X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Sneaky Bench Pickups: After The Draft Waiver Wire Stashes Include Jordan Mason, Ray Davis, Greg Dulcich, Quentin Johnston, Dyami Brown, more

Quentin Johnston - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Andy's fantasy football draft sleepers, bench stashes and sneaky waiver wire adds for 2024. Now that drafts are complete, stash these high-upside players.

Mastering the waiver wire is a crucial skill that can lead you to a fantasy football championship. It's not just about strategically placing your FAAB budget on specific players but also about knowing when to stash players. This dual strategy keeps you engaged and focused on your ultimate goal of winning a fantasy championship.

As the season progresses, injuries occur, or rookies begin to break out. Many of these NFL players are often drafted but dropped after the first handful of weeks due to impatient league managers. This article will pinpoint which players we’d want to stash on our bench as fantasy football waiver wire pickups to power us down the stretch.

This weekly column will look at players from each position who are either on the verge of breaking out or could see a dramatic increase in touches if they were to become the starting option on a given offense. All players will be below a 25% Yahoo! roster percentage.

Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

 

Ray Davis (RB) - Buffalo Bills

15% rostered

The Kentucky rookie has seemingly claimed the backup role in Buffalo. During the preseason, Davis frequently entered the game immediately after starter James Cook was taken off the field.

When Cook was absent during team practices, Davis and Ty Johnson typically split first-team reps. Fantasy managers should expect Cook to be the primary back in Buffalo, but Davis has shown some flashes during the preseason.

In Week 2 of the preseason, Davis led the team in rushing with 58 total yards, including the longest run of the day, going for 19 yards.

Even if Davis is used as a change-of-pace or a short-yardage option in the Bills offense as the season progresses, he could have value, especially if he begins to earn coveted goal-line work.

 

Jordan Mason (RB) - San Francisco 49ers

13% rostered

Jordan Mason was already making a solid case to be the backup running back in the Bay, and now with Elijah Mitchell hitting season-ending injured reserve, Mason has officially claimed that role to start the season.

In addition, the new No. 3 back in San Francisco, rookie fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo, missed most of camp with a hamstring injury, which gives Mason even more job security.

Christian McCaffrey suffered a calf strain earlier in August but should return to his usual workload come Week 1. However, the starting running back in this offense could be a potential weekly top-12 option. If you are currently rostering CMC, Mason is a must-roster.

 

MarShawn Lloyd (RB) - Green Bay Packers

18% rostered

Another running back who moved up the depth chart due to an injury is rookie MarShawn Lloyd. AJ Dillon (neck) was ruled out for the 2024 season, which now moves the third-round rookie into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

While Lloyd missed most of minicamp and training camp due to a lingering hamstring injury, the USC product was able to avoid IR and may only miss a handful of games, if any.

Once he returns to full health, Lloyd could eventually enter a timeshare with Josh Jacobs and would be next in line if Jacobs misses any extended period.

 

Quentin Johnston (WR) - Los Angeles Chargers

8% rostered

The Chargers wide receiver room was a hot topic of debate this offseason. Will rookie Ladd McConkey immediately slot in as the alpha, or will Joshua Palmer take the lead? Given his disappointing season last year, former first-round pick Quentin Johnston was often seen as an afterthought in the Los Angeles offense.

In his rookie campaign, he caught just 431 yards with two scores. However, despite this poor output, he saw 12.8 yards of average depth per target and averaged 49.6 air yards per game. Even if Johnston sits as the “No. 3” today, given his ability to see targets downfield, he is worth holding onto.

 

Jalen Tolbert (WR) - Dallas Cowboys

3% rostered

CeeDee Lamb made headlines earlier this week, signing a massive contract extension. However, the second spot on the wide receiver depth chart in Big D might still be a bit unclear.

Veteran Brandin Cooks was the No. 2 option last season but has been dealing with a lingering knee injury this season and may not be ready for the season opener. While Cooks sat out, Jalen Tolbert was surprisingly held out of all preseason action, suggesting he might have a large role this fall.

The 25-year-old could eventually become an every-down player in a high-octane offense. Even though Tolbert did not have a large role last season, he is a must-stash in three wide receiver leagues given that he could emerge as an every-down player in a high-octane passing attack.

 

Dyami Brown (WR) - Washington Commanders

1% rostered

The final wideout I wanted to highlight this week is in the nation’s capital. Surprisingly, the Commanders traded former first-round pick Jahan Dotson to their division rival, which opened the door for a potentially significant role in this offense.

During the preseason, Dyami Brown made a name for himself, especially when Jayden Daniels was on the field with him. In the opening drive of the preseason, Daniels hit the UNC product on a nice 42-yard pass.

Similar to Tolbert, the Commanders WR room outside of Terry McLaurin is lackluster. Brown has a chance of seeing a decent target share and could see looks down the field, as he posted a strong 16.5 average yards per target last season.

 

Greg Dulcich (TE) - Denver Broncos

2% rostered

The 24-year-old had a 2023 to forget, as he played in only two games after dealing with several foot and hamstring injuries. This season, he should be seen as the clear lead tight end in Denver, with Adam Trautman serving more as the blocker.

I included Dulcich on this list not only because he is quite underrostered but also because he has the potential to see a high target share. Currently, the Broncos wide receiving corps is headlined by proven veteran Courtland Sutton, and nothing much else follows.

Rookie Troy Franklin and the speedy Marvin Mims Jr. should contend for the No. 2 and 3 spot, but there is no guarantee that either one can stick at the NFL level. If you faded tight end in your draft and are looking for an upside option on the waiver wire who could finish as a top-12 option, take a look at Dulcich this weekend.

 

Drake Maye (QB) - New England Patriots

6% rostered

Rounding out this week's stash list is New England rookie quarterback Drake Maye. While New England has named Jacoby Brissett the Week 1 starter, Maye is still worth holding onto in deeper leagues.

The UNC product looked sharp in the preseason and capped things off with a stellar outing last weekend against Washington, going 13-of-20 for 126 yards and a score.

If you faded the quarterback position, look to stash Maye on your bench if you are looking for upside. Once he earns an opportunity at the professional level, he could be a viable starter.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
Jordan Clarkson

Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Trent Grisham

Exits With Hamstring Tightness
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr., Bucks Reach Agreement on a New Contract
Brooklyn Nets

D'Angelo Russell Heading to Dallas
Denver Nuggets

Bruce Brown Jr. Heading Back to Denver
Atlanta Hawks

Clint Capela Returning to Houston
Cameron Johnson

Traded to Denver
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Michael Porter Jr.

Traded to Brooklyn
Matt Chapman

Could Return for Start of Giants Homestand
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Return on Saturday
Yanquiel Fernández

Yanquiel Fernandez Called Up to Majors
Tyler Mahle

Dealing With Rotator-Cuff Strain
Brooklyn Nets

Ziaire Williams Expected to Return to Nets
Austin Wells

to Miss Next Two Games
Tre Mann

Set to Become an Unrestricted Free Agent
Bo Bichette

Scratched With Sore Knee
Cody Martin

to Enter Free Agency
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF