RADIO
After the opening week of the NFL season, the toughest decision for fantasy football owners was which rookie receiver to take a chance on. Following Week 2, we now have to decide which 49er has a chance to return fantasy value on a consistent basis. A few key injuries may provide for interesting adds as well. As always, keep checking back here for updated waiver recommendations and always keep tabs on our NFL Player News feed.
Each week, we will advise you which players to consider picking up on waivers that are owned in approximately 33% or fewer of Yahoo leagues so that you can make an educated decision about how to improve your fantasy football team. If higher-owned players are available in your league, by all means, prioritize them as pickups before these players.
Let’s look around the league at the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends who are worth targeting on waivers. Be sure to also check out our weekly rankings and analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all options heading into Week 3.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts - 12% owned
Brissett enjoyed the first three-touchdown game of his career in his second start of 2019. It came against a stout Titans Defense on the road too. It's not as if he's going to put up Luck-like numbers week-to-week but he could be serviceable where QB help is needed. A home game against the Falcons is an ideal situation as game script could favor the passing game.
Joe Flacco, Denver Broncos - 6% owned
Last-second heartbreak aside, Flacco and the Broncos have to consider Week 2 a success from an offensive standpoint. Facing the league's best defense, Flacco only turned the ball over once, threw for 292 yards and put his team in position to win. He looks to be a solid if unspectacular option in two-QB leagues.
Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers - 2% owned
The latest news is that Ben Roethlisberger will have an MRI on his right elbow to determine the severity of his injury miss the remainder of the 2019 season after undergoing right elbow surgery. Needless to say, Rudolph now becomes an interesting pickup and a pivot for Big Ben owners. He showed poise in his first game action and nearly led the team to a victory, completing 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and two scores in the process.
With weapons like JuJu Smith-Schuster and a strong offensive line to support him, Rudolph could be successful despite his inexperience. Wait on the latest news before dropping any FAAB on him though. He isn't going to put up the same type of numbers as Roethlisberger (remember, no Antonio Brown) but he should be added everywhere in Two-QB/Superflex leagues and can be considered a streaming candidate in 14+ team leagues.
Teddy Bridgewater, New Orleans Saints - 1% owned
The other Super Bowl-winning QB to exit early in Week 2 was Drew Brees. His injury didn't look too severe at first - his throwing hand was hit by Aaron Donald (who else?) on a pass attempt in the first quarter and he never returned. On further review, his thumb could be damaged and there was "serious concern" after the game on Brees' part experienced ligament damage and it appears he will miss a few weeks.
Bridgewater, for all his experience, didn't look ready to take up the mantle. He struggled to finish 17/30 for 165 yards and couldn't lead the mighty Saints offense to the end zone. There's enough firepower to make him an intriguing add but there's also the possibility Taysom Hill takes over if Bridgewater struggles again. Prioritize Rudolph right now but consider Bridgewater a close second.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants - 3% owned
Are you feeling extremely lucky? Are you so tired of Cam Newton that you'd rather start literally anyone else? Are you one of the few Giants fans that believes Jones is the future of the franchise and ready to step in immediately and dominate the league? If so, this is your chance to pickup the new starting QB of the New York football Giants. He has been declared the starter for Week 3 and gets to face a Tampa Bay defense that allowed the third-most passing TDs and seventh-most passing yards last year. They've been far better so far, but it's only been two games. There's no reason to start Jones anywhere unless you answered yes to the first three questions above.
Others to consider: Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals (18% owned); Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars (5% owned); Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (1% owned)
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers - 33% owned
After two games, Jackson is averaging nine yards per carry. That would be amazing if he had more than 13 total carries. Part of his efficiency is likely due to the fact he serves as a change-of-pace back and doesn't see high volume or face short-yardage situations. Jackson also has limitations as a pass-catcher, which explains why he only has one reception in each game. It's hard to justify starting him as long as Ekeler is healthy but he could find the end zone one of these days. At the very least, he's a strong handcuff for Austin Ekeler owners.
Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys - 27% owned
Zeke is back as the bell cow and Pollard is likely to see a similar workload to what he did in Week 2 going forward - five total touches. He nearly turned in a score, if not for a penalty, and seems entrenched as the backup in Dallas. Keep him in mind as a high-end handcuff.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers - 16% owned
Everyone was chasing Malcolm Brown on waivers but it was really Raheem Mostert we should have targeted all along. The RB2 in San Fran had a monster day thanks to the ghostly defense in Cincinnati. He looked every bit as spry as Matt Breida and surprisingly out-touched him. One has to wonder if this will be a timeshare based on Breida's fragile health history and Mostert's efficiency. The Niners get a home game against the Steelers next, who have had a hard time stopping the run in the first two games of the year. Mostert can be flexed even in PPR leagues because he will stay involved as a receiver.
Frank Gore, Buffalo Bills - 8% owned
No jokes about age here - Gore is just a beast. Much to the angst of Devin Singletary owners, Gore dominated snaps yet again and turned in a solid performance with 68 rushing yards, 15 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Singletary left the game with a hamstring injury so if he is limited or ruled out for Week 3, Gore could have a field day at home against the Bengals' joke of a defense. Cincy just gave up 259 yards to the three-headed monster of Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson.
Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers - 0% owned
Just what James Conner owners don't want to hear - he exited with a knee injury on Sunday. The extent is yet to be determined but Snell becomes a must-add for Conner owners, especially if Jaylen Samuels is not already on your roster. Snell looked great on his lone carry, taking it for 23 yards. He was ultra-productive in college, racking up 3,783 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns in three seasons at Kentucky. If Conner misses time, Snell will share time with Jaylen Samuels, so he wouldn't be an automatic start so much as a speculative stash.
Jeffery Wilson, San Francisco 49ers - 0% owned
Speaking of Wilson, he was activated from the practice squad to take the place of injured RB Tevin Coleman. He'll have a role over the next few weeks while Coleman heals from a high ankle sprain but he won't face Cincy each week. That said, it's important to note that it was Wilson getting the red zone carries and he has a slight size edge over Breida and Mostert. His value lies in deep standard leagues but he'd be a lot more useful once bye weeks begin.
Mark Walton, Miami Dolphins - 0% owned
You don't want to own anybody on the Dolphins right now. But if you're in a really, really deep league, Walton could surpass Kalen Ballage on the depth chart soon. Ballage looked god-awful against the Pats, running four times for six yards and dropping a pair of passes. Walton only tallied 27 yards on the day but could see more work in the future. He's only a deep stash consideration though, as Miami has two tough games ahead before a bye week.
Others to consider: Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings (21% owned); Ty Montgomery, New York Jets (18% owned); Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots (14% owned); Ty Johnson, Detroit Lions (4% owned); Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (7% owned); Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals (3% owned); D'Ernest Johnson, Cleveland Browns (0% owned)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers - 32% owned
It took all of one week for fantasy owners to drop Allison from their 2019 plans after he went without a catch against the Bears. He sort of redeemed himself by grabbing a TD in Week 2 but he only totaled 25 yards. Allison isn't nearly as exciting as he was in the preseason, especially if this team continues to be less pass-happy than in the McCarthy era. He still holds value as a top-three target for Aaron Rodgers and can help fantasy teams in a pinch.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers - 13% owned
If Dante Pettis is going to be a non-factor this year, that opens the door for Samuel to keep doing what he did in Week 2. The rookie led the team in all receiving categories, catching five of seven targets for 87 yards with a TD. We know there will be peaks and valleys as with any rookie. Keep Samuel in mind as a fourth or fifth receiver on your roster, if you have the room.
D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars - 12% owned
It's a shock to see Chark's ownership still so low after he went off for 146 yards and a score in Week 1. Concerns about rookie QB Gardner Minshew are justifiable but those should be quelled now after a second strong performance. Chark caught seven of nine targets, both team highs, for 55 yards and another TD against Houston. He should be one of the most popular pickups at receiver this week.
Demarcus Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs - 5% owned
Last week it was Sammy Watkins, this week Robinson. Someone's going to explode each week for KC it seems. As long as Tyreek Hill is out, which appears to be a few more weeks, Robinson is a boom-bust play worth considering. The Chiefs are at home next week but the Ravens should pose more problems, especially if Jimmy Smith can return.
Chris Conley, Jacksonville Jaguars - 4% owned
While Conley seems to be behind Chark on Gardner Minshew's progression of targets, he is running second and has been far more productive than Dede Westbrook. Conley has always had the physical tools to be a prominent NFL receiver but it never materialized in Kansas City. He's gone over 70 yards each of the first two games and looks to be a solid add, even if this week's matchup with Tennessee isn't ideal.
Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins - 2% owned
I know, I said you don't want to own any Dolphins. But down the road, if Josh Rosen takes over once the schedule softens, you could see Williams emerge as the WR1 in Miami. He was the only player close to fantasy-relevant in their most recent embarrassment, catching four of six targets for 63 yards. By contrast, Devante Parker didn't catch a single one of his seven looks and Albert Wilson is still hurt. Williams should be owned in dynasty already.
Trey Quinn, Washington Redskins - 1% owned
The slot receiver in DC has caught four passes in each of the first two games. There hasn't been much yardage attached (33, 36) but his high usage and snap count at least provide somewhat of a floor in full-PPR formats.
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Philadelphia Eagles - 1% owned
All of Philly's starting receivers were banged up in Week 2 - DeSean Jackson with a groin injury, Alshon Jeffery with a calf issue, and Nelson Agholor temporarily underwent the concussion protocol before returning. Add TE Dallas Goedert to that list as well. If any of these injuries carry over, that could leave receivers Mack Hollins and JJAWS on the field more often than expected. Arcega-Whiteside could become a factor out of necessity next week against Detroit.
Damiere Byrd, Arizona Cardinals - 0% owned
It looks like this version of the Air Raid offense could legitimately support five receivers. Kyler Murray threw for 300+ yards again and should only get better as the year goes on. You might know that Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk went over 100 receiving yards against the Ravens without realizing that Byrd finished tied for the team lead with six receptions and was third in targets, ahead of Keesean Johnson and Michael Crabtree. Byrd isn't a high-upside play but those in very deep PPR leagues could find him more reliable than some other options.
Devin Smith, Dallas Cowboys - 0% owned
Smith wouldn't normally appear here just because he had a big game. If anything, he might serve as a cautionary tale not to overreact to a splash play. Smith caught a 51-yard touchdown and finished with 74 yards on three catches. That's good but he's not even supposed to be on the active roster. The reason to have some interest here is that Michael Gallup is undergoing an MRI on his knee. If Gallup is deemed fine for Week 3, then once Tavon Austin is re-activated, Smith will be a DNP and non-factor. If Gallup is indeed injured, Smith becomes a flier for deep leagues.
Others to consider: Randall Cobb, Dallas Cowboys (24% owned); Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions (24% owned); Kenny Stills, Houston Texans (23% owned); Marquise Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers (20% owned); Phillip Dorsett, New England Patriots (14% owned); Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills (6% owned)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys - 15% owned
Two games, two touchdowns. Witten probably won't top 50 yards more than once this season but he could finish with eight scores because of his red-zone usage. The Cowboys are at home to face the hapless Dolphins in Week 3, so this is a great time to deploy him if you stream tight ends.
Noah Fant, Denver Broncos - 14% owned
He hasn't burst on the scene like former teammate T.J. Hockenson but he did double his reception total in Week 2, up to four catches for 33 yards. Joe Flacco has been spreading the ball around to several receivers, so it's unlikely Fant will be a target hog any time soon. He does have enough athleticism that we should see on display soon enough.
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals - 9% owned
As was stated last week, Eifert is the TE to add in Cincy. He caught his first touchdown and will be featured in the red zone all year. If you're looking for a higher floor based on reception volume, Eifert isn't your guy. Then again, the same could be said for Witten and most TEs in this series.
Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks - 3% owned
I sure wish he'd done this in Week 1 when I had him in my DFS lineups... Dissly bounced back from last week's injury to catch two touchdowns against the Steelers. He could continue to take advantage of a thin receiving corps in Seattle to bring value at a position rife with inconsistency. If you have the room to roster a second TE, make it Dissly.
Others to consider: Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts (22% owned); Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins (3% owned); Hayden Hurst, Baltimore Ravens (1% owned); Adam Shaheen, Chicago Bears (0% owned)
Team Defense - Waiver Wire Options
Tennessee Titans - 35% owned
The Titans have not only held their first two opponents under 20 points apiece, they have eight sacks and five turnovers on the young season. The fact they play on Thursday night this week has to be encouraging. After all, TNF isn't exactly known for offensive explosions. They also get to face division rival Jacksonville with their young rookie QB behind center. Team defenses like Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Carolina are higher owned but Tennessee has a far more favorable matchup.
San Francisco 49ers - 11% owned
Their offense has stolen the headlines but this defense has been solid from a fantasy perspective. In two contests so far, the Niners have allowed 26 points on defense and accumulated seven sacks, five turnovers, and two touchdowns. Of course, that came against Tampa Bay and Cincinnati but it still counts. San Fran is at home in Week 3, possibly facing second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1% owned
This is the "let's assume everyone in your league rosters two defenses and you for some reason must pick from the scrapheap (even though there are no byes yet)" pick of the week. Tampa is at home facing the Giants this week and they will now get to face rookie Daniel Jones in his first-ever NFL start. Although the Giants Defense is certainly a good option with Jameis Winston on the other side, the Bucs' defense has been better than expected and has the chance to take advantage of Jones' inexperience. The Bucs have forced three turnovers in two games and get home cookin' this week too, so make them your sleeper play in deep formats and DFS tourneys.
