Week 14's best fantasy football free-agent finds

ByFIELD YATES
December 6, 2016, 8:41 AM

— -- *Speaks in Jim Mora voice*

Playoffs? Playoffs!

The ESPN Fantasy postseason has arrived. For those reading this who punched a ticket to the postseason, congrats! The fun is just beginning. But for those who didn't, don't worry, we're here to help. The weekly waiver wire column has a focus on the present -- we want you to turn your postseason bid into championship glory -- but we're always interested in helping as many people as possible. With that in mind, we'll target our insight a bit: Some players highlighted in this column have value rooted less in what they offer for the rest of 2016 and more for 2017 and beyond. For those who might play in keeper leagues, there's a window now to snag some of these players off waivers with 2017 retention in mind.

We'll start with our usual waiver-wire adds. It's Week 14. Let's roll.

Note: All players listed are owned in less than 50 percent of leagues on ESPN.com.

Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots (19.8 percent). Another week, another impressive showing from Mitchell, the rookie wideout who has posted the following stats his past three games: 17 catches, 222 yards and three touchdowns. The encouraging signs from Week 13 (beyond Mitchell's natural skill set that pops when watching him) were 10 targets and 67 snaps played (second amongst Patriots wide receivers). There's too much upside for Mitchell in this offense for him to not be added in all size leagues.

Mike Gillislee, RB, Buffalo Bills (25.4 percent). When you are the NFL's best rushing team, it isn't out of the question to have multiple running backs who can be used in a given week. The Bills are proof, as Gillislee's past four game splits have been as follows (attempts-yards-touchdowns): 12-85-1, 8-32-1, 14-72-0, 8-49-2. He's a flex-play consideration, given his usage and talent. He's averaging 5.9 yards per carry this season and should be added by any running back-needy owner.

Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington (44.5 percent). An obvious beneficiary when Jordan Reed sits out is Vernon Davis, as he assumes the No. 1 tight end role in Washington. But Garcon benefits as well: In the three games Reed has missed this year, Garcon has 25 targets and 15 catches. If Reed sits again in Week 14, Garcon figures to stay busy. Even if Reed returns, Garcon has remained very much on the points-per-reception radar: He has 87 targets through 12 games, which puts him on pace for 116 this season.

Ladarius Green, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (11.7 percent). A popular name this offseason following his decision to sign in Pittsburgh, Green is just starting to look like the player some imagined he could be in this offense. With a six-catch, 110-yard, one-touchdown effort in Week 13, many are wondering if he's a startable tight end. Well, with Gronk out for the year, Reed banged up and Greg Olsen struggling of late, there is hardly a bunch of every-week standouts at the position. If you're in need of an upside play, Green fits the bill.

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens (48.5 percent). While Terrance West played very well in Week 13 (he scored twice), Dixon remains on the waiver wire radar because it's so hard to find backs at this point of the season. He led the team with 56 rushing yards Sunday and added four catches for 21 yards. He's in flex territory for PPR leagues, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he logs a 20-carry game at some point this season.

Justin Forsett, RB, Denver Broncos (4.6 percent). After being claimed on waivers Monday, Forsett could soon become a factor in the Denver backfield. Kapri Bibbs was placed on injured reserve, and Devontae Booker hasn't had a run of more than 18 yards this season. Forsett is an add for all Booker owners and anyone with a flexible bench spot to stash a running back who has played the best football of his career when playing for current Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak.

Shane Vereen, RB, New York Giants (3.4 percent). There are a lot of unknowns surrounding Vereen's value, starting with the fact that his return date is not set in stone. But there appears to be a chance that he could play as soon as Sunday. If you are looking for a running back who offers upside in a PPR league, Vereen is a savvy stash. He averaged 13 touches per game in the three that he played early this season, before landing on injured reserve (he was designated as the return player).

Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Carolina Panthers (12.2 percent). Carolina's offense is a mess in many ways right now, but Ginn has quietly put together a really nice stretch of seven games. He has 32 catches in that time, with five catches in all but two games, and he made good in those two games with fewer than five catches by adding a touchdown. In a PPR league, he's a flex consideration who we know can flip the field -- and help you win your matchup -- with just one big play. If you're facing an uphill postseason challenge, Ginn is a name to note.

Brandon LaFell, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (16.9 percent). I went back and forth on whether to include LaFell on this list for this reason: He had an excellent Week 13 to help offset A.J. Green's absence (five catches, 95 yards, a touchdown), but that followed a three-catch, 38-yard effort. The tiebreaker? The matchup in Week 14, as the Bengals face the Browns, who have allowed a league-high 28 passing touchdowns this season. LaFell is on the Week 14 flex radar.

Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings (16.9 percent). If you are examining options for a PPR flex player, Thielen is worth considering. He has 20 targets his past two games, resulting in 15 catches for 139 yards. He hasn't been a big-play target in this small stretch, but if you're looking for a player who could see another week of 7-10 targets, Thielen might be him.

Keeper league names of note

As mentioned at the top of the column, we have covered those who are no longer in the mix for their leagues this season. Here are five names to target in your keeper leagues who are currently available in more than 70 percent of leagues on ESPN.com.

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (8.3 percent). The Eagles are almost assuredly going to make upgrading the wide receiver spot a priority this offseason, but developing Green-Beckham is also part of the puzzle. He has some unique physical tools and should be more comfortable with Carson Wentz after a full offseason together.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks (25.1 percent). We've already seen glimpses of brilliance from Lockett, including a 75-yard touchdown run Sunday night. He's an explosive target who could come closer to cementing a No. 2 receiver job from the outset of 2017 in a high-ceiling offense.

Paul Perkins, RB, New York Giants (15.6 percent). Although? Rashad Jennings has one more year on his contract after this season, Perkins could soon become the centerpiece of the ground game in New York. His role has grown steadily over the season, and as the Giants work to improve their offensive line, Perkins' value will only rise.

Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans (15.6 percent). Tennessee is another team that could look to add a dynamic wide receiver this offseason, but for now, Sharpe profiles as the No. 2 wideout opposite? Rishard Matthews again next season. Another year of development and playing alongside Marcus Mariota bodes well.

Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets (0.3 percent). The rookie out of Temple earned a roster spot with the Jets and has been thrust into more action than expected because Eric Decker was placed on IR. Decker might not be back on the field until close to the start of next season, and the Jets will be evaluating the long-range future of veterans on their roster this offseason, receiver Brandon Marshall among them. Anderson has plenty of speed and a potentially important role in New York.