After the Draft: Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups & Adds

September 13, 2020

Pierre's pre-Week 1 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds and sleepers ahead of Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. Free agent RB, WR, TE, QB an D/ST to target.

Fantasy football draft season is nearly over, as most teams have been formed in the days prior to opening kickoff. All those draft picks looked great at the time, but sometimes adjustments need to be made earlier than expected. Injuries, surprising roster cuts, depth chart shifts, and bad matchups can conspire to make players expendable before they've seen the field.

Whatever the reason, fantasy GMs may be looking to add players ahead of Week 1. For that reason, we present the top options at each position with analysis of their respective values, both immediate and long-term.

All rostered percentages are taken from Yahoo and players are listed in descending order. For a deeper look at each position, check out our Week 1 RB waiver wire piece, WR waiver advice, and Team Defense Streamers.

Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options

Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts - 32% rostered

It was a tough season for Rivers as he threw nearly as many INT (20) and TD (23). He moves to a new team and no longer has Keenan Allen as a safety blanket. He does have a much better offensive line to protect him and arguably a deeper set of skill players. It's hard to gauge how the run-pass split will work in Indy but chances are there will be more emphasis on the running game initially. They may not need to pass very often to take care of the Jags, so keep Rivers in mind for Superflex only.

Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers - 24% rostered

The season opener doesn't just mark Bridgewater's Carolina debut, it's the first game for head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady. There could be some growing pains or time needed to make adjustments. Then again, it's a choice matchup as the Raiders allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2019 and didn't make major upgrades to the defense other than acquiring safety Jeff Heath earlier in the preseason and trading for linebacker Raekwon McMillan days ago. Bridgewater can't be on the radar for anyone outside of two-QB or superflex leagues just yet.

Gardner Minshew II, Jacksonville Jaguars - 12% rostered

If you heeded the advice of the Bud Light ad on your Twitter feed (or was it Miller Lite?) then you are starting your No. 1 overall pick without a doubt. Otherwise, you're going to keep him benched as a safe but boring backup QB on a team that could be tanking for Trevor Lawrence.

Mitch Trubisky, Chicago Bears - 3% rostered

Laugh if you will but Trubisky is the starting QB for Chicago and has a prime chance to get his career back on track in Week 1 versus Detroit. The Lions gave up the third-most fantasy points to QBs last year and have been one of Trubisky's favorite opponents over his career; he averages 271.8 passing yards per game and owns an 11-4 TD-INT ratio in five games against Detroit. Those numbers aren't enough to make him add-worthy but he does have another nice matchup in Week 2 against the Giants.

Others to consider: Drew Lock, Denver Broncos (24% rostered)

Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options

Chris Thompson, Jacksonville Jaguars - 37% rostered

Leonard Fournette is out, so Jay Gruden's guy is all but guaranteed to have a major role in this offense. It won't be a great offense but that actually works in his favor if the team is behind frequently and needs to pass more often. Thompson's major issue has been health, not performance. If he is on the field for enough snaps, he can be a source of points for fantasy teams.

Devonta Freeman, Free Agent - 23% rostered

As of this writing, Freeman is still unsigned. He has visited Jacksonville and could throw off the projected value for three other players on this list. For now, Freeman is a speculative stash only; even if he does sign before opening kickoff, he can't be counted on to see many snaps or be effective after missing all of the preseason activities while searching for a team.

Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs - 20% rostered

As the RB2 in KC, Williams now becomes a high-end insurance policy for Clyde Edwards-Helaire after DeAndre Washington was released. He could also play the role of TD vulture as the bigger back. He's not a big bruiser at 5'11" and 224 lbs but that gives him quite the advantage over Edwards-Helaire, who stands at 5'7" and 207 lbs. His role will more to frustrate CEH owners than anything but those in standard leagues might count on a score from Williams.

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts - 20% rostered

It seems everyone is expecting Jonathan Taylor to break out and win Rookie of the Year in his first NFL contest. Not only is that premature, it's unrealistic. Taylor had a hard time catching passes during the preseason and will not have a big role as a receiver initially as he acclimates to the league and gains the trust of the coaching staff. That role belongs to Hines, who has caught 107 passes his first two seasons. He also gets to face Jacksonville in Week 1, which allowed the ninth-most receiving yards to running backs last year.

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers - 12% rostered

I am predicting a big comeback season for McKinnon, so he is a player I prefer over nearly all the other options listed here at running back. He won't get more than a handful of rush attempts but should see several targets and move around the field, possibly in the slot at times. In a Kyle Shanahan offense, his usage bodes well for fantasy production, especially in a Week 1 matchup with Arizona. These two teams combined to score 115 points in two games last year.

Bryce Love, Washington Football - 12% rostered

Some predicted Love wouldn't make the final cutdown but he remains in Washington while Adrian Peterson was released instead. If you believe he can recapture his college form and seize the chance to earn touches for a team in need of a new face in its backfield, take a chance on him breaking out. If you firmly believe it's Antonio Gibson szn or don't think Love can make much of a pro career after missing all of his rookie year recovering from ACL surgery, then look elsewhere on this list.

Devine Ozigbo, Jacksonville Jaguars - 12% rostered

Once fourth in line for backfield touches and far from sure to make the final roster, the former UDFA may not be the starting running back in Jacksonville. That is if they don't sign Devonta Freeman (above). He has all the physical attributes you look for in an early-down back and opportunity is currently in his favor, but he won't help at all in the receptions department and he's playing for a team sure to be a bottom dweller. He is a far better play in standard leagues based on touchdown upside than anything.

Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers - 10% rostered

It's shocking to see Kelley being ignored in the majority of fantasy leagues. True, he hasn't taken an NFL snap yet and Austin Ekeler is the clear RB1 for the Bolts. But Justin Jackson is hurt and Kelley could see a fair amount of work in Week 1. He's drawn rave reviews all preseason and could see more snaps than expected as the team won't overload Ekeler. Kelley may not pick up all of Melvin Gordon's offensive snaps but it will be enough that he has a chance to shine.

Darrynton Evans, Tennessee Titans - 5% rostered

Injecting a bit of personal bias into this recommendation, Evans is an RB stash to grab now before the word gets out. He's questionable heading into Week 1, won't see much action even if he does play, and didn't show out with a great training camp. Doesn't matter. The Titans invested a third-round pick in him to be the backup and he is the only other running back that the team is going to carry on its 53-man roster. He will have a significant role sooner or later. It's better to be early on FAB bids for running backs than to miss out.

Frank Gore, New York Jets - 5% rostered

That's right, he's still in the league and will somehow wind up getting as many touches as Le'Veon Bell while negating the value of rookie Lamical Perine. The upside is limited and it's doubtful Gore can ever raise his rushing average past four yards per carry again, but he's a running back who will get touches and that's worth something in 14+ team leagues.

James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars - 4% rostered

The starting running back for the Jags will wind up being the other nobody drafts. Leonard Fournette has been released, Ryquell Armstead is on the COVID list, and Chris Thompson is going to stick in a pass-catching role. That means rookie James Robinson will split carries with Devine Ozigbo in Week 1. Robinson has been drawing the praise from his head coach though and he is barely rostered in fantasy leagues while everyone was scrambling to pickup Armstead last week.

Others to consider: Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers (13% rostered); Malcolm Brown, Los Angeles Rams (7% rostered); J.D. McKissic, Washington Football (1% rostered);

Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options

Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins - 38% rostered

Don't start Williams in Week 1. Those with an extra roster spot or looking for upside at WR as the season progresses can grab Williams if available but don't expect much right away. Williams is recovering from ACL surgery and may be on a snap count to start the season. Regardless, he has a terrible matchup on the road against the Patriots in the season opener. He won't get Stephon Gilmore, but Jason McCourty isn't much better of a matchup. While this will look like a better add in a couple of weeks, it might be a good time to grab him while available.

N'Keal Harry, New England Patriots - 35% rostered

We have no idea if Harry will take a step forward in year two or show chemistry with Cam Newton. The physical tools are there, as is the opportunity. If you seek pure upside without any guarantee of production, Harry is worth a shot.

Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers - 32% rostered

It's natural to be skeptical of Anderson given his history of getting hurt and inconsistent play along with a new team situation. That said, the Panthers added him for a reason and Curtis Samuel has reportedly had a tough training camp. Anderson could be the clear WR2 in Carolina. While that isn't enough to warrant starting status on fantasy teams, they did upgrade their QB situation with solid but unspectacular Teddy Bridgewater. Anderson is boom-bust for the moment but has plenty of upside given his speed and deep-threat ability.

Breshad Perriman, New York Jets - 26% rostered

Perriman is one of the few starting X receivers that is widely available for fantasy purposes but then again, it's the Jets. Perriman is a less reliable version of Harry except that he finally has some NFL production to boast of. He averaged five catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown per game over the last five contests of 2019. That would be amazing production on par with the top receivers in the league. Problem is that happened in Tampa with Jameis Winston slinging the rock. Perriman is also dealing with knee swelling that leaves him questionable for Week 1. This is purely a stash but one that could pay off long-term.

Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts - 20% rostered

All signs have been positive toward projecting a second-year leap for Campbell after an injury-riddled rookie season. Philip Rivers may not be what he used to be, but he still helped Keenan Allen to 104 receptions and nearly 1,200 yards in 2019. Campbell isn't Allen but he will play a similar role as a slot receiver most of the time. He gets the benefit of playing Jacksonville in Week 1, so a nice output could be in store.

Bryan Edwards, Las Vegas Raiders - 17% rostered

One of the biggest risers over the past week, Edwards was announced as the starting X receiver for the Raiders and then Tyrell Williams was placed on IR. The target share could be significant from the jump, especially against a Panthers team that allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to WRs last year.

Randall Cobb, Houston Texans - 11% rostered

The season opener between Houston and Kansas City has a projected over/under of 54.5 which means a shootout is expected. The Texans clearly plan to spread the ball around to multiple receivers and backs now that they've moved DeAndre Hopkins and added Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks. Cobb was playable at times last year, posting 828 yards and five games over 70 yards. He's a low-end WR4 that can be flexed if necessary.

Josh Gordon, Seattle Seahawks - 10% rostered

It's 2020 and we're still talking about Gordon as a roster stash in hopes he gets reinstated. It would be optimistic to think that Seattle wouldn't sign him if they didn't believe he would be reinstated but we know better. If you are in a deep-enough league or are fine at WR and just need a lotto ticket, take a shot. Don't drop anyone of consequence in favor of Gordon just yet.

Steven Sims, Washington Football - 5% rostered

Those who paid attention to this and our WR waiver wire columns late last season already know about Sims. He scored four touchdowns over the past three weeks of 2019 with at least five receptions in each game. The chemistry appeared to be there with Dwayne Haskins, who was named starting QB. There is little competition for targets, so Sims should be busy enough to get attention in full PPR leagues.

Scotty Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1% owned

With elite receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, not to mention his favorite TE in Rob Gronkowski to throw to, Miller doesn't seem like a high-upside play. Never underestimate a speedy slot receiver in Tom Brady's presence, though. Wait and see what his target share looks like in the opener or make a pre-emptive claim on him if you have a spot open.

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons - 1% rostered

Gage also suffers from overwhelming talent around him in the receiver room but his presence in a high-volume passing offense can't be ignored. Atlanta led the league in pass attempts last year by a wide margin, so there will be enough passes thrown his way to pique the interest of PPR GMs.

Others to consider: Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers (34% rostered); Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals (22% rostered); Hunter Renfrox, Las Vegas Raiders (21% rostered); James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers (15% rostered); Kenny Stills, Houston Texans (5% rostered); Josh Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams (2% rostered)

Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options

Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts - 32% rostered

We know Philip Rivers has no problem throwing to the tight end. Jack Doyle is a proven commodity and now has no competition at his position with Trey Burton slated to miss at least two weeks with a calf strain. Doyle wasn't a major factor last year at 28 receiving yards per game but should see a larger target share in addition to the upgrade at QB.

Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers - 31% rostered

Some fantasy GMs swore off Ebron years ago. Some didn't do so until last year when he became one of the biggest fantasy flops at tight end. He dropped from 13 TD in 2018 to three in 2019, a logical regression we should have seen coming. Will a new team inject new life into his value? If you believe the beat writers covering the Steelers, Ebron is going to line up all over the field and beat linebackers downfield with ease. Since you likely aren't playing in a two-TE league, Ebron is merely a backup right now anyway. He's worth a roster spot because of his big-play ability and role on a strong pass offense.

Greg Olsen, Seattle Seahawks - 30% rostered

The tight end in Seattle's offense will get plenty of chances to produce stats. The question is how many snaps Olsen will see in relation to Will Dissly and Jacob Hollister who return from last season. Despite the fact he has the most decorated NFL career of any tight end on this list, he may not be the strongest play.

Tyler Eifert, Jacksonville Jaguars - 14% rostered

Bad teams can be fantasy relevant too. The loss of Josh Oliver for the season puts Eifert in line for a busy season after signing a two-year deal. The injury-prone tag will stick with him, fair or not, but he is a talented receiver who will be one of the top options for Gardner Minshew.

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings - 11% rostered

It's debatable whether Rudolph or Smith will see more action as a receiver but it was Rudolph who finished as a top-15 fantasy TE last year. Smith was a rookie, so it's natural to expect him to take a bigger role but Rudolph's size advantage still makes him a better red-zone target and the safer choice.

Dan Arnold, Arizona Cardinals - 1% rostered

This is The King's special, so any credit for a Week 1 breakout goes to Scott Engel. Arnold only got a 10.4% target share last year and the Niners, aside from being one of the best defenses in the NFL, were one of the stingiest against the tight end. So don't expect much but keep an eye on Arnold's involvement as the weeks go on to see if becomes a glorified wide receiver at the TE position.

Others to consider: Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings (16% rostered); Jace Sternberger, Green Bay Packers (7% rostered); Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears (6% rostered); Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills (4% rostered); Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Rams (3% rostered)

Team Defense - Waiver Wire Options

Tennessee Titans Defense - 35% rostered

Truthfully, this should be the first and only DST waiver claim for those needing a Week 1 streamer. The Titans didn't stand out particularly last year on defense but were a solid, fringe weekly starter. Even before the addition of Jadveon Clowney, this unit had the promise to be a top-10 fantasy producer and more than a streamer based on the growth of its young players and some key additions such as Vic Beasley and draft pick Kristian Fulton. A road game isn't ideal but Drew Lock isn't likely to light up the scoreboard and Melvin Gordon is banged up.

Washington Football Team Defense - 5% rostered

Nobody wants to be starting Washington's defense if they can help it but this is one of the few teams below 50% rostered that isn't on the road or facing a juggernaut on offense. The Eagles are a good team for sure, but between Miles Sanders' questionable tag and the ridiculous amount of injuries at wide receiver, it may be a lackluster showing on the scoreboard. Who knows, maybe Chase Young puts on a show in his NFL debut.

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