RADIO
Week 1 never disappoints in terms of providing outcomes we never saw coming. So, in that sense, Week 1 always disappoints. Amon-Ra St. Brown was invisible. Jameson Williams broke out. All of the elite tight ends failed to do anything. Isaiah Likely scored over 21 points. There's fluky stuff that happens every week, from Week 1 to Week 17, but Week 1 always stands out because we have nothing else to look at. The most important thing fantasy managers can do is stay patient and avoid overreacting.
While that's undoubtedly true, we don't want to completely ignore Week 1 results. You shouldn't be afraid to make changes to your roster. In this article, we'll be identifying the best waiver wire additions you can make this week. The biggest waiver wire headliner this week comes at tight end with Likely. However, other players like Brandin Cooks and Tank Bigsby also put up performances that should excite fantasy managers.
Our rosters should never stay stagnant. There's almost always a spot on our roster that we can improve and the goal of this article is to help you identify who that upgrade can be. If you want to take advantage of our great premium tools, please use promo code "BOOM" to receive a 10% discount.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Waiver Wire Parameters
A few rules before we get started. Every league is different. Different roster formats. Different roster sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different.
Even what host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that are different from those of Yahoo!, which have rankings that are different from those of CBS or NFL, and all of that impacts which players are drafted or not drafted. This year, we’ll be using ESPN’s roster percentages.
The vast majority of players use ESPN. It’s a simple numbers game. We’ll only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of less than 50%. For running backs and receivers, that number will drop to 45%.
We won’t be diving into defenses and kickers too much, but I’ll identify a few streamers to target at those positions each week with a roster percentage below 60%. Each position will be arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position.
Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire for Week 2
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 34.0% Rostered
Mayfield deserves far more credit. It's almost like that torn shoulder labrum in his final year in Cleveland was a big deal, but after that final season, he was largely written off and bounced around between Carolina and Los Angeles. However, he found new life last year with Tampa Bay, throwing for 28 touchdowns. Still, fantasy managers doubted him, crediting former offensive coordinator Dave Canales.
However, after his Week 1 performance, the Mayfield doubters will run out of excuses. Washington wasn't a difficult matchup, but Mayfield still over-performed. He finished with 289 yards, completing 24 of his 30 pass attempts. He had four touchdowns and zero interceptions en route to 29.66 points.
Mayfield will be on the road in Week 2 against Detroit. That matchup will likely have one of the highest implied point totals of the week, making him a great streamer.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks - 14.7% Rostered
Smith's performance left much to be desired in Week 1, but fantasy managers should keep an open mind. Seattle has a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator. Offensively, the system has Smith and company going through a lot of changes.
Shane Waldron's offense is very different from that of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who wants to implement a more up-tempo, downfield passing attack. Change sometimes takes time, but many fantasy managers' optimism about this offensive change still exists. Fantasy managers may need to be a bit patient.
Despite the up-and-down performance, Smith still put up a solid fantasy outing. He finished with 17.84 points, largely from a 34-yard rushing score. He completed 18 of his 25 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
There will be better days ahead, which could come next week against the Patriots. They held Joe Burrow in check, but that defense still doesn't project as imposing. In Week 3, they'll go up against Miami, which will have a high implied point total.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams - 35.8% Rostered
If Puka Nacua is going to be miss time, that will hurt Stafford’s value a bit, but he’s still a worthwhile quarterback to target. He dropped back to pass 49 times last night. With Sean McVay at the helm, fantasy managers can expect ample passing volume.
Cooper Kupp looked all the way back, which is good news. Stafford finished with over 300 yards, one score, and one interception. He finished with 14.68 fantasy points. After losing Aaron Donald this offseason, the Rams’ defense may end up putting their offense in many passing situations, good news for Stafford’s fantasy value.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers - 11.0% Rostered
Fields started this past weekend with Russell Wilson dealing with a calf strain that has kept him limited throughout the offseason. This has been an injury Wilson has been dealing with for a few months now. It's unknown how long Wilson will be out and we also don't know if they'll return to him once he's healthy.
Those unknowns make it difficult to gauge Fields's value. However, we know what Fields brings when he's on the field. From 2022-2023, Fields averaged 20.0 PPG and finished as a top-12 quarterback 63% of the time. Those are elite numbers; that kind of upside is worth betting on. In 27 games from 2022-2023, he had 12 games with 20 or more points.
That includes seven games with more than 25 points and three with more than 30. His running ability gives him and fantasy managers an elite, week-winning upside. Fields was held scoreless in Week 1 but did have 14 rush attempts for 57 yards. He's someone worth adding to your roster.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints - 4.4% Rostered
Carr will be a volume passer this season, giving him plenty of opportunities to make fantasy managers happy. While the Saints were able to get their running game working in Week 1 against the lowly Panthers, it's not something I expect moving forward.
This past weekend, he got only 23 pass attempts as their rushing attack gained positive yardage with regularity. Carr finished with three touchdowns and 21.3 fantasy points despite the limited volume.
His Week 2 matchup against Dallas will be an imposing one, as will be his Week 3 matchup against Philadelphia, but Carr looked good in Week 1 and has played his way on the streaming radar.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings - 4.2% Rostered
We have to give credit where credit is due. Kevin O'Connell is simply one of the best coaches in the NFL. I don't think Darnold became a competent quarterback overnight, but I believe that O'Connell can draw up a game plan to put his guys in a position to succeed. He did that this past weekend with Darnold.
Minnesota cruised to an easy 28-6 victory over the Giants, which limited Darnold's overall passing volume. He still finished going 19 of 24 for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He scored 14.62 fantasy points, but if Darnold can perform like he did on Sunday, in games where the Vikings need to pass more, Darnold will be a viable streamer.
Running Backs - Waiver Wire for Week 2
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 4.6% Rostered
Bigsby was awful last year as a rookie and despite being an elite handcuff, he has largely been ignored by fantasy managers. His 4.6% rostership percentage is criminally too low. In Week 1, he played 17 snaps to Travis Etienne's 37.
Bigsby ran just four routes to Etienne's 17. However, they finished with the same number of carries, 12 apiece. Bigsby finished with 73 yards to Etienne's 44. He was the superior running back this past weekend.
#Jaguars Week 1 RB opportunities (carries + targets):
Travis Etienne - 15
Tank Bigsby - 12— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) September 9, 2024
It should be noted that Etienne did get the goal-line carry and scored a touchdown. Bigsby's efficiency on the ground could lead to a more significant role. He'll hold some standalone value if he gets 8-to-10 carries per game. If he can mix in some goal-line carries, he could be a touchdown-dependent RB3 on top of being an elite handcuff. He should be a priority add.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 20.9% Rostered
Irving is already solidified as an elite handcuff to Rachaad White. Irving played 20 snaps to White's 44. White ran 22 routes to Irving's eight. He was the clear No. 2 running back, but Irving saw nine carries on the ground in a game where Tampa Bay was in complete control. White had 15 carries, but Irving was far more productive.
#Bucs Week 1 RB Usage
- Rachaad White: 69% snaps, 15 carries, 19 routes, 6 targets (106 yds)
- Bucky Irving: 33% snaps, 9 carries, 7 routes, 3 targets (76 yds)Irving out rushed White 62 yards to 31 - White feasted as a receiver
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 8, 2024
Irving finished with 62 yards, doubling White's 31 despite having six fewer attempts. Given White's dominance in the passing game, it's unlikely that Irving moves ahead of White on the depth chart, but if he continues to produce as he did in Week 1 on the ground, he could end up earning a role where he's getting 8-to-10 carries per game.
That could give him some standalone value on top of being an elite handcuff. Irving, if he's available, should be a priority add for most teams.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 22.6% Rostered
Wright was a healthy scratch in Week 1, but fantasy managers shouldn't pay much attention to that. Mike McDaniel doesn't want De'Von Achane or Raheem Mostert playing special teams, and Wright, being a rookie, is also not an ideal candidate for such a role.
Teams rarely have three running backs on the active gameday roster who do not play special teams. Wright's value for fantasy managers would never come to fruition with Achane and Mostert healthy. He should be stashed as a high-upside handcuff with two potential outs to fantasy relevance.
Most handcuffs need an injury to one specific player. Wright needs an injury to either Achane or Mostert. There's also the chance that Wright could supplant Mostert as McDaniel's preferred partner with Achane. Mostert is a 32-year-old journeyman who may hit a wall and become far less effective than last year.
Mostert started Week 1 with just nine yards on six carries. In the preseason, Wright looked explosive, and if he gets an opportunity in McDaniel's offense, there could be plenty of fantasy fireworks.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 44.4% Rostered
Many expected Javonte Williams to lead the way in Denver’s backfield, but that wasn’t the case. This was very close to a 50/50 split between Williams and McLaughlin. While Williams played 36 snaps to McLaughlin’s 24, the opportunities were much closer.
Williams ran 21 routes to McLaughlin’s 15, but McLaughlin had six targets and Williams had just two. More interestingly was the fact that McLaughlin finished with more carries than Williams (nine to eight). If this backfield is split 50/50 both of them will carry fantasy value.
McLaughlin’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield should provide fantasy managers with a decent weekly floor, especially in a Sean Payton offense. The limitations of the Denver offense, however, will limit his ceiling.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 39.9% Rostered
Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott were essentially in a 55/45 split in Week 1, with a slight lean towards Elliott. Elliott finished with 32 snaps played, 12 routes run, two targets, and ten carries. Dowdle finished with 28 snaps played, 11 routes run, one target, and eight carries. Zeke finished with 49 scrimmage yards, and Dowdle had 32.
Elliott did the goal-line touch and was successful in finding the end zone. That is going to be the difference. Being the preferred goal-line back, Elliott will keep him as the primary back for fantasy managers looking to target the Dallas backfield. However, Dowdle was involved enough that he deserves consideration for a bench spot.
Any running back getting 8-to-12 touches on an elite offense, like Dowdle, should be rostered. Zeke has struggled with efficiency recently and is no longer a young pup. If he gets hurt or slows down as the season rolls along, Dowdle's role could grow. Even as it is right now, Dowdle is a solid option off the bench.
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers - 23.8% Rostered
Christian McCaffrey has been tending to a calf injury for most of the past month. The team added "Achilles" to McCaffrey's injury designation this past week. CMC was limited in practice throughout the week. He is dealing with some tightness in his calf/Achilles area. We already talked about how Russell Wilson aggravated his calf injury enough that it kept him out this past weekend.
With Elijah Mitchell already on season-ending IR, Mason would have a big workload if CMC were injured or missed any time. Mason is unlikely to have any stand-alone value, but he should viewed as one of the best handcuffs in fantasy football.
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 14.2% Rostered
Davis didn't provide any stand-alone value in Week 1, but he looked the part on the few touches he received. James Cook has a strong hold on RB1 duties for Buffalo, but Davis would have a fantasy-friendly role if Cook missed time. Cook isn't an overly big running back, weighing less than 200 pounds. Davis would become a strong RB2 play if Cook were to get injured.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 22.5% Rostered
He was inactive in Week 1 and has struggled with a lingering hamstring injury throughout the preseason. However, he still profiles as the team's preferred and long-term No. 2 running back behind starter Josh Jacobs.
With long-time Packer A.J. Dillon on season-ending IR, Lloyd only needs to move ahead of Emanuel Wilson before finding himself one injury away from being a top-24 running back. Jacobs ended up playing 49 of the team's 67 snaps in their loss to the Eagles. Head coach Matt LaFleur has historically preferred a running back by committee approach.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 3.4% Rostered
I wouldn't advise going too hard at Hill because of his Week 1 performance. Baltimore was in a negative game script, leading to him getting six targets and finishing with six receptions and 52 yards. Those look like quality numbers for a PPR, and on the surface, they are, but they are deceiving.
How often are we expecting the Ravens to be trailing on the scoreboard? Baltimore will frequently be ahead, which will limit Hill's value. Most weeks, when Baltimore is in a positive gamescript, Hill will have just 2-to-3 receptions. He has some handcuff value, but Hill's fantasy value is significantly limited. He's a pass-catching back on a team that is unlikely to be trailing very often.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 10.3% Rostered
This may very well be a backfield fantasy managers should avoid, but until we know that, it's worth taking a dart throw on Mattison. After Week 1, it's clear that Mattison is the team's preferred pass-catching back and given the fact that Las Vegas is unlikely to be very good this year, we could end up seeing quite a bit of Mattison.
Raiders HB snap count today
Alexander Mattison 36
Zamir White 23Out of 60 plays
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) September 8, 2024
Mattison ran 24 routes to Zamir White's 10. He out-targeted White six to two. He finished with four receptions, 43 yards, and a touchdown. While we shouldn't expect a receiving touchdown most weeks, if we can count on the Raiders playing from behind, Mattison becomes a viable RB3 in PPR-scoring leagues.
He's going to hold some stand-alone value in weeks the Raiders are expected to be trailing, and if White falters or gets hurt, Mattison will be looking at a workhorse role.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 7.7% Rostered
Allen holds almost zero no stand-alone value. Breece Hall will be one of the league's most significant workhorse backs this year. He could very well have a Christian McCaffrey-type workload. Allen is a huge back, measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. He's just 20 years old and looks like an absolute bowling ball on the field.
The Jets significantly upgraded their offensive line, and with Aaron Rodgers under center, there should be many more scoring opportunities in 2024 than in 2023. If Hall were to miss time for any amount of time, Allen would become a top-24 running back. His upside won't be anywhere as close to Hall's because he doesn't have the same receiving profile, but stashing Allen could pay off big if Hall gets hurt.
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire for Week 2
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys - 29.7% Rostered
Cooks is criminally undervalued. Last year, following the Cowboys' bye week in Week 7, he averaged 10.8 half-PPR PPG, which was tied with Calvin Ridley and Jordan Addison's seasonal average and would have been good for WR28.
While Cooks may not have top-24 upside with CeeDee Lamb being a certified target hog, he can be a quality WR3/4 on your bench. In Week 1, he led the Cowboys in snaps and routes, a likely fall-out of Lamb's contract negotiations.
Cooks is locked into the No. 2 role opposite Lamb, playing 50 of the team's 63 snaps. He also finished with seven targets, one ahead of Jake Ferguson with six and five more than the next closest. Lamb led the way with 10. He caught four of his seven targets for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Jake Ferguson seemed to suffer a knee injury late in the game, which could limit or keep him off the field in the coming weeks. That would only increase Cooks' value.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints - 42.0% Rostered
Shaheed will be a boom-or-bust receiver, but he has a valuable role in New Orleans' offense as their primary deep threat. He had a similar snap share as Chris Olave and was the team's clear No. 2 receiver behind the former Ohio State star. He led the team in targets with five. He caught three of them for 73 yards, which included a 59-yard score.
His weekly upside makes him an appealing player to have on your bench. While his consistency is going to be a bit all over the place, he can provide a ceiling play as a bench flex play.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts – 11.9% Rostered
Downs suffered a high-ankle sprain during the preseason, which could keep him out of Week 1. However, it's unlikely that his absence would last much longer than that. Based on his rookie season, Downs is a player fantasy managers must have on their rosters. Despite being a third-round pick, Downs immediately showed he can play at the NFL level.
That showcased itself in the numbers, stats, and film study. We’ll start by looking at the numbers and comparing him to another rookie receiver from last season, who we’ll leave unnamed, who went at WR34 compared to Downs, now available in almost 90% of leagues.
| Player | Target Share | TPG | RPG | RYPG | YPT | YPR | YPTPA | YAC per Target | Route Win Rate | Win Rate vs Man | ADP |
| WR A | 17.6% | 5.9 | 4.0 | 49.6 | 8.4 | 12.4 | 1.43 | 3.6 | 51.3% | 45.2% | WR34 |
| Josh Downs | 17.9% | 5.8 | 4.0 | 45.4 | 7.9 | 11.3 | 1.34 | 3.8 | 52.7% | 47.2% | WR60 |
As you can see from the table above, Downs performed a little better in some areas and a little worse in others, but for the most part, these players were nearly identical. That unnamed rookie is Jayden Reed of the Green Bay Packers.
Reed does provide some value on the ground for fantasy purposes, but it’s wild just how different their ADPs are when their numbers are so similar. Not only did Downs perform like another rookie receiver being drafted as a WR3, but his production was very similar to that of his teammate, Michael Pittman Jr. until Downs hurt his knee.
Michael Pittman and Josh Downs were on the field together for 424 routes in 2023. The gap in their production while sharing the field was closer than you might realize.
Targets
108 - Pittman
88 - DownsReceiving yards
824 - Pittman
727 - DownsPPR points
165.4 - Pittman
145.7…— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 31, 2024
The offseason reports on Downs stated he was one of Indianapolis' best offensive weapons and had been forming a strong connection with Anthony Richardson. Downs only finds himself on the waiver wire because of his ankle sprain, which could keep him out of Week 1. Truthfully, that makes him even more appealing.
You can roster Downs, a good player, and if he's ruled out, you can stash him on IR and add another lottery ticket. That essentially gives you two dart throws for the price of one.
Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams - 14.6% Rostered
Pay attention to Nacua’s injury. If he’s going to miss time, Robinson is likely to be the Rams’ No. 2 receiver opposite Cooper Kupp. He finished with 47 routes run on 51 dropbacks and seven targets. He caught four of them for 42 yards. He was a monster late last season and if Nacua is out, Robinson becomes a streamable player at receiver. This is likely to be a pass-heavy offense. Kupp will continue to be the guy, but there will be plenty of opportunity for Robinson to be productive.
Ja'Lynn Polk, New England Patriots - 32.5% Rostered
Polk didn't do much in Week 1, but fantasy managers would be wise to practice patience. It took Justin Jefferson a few weeks to break out during his rookie season. The same is true for Rashee Rice and Amon-Ra St. Brown. I'm not saying Polk will have a rookie season similar to them, but sometimes it takes a little time.
Polk was the Patriots' early second-round pick and should be afforded some time to figure stuff out. He finished fourth among Patriot receivers in snaps played with 35, but that was just four off the lead. He was third in routes run with 18, just four off the lead.
Fantasy managers should expect his role to grow in the coming weeks. Demario Douglas was used strictly as a slot receiver in 11-personnel. K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton were the two other receivers who played considerable snaps but were not very productive.
Eventually, Polk will get a chance to see what he can do. Rookies often, especially highly drafted ones, get better as the season rolls along. If he's on your waiver wire, he's worth taking a shot on.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 29% Rostered
Legette, along with the rest of the Carolina offense, won't matter unless Bryce Young starts to play better. However, there were encouraging signs for the second-round rookie. He played the third-most snaps among receivers and finished with 35, two more than Jonathan Mingo.
Legette led the team in targets with seven, one more than Diontae Johnson, their big offseason addition. He ended with just four catches for 35 yards, but the four receptions paced the team.
Bryce Young had a disastrous rookie season, but there's optimism that new head coach Dave Canales, who worked magic with Geno Smith in Seattle in 2022 and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay in 2023, could do the same for Young. While we may not see the same kind of turnaround, one week shouldn't be enough to rule out that possibility.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers - 4.3% Rostered
Don't laugh! Yes, his rookie season was rough. However, there was a reason he was a first-round pick in last year's draft. There's talent here. He's not without some faults (obviously), but he's got good size and speed and is playing a regular role in Los Angeles' offense. He ran 24 routes on 29 dropbacks.
More encouraging was that he earned five targets, which finished second on the team. He had a 19% target share and a 20.8% target rate. Those aren't elite numbers, but they're good enough to lead to a possibly worthwhile bench player. He finished with three receptions for 38 yards.
He was tied for second on the team in receptions and was one yard shy of the lead in receiving. His first-round pedigree and full-time, along with his quarterback being Justin Herbert, makes him a player with some upside for your bench.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers - 34.2% Rostered
The fantasy community isn't going to want to hear this, but Doubs played 58 of the team's 67 snaps. Jayden Reed played 49, Christian Watson played 42, and Dontayvion Wicks played 30. Doubs also led the team in 33 route runs. Reed had 28, Watson had 27, and Wicks had 15.
The added opportunity led Doubs to lead the team in targets, finishing with seven. Reed had six, Watson had five, and Wicks had three. Doubs finished with four catches and 50 yards in Week 1.
While Jordan Love will likely be out for the next 2-to-4 weeks, Doubs' role as Green Bay's clear No. 1 receiver is worth a bench spot. While we can all agree that Reed will finish as the team's most productive receiver, if Doubs continues to play as many snaps as he did and run as many routes as he did, Doubs will have his weeks.
Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals - 7.4% Rostered
We have no idea how long Tee Higgins will be out with a hamstring injury. He's struggled with this kind of injury since his time in college. Last year, he missed multiple games due to hamstring injuries. These tend to linger and can often be multiple-week injuries. Iosivas wasn't overly effective in Week 1, but that was true for the Cincinnati offense.
Joe Burrow's season ended early last year with a wrist injury, and he didn't play at all during this preseason. Ja'Marr Chase has been holding out looking for a new contract, keeping him off the practice field. As these guys get more playing time, they'll get better.
This offense is too talented to play like it did this past weekend. Iosivas led Cincinnati in snaps played and routes run. He also finished with five targets, second to only Chase's six. He finished with just three catches for 26 yards, but the playing time was encouraging, as were the targets.
If Higgins stays out, Iosivas will continue to be a full-time player. With his speed, athleticism, and Burrow as his quarterback, he's worth a dart throw on your bench.
Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals - 1.6% Rostered
Dortch may not have a high weekly ceiling because he's not often used downfield, but in PPR-scoring leagues, Dortch can be a viable streamer. He ran 26 routes on a possible 38 dropbacks. He was Arizona's full-time slot receiver, and he was heavily targeted. He finished with eight targets, second to only Trey McBride, who had nine.
Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Dortch to be No. 2 in targets, not once Marvin Harrison Jr. gets his feet wet, but Dortch has always been an effective player whenever he's gotten the chance, something it appears he'll get this season. He finished with six receptions and 47 yards. He also got one carry for four yards.
Fantasy managers shouldn't expect week-winning scores from him since he's unlikely to have 100 yards, and touchdowns may be few and far between, but he looks like he'll have a decent floor for anyone looking for a dependable bench option.
Malachi Corley, New York Jets - 1.2% Rostered
Corley's likely to play a minimal role in Week 1. There's a good chance his fantasy production won't provide an excellent reason to add him to the waiver wire tonight. However, it could be Corley if you're looking to stash a rookie who could have a second-half breakout.
Mike Williams is recovering from a torn ACL, and Tyler Conklin is, well, Tyler Conklin. Garrett Wilson will be the team's do-it-all receiver, Williams will be used as their downfield option, but Corley has the potential to become the team's primary slot receiver.
His skill set resembles Deebo Samuel's, and if the Jets can be creative in getting him the ball, he could provide a second-half boost for fantasy managers. However, it will take time for him to earn regular playing time.
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire for Week 2
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens - 9.6% Rostered
Likely is... likely to be the No. 1 waiver wire target in most leagues this week. He played 53 of a possible 80 snaps on Thursday night, just six behind Mark Andrews. He ran 35 routes, right on par with Andrews' 38.
He finished with 12 targets, nine receptions, 111 yards, and a touchdown. He scored 21.6 half-PPR points. He finished with a 29% target share and displayed a knack for gaining additional yards after the catch.
Isaiah Likely vs Mark Andrews in Week 1🏈
Likely⤵️
🟢53 Snaps
🟢35 Routes Run
🟢12 Targets
🟢9 Receptions
🟢111 Yards
🟢1 TDAndrews⤵️
🟢59 Snaps
🟢38 Routes Run
🔴2 Targets
🔴2 Receptions
🔴14 YardsAre YOU worried about Mandrews?📢 pic.twitter.com/XWUsDXLrFE
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) September 8, 2024
Likely has moved ahead of Rashod Bateman and is locked into being one of Lamar Jackson's top-three targets. Baltimore isn't always going to have 41 pass attempts, but at such a talent-deprived position like a tight end, Likely has shown a weekly ceiling most do not have.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams - 1.5% Rostered
Parkinson is another waiver wire priority at tight end. He was a full-time player for the Rams last night, finishing with a route participation rate over 82%. He also had five targets and finished with four receptions and 47 yards. His utilization on a pass-heavy offense should catch the attention of fantasy managers.
Increasing his value is the fact that Puka Nacua left the game on a cart and did not return. He had dealt with a knee injury throughout the preseason and seemed to re-aggravate the injury last night. If he misses time, Parkinson could see even more attention from Stafford.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints - 46.0% Rostered
Hill's utilization wasn't quite as good as fantasy managers may have liked, but it was good enough that he could still provide elite weekly scores. He played one snap at quarterback, seven at halfback, five at fullback, five at tight end, and three in the slot. He caught one of his two targets and finished with five carries.
He will have some dud weeks, but he'll also have a few games where he finds the end zone a time or two, and it will pay off.
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets - 41.0% Rostered
Conklin had the ninth-most targets, eighth-most receptions, and 10th-most receiving yards among all tight ends last season. Sure, his receiving yards per game average drops him to 17th among 37 tight ends with at least 70 targets, but even that is significantly better than his current ADP suggests.
Certainly, when he considers who his quarterback has primarily been, the lack of fantasy production begins to make sense. There have been 45 quarterbacks to attempt at least 300 passes since 2022. Here's where Zach Wilson ranks in just a few statistical categories out of those 45:
- 45th Completion Percentage (57.9%)
- 26th in Interception Rate (2.3%)
- 43rd in TD Rate (2.3%)
- 33rd in Yards Per Attempt (6.5)
- 37th in Adjusted Yards Per Attempt (5.9)
- 34th in Yards Per Game (188.5)
- 33rd in On-Target Rate (73.4%)
- 39th in Off-Target Rate (19.4%)
- 44th in Quarterback Rating (75.4)
- 44th in Success Rate (37.0%)
- 41st in Sack Rate (10.16%)
- Since 2022, the Jets have the second-fewest passing touchdowns in the league with 26.
- Since 2022, the Jets have the 10th-fewest passing yards in the league with 7,413.
The Jets will welcome back Aaron Rodgers this season. The difference between Rodgers and what the Jets have trotted out there at quarterback the past two seasons is going to be substantial, and quite honestly, that may not even be doing it enough justice.
Rodgers' career completion percentage is 65.3%, 7.4 percentage points higher than Wilson's last two seasons. His 6.2% career touchdown rate is almost triple that of Wilson's. His career yards-per-attempt average is 1.2 yards better. His quarterback rating is 28.2 points higher. I mean, the difference is vast.
Remember where Conklin ranked the past two seasons in targets, receptions, and yards among tight ends? Top 10 in all three categories. Well, he's tied for 41st in touchdowns with three. He's tied with Jimmy Graham. Since 2022, Conklin has the 19th-highest full-PPR PPG average at 7.49 among 37 tight ends with at least 70 targets.
Imagine if Conklin catches a few more touchdowns. What if Rodgers leads to Conklin getting just a few more receptions and yards? That really should be the expectation, which makes it very likely Conklin can outplay his current TE24 ADP. Now, that won't make him a league winner. He won't be a top-12 tight end, but could he be a solid TE2? That's in his range of outcomes.
Indeed, the Jets have added increased competition with Mike Williams in free agency and third-round rookie Malachi Corley. However, Williams is coming off a torn ACL and has recently struggled to stay on the field. It's possible, maybe even likely, that Williams isn't ready for the beginning of the season.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 11.7% Rostered
Henry is a touchdown-dependent TE2, but he played near a full-time role in Week 1. He logged 54 possible 64 snaps and ran 24 routes on 29 dropbacks. He finished with just three targets, two receptions, and 18 yards. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about the limited production.
Regarding tight ends, fantasy managers should be chasing snaps, routes, and opportunities. Henry had that in Week 1. With New England's unsettled wide receiver group, Henry could be the team's lone mainstay as their pass-catcher.
Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 2
- Los Angeles Chargers - 10.5% Rostered (at Carolina Panthers)
- Jacksonville Jaguars - 32.3% Rostered (vs Cleveland Browns)
- Seattle Seahawks -56.1% Rostered (at New England Patriots)
- Indianapolis Colts - 4.2% Rostered (at Green Bay Packers)
- Washington Commanders - 0.9% Rostered (vs New York Giants)
Kickers - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 2
- Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 7.0% Rostered
- Matt Prater, Arizona Cardinals - 2.4% Rostered
- Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills - 14.2% Rostered
- Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins - 16.4% Rostered
- Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears - 46.5% Rostered
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