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It felt good to enjoy a full Sunday of NFL action and follow every player on multiple fantasy teams. But now the work begins.
Thankfully there weren't many serious injuries in Week 1 but there are always holes to fill or standouts you want to get a hold of before the competition. That's where this weekly column comes in. This will be a comprehensive overview of all relevant waiver wire options at every position. Some will be long-term considerations or some are nothing more than one-week streamers. The context always depends on your particular league's depth and settings.
All rostered percentages are taken from Yahoo and players are listed in descending order, not in order of priority. Only players who are on approximately 40% or fewer leagues are considered.
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Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Giovani Bernard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 27% rostered
Bernard didn't play much of a role until late in the game for Tampa but it is worth noting that Ronald Jones fumbled and didn't enter the game afterward. Leonard Fournette was the main back in the second half of the game but we could see Bernard turn into James White lite eventually.
Tony Jones Jr., New Orleans Saints - 23% rostered
No Latavius Murray means Jones is the RB2 in New Orleans. He got ample opportunity right away, carrying the ball 11 times for 50 yards. It's hard to explain what happened with Green Bay but needless to say, game script won't often be that favorable so it's not a given that Jones will get as many touches. He's mostly an insurance policy for Alvin Kamara's managers right now.
Mark Ingram II, Houston Texans - 22% rostered
I can't in good faith recommend adding Ingram simply because he put up fantasy numbers against Jacksonville's defense. Nevertheless, it bears mentioning that he ran for 85 yards and scored a touchdown. That yardage came on 26 carries though, so it's not as if he was very effective - and both Phillip Lindsay and David Johnson managed to score as well. Ingram is the RB1 in Houston, for what that's worth, but not someone to start on the road against Cleveland in Week 2.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers - 11% rostered
Here's your likely top waiver wire pickup of the week. Trey Sermon was a last-minute healthy scratch because he was apparently beaten out by Mitchell and JaMycal Hasty on the depth chart. Now we see why. Mitchell is a superior athlete based on Pro Day testing, numbers but didn't face high-level competition coming out of Louisiana-Lafayette - with his best games coming against UTSA and Georgia State.
Mitchell took full advantage of his first NFL opportunity by posting a top-10 RB fantasy finish. As soon as Raheem Mostert left the game with a knee injury, Mitchell ripped off big run after big run on Detroit and finished with 104 yards and a TD on 19 attempts. Ja'Mycal Hasty only took one carry, so it doesn't even appear to be a timeshare situation at play. The Niners won't play the Lions every week, but we've seen that any RB in this offense can thrive and Mitchell is the latest example. Now that we know Mostert will miss approximately eight weeks, Mitchell should be added wherever possible.
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles - 9% rostered
Gainwell scored a touchdown just before halftime but had it called back by an Illegal Man Downfield penalty. He did it for real later on, scoring his first NFL touchdown while accumulating 43 total yards. It wasn't a huge game, and Miles Sanders looked sharp, but Gainwell had a definite role while Boston Scott did not touch the ball. Gainwell will catch his share of passes and may become the preferred goal-line option based on what we saw in Week 1.
Larry Rountree III, Los Angeles Chargers - 1% rostered
Many nervous Austin Ekeler managers added Justin Jackson in case Ekeler's hamstring injury that limited him in practice midweek affected him on Sunday. Rountree looks like the Chargers' clear RB2 and Ekeler insurance policy, however, as he was the only other back to carry more than once. He ripped off a 16-yard run early but didn't do a lot thereafter against a tough Washington front and wound up with 27 yards on eight carries. Rountree might be what we hoped Joshua Kelley would be last year - a decent change-of-pace back with TD upside. By the way, don't even think about Kelley.
DeeJay Dallas, Seattle Seahawks - 0% rostered
Brace yourself... Rashaad Penny is hurt. He saw two carries before leaving with a calf injury. With Alex Collins inactive, Dallas was next up and managed to catch a pass and tote the rock once. He isn't an exciting fantasy prospect but could serve as a stash in PPR leagues due to his receiving chops.
Others to consider: James White, New England Patriots (34% rostered); Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars (16% rostered); Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (14% rostered); JaMycal Hasty, San Francisco 49ers (1% rostered)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants - 40% rostered
As bad as the Giants' offense looked, don't blame Shepard. He was the lone bright spot, going off for 113 yards on seven receptions including a 37-yard touchdown. He was far and away the top receiver for the G-Men. He continues to fly under the radar but is a solid PPR option going forward.
Nelson Agholor, New England Patriots - 33% rostered
Jakobi Meyers was the leading receiver for New England last year, and got more preseason buzz, but they signed Agholor to be the WR1 and that's what he was in Week 1. Meyers did see more targets (nine) than Agholor (seven) but Agholor led the way with 72 yards and a TD. A tasty matchup with the Jets' suspect secondary puts Agholor in WR3 territory for the upcoming week.
Terrace Marshall Jr., Carolina Panthers - 20% rostered
Even if Sam Darnold doesn't inspire you, he at least showed he can be effective in this offense under the tutelage of Joe Brady. While Robby Anderson made the splash play with his long touchdown grab, Marshall saw twice as many targets. This rookie will continue to improve and is worth a speculative add.
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals - 15% rostered
One of the biggest standouts that wasn't in the vast majority of fantasy lineups, Kirk was the beneficiary on two of Kyler Murray's four touchdown throws - with both coming in the third quarter of a rout. Kirk has always had deep-ball skills and showed them off on his 26-yard TD grab. Although he was somehow out-targeted by A.J. Green, it doesn't seem as if the veteran will eat into Kirk's production. We've been teased by Kirk before, as he continues to profile as a boom-or-bust asset. That said, few have the kind of ceiling he does in a prolific offense tied to one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
Deonte Harris, New Orleans Saints - 4% rostered
First Michael Thomas, and then Tre'Quan Smith has been added to IR. Marquez Callaway still looms as the top target and should do better in weeks when he's not opposite Jaire Alexander, but in Week 1 it was Harris who stood out as the top receiver for Jameis Winston. Most of his yardage came on a 55-yard bomb, but that's Harris' game. He profiles as a boom/bust option each week and has a chance to do something against a mediocre Panthers defense next week.
Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders - 3% rostered
Monday night saw Renfrow emerge as the second-leading target for Derek Carr with nine passes heading his way. Renfrow pulled down six for 70 yards and also saw multiple red-zone targets. While Darren Waller is far and away the top dog in this pass offense, Renfrow is Carr's security blanket. There won't often be big yardage attached but Renfrow does make for a Flex consideration in full PPR leagues based on volume.
Van Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams - 2% rostered
If all Jefferson did on Sunday night were to pull down that 67-yard touchdown, he might not warrant mentioning here. As it turns out, he saw more targets than DeSean Jackson and might be the true deep threat in this explosive offense. The second-year leap with Matthew Stafford at quarterback is looking like a real possibility.
Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos - 2% rostered
Patrick was already a player of interest with four catches for 39 yards and a TD, and more targets than Courtland Sutton, through the first half against the Giants. Jerry Jeudy's ankle injury, which is expected to hold him out for about six weeks, opens the door for Patrick to emerge. Fantasy managers who pay attention might know that Patrick was the second-leading receiver in Denver last season with 742 yards. That might turn out to be the case again, except with a better quarterback. Some will debate the merits of Hamler (below) versus Patrick but this author is in favor of Patrick for now.
My initial thought was Hamler because he seems more exciting, but I don't think it holds up to scrutiny. Patrick is the better pickup. https://t.co/aV7XboRyoY
— Chris Paul Towers (@CTowersCBS) September 14, 2021
K.J. Hamler, Denver Broncos - 2% rostered
As of right now, it appears that Patrick is the better add in Denver but Hamler may have more upside. The second-round pick out of Penn State a year ago didn't do much as a rookie, catching 30 of his 56 targets for 381 yards. While he caught all but one of his four targets in a Week 1 win over the Giants, it could have been a costly drop since he let an easy touchdown slip through his hands.
TEDDY BRIDEWATER DIME TO KJ Hamler 🎯🎯🎯
oh wait he dropped it pic.twitter.com/M1ugB47M9j
— The GIF Guy (@IHaveFourBalls) September 12, 2021
Hamler is reportedly running with the first team in practice this week so let's see if he makes the most of his opportunities.
Cedrick Wilson, Dallas Cowboys - 1% rostered
Michael Gallup left the Thursday night game early due to a strained calf, and the prognosis isn't good. He will be out 3-5 weeks which leaves an opening for Ced Wilson to make an impact. Wilson took part in the pass-crazy Thursday night affair by catching all three of his targets for 24 yards. If Week 1 is any indication, this Cowboys' passing offense will be prolific with Dak Prescott back, so Wilson deserves attention. He had a monster Week 3 in 2020 with 107 yards and two touchdowns and looked to be a factor until Prescott went down two weeks later. Don't go FAB crazy with him because he's still the third option at best in the passing game.
Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts - 1% rostered
Pascal is the type of player that never draws attention in fantasy leagues but has a steady role on a good offense and is productive from time to time. He did it again in Week 1 with a pair of scores and four receptions for 43 yards. That plays better in non-PPR leagues - but it should be noted that he fared better than Michael Pittman across the board, including target share.
K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings - 0% rostered
With Bisi Johnson out for the season and rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette serving mainly as a kick returner for now, the Vikings didn't seem to have a true WR3 behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Based on Week 1, it could be the second-year man out of Miami, Osborn. He hauled in seven receptions for 76 yards, which made him the WR2 on the day as he outpaced Jefferson on both counts.
Others to consider: DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins (39% rostered); Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals (27% rostered); Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles (21% rostered); Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills (21% rostered); Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (12% rostered); Quez Watkins, Philadelphia Eagles (3% rostered); Trent Sherfield, San Francisco 49ers (1% rostered)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Jared Cook, L.A. Chargers - 26% rostered
He's far from a shiny new toy but the 34-year-old Cook is a new weapon for Justin Herbert. He finished as the third-leading target for the Bolts, catching five of eight passes for 56 yards. Meanwhile, Donald Parham didn't catch his lone target, Stephen Anderson caught one ball for one yard and rookie Tre' McKitty isn't a factor. He's not exciting, but he may be the best TE left on waivers and gets a nice matchup against the Cowboys next week after they were just shredded by Gronk.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - 11% rostered
The trendy preseason sleeper pick was Adam Trautman, but in exhibition action Johnson was better. Same goes for the regular season so far. Initial fears that Trautman would miss Week 1 led to Johnson as a desperation streamer - but he was far, far better. Trautman did play and drew a team-high six targets, but Johnson made the most of his by catching two touchdowns on three receptions. Truthfully, neither will make a fantasy living through yardage so bet on the red zone threat.
Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills - 6% rostered
The Bills made it clear Knox is their starting tight end, and the only one of consequence, by letting Jacob Hollister go days before the season began and failing to strike a deal for Zach Ertz. The tight end doesn't get a ton of love in this offense but Knox did come away with four catches for 41 yards in Week 1 and will have weekly TD upside.
Albert Okwuegbunam, Denver Broncos - 1% rostered
Nothing's wrong with Noah Fant. In fact, he led the Broncos with eight targets and tied for the team lead with six receptions. But Okwuegbunam was also involved with three catches, one of which reached the end zone. The unfortunate Jeudy injury will lead to more targets all around, including the backup tight end who happens to be a skilled pass-catcher.
Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys - 1% rostered
It's early but Schultz appears to have the edge over fellow TE Blake Jarwin based on Week 1. Schultz caught three of six targets for 45 yards, while Jarwin caught three of four targets for 20 yards. Without Michael Gallup for the next few weeks, Schultz could see an uptick in targets as well.
Others to consider: Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles (37% rostered); Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (34% rostered); Adam Trautman, New Orleans Saints (11% rostered); Tyler Conklin, Minnesota Vikings (1% rostered)
Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints - 43% rostered
It's a stretch to imagine Winston is available in too many competitive 12-team leagues, but there are some in which no team rosters more than one QB. In any case, Winston is currently on waivers in more than half of Yahoo leagues and will be the top QB claimed after his five-TD performance against Green Bay. It was an uncharacteristically efficient outing for Winston, as he tossed his five scores on just 20 attempts and didn't throw a pick. He actually did get intercepted but was bailed out by a very questionable roughing the passer call. There may not be many more outings like this in the future, but credit is due to Winston for his play. Maybe Sean Payton can reform the former top draft pick and help him reach his full potential. It's worth finding out, especially if you settled for Matt Ryan or Baker Mayfield as your late-round QB starter.
Mac Jones, New England Patriots - 26% rostered
It was wise to take a wait-and-see approach with the rookie in his first NFL start. What we saw is that he is polished and ready to be the spiritual successor to Tom Brady. Facing a tough Dolphins defense, he completed 29 of 39 pass attempts for 281 yards and one TD without an interception. He jumps immediately into the streaming conversation for Week 2 with the Jets on tap.
Teddy Bridgewater, Denver Broncos - 11% rostered
Bridgewater didn't leave any opening for debate about whether he should be the starter in Denver. He picked apart the Giants defense, completing 28-of-36 for 264 yards and two TD in classic Two Gloves fashion. While the upside doesn't get much higher than that, and the loss of Jeudy hurts, his upcoming matchup against Jacksonville begs streaming consideration.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - 7% rostered
Going out on a limb, I predict the Packers will be motivated in Week 2 to play slightly better. The Lions might find themselves in an eerily similar situation as Week 1, behind big. There could be copious amounts of garbage time in Goff's near future, and all season long, which is good for fantasy output. He's no stranger to heavy volume, having led the league in pass attempts in 2019 and having gone over 550 passes for three straight seasons. Goff is best left for Superflex leagues, though.
Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans - 4% rostered
Hope you didn't pick Jacksonville in your survivor pool... Taylor did his best Deshaun Watson impression (on the field) by leading the Texans to victory with 291 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 40 rushing yards. They won't play Jacksonville again until Week 15, though. It's a much tougher matchup on the road in Cleveland next week, so Taylor is only a consideration in two-QB or deep Superflex leagues.
Others to consider: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (30% rostered); Zach Wilson, New York Jets (17% rostered)
Team Defense - Waiver Wire Options
New Orleans Saints Defense - 31% rostered
The Saints were in full lockdown mode despite having their home game moved to Jacksonville. They made last year's MVP, Aaron Rodgers, look like a career backup. New Orleans limited the Packers to 229 net yards and three points, picking off Rodgers twice. Whether or not this is the true talent level of the Saints D remains to be seen, but they are in line for a better matchup with Carolina in Week 2. Sam Darnold didn't get picked off, but he did lose a fumble and has been turnover-prone in the past.
Green Bay Packers Defense - 22% rostered
On the flip side, the Pack needs a big bounce back after being embarrassed in their season opener. Luckily, they go home to face the Detroit Lions. Green Bay's defense finished 2020 strong, allowing an average of 17.2 points per game from Weeks 13-17 and then holding the Rams to 18 points in the playoffs before running into the eventual champs Tampa Bay. They aren't a turnover-heavy DEF unit, but should be fine in leagues where points against matter more.
Chicago Bears Defense - 22% rostered
Looking ahead to next week will be the mantra for Chicago as well. Matthew Stafford did a number on them on Sunday night, but they return home to face the Bengals. In leagues were points matter more, it might not be the best matchup because Cincy showed they can score with a host of skill players. But the Bears should be in line for a few sacks against Burrow, whose 7.2% Sack% last year was bottom-10. It's not as if they made major additions to their offensive line either.
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