Week 14 Tight End Waiver Wire: Ertz Emerges, Likely Rising, and Waller Worth Watching
Week 13 reminded us just how unpredictable - and occasionally rewarding - the tight end position can be. Fifteen tight ends hit double digits in PPR formats, and three cracked the 20-point mark.
Headlining that group? Zach Ertz, now with the Washington Commanders, who looked like his old self with a 10-catch, 106-yard performance against Denver.
Not many saw that one coming, but here we are.
With four teams heading into their final bye week of the season, the waiver wire is once again a critical battleground. Let’s break down a few names who could help you survive - or even thrive - in Week 14.
Zach Ertz - Washington Commanders
Let’s start with Ertz, because when a 33-year-old tight end steps into a new offense and immediately drops a 10-catch game, you pay attention. Against Denver, Ertz was a reliable safety valve, working the soft spots in the Broncos’ zone and giving Washington’s quarterbacks - whether it’s Marcus Mariota or Jayden Daniels - a steady target underneath.
Ertz has now seen at least four targets in seven straight games, and that kind of consistency is gold at a position where volatility is the norm. Washington’s upcoming matchup with Minnesota is intriguing.
The Vikings have been hanging tough on defense, but their offense continues to sputter, which could put their D in tough spots all game long. That opens the door for Ertz to stay involved, especially if Washington finds itself in favorable field position.
He’s not going to stretch the field, but for PPR purposes, Ertz offers a high-floor option - especially if you’re navigating bye week chaos or dealing with injuries.
Darren Waller - Miami Dolphins
Waller’s ownership numbers are still surprisingly low (hovering around 20% in ESPN leagues), but he’s back on the field and back in the mix for the Dolphins. Last week, he caught two passes for 47 yards, which doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, but it’s a step in the right direction after returning from injury.
The Dolphins face the Jets this week, and that matchup has some sneaky upside for Waller. The last time these two teams met, Waller found the end zone twice, helping Miami to a 27-21 win.
New York hasn’t fixed its issues in the middle of the field - in fact, the Jets remain the only team in the NFL without an interception this season. That’s not a typo.
Miami has looked like a different team since Halloween, and Waller gives them a red-zone weapon who can also stretch the seam. If he sees more than three targets - which feels likely given the matchup - he could deliver another solid fantasy outing. There’s some risk here, but the ceiling is real.
Zach Ertz passes HOF Shannon Sharpe for 5th-most receptions by a TE in NFL history 😎@Commanders | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/WnWyDYw6ci
— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) December 1, 2025
Lamar Jackson rushing hasn't been the same since returning from injury, but his Week 13 did include:
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 1, 2025
-Isaiah Likely fumbles away a 44-yard TD
-Zay Flowers iffy OPI on 36-yard TD
-Two near-miss potential chunk gains to DeVontez Walker pic.twitter.com/DLtZh5MRrM
Isaiah Likely - Baltimore Ravens
If you’re looking for upside, Isaiah Likely might be your guy. The Ravens tight end came close to a 100-yard game last week and now gets a Pittsburgh defense that ranks 28th in passing yards allowed. The Steelers just gave up 249 rushing yards, and while Baltimore will lean on the ground game early, that could open up play-action shots for Likely down the field.
His average depth of target (ADOT) is up to 8.6 this season, and he’s showing more chemistry with Lamar Jackson, especially in those intermediate areas where the Steelers’ linebackers have struggled in coverage.
Yes, there was that goal-line fumble last week, but Jackson clearly still trusts him - and that trust matters. With Mark Andrews banged up, Likely is stepping into a bigger role, and in a high-stakes AFC North matchup, he could be a difference-maker.
Pittsburgh will bring pressure, and Jackson will need to get the ball out quickly. That’s where Likely can shine.
Final Thoughts
Tight end remains one of the trickiest positions in fantasy football, but Week 14 offers some intriguing options if you’re willing to take a chance. Ertz is seeing volume and has a favorable matchup.
Waller is trending up and facing a defense that’s been soft in the middle. Likely is flashing big-play ability in an offense that needs him to step up.
It's not always pretty, but if you hit the right waiver wire move at tight end, it can be the difference between a playoff push and an early exit.