Identifying the top waiver wire pickups is crucial for fantasy football managers aiming to bolster their rosters after Week 1. These players, often overlooked in drafts, can emerge as valuable contributors due to injuries, breakout performances, or changing team dynamics. This article will delve into the most promising waiver wire options heading into Week 2, providing insights and analysis to help you make informed decisions and improve your fantasy team's chances of success.
Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
The running back position is always a hot commodity on the waiver wire, with injuries and unexpected performances frequently shaking up the landscape. Finding a reliable running back can be the key to fantasy football success, making these waiver wire targets particularly valuable.
Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams)
Kyren Williams's performance in Week 1 has made him a must-add player in almost all fantasy football leagues. Williams surprisingly dominated the Rams' backfield, out-snapping and out-touching Cam Akers significantly. He demonstrated his versatility by contributing both as a runner and a receiver, showcasing the kind of dual-threat ability that fantasy managers covet. This unexpected emergence positions Williams as a potential league-winning waiver wire acquisition.
Week 1 Performance: Williams rushed for 52 yards on 15 carries and added two touchdowns, while also catching two passes for 17 yards. His impressive workload and scoring ability suggest he could maintain a significant role in the Rams' offense moving forward. Fantasy managers should monitor the Rams' backfield situation closely, but Williams's Week 1 performance warrants immediate attention on the waiver wire.
Why Add Him: Williams's commanding role in the Rams' offense makes him a top priority. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game elevates his fantasy floor and ceiling. If he maintains this level of involvement, Williams could become a weekly starter in most fantasy formats.
Considerations: While Week 1 was promising, consistency is key. Fantasy managers should be aware of the potential for Cam Akers to regain a larger share of the workload as the season progresses. However, Williams's performance has certainly earned him a significant role in the Rams' offense.
Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia Eagles)
Kenneth Gainwell is another running back to watch on the waiver wire, particularly in PPR (points per reception) formats. Gainwell is expected to have an expanded role in the Eagles' offense, offering a pass-catching dimension that makes him valuable in PPR leagues. His ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield gives him a higher floor compared to running backs who primarily rely on rushing attempts.
Expected Role: With D'Andre Swift joining the Eagles, Gainwell's role might evolve, but his pass-catching ability should keep him involved. In PPR formats, running backs who consistently catch passes offer a significant advantage. Gainwell's receiving skills and the Eagles' high-powered offense make him an intriguing waiver wire target.
Why Add Him: Gainwell's pass-catching ability makes him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. The Eagles' offense is expected to be among the league's best, providing Gainwell with opportunities to score points. If he carves out a consistent role, he could become a reliable flex option for fantasy teams.
Considerations: The presence of other running backs in the Eagles' backfield, including Swift, could limit Gainwell's touches. Fantasy managers should monitor the distribution of carries and targets in the coming weeks to gauge Gainwell's true potential.
Other Running Back Options
- Tyjae Spears (Tennessee Titans): Spears is a rookie with upside who could see an increased role if Derrick Henry were to miss time. Spears offers a blend of speed and agility, making him an intriguing stash in deeper leagues. His potential as a future starter makes him worth monitoring on the waiver wire.
- Jerick McKinnon (Kansas City Chiefs): McKinnon is a proven pass-catching back who can be valuable in PPR formats, especially if the Chiefs' backfield situation becomes clearer. His ability to contribute as a receiver gives him a stable floor in PPR leagues.
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets
The wide receiver position is often deep, but finding a diamond in the rough on the waiver wire can provide a significant boost to your fantasy team. Breakout performances and injuries to starters can create opportunities for overlooked players to emerge as valuable assets.
Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams)
Puka Nacua exploded onto the scene in Week 1, becoming one of the most sought-after waiver wire targets. With Cooper Kupp sidelined due to injury, Nacua stepped up and delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his potential to be a consistent contributor in the Rams' passing game. His rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford was evident, making him a must-add player in most leagues.
Week 1 Performance: Nacua caught 10 passes for 119 yards, demonstrating his ability to command targets and make plays. His performance suggests that he could remain a significant part of the Rams' offense even when Kupp returns, making him a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Why Add Him: Nacua's immediate impact and connection with Stafford make him a top waiver wire priority. Even when Cooper Kupp returns, Nacua could carve out a role in the Rams' offense. His ability to get open and make tough catches makes him a reliable target for Stafford.
Considerations: The return of Cooper Kupp will undoubtedly affect Nacua's target share. Fantasy managers should temper expectations slightly, but Nacua's performance has earned him a prominent role in the Rams' offense, at least in the short term. — Does UPS Deliver On Labor Day? Holiday Schedule
Tutu Atwell (Los Angeles Rams)
Tutu Atwell is another Rams receiver who deserves attention on the waiver wire. Atwell showcased his speed and playmaking ability in Week 1, establishing himself as a potential deep threat in the Rams' offense. His explosiveness and ability to stretch the field make him an intriguing option for fantasy teams looking for a receiver with upside.
Week 1 Performance: Atwell caught six passes for 119 yards, demonstrating his ability to make big plays. His speed and agility make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and he could continue to see opportunities as the season progresses. — Athletics Vs. Cardinals: Key Matchup Analysis & Predictions
Why Add Him: Atwell's speed and ability to stretch the field make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. If he continues to build on his Week 1 performance, he could become a consistent contributor to fantasy teams. His explosiveness makes him a high-ceiling option with the potential for big games.
Considerations: Like Nacua, Atwell's role could be affected by the return of Cooper Kupp. However, his speed and playmaking ability should keep him involved in the Rams' offense. Fantasy managers should monitor his usage in the coming weeks to gauge his true potential.
Other Wide Receiver Options
- Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers): Doubs is emerging as a reliable target in the Packers' offense and could see an increased role as the season progresses. His size and athleticism make him a valuable asset in the red zone, and he could become a consistent scoring threat for fantasy teams.
- Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs): Moore is a talented receiver in a high-powered offense, making him an intriguing option despite a quiet Week 1. His potential to break out in the Chiefs' offense makes him worth stashing on fantasy rosters.
Quarterback Waiver Wire Targets
While quarterback is often a deep position in fantasy football, injuries and bye weeks can create the need for streaming options. Identifying quarterbacks with favorable matchups and upside can be crucial for navigating these situations.
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Jordan Love is a quarterback who could be available on the waiver wire in many leagues. Love showcased his potential in Week 1, demonstrating his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. His dual-threat ability and the Packers' revamped offense make him an intriguing streaming option for fantasy managers.
Week 1 Performance: Love threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 25 rushing yards. His performance suggests that he could be a reliable fantasy option in favorable matchups. His ability to extend plays with his legs adds another dimension to his fantasy value.
Why Add Him: Love's dual-threat ability and the Packers' improved offense make him a valuable streaming option. If he continues to perform at this level, he could even become a weekly starter in some leagues. His athleticism and arm talent give him a high ceiling in fantasy football.
Considerations: Love is still relatively unproven, and there will be ups and downs as he continues to develop. Fantasy managers should temper expectations slightly, but his Week 1 performance was encouraging, and he could be a valuable asset in the right matchups.
Other Quarterback Options
- Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Mayfield showed flashes of potential in Week 1 and could be a viable streaming option in certain matchups. His experience and arm talent make him a capable quarterback, and he could put up solid numbers in the right situation.
- Sam Howell (Washington Commanders): Howell is a young quarterback with upside who could be worth a look in deeper leagues. His arm talent and the Commanders' offensive weapons give him the potential to be a fantasy contributor.
Tight End Waiver Wire Targets
The tight end position is often a source of frustration for fantasy managers, but finding a reliable option on the waiver wire can provide a significant advantage. Breakout performances and injuries to starters can create opportunities for overlooked players to emerge as valuable assets.
Luke Musgrave (Green Bay Packers)
Luke Musgrave is a rookie tight end who could be available on the waiver wire in many leagues. Musgrave has shown promising chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love and could become a focal point in the Packers' passing game. His athleticism and receiving ability make him an intriguing option for fantasy managers in need of a tight end.
Expected Role: Musgrave is expected to have a significant role in the Packers' offense, offering a reliable target for Love. His size and speed make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and he could become a consistent contributor to fantasy teams.
Why Add Him: Musgrave's potential as a focal point in the Packers' passing game makes him a valuable waiver wire target. If he continues to build on his early performances, he could become a reliable starting tight end in fantasy leagues. His athleticism and receiving skills give him a high ceiling.
Considerations: As a rookie, Musgrave will likely experience some growing pains. Fantasy managers should be patient with his development, but his potential makes him worth stashing on rosters. His connection with Love could lead to consistent targets and scoring opportunities.
Other Tight End Options
- Logan Thomas (Washington Commanders): Thomas is a veteran tight end who has shown the ability to be a reliable target in the passing game. If he stays healthy, he could be a valuable option for fantasy teams in need of a tight end. His experience and rapport with the Commanders' quarterbacks make him a consistent threat.
- Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears): Kmet is a tight end with upside who could see an increased role in the Bears' offense. His size and athleticism make him a valuable asset in the red zone, and he could become a consistent scoring threat for fantasy teams.
Week 2 Waiver Wire FAQs
Who are the must-add players from the waiver wire this week?
Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua appear to be the must-add players from the waiver wire heading into Week 2. Williams took control of the Rams' backfield, while Nacua had a breakout performance with Cooper Kupp sidelined. Both players have demonstrated significant potential for sustained roles in their respective offenses, making them top priorities for fantasy managers. — Broncos Vs. Bengals: Get Your Tickets Now!
Which running backs should I target on the waiver wire?
Besides Kyren Williams, Kenneth Gainwell, Tyjae Spears, and Jerick McKinnon are worthwhile running back targets. Gainwell's pass-catching ability makes him valuable in PPR formats, while Spears could see an increased role if Derrick Henry gets injured. McKinnon is a proven pass-catching back in a high-powered offense, making him a reliable PPR option.
What wide receivers should I prioritize on the waiver wire?
Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell from the Rams are the top wide receiver targets due to their performances in Week 1. Additionally, Romeo Doubs of the Packers and Skyy Moore of the Chiefs are worth considering. Doubs is emerging as a reliable target in Green Bay, while Moore has upside in the Chiefs' dynamic offense.
Are there any quarterbacks worth picking up on waivers?
Jordan Love of the Packers is a notable quarterback to consider. Love showcased his dual-threat ability in Week 1 and could be a valuable streaming option. Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers and Sam Howell of the Commanders are also potential streaming options in certain matchups.
Which tight ends should I look for on the waiver wire?
Luke Musgrave of the Packers is a promising rookie tight end with potential in Green Bay's offense. Veteran Logan Thomas of the Commanders and Cole Kmet of the Bears are other options to consider, especially for teams needing help at the tight end position. Thomas has a proven track record, while Kmet has upside in Chicago's offense.
How much of my Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) should I spend on these players?
The amount of FAAB to spend depends on your league's dynamics and the depth of your roster. However, for players like Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua, be prepared to spend a significant portion, possibly 20-30% of your budget. For other targets, consider spending 10-15% or less, depending on your need and the competition in your league.
When is the best time to put in waiver wire claims?
The best time to put in waiver wire claims is typically early Wednesday morning, after waivers clear. This allows you to assess the results of the previous week's games and make informed decisions based on player performances and injury news. Setting claims early increases your chances of acquiring the players you want before other managers put in their bids.
How do injuries affect waiver wire priorities?
Injuries can significantly impact waiver wire priorities. When a starting player gets injured, their backup often becomes a valuable waiver wire target. Pay close attention to injury reports and monitor the status of key players. Identify the backups who are likely to see increased playing time and prioritize them based on their potential role and talent.
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