Not About Talent: Lucas admits “this defense in and of itself isn’t very good, but neither are the offenses they’ve got lined up.”
• Proactive Stash: “The Saints are going to be one of the more popular stream defenses come playoff time...stash them now so your league mates can be disappointed later when they’re looking for them.” (10:21)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On stashing key handcuffs:

  “Get your insurance policy stash now—or be a menace and stash your league mates’ handcuffs to elevate your championship odds even further.” (Lucas Wentzel, 06:21)

• On Luther Burden’s breakout:

  “All it’s going to take is one singular bounce in Luther Burden’s favor, and we’re looking at the number one waiver wire pickup.” (04:34)

• On the importance of preparation:

  “Every edge matters now more than ever.” (00:36)

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Key Timestamps for Segment Reference

• Top handcuff stashes intro: 00:36 – 01:23
• Brian Robinson breakdown: 01:23 – 02:42
• Luther Burden analysis: 03:02 – 04:42
• Ray Davis handcuff case: 04:45 – 06:38
• Samaje Perine/Cincy backfield: 06:38 – 08:07
• Pat Bryant/Wide receiver depth: 08:07 – 09:35
• Saints DST preview: 09:35 – 10:30

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Summary: Waiver Wire Action Plan

• RB Handcuffs: Prioritize Robinson, Davis, Perine—especially if you (or your rival) roster the premier starters for their teams.
• Breakout WR: Luther Burden is peaking in usage and efficiency—stash him before a big game.
• Emerging WR: Pat Bryant’s role is climbing in Denver’s high-volume pass offenses.
• DST Streamer: Saints have the ideal schedule for a playoff DST stash.

Closing advice:

“Go sprint to your waiver wire right now. Make sure none of these guys are available in your league.” (Lucas Wentzel, 10:37)

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This episode is a can’t-miss for anyone needing last-minute roster shoring before the playoff push. Clear, focused, and high on actionable intel—exactly what you need with the season on the line.

Transcript

[iHeart Podcast Announcer]

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[Fantasy Pros Host]

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[Lucas Wentzel]

Week 14 is upon us, which means there is only one more week until the Fantasy Football playoffs. Every edge matters now more than ever. So today we are going to help you get an edge on the waiver wire.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

My name is Lucas Wentzel here with.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Fantasy Pros bringing you my top five waiver wire stashes ahead of week 14.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

And next week's waiver run as well.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Before we dive on into that list.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Of players though, we've got a special deal going on for you.

[Lucas Wentzel]

All right now, unlock a month of Betting Pros Premium for free.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Download the Betting Pros app today and use promo code FP1MONTH.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Get access to tools like the same game parlay tool, the Prop Bet Analyzer and the Prize Picks Prop Bet Cheat Sheet. Don't miss out. Try it 100% free for one month.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Now available both on iOS and Android.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Starting off our list this week is San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Who is rostered in 31% of leagues. I know this breaks my 30% threshold.

[Lucas Wentzel]

By 1%, but Brian Robinson is as premium of a handcuff stash as they come. I won't waste my time or my breath for that matter telling you how insanely good Christian McCaffrey is because it's.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Obvious he dominates this backfield. He only has one game with a snapshare of less than 75% this year.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But Brian Robinson has been getting filtered.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

In a little bit more as of late.

[Lucas Wentzel]

He has seven plus carries in five.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Of his last seven games and is.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Currently riding a four game streak of seven plus carries. B Rob is also averaging 4.9 yards.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Per carry compared to Chris McCaffrey's four yards per carry during that span. Now, I don't want to put a.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Ton of weight into that, but my point here is that Brian Robinson is clearly next man up and if anything.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Were to happen to Christian McCaffrey downstretch.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The 49ers may not have traded much.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

To acquire B Rob, right? They only gave up a sixth round pick in the NFL draft this year.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But they did so with the exact intention that we're using to stash Brian.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Robinson for let's have someone competent to.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Roll out if anything happens to our superstar running back. This obviously won't be a 1 for.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

1 replacement on the field or in your fantasy football lineups for that matter.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But if McCaffrey misses time in the fantasy football playoffs, Brian Robinson immediately enters the high end running back to conversation. So even if you're not a Christian McCaffrey manager, I like making sure Brian Robinson is on at least 50% of rosters, and honestly, it really should be more the second player on our list this week is Chicago Bears wide receiver.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Luther Burden, who is rostered in 19% of leagues.

[Lucas Wentzel]

When you roll back these stash videos.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

And audios at the end of the.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Season, Luther Burden is probably going to.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Be my most frequently talked about player in these episodes.

[Lucas Wentzel]

We've been waiting on the big Luther.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Burden since his role started expanding in week 10. We're now on four straight games with at least a 44% snapshare, and we're.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Now in back to back games where he's played at least 51% of the snaps.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

The encouraging thing that Nathan Yankee at PFF points out is that Luther Burden's deployment on Black Friday is that the.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Bears utilized 11 personnel more than usual against the Eagles, which led to Burden playing a season high in total snaps.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

His snapshot was actually at about 60% until the fourth quarter, when the Bears trotted out a much higher rate of 12 personnel because they wanted to make sure the game was solidified and salt away the lead.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Does that rate of 11 personnel usage.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Continue against Green Bay twice and Cleveland.

[Lucas Wentzel]

In the coming weeks? That's to be determined. But what's clear is the upside that Luther Burden possesses. He's outpaced D.J.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Moore in target share over the last four weeks.

[Lucas Wentzel]

He's running 2.32 yards per route this year, which is 11th of all wide receivers with at least 75 routes run.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Per Fantasy Points Data, and he's earning a target on a very respectable 24% of his routes.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The point that I've been reiterating all season long is finally coming to fruition here, right? Ben Johnson can only keep his early second round draft pick off the field for so long. All it's going to take is one singular bounce in Luther Burden's favor, and.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

We'Re looking at the number one waiver wire pickup, an extremely viable lineup option as well.

[Lucas Wentzel]

So let's keep working ahead and and.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Stash Luther Burden before either of those things happen.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Up next, we have Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis, who is rostered in 9% of leagues. The box score for Ray Davis this year has been pretty dang desolate. He has just as many games with zero carries as he does with two plus carries. But as you can guess, I'm not.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Interested in Ray Davis for the standalone value here.

[Lucas Wentzel]

I'm interested in Ray Davis because like Brian Robinson, he in my opinion is a premier handcuff option that needs to be rostered. The backup role to James Cook isn't necessarily as cut and dry for the.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Bills as it is with the 49ers.

[Lucas Wentzel]

You've also got Ty Johnson here in.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

The picture who's playing anywhere from 20 to 40% of snaps week in and week out.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But should anything happen to the running back that trails only Jonathan Taylor by 54 rushing yards right now, my guess is that Ray Davis gets the majority.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Of the 19 carries James Cook is averaging per game and and Ty Johnson.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Remains this change of pace pass catching.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Compliment to Ray Davis. I know the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Are completely different, but we did get a foretaste of what lead back Ray Davis looks like when James Cook misses time. Last season in Week 6 against the New York jets when James Cook sat out due to a toe injury, Ray.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Davis logged 20 carries for 97 yards.

[Lucas Wentzel]

He got all three of his targets for 55 yards as well, finishing with 18.2 PPR fantasy points which was good.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

For the running back 13 on the.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Week the Tyler Algiers, the Blake Corums shoot, even the Emmanuel Wilson's.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

They're all rostered in over 40% of leagues.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Why wait until your star running back.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Playing human bumper cars out on the.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Football field potentially gets hurt during the most important stretch of the fantasy football season? Get your insurance policy stash now or be a menace and stash your league mates handcuffs to elevate your championship odds even further. Fourth on our list this week is Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaj P. Ryan.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Who is also rostered in 9% of leagues.

[Lucas Wentzel]

P Rine made his return on Thanksgiving.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

After dealing with a high ankle sprain he sustained against Chicago Bears in Week.

[Lucas Wentzel]

9, and the Bengals really didn't hesitate.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Getting him involved once again. I'll be in a very positive game script.

[Lucas Wentzel]

He was given 16 touches but only.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Racked up 54 yards, so not an efficient day, especially on a per touch basis.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But the Bengals seem to put him.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Right back into the primary backup role.

[Lucas Wentzel]

And third down role right next to Chase Brown. My guess is that we aren't going.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

To see 15 plus, let alone 10 plus touches for Samaj P. Ryan moving forward.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But because P. Ryan missed time, we.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Might actually have a sneak peek as to what it would look like if.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Chase Brown were to miss time during.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

The fantasy football playoffs.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Chase Brown logged 96, 82 and 89%.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Of snaps in the three games P. Ryan dealt with this high ankle sprain.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Garnering nearly 25 touches per game. Now don't hear what I'm not saying. I don't believe the Bengals just hand Samajp Ryan the keys to this backfield. You would definitely get Taj Brooks more involved as well, but that's a lot of touches to be redistributed. And Samaj P. Ryan would be first in line to, in my opinion, probably.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Receive half of those.

[Lucas Wentzel]

So again, another player I'm not necessarily.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Interested in for standalone value, but rather.

[Lucas Wentzel]

I want the potential handcuff value for the team that has the easiest running back schedule rest of season that also.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Just had their elite franchise quarterback return to action last week.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Coming in next is Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant, who is rostered in 6% of leagues. One week it's Cortland Sutton, the next is Troy Franklin. But now we're getting more Pat Bryant. This Broncos wide receiver room is this fascinating puzzle, but the most noteworthy thing.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

About this Broncos wide receiver group after Sunday Night Football last week was that Pat Bryant actually surpassed Troy Franklin in.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Snaps, routes and targets.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Brian, 70% snapshot was his highest of the season and he's now drawn six.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Plus targets in back to back games.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Sandwiching the Broncos bye week in there.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The bye week is often when we.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

See teams make adjustments to personnel rotation so rookies can get more involved, such as the case for Pat Bryant. Nathan Yonke at PFF points out that Pat Bryant played much more in 11 personnel sets than Troy Franklin did this.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Week, who rotated more frequently with Marvin.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Mims against the Commanders.

[Lucas Wentzel]

I'm hesitant to say that this is.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

The new norm for the deployment of the Denver Broncos wide receivers because we.

[Lucas Wentzel]

All know Sean Payton can change his.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Mind at the drop of a hat.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But based on what we saw last.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Week, I'm inclined to keep Pat Bryant stashed at the end of my bench on a Broncos offense to that's been sixth in pass rate over expectation this last month.

[Lucas Wentzel]

When you're also looking at a juicy.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders this.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Week, I won't be surprised at all.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

If Pat Bryant is one of the top Weaver ads come Tuesday.

[Lucas Wentzel]

So this is your chance right here.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

To beat your league mates to that punch.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The last dash I want to talk about this week is the New Orleans Saints defense in special teams that's rostered.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

In only 11% of leagues.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Now I want to talk about a defense because every edge matters in the.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Fantasy football playoffs, and that includes stashing.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Defenses with juicy upcoming schedules. I'll make this one quick because I don't want to deep dive the defense too much, but after Tampa bay In week 14, the New Orleans Saints get an incredible rollout. They get the Carolina panthers in week 15, who I know they just knocked.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Off the Los Angeles Rams.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Bryce Young has been chucking the ball around the yard.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

I get it.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But in week 16 they get the New York jets led by Torod Taylor. And then in week 17 they get the Tennessee Titans led by Cam Ward. I know this defense in and of.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Itself isn't very good, but neither are.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The offenses they've got lined up for.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

The fantasy football playoffs.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The Saints are going to be one.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Of the more popular stream defenses come playoff time, so that's why it's best if you stash them now so your.

[Lucas Wentzel]

League mates can be disappointed later when.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

They'Re looking for them.

[Lucas Wentzel]

And there you have it. Those are my top five with a.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Bonus waiver wire stashes ahead of week 14.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Go sprint to your waiver wire right now. Make sure none of these guys are available in your league. Again, they're all rostered in less than.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

32% of leagues because Brian Robinson is rostered in in 31% of leagues.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But before we sign off here though, remember we've got a special deal going on for you. All right? Now unlock a month of Betting Pros Premium for free.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Download the Betting Pros app today and use promo code FP1MONTH.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Get access to tools like the same game parlay tool, the Prop Bet Analyzer, and the Prize Picks Prop Bet Cheat Sheet. Don't miss out. Try it 100% free for one month.

[Fantasy Pros Co-Host]

Now available both on iOS and Android.

[Fantasy Pros Host]

Thanks for listening to the Fantasy Pros Fantasy Football Podcast. If you love the show, the best free way to support us is by leaving a positive review on apple [e-mail] review or on Spotify. Follow us on X Instagram and TikTok Antasypros and subscribe to our YouTube channel at YouTube.com fantasypros.

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