RADIO
Denzel Boston a Solid Waiver-Wire Target After Encouraging NFL Debut
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston was one of his team's few bright spots in a 34-10 Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 22-year-old recorded two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on four targets. As long as quarterback Deshaun Watson remains the starter in Cleveland, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to have a great deal of trust in the Browns' passing game. Still, Boston led his team in receiving yards and finished tied for second in targets in his first NFL game. He also showed off his explosive ability with a 46-yard touchdown catch against the Jaguars, proving that he may still be able to provide fantasy production in an inefficient Cleveland offense. For his season-long upside, Boston profiles as a logical waiver wire target in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja'Kobi Lane Getting Second and Third Opinions on Fractured Wrist
The Baltimore Sun's Sam Cohn says that Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) might be out a bit longer since he is getting second and third opinions on his fractured wrist this week. Lane's timetable for a return is unclear right now, but fantasy managers who have him rostered in deeper leagues should be expecting a multi-week absence at the very least. It is unfortunate timing for the 22-year-old from USC, who had opened his first NFL season as Baltimore's WR2 behind Zay Flowers (hamstring) after a strong training camp and preseason. In his NFL debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the third-rounder caught just one of his three targets for 11 yards before fracturing his wrist. With Flowers up in the air to play in Week 2 versus the New Orleans Saints, veteran Rashod Bateman and rookie Elijah Sarratt, who was a healthy inactive in Week 1, could be in line for much bigger roles in the Ravens' passing attack. Lane is currently rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Brock Bowers Now Considered Day-to-Day
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is now considered day-to-day after undergoing a meniscus trim last week, according to Adam Schefter. Head coach Klint Kubiak gave the update Monday, which is another good sign after Bowers missed Sunday's opener against Miami. Schefter reported over the weekend that the Raiders believed Bowers had a realistic chance to return in Week 2, but he still has work to do before that happens. Bowers did not practice at all last week before being ruled out. The Raiders visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, so his participation over the next few days should give fantasy managers a much better idea of where things stand. Michael Mayer handled the larger role in Bowers' absence and caught six of seven targets for 32 yards. He remains the fallback option if Bowers needs another week, but the day-to-day label keeps a Week 2 return firmly in play.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Michael Penix Jr. Might Not be Ready for Week 2
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was ruled out for the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that it might be "a bit too early" for Penix to be ready to make his 2026 season debut in Week 2 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. The Falcons clearly view Penix as their man under center this year, but only when he is fully recovered from the partial ACL tear in his knee that he suffered late in 2025. Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), who was brought in this offseason in free agency as an insurance option for Penix, was slated to start in Week 1 against the Steelers before injuring his oblique in practice last Thursday and eventually being ruled out. Veteran backup Cooper Rush made the start on Sunday and predictably struggled, throwing for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. If Tagovailoa cannot go in Week 2 against Carolina, Rush could be forced into a second straight start for Atlanta. It sounds like a more realistic date for Penix's 2026 season debut could come on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Keaton Mitchell's Week 1 Role Makes Him a Strong Stash
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell didn't do much with his four carries in Sunday's 26-14 loss to Arizona, finishing with nine yards. His place in the backfield was more interesting than the production. Mitchell was the only Chargers running back besides Omarion Hampton to record a carry after entering Week 1 listed alongside Kimani Vidal for the backup job. The team's current depth chart now has Mitchell second and Vidal third. Hampton remains firmly in control after handling 12 carries and scoring a touchdown, so Mitchell isn't someone to put into fantasy lineups against Las Vegas this week. There is still plenty to like as a stash. Los Angeles signed Mitchell to a multi-year deal in March after he averaged 6.3 yards per carry over three seasons in Baltimore, and Week 1 offered an early indication that he may have the inside track on the No. 2 role. In 12-team leagues, Mitchell is worth grabbing now and keeping on the bench rather than waiting for his workload to grow.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zay Flowers Considered "Day-to-Day" With Hamstring Injury
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is "day-to-day" with the hamstring injury that knocked him out of the Week 1 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, head coach Jesse Minter told Sam Cohn of The Baltimore Sun. Before leaving the game on Sunday, the 26-year-old Flowers caught five of his six targets for 150 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season in the eventual 41-23 victory. Rookie Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) also left with a fractured wrist, and Devontez Walker (groin) was inactive. If Flowers is limited or out for a Week 2 contest against the New Orleans Saints, the Ravens' offense could be down to veteran Rashod Bateman and rookie Elijah Sarratt, who was a healthy inactive in the season opener, as their top options at wideout. Flowers' left-hamstring injury is not considered serious, but fantasy managers should draw up some backup plans this weekend, just in case. Check back on Wednesday for Flowers' practice status ahead of this Sunday's game against New Orleans.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Michael Mayer a Top Week 2 Streamer if he Starts Again
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer took advantage of the starting job in Sunday's 27-13 win over Miami, catching six passes for 32 yards with Brock Bowers sidelined following a meniscus procedure. The yardage wasn't much, but six catches are enough to get attention at tight end. Mayer has done this before when the Raiders needed more from him. In the four games he played without Bowers last season, he totaled 18 receptions for 196 yards, accounting for more than half of his season production in both categories. Las Vegas also signed Mayer to a multi-year extension just before the opener. His Week 2 appeal now comes down largely to Bowers' availability. Bowers was initially expected to miss a game or two, so another start against the Chargers remains possible. If Bowers sits again, Mayer belongs near the top of the tight end streaming options on the waiver wire. His short-term fantasy value drops quickly once Bowers returns.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keenan Allen Worth Adding for PPR Depth After Six-Catch Debut
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen gave fantasy managers a usable PPR line in his team debut, catching all six of his targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 41-23 loss to Baltimore. The yardage was modest, but six catches mattered in an offense that struggled to generate much through the air. Allen only signed with Indianapolis on August 19, yet he opened the season with the first team and immediately carved out short-area work. That fits what he did last year with the Chargers, when he caught 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns. The Colts still have Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren demanding targets, so there is not much reason to expect Allen to suddenly become a high-ceiling option at age 34. The reception floor is the appeal. He is worth adding in 12-team PPR leagues for receiver depth, especially if a manager needs a steady bench option rather than a swing for upside. Allen is better viewed as a stash than a preferred Week 2 start at Kansas City.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Tucker Still Worth Adding After Quiet Opener
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker had a quiet opener in Sunday's 27-13 win over Miami, catching two of four targets for 27 yards. He still tied for the most receiving yards among Raiders wideouts, but the four targets are the bigger takeaway. Brock Bowers was out with a knee injury, and Las Vegas still spread the passing work around rather than funneling it toward Tucker. That makes the Week 1 usage a little disappointing. It does not erase his role, though. Tucker started all 17 games last season and led the Raiders with 696 receiving yards while catching 57 passes and scoring five touchdowns. He also opened 2026 listed with the first team opposite Jalen Nailor. RotoBaller still has Tucker among its top 10 wide receiver pickups for Week 2, which fits the profile here. He is not a priority claim after four targets, especially if Bowers returns soon, but he remains worth adding in 12-team leagues as receiver depth ahead of Sunday's road game against the Chargers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emari Demercado a Deep-League Stash After Backfield Shakeup
Dallas Cowboys running back Emari Demercado had two carries for seven yards in Sunday night's 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, but his spot behind Javonte Williams is more interesting now than the box score suggests. Malik Davis was placed on season-ending injured reserve after hip surgery, and Dallas made Israel Abanikanda inactive for the opener after promoting him to the 53-man roster. That left Demercado as the only other active tailback behind Williams, though Dallas still gave him just two touches. That matters. Williams handled 12 carries and five catches, so there is no immediate fantasy role to chase. Demercado was claimed off waivers on August 31 and has prior familiarity with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams from their time in Arizona. The opportunity is still speculative, especially if Abanikanda is active in Week 2. With Davis gone, though, Demercado has a clearer route to backup work than he did a week ago. He is worth a stash in deeper leagues, not a priority claim, before Dallas hosts Washington.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Mason Dealing With Sore Thumb
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Jordan Mason (thumb) came into the building on Monday with a sore thumb, and the team is evaluating him, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Mason apparently banged up his thumb in the team's 39-22 Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, although it should not keep him from suiting up in another divisional contest in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old handled 15 rushing attempts for 59 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season on Sunday. Backfield mate Aaron Jones Sr. rushed three fewer times (12) for 40 yards and scored a touchdown as well, so Minnesota's backfield rotation was working to perfection in the Vikings' impressive comeback win. Mason was not targeted in the passing attack. Although the Vikings might give Mason a little rest this week, he should be practicing in full by Friday and be cleared to play this weekend.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Alec Pierce "Good Right Now" After Suffering Wrist Injury
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that wide receiver Alec Pierce (wrist), who banged up his wrist in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, is "good right now," according to James Boyd of The Athletic. X-rays on Pierce's left hand/wrist came back negative after Indy's 41-23 loss, so Pierce should be in the clear for a Week 2 showdown on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. The 26-year-old started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list after having cleanup surgery on his ankle in the spring, but he was active for the season opener and caught four of his six targets for 61 yards in the loss to Baltimore. As long as Pierce does not suffer a setback with his hand/wrist injury in practice this week, he should be active against the Chiefs as the Colts look for their first win in 2026. Pierce should line up as at least a WR3/flex for fantasy managers in that matchup with his big-play abilities deep down the field.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Jalen Coker in a Walking Boot, Not Expected to Miss Time This Week
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (ankle) rolled his left ankle in the first quarter of the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday but continued to play through it and had one of the best games of his career, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Coker is wearing a walking boot on Monday but does not expect to miss time this week as the team prepares to play the division-rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 on Sunday. The 24-year-old third-year receiver caught eight of his nine targets for 138 yards and two touchdowns in the 59-37 loss to the Bears on Sunday. Injuries are nothing new for Coker, who played in only 22 games in his first two years in the league due to injury. If Coker can manage to stay healthy for an entire season, though, he has true breakout potential, even as the team's WR2 across from former first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan. If Coker can get through practice this week and suit up on Sunday against Atlanta, he should be locked into starting fantasy lineups for a potential encore after his two-touchdown season opener. Right now, Coker is rostered in 61% of Yahoo leagues, so despite his ankle injury, he is a priority waiver-wire addition going into Week 2 action.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Kenyon Sadiq a Waiver Priority After Scoring First Career Touchdown
New York Jets rookie first-round tight end Kenyon Sadiq missed valuable time during training camp this summer following a setback after hernia surgery, but he was active in the Week 1 season-opening win on Sunday over the Tennessee Titans and had an impact on offense. Sadiq caught all three of his targets in his NFL debut for 21 yards and also scored a three-yard rushing touchdown on his only carry of the game. The Jets acknowledged that they would ease Sadiq into the fold early in his first NFL season, which was the case, as he played 42% of the offensive snaps, which was behind both Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert. However, Taylor had just two catches for minus-two yards, and Ruckert caught his only target for a four-yard gain against Tennessee. The 21-year-old from Oregon is a physical specimen with versatility and should only continue to be more involved in the Jets' downfield passing attack as the season goes, making him a priority waiver-wire pickup, even in single-TE leagues. Sadiq has much more short- and long-term fantasy upside than Taylor.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tre' Harris on the Waiver Radar After Teammate's Injury in Week 1
The Los Angeles Chargers' offense was not impressive in the surprising 26-14 Week 1 season-opening loss to the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Second-year wide receiver Tre' Harris finished the game with three catches on his six targets for 20 yards. Wideout Ladd McConkey (rib) was the only Chargers receiver to find the end zone, finishing his day with five catches for a team-high 82 yards and a touchdown, but he left the game early with a rib injury and did not return. Although Harris' final line was not impressive at all, he did play 75% of the offensive snaps, which was second only to Quentin Johnston, and his six targets were only one off the team lead (seven for McConkey). If McConkey's rib injury causes him to miss time, Harris will undoubtedly have a bigger role in Mike McDaniel's passing attack, which will be looking to bounce back in Week 2 versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Harris is a speculative waiver-wire pickup this week in deeper leagues for managers who have McConkey rostered or who are already searching for better WR depth. He is rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
