RADIO
Week 1 is in the books (almost) so now we know exactly what to expect from every player for the rest of the season, right? At the very least, we've witnessed some performances that surprised even the most ardent fantasy football owners and it's never too early to take action to improve your roster.
In this weekly waiver wire series, we provide a comprehensive list of fantasy-viable players that are owned in approximately 35% or fewer fantasy leagues, so that you can make an educated decision about who to add to your squad that might actually be available.
Let’s look around the league at the players worth adding or bidding on as we move on to Week 2 of the 2018 NFL season. Be sure to also check out our weekly rankings and analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all options heading into Week 2.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - 35% owned
Week 1 presented the easiest matchup Dalton will see all year (Buffalo isn't on the schedule), but he has enough firepower to remain a streaming option in Week 2. It isn't ideal, however, since it's a Thursday night matchup against division rival Baltimore. Dalton was absolutely horrible against the Ravens in Week 1 last year (0 TD, 4 INT) but then closed the year with a memorable three-touchdown performance that held the Ravens out of the playoffs. Thursday night games are notorious for being low-scoring, at times ugly affairs, but there have been some unexpected shootouts as well. The next two quarterbacks listed are preferable if you need a streamer for Week 2.
Case Keenum, Denver Broncos - 25% owned
Looks like the Broncos finally have a quarterback. Well on his way to proving last year was no fluke, Keenum threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns in a winning effort against Seattle. He did also toss three picks, but after throwing only seven INT all last season, it shouldn't be a major concern just yet. A tasty matchup against the Raiders next week should make Keenum the top QB waiver add of this week.
Tyrod Taylor, Cleveland Browns - 12% owned
He already did something no Cleveland QB did all last year - lead the Browns to a non-losing outcome. That said, it was a mixed bag for Taylor in his first start in The Land. He completed 15 of 40 passes for under 200 yards and one TD, but his legs saved his fantasy day with 77 rushing yards and a TD. Next week he faces a Saints defense that just got completely destroyed by Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bucs, so his prospects look much better. They'll be playing in the comforts of the dome too, rather than fighting the rain and wind. If you can't grab Keenum, opt for Taylor.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2% owned
Can you imagine how it must have felt to put Fitzpatrick in your starting lineup and watch him go off for 417 passing yards and four touchdowns? Nobody can, we imagine, as he is owned in 2% of fantasy leagues and was probably not even started on those squads. Oh, he ran for a touchdown too just to make us all feel worse for not believing in him. While there's no way anyone could have seen that performance coming, least of all the Saints, FitzMagic is no stranger to big games and has several weapons in the passing game at his disposal, at least for two more games.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills - 2% owned
Allen isn't ready to be a starting quarterback just yet and the Bills aren't ready to throw him into the fire either. But it's got to happen. With A.J. McCarron off the roster, he's all they have. No, Nathan Peterman isn't wounded, at least not physically, but I think we all recognize it's best to put his NFL career out of its misery. Allen came in to relive Peterman in the third quarter and at least didn't make any glaring errors against a tough Ravens defense. He wasn't exactly good either, going 6-for-15 for 47 yards, but at least there were no turnovers. You surely don't want to start him, even in two-QB leagues, but he could be a bench stash in such formats in case the light bulb clicks on earlier than expected.
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts - 36% owned
This could be the last week Wilkins carries much value, as Marlon Mack (hamstring) may be on track to return soon. Wilkins totaled 61 yards and led the backfield in touches as expected, but was held without a score. The truth may be that no Colts running back has much value this season behind an offensive line that was bad enough before Anthony Costanzo was injured. Simply because he's the starter for his own team doesn't mean he needs to be a starter on your fantasy team. He promises to touch the ball more than any of the other backs on this list, however, and that's got to mean something. Consider him a fringe flex play against Washington, who looked surprisingly tough on defense.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers - 16% owned
The touchdown was nice but Ekeler should carry value in PPR leagues all season long whether he scores or not. Although Melvin Gordon is considered one of the few bell-cow backs in the league, Ekeler will continue to make his presence felt on passing downs and to give Gordon a breather. Ekeler averaged 5.5 yards per carry last year and he's already averaging eight YPC after totaling 39 yards on five carries. That's secondary to the fact he caught five passes for 87 yards and is one of Philip Rivers' favorite outlet receivers. Ekeler is not only a nice handcuff to Gordon, if you believe in that, but a high-ceiling flex option.
T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars - 13% owned
If Leonard Fournette is ruled out for Week 2, Yeldon becomes the highest priority add in the RB realm. Of course, we won't know his status until after waivers have run so you'll need to take a chance if you have space to potentially keep him on your bench. Yeldon has some standalone value anyway as the third-down back (you're not buying that bit about Fournette becoming more involved in the passing game are you?). Add him in PPR or Half-PPR leagues wherever you can, if nothing else to prevent another owner from gaining a potentially valuable piece.
Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles - 4% owned
Corey Clement was the more popular RB to draft, but the forgotten man, Sproles, could see more snaps each week. In Week 1, Sproles touched the ball nine times compared to five for Clement (no receptions). This could well be the way this backfield plays out, making Sproles a safe but unexciting flex option as Foles looks to keep checking down.
Mike Gillislee, New Orleans Saints- 4% owned
His fumble that wound up being returned for a touchdown didn't cost the Saints the game - their defense is to blame for that. It doesn't help his stock, though. Sean Payton once benched Mark Ingram in favor of Tim Hightower for an entire game because of fumbling issues. Gillislee's roster spot is far from secure, so he'll need a strong showing this week to prove he belongs on fantasy rosters. It's still the Alvin Kamara show, even in short-yardage and goal-line situations, so you really are hoping for Kamara to run it inside the five-yard line and fall down from sheer fatigue to give Gillislee a chance. He can be a handcuff in deep-enough leagues or a desperation play in standard leagues.
Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos - 2% owned
Vance Joseph played us all along. We were told all preseason that Devontae Booker was the starting running back and then days before the opener, it was Royce Freeman who climbed the top of the depth chart. But on Sunday, it was an even split and Lindsay wound up with identical rushing numbers to Freeman (15 carries, 71 yards). Lindsay also caught two balls for 31 yards whereas Freeman caught none. Does that make Lindsay a better starting option than Freeman? Perhaps. Next week, you could hypothetically roll out both in a home tilt with the Raiders, where the team could afford to run the ball even more.
Others to consider: Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers (29% owned); Javorius Allen, Baltimore Ravens (3% owned); Alfred Blue, Houston Texans (2% owned), Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts (5% owned)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 30% owned
If we're judging by pure physical talent alone, Godwin is a must-add. He displayed that talent with a nice touchdown grab near the sideline, finishing with 31 yards on four receptions. DeSean Jackson stole the show, but he suffered a concussion late in the game and could be out for Week 2. Godwin must be added at this point, as he will see plenty of opportunity on a team that should be pass-first and pass-often.
DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 26% owned
D-Jax might be the top name on this list and knock Godwin down a peg if not for the concussion issue. He is listed as questionable and might not play in Week 2, depending on how fast he clears the league's protocol. If you're looking for a flex play or WR3/4 this coming week, you're much safer going with Godwin, who will see a decent target share even if Jackson is on the field.
John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals - 26% owned
This was the perfect chance to score his first NFL touchdown and sure enough he cashed in. What wasn't expected was the manner in which it happened. Known for his ridiculous 4.2 40 speed, it was thought he might beat the Colts secondary for a deep pass, but instead it was a fade in the end zone from the three-yard line that proved to be Ross' only catch. He will be a boom-bust option each time out.
John Brown, Baltimore Ravens - 19% owned
Again, this could be a result of playing the Bills, but Brown has drawn rave reviews all offseason and is firmly planted as the No. 2 receiver on a team that led the league in pass attempts last year. Brown has always had the talent, but simply needs to stay on the field to be productive. A Thursday night matchup with Cincy puts Brown as a low-end WR3 consideration but he could be a steady performer all season.
Tyrell Williams, Los Angeles Chargers - 19% owned
He only caught two passes for eight yards, but consider that one of them was a touchdown and he had another long touchdown grab slip through his fingers. Williams could have put together a big fantasy day if he had just brought his hands a little closer together. Mike Williams saw more action, but Tyrell will still be in the mix as a high-upside flex play based on matchups.
Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers - 11% owned
For a moment, it looked as if the fantasy value of every Packers skill player just went out the window. Then Aaron Rodgers came back and so did the Pack. Allison made his presence known in a big way with a long touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone and finished with five catches for 69 yards. The fact he saw seven targets already in Week 1 is a good sign that Rodgers has faith in the third-year receiver. Most third receivers don't hold a lot of weight as fantasy starters, but in this offense he has as much upside as anyone other than Godwin. He should be owned in any league of 12 teams or more and needs to be scooped quickly, as he'll be closer to 50% ownership this time next week.
Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets - 9% owned
With Darius Slay and company in the secondary, this didn't figure to be Enunwa's coming-back party, but nothing went as expected on MNF. Enunwa was clearly Sam Darnold's favorite receiver, seeing 10 targets and hauling in six for 63 yards and a touchdown. It won't be this easy for the Jets every week, but Enunwa already looks the part of a WR3 in fantasy, with potential for consistent production.
Cole Beasley, Dallas Cowboys - 8% owned
Do we know who the Cowboys' WR1 is now? Beasley caught seven of eight targets and was the only pass-catcher who did anything of note in a dismal offensive performance. He figures to be a safety valve for Dak Prescott throughout the early part of the season, with no proven tight end and a crew of new wide receivers still learning their way around Jerry World.
Brandon Marshall, Seattle Seahawks - 6% owned
He showed he still has something left in the tank, catching three of six targets for 46 yards and a touchdown. He also caught another touchdown pass, but was flagged for offensive pass interference. Marshall shouldn't be overlooked due to age; this is still an offense that will pass plenty and Marshall has the size to win one-on-one battles when it counts.
Taylor Gabriel, Chicago Bears - 1% owned
At the time of this writing, Gabriel had five catches against the Packers, two on the Bears' first offensive drive alone. That may not mean much, but it does show promise that he will be involved in the offense much more than he was for Atlanta last year. Gabriel is a speedster and big-play threat, but could see more value in PPR leagues than expected if he is used on slants and quick outs as the team has shown so far.
Ryan Grant (WR, IND) - 3% owned
Sure enough, Grant had a busy day in his first start with the Colts. His nine targets were the most on the team and his eight receptions tie him for eighth-most in the league so far. Expect Grant to continue racking up receptions, even if the yardage and touchdowns aren't plentiful.
Phillip Dorsett (WR, NE) - 3% owned
Hopefully you added Dorsett before this week, as you'll have to have a high waiver claim or pay up early from your FAAB to acquire him. A target in the Patriots offense is always desirable, but Dorsett is, in fact, the WR2 on this team and proved he can handle the job. Dorsett not only caught all seven of his targets for 66 yards and a touchdown, he saw an eye-opening three red zone targets on one drive in the second quarter and will not be used as a mere deep threat. We don't know what will happen when Julian Edelman returns, but for now Dorsett is worth adding in all formats.
Dante Pettis, San Francisco 49ers - 1% owned
The rookie wasn't expected to be much of a factor early on, especially against a stout Vikings defense. An early quad injury to Marquise Goodwin changed those plans, however. Pettis made a beatiful acrobatic touchdown grab for 22 yards, adding one more catch for 39 yards. Wait and see what Goodwin's status is before counting on more from Pettis.
Others worth consideration: Ted Ginn Jr., New Orleans Saints (16% owned); Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars (16% owned); Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (11% owned); Willie Snead IV, Baltimore Ravens (2% owned)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts - 32% owned
Could it be? Is Ebron asserting himself as a pass-catching force to be reckoned with? Coming off a strong end to the 2017 season, where he could qualify as the Fantasy Playoff MVP at the tight end position, Ebron kept it going in his first go as a Colt. Ebron caught four passes for 51 yards and a touchdown and seemed to co-exist just fine with Jack Doyle, who still saw 10 targets. Ebron will live on the high-end TE2 fringe, but has big-play ability that can't be ignored.
Ryan Griffin (TE, HOU) - 2% owned
Griffin isn't just the starting tight end in Houston, he is already one of their main red zone threats. Griffin was targeted twice inside the end zone, only to be overthrown by Deshaun Watson, and only has DeAndre Hopkins as serious competition for those crucial targets. He's not going to rack up receptions, but in non-PPR leagues, he is a streaming candidate any given week since the receiving depth is not there as long as Will Fuller is out.
Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI) - 3% owned
The final stat line wasn't great (one reception for four yards) and the Eagles offense wasn't impressive in general with Nick Foles at the helm, but Goedert nearly nabbed his first NFL touchdown early in the game. You don't want to start Goedert as long as Ertz is healthy, unless you're in some ghastly league that forces you to start two TEs, but he bears monitoring as a touchdown threat in standard formats.
Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans - 1% owned
Delanie Walker's misfortune now creates an opportunity for Smith to shine in his second season. Walker left the first contest of the year with an ankle injury and may be out for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, Marcus Mariota also suffered a similar fate with a hand issue. If Blaine Gabbert remains the starter, that can't bode well for Smith, but he still could see a few targets per game and scoring potential.
Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks - 1% owned
Dissly! Dissly! The new toast of the tight end town, Dissly was on absolutely nobody's radar before his explosive Week 1 performance. He racked up 105 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone, although he was conspicuously absent in the second half. Ed Dickson remains on IR and Nick Vannett was targeted just twice, so it's safe to say we should consider Dissly the next Jimmy Graham. Well, at least he could be worth streaming in 14+ team leagues going forward. A tough road matchup against the Bears in Week 2 looms, but this was supposed to be a tough road matchup against the Broncos.
Others worth consideration: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jacksonville Jaguars (34% owned); Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins (12% owned); Antonio Gates, L.A. Chargers (9% owned)
More Waiver Wire Analysis
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
