In this day and age of the NFL waiver wires become a very important part of the fabric of Fantasy Football. Most often because of injuries, but also due to the unexplained reasons why so many of our so-called "Studs" are underperforming.

This week can be one of the most important as you try to shore up your playoff rosters, especially if you thought you were going to ride the players that got your there only to have guys like Roy Williams, Anquan Boldin and maybe even Selvin Young or Derrick Ward, become injured just when you needed them most.

Here are some players that have probably been under the radar until now, but who maybe able to help you make the run through the playoffs to your league's championship.

Here are week 14's Waiver Wire picks.

(1) Forum Discussion

QB

Luke McCown TBB – McCown filled in for an injured Jeff Garcia in week 13 against New Orleans and threw for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game winner with 17 seconds left. There are differing reports out of Tampa as to how badly injured Garcia is, with Garcia himself stating that he will be ready to go in week 14, but if you have the space, especially if you are a Garcia owner, then grab him.

Chris Redman ATL – Redman came off the bench to give the Atlanta offense a spark, and he did just that. He came in at the start of the fourth quarter with Atlanta at their own 20 and the score at 21-3 in St Louis’ favor, then proceeded to go 5-5 on passing attempts, including a touchdown on the drive. Overall he completed 16 of 24 passes for 172 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Coach Petrino has already said that he is considering starting Redman in week 14 against New Orleans.

Sage Rosenfels HOU – Matt Schaub had to leave the game in week 13 when Titans DE Antwan Odom landed hard on him and separated his shoulder. Schaub will have an MRI on Monday, but there is a good chance that he will not be able to go in week 14 against Tampa Bay. He should only be used against Tampa Bay if you are truly desperate for QB help, or if you own Eli Manning.

RB

Samkon Gado MIA – Gado is here for one reason, Jesse Chatman was hurt in week 13 and may not be able to go in week 14. He was seen around the complex limping badly with his ankle heavily wrapped. If Chatman can’t go this week, then Gado would get the start against a Buffalo rushing defense that is currently ranked 22nd.

Lorenzo Booker MIA – Booker showed himself to be a very competent pass receiver when he caught 6 passes for 63 yards against the Jets in week 13. He only had one rushing attempt, so he is only a viable pickup in leagues that use PPR scoring.

Fred Jackson BUF – In case you didn’t listen to me last week and pick up Jackson, then you should listen now. He started in place of the injured Marshawn Lynch and rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries, plus caught 4 passes for 69 yards. There is a chance that Lynch can go in week 14, but the odds are that he will miss at least one more week.

WR

Bryant Johnson ARI – With Fitzgerald already out and Boldin injuring his toe in week 13, Johnson stepped in, to the tune of 6 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. The team “hopes” that Fitzgerald will be back in week 14, but there is a good chance both Fitzgerald and Boldin will be limited even if they can go. He was targeted 11 times, so he will get the chances.

Mike Furrey DET – Roy Williams sprained his ACL in week 13 and is likely to miss a few weeks. For whatever reason, Calvin Johnson was not a big part of the game plan in week 13, while Furrey caught 7 passes for 57 yards. He was targeted 10 times. Detroit goes against Dallas, San Diego and Kansas City in the next 3, so they will probably continue to throw a ton, especially with a running game that is doing nothing right now.

Sidney Rice MIN – Rice is starting to become a much bigger piece of the passing game for Minnesota, and it is at a good time as QB Tarvaris Jackson seems to be growing into a viable QB starter.  Rice has TDs in 3 out of his last 4 games played, including one in each of the last two. If he is still available in your league, then grab him now.

TE

Desmond Clark CHI – If Clark became available in your league because rookie Greg Olsen was starting to get most of the chances, but that has started to turn around in the last few weeks. Clark has once again become the top TE on the team, as evidenced by his 7 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown in his last two games. If he is available, he could become a nice pickup for the playoffs.

Marcedes Lewis JAC – Lewis has become a part of the passing game over the last two weeks, with 5 catches in each game, including a touchdown in week 13 against Indianapolis. He goes against a Carolina defense in week 14 that has given up 5 TDs to TEs in the last 4 games.