September 10, 2016

Nick Mariano's pre-week 1 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds and sleepers for the 2016 NFL season. Running backs (RBs), wide receivers (WRs), quarterbacks (QBs) and tight ends (TEs).

Head to our fantasy football waiver wire pickups list, updated weekly

Welcome to this first installment of the Waiver Wire weekly series for the 2016 fantasy football season. This is where the magic happens.

We provide information on players that are owned in roughly 40% of leagues or less, so that you can make an educated decision about who to add to your squad.

Let’s look around the league at many names who are worth mentioning as Week 1 approaches. Be sure to also check out our weekly rankings and analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all options heading into Week 1.

Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options

Ryan Tannehill (QB, MIA) – 36% Owned

Tannehill appears to be embracing this new offensive regime, spearheaded by the high-volume attack of Adam Gase. He had a lot of red tape limiting his playcalling duties last season, including not being allowed to call audibles. He has the confidence of the coaching staff, which should only help bolster his own performances alongside a rushing attack that boasts a fantastic pass-catcher in Arian Foster. He’s got every opportunity to leap into the QB1 conversation here, it’s just up to him.

Robert Griffin (QB, CLE) - 26% Owned

RGIII, we meet again. While his durability won’t ever have anyone’s full faith, he does have the keys to a resurgent Browns offense. Everyone’s going to get caught up with Josh Gordon, which by all means is huge, but Corey Coleman, Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson also really tie things together. The Eagles defense is no push-over, as we’ll get to, but this is still a decent get at a good price.

Joe Flacco (QB, BAL) – 18% Owned

Flacco saw his offensive weapons crumble around him last season before he himself was taken down in Week 11 with a knee injury that required season-ending surgery. He’s ready to rock now though, even if the injuries around him have already started again. Newly-acquired tight end Benjamin Watson tore his Achilles and will miss 2016. Steve Smith is ready to go though, but he may not be around all season. Kamar Aiken emerged as a legitimate possession receiver. His running backs are weak, but they’re solid pass-catchers. His defense isn’t going to win games. Don’t be afraid to fire Joe up as he looks to meet the challenge head on.

Sam Bradford (QB, MIN) – 7% Owned

Bradford burned so many fantasy owners last season, but now he's been given the keys to the Minnesota offense. One should not underestimate the damage done to Bradford's numbers by the many drops of Jordan Matthews and company. The sure-handed Stefon Diggs and the Minnesota WR corps should be an upgrade, and Bradford won't be asked to lead the offense given that there's this guy named Adrian Peterson who the offense really centers around. Add in an improved offensive line and a stout defense, and baby, you've got a stew going. Please note that he's unlikely to start in Week 1, but as far as the season is concerned, Samuel J. Biscuits could be a steal with these guys around him.

Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options

Theo Riddick (RB, DET) – 35% Owned

Riddick’s lukewarm ownership level is probably due to only so many leagues being PPR formats, but it’s still worth mentioning here in case his 80 catches, which was tied with Danny Woodhead for best RB-total in the NFL, is just sitting there in any PPR format. Woodhead did see more goal-line work, but boy there should not be this big of a disparity between him and Riddick.

Alfred Morris (RB, DAL) – 27% Owned

He disappointed many with only 751 rushing yards and a lone TD last season, but the man can still rumble. You know all of those reasons that fantasy owners are fawning over Ezekiel Elliott? His pedigree and collegiate performance is only a piece of that, and there’s no reason that Morris really couldn’t deliver much of the same behind that incredible offensive line.

James Starks (RB, GB) – 27% Owned

Nothing new here, as Starks averaged roughly four yards per carry for 601 yards and two rush TDs alongside his catching 43-of-53 targets for 392 yards and three more TDs. He’s a versatile back who becomes a solid RB2 in a strong Green Bay offense should something happen to Eddie Lacy.

Terrance West (RB, BAL) - 26% Owned

West, as of the night of Sept. 3, is the Ravens starting running back. Justin Forsett was cut in a rather surprising move on Saturday, but when one considers that the Ravens can save some money on the guaranteed $ front if they cut and then re-sign him, then it makes cents (get it). With Kenneth Dixon sidelined with an MCL injury to open the season, West should be the goal-line back but Javorius Allen (10% owned) is also a PPR option now in deeper formats.

Jerick McKinnon (RB, MIN) – 25% Owned

Ditto McKinnon. If you drafted Adrian Peterson, you need to get McKinnon late. The trade for Sam Bradford really breathes life back into this offense, and actually gives it more upside than it had with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm. McKinnon is a talented runner that averaged over five yards per carry last season and would deliver RB2 numbers should he be asked to shoulder the load.

DeAndre Washington (RB, OAK) – 25% Owned

Washington’s buzz has Latavius Murray owners shaking in their boots. While Murray should be fine as the clear RB1 on the team for now, the Raiders weren’t shy about giving Washington the opportunity to shine in the preseason. He turned eight carries into 55 yards alongside a six-yard touchdown catch in the crucial third preseason game, so he makes for a decent back-end stash.

Devontae Booker (RB, DEN) – 17% Owned

The Broncos clearly have no faith in Ronnie Hillman and want to move on (update: they cut him), as illustrated by their selecting Booker in the fourth round of this year's draft. While C.J. Anderson looked fantastic down the stretch last season, he’s never shown that he can hold up through all 16 games. Booker is going to see some work, and would be leaned on a lot should something happen to Anderson.

Rob Kelley (RB, WAS) – 6% Owned

Kelley has burst onto the scene this season, totaling 198 yards on 38 rushes (5.2 yards per carry) to leap from an undrafted free agent to #2 on the depth chart behind Matt Jones. This is the same Matt Jones who dealt with a right knee injury in training camp last season before a sprained toe sidelined him for a bit, then underwent minor hip surgery after the season ended and is now recovering from an AC sprain in his shoulder. The same Matt Jones that hasn’t consistently proven it on the field even when healthy. Yeah, you’re going to want the impressive #2 here.

Tim Hightower (RB, NO) – 6% Owned

Hightower was impressive in Mark Ingram’s stead after Mr. Ingram suffered a shoulder injury. Ingram has played in 11, 13 and 12 games in each of his last three seasons, respectively. That’s not a good track record, unless you’re talking about the prospects for the backup to get playing time.

Marshawn Lynch (RB, Beach Chair in Bermuda) – 3% Owned

There cannot be this many comedians out there. Or folks who are superstitious with their last round pick.

Chris Thompson (RB, WAS) / Benny Cunningham (RB, LA) – 2% Owned

Here are two PPR guys who should probably be owned in more than 2% of leagues. Both of these offenses will utilize the passing game for different reasons, and while Thompson seems to be talked about more than Cunningham, they’ll both get work. Todd Gurley overshadows everything on the Rams, but Cunningham should see plenty of opportunities as the Rams project to play from behind rather often according to Vegas. That means plenty of hurry-up passing-down work for Benny the Jet-err, Ram.

Zach Zenner (RB, DET) – 1% Owned

Just keep an eye on him, as he’s the only real “big” back left for Detroit. Goal-line carries can yield plenty of profits if he converts on some early opportunities. His preseason wasn’t stellar and so one probably doesn’t have to pounce here, but tuck the name away.

Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options

Ted Ginn (WR, CAR) – 38% Owned

Mr. “All-or-Nothing” deserves some love, as his 739 yards and 10 touchdowns (including three of 40+ yards) don’t come easy. He’s an absolute burner with, let’s call them questionable hands (44 receptions on 96 targets). While he can turn in games of zero or one catch, that crazy stretch of three-straight two-TD games from Weeks 13-15 shows the upside here. If you build a stable roster, there’s no harm in keeping a home-run bat in the flex spot.

Tajae Sharpe (WR, TEN) – 37% Owned

Sharpe hasn’t stopped trending upwards all preseason long, and enters the regular season as the clear-cut starting wide receiver for the Titans. The coaches love him, Marcus Mariota loves him, fantasy owners are going to love him. Don’t look to him as the next Odell Beckham Jr., but the 6’2” product out of UMass has a great chance at becoming a fantastic PPR asset.

Chris Hogan (WR, NE) – 29% Owned

Hogan may not have the clearest role in a Patriots offense that seems poised to lean heavily on a two-TE set, but Hogan hauled in nine catches for 115 yards and a beautiful 33-yard TD this preseason to make his mark. While the TEs, Julian Edelman, James White and even Malcolm Mitchell will get their piece, the 27-year-old receiver should be a nice PPR play, especially when Tom Brady returns.

Tyler Boyd (WR, CIN) – 18% Owned

While it’s certainly worth mentioning that Brandon LaFell (5% Owned) is slated to open the season as the #2 receiver, that guy hasn’t really yielded a worthy ceiling in a long time. Boyd looks to operate as the slot man when the starting gun sounds on the 2016 season, but that should still provide some solid opportunities considering the absence of red-zone ballhawk Tyler Eifert. Don’t go crazy here, but there’s a very good chance that Boyd jumps over LaFell on the depth chart by the time Eifert returns.

Kenny Stills (WR, MIA) – 13% Owned

Stills may not be the flashiest name, but he really looked strong this preseason -- catching eight balls for 124 yards and two TDs. He worked ahead of Devante “Mr. Buzz” Parker in Miami’s third preseason game, and has gotten a lot of praise from his coaches. Don’t take this to mean that Stills will provide the stats that you pegged Parker’s ceiling to hold, or even that this current depth chart configuration will hold, but his upside in Adam Gase’s system speaks to more than 13% ownership.

Eli Rogers (WR, PIT) – 4% Owned

Once it was announced that Martavis Bryant would miss the 2016 season, the hype train has made its way to many stations. First it was Markus Wheaton’s turn, but that quickly subsided for some Sammie Coates hype. Then he fumbled twice and had too many lapses to retain a starting spot on the depth chart. Enter: Eli Rogers. He’s going to open the season as Pittsburgh’s slot man, which should yield some nice deep-league value, especially with Le’Veon Bell on the shelf until Week 4. Reevaluate then, but enjoy the now until then.

Charles Johnson (WR, MIN) – 1% Owned

Charles Johnson is a forgotten man right now. Johnson is working in as the Vikings’ “X” receiver, ahead of Laquon Treadwell despite the rookie having a much pricier ADP, and he now has Bradford throwing him the deep ball. It may take a bit for the two of them to get on the same page, but if the chemistry aligns then this could really pay off in deeper formats.

Malcolm Mitchell (WR, NE) – 1% Owned

Mitchell is still recovering from a dislocated elbow that he suffered three weeks ago, but is definitely worth monitoring as a guy who could step into New England’s “X” role. While it may not provide much, if he has a role in this offense as a big-play threat when Tom Brady returns, then that’s going to vault his value way over the 1% owned mark.

Jared Abbrederis (WR, GB) – 1% Owned

While Davante Adams (12% Owned) is still the bigger name here, it appears that Abbrederis has a bit of the inside track on the #3 WR job in Green Bay. His upside may not be as high as Adams’ was pegged to be, but the dude can still ball. He also has Aaron Rodgers slinging him the pigskin, which goes a long way. Literally.

Adam Humphries (WR, TB) – 0% Owned

Humphries is going to be the slot receiver for Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers. While mentioning “Bucs” doesn’t exactly make one think “fast-paced, high-octane passing offense”, they’re a young team that appears to be growing together. Fantasy owners in PPR formats who feel like they have nowhere to turn would do well to see how Humphries pans out.

Paul Richardson (WR, SEA) – 0% Owned

Richardson is a forgotten man. He was the Seahawks’ 45^th overall pick all the way back in 2014, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! He’s hasn’t gotten a chance to perform yet due to injuries (torn ACL in 2014, hamstring injury in 2015), but he worked out with Russell Wilson during the offseason and caught a beautiful TD in Seattle’s third preseason game. Even if he’s simply a situational deep-threat, the 24-year-old has some serious wheels and can catch, so keep him in mind on this suddenly pass-happy offense.

Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options

Vance McDonald (TE, SF) – 25% Owned

McDonald has a sneaky-high ceiling should he beat out Garrett Celek in earnest for the clear-cut starting TE spot on the 49ers. While it’s highly unlikely that Celek just drops off (unless he gets hurt), McDonald appears to have secured the starting TE job for now. He also has a decent chemistry with QB Blaine Gabbert, and with safety valve slot-man Bruce Ellington out for the season now, McDonald could be the hot read for Gabbert. Don’t look to San Francisco’s offense for any gold, but those in deeper PPR formats who would settle for some silver may be pleased with what they find here.

Virgil Green (TE, DEN) – 23% Owned

Green, a 6’5” seventh-round pick from the 2011 draft, appears ready to finally make his mark on the game. He’s going to be a solid option across the middle and in the red zone for Trevor Siemian, a quarterback who he’s worked with extensively due to them both being backups last season. Chemistry goes a long way. There’s only profit to be had here.

Jordan Cameron (TE, MIA) – 23% Owned

We’ve waxed poetic about the potential profits from an Adam Gase system here, but naturally this includes Cameron. While his performance has really dropped off in recent seasons, and he may end up getting outdone by Dion Sims for all we know, but the potential for lightning in a bottle is here.

Jesse James (TE, PIT) – 14% Owned

With Ladarius Green’s status for the season completely up in the air, the 6’7” 22-year-old should provide Ben Roethlisberger with a huge target over the middle and in the end zone. This is an offense that is set to put the pedal to the floor and light the world up, and anyone starting on it deserves to be owned and will probably be a fantastic start. Plus, his name lends itself to incredible outlaw-related smack talk.

Clive Walford (TE, OAK) – 13% Owned

It’s intriguing that Walford only has about half of the ownership as McDonald or Cameron considering how hyped people seem to be about the Raiders and Derek Carr. While his overall line may not be spectacular, he's got every conceivable opportunity to become a legitimate TE2 in fantasy leagues. He should be free to run plenty of routes given how strong the Raiders O-line has become.

Cameron Brate (TE, TB) – 2% Owned

Brate overtook the #1 spot on the depth chart from the well-known Austin Seferian-Jenkins thanks to a steady work ethic and ASJ's own mistakes. Brate proved himself to be a consistent option for Jameis Winston, and while his ceiling may not match ASJ's, he can still be a solid TE2. ASJ has been yelled at by new HC (old OC) Dirk Koetter multiple times now, and just recently was seen getting heated with Koetter during the Bucs last preseason game. He has plenty of potential thanks to his raw athleticism and large frame, but unrefined talent alone does little for a coach. The job should be Brate's as long as he doesn't get hurt or

Larry Donnell (TE, NYG) – 1% Owned

This is as good a time as any to bring up Donnell and Will Tye (2% Owned), who appears likely to destroy each other’s chances at providing fantasy value. Donnell appeared to get more work with the first-team offense in the ever-important third preseason game.