Waiver Wire Pickups Week 2
The first week of the NFL season has passed, and we now know how each team will use certain players. This week is one of the biggest for waiver wire pickups in fantasy football. Some of the players picked up this week will have a chance to be league winners, and others will be significant contributors. Here are some breakout performers from Week 1 and players that you should scoop up off the waiver wire.
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Quarterback
Baker Mayfield- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs got off to a fast start to begin their 2024 campaign thanks to the play of quarterback Baker Mayfield. The veteran was elite against a porous Commanders defense in Week 1, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. He picked up where he left off last season and has pushed himself into a matchup-based fantasy starter in deeper leagues. In FAAB leagues, do not overspend for Mayfield unless you are desperate at quarterback, but he should go for around 5% in 1QB leagues. In Superflex, feel free to spend over 20% FAAB if he is still available.
Sam Darnold- Minnesota Vikings
Heading into Week 1, no one knew what to expect from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. So, it is safe to say many Vikings fans should be happy with his debut. Darnold threw for 208 yards when facing the Giants, with two touchdowns and one interception. Also, he completed 79.2% of his passes. It helps that Darnold has one of the best wide receivers in football, Justin Jefferson, to throw to. It would be best to consider adding Darnold in 12+ team leagues or leagues with a Superflex option. In 1QB leagues, Darnold is worth less than 5% FAAB, but that goes up to 10-15% in Superflex leagues.
Running Back
Jordan Mason- San Francisco 49ers
It came as a surprise that Christian McCaffrey was inactive on Monday Night. However, the 49ers’ backup running back, Jordan Mason, was well prepared for his first career start. He rushed 28 times for 147 yards and one touchdown against a stout New York Jets defense. McCaffrey’s status for Week 2 is uncertain, making Mason a must-add running back and a top-10 play if he starts. The uncertainty around McCaffrey makes Mason worth 20-25% of your FAAB.
Justice Hill- Baltimore Ravens
Many may forget Justice Hill’s performance last Thursday, but it should entice fantasy managers. Hill was the clear-cut passing downback for the Ravens, as he caught six passes on eight targets for 52 yards. Hill outsnapped Derrick Henry in the game, playing 43 snaps to Henry’s 37. He should be a waiver wire target in PPR leagues, as the Ravens have no interst in giving Henry passing-down work. While Hill will not score many lockdowns, he could be a low-end flex play or high-end backup running back on fantasy teams. Hill should be worth around 10-15% FAAB in full PPR leagues.
Tank Bigsby- Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars had some interesting splits in their backfield in Week 1. Travis Etienne is the unquestioned starter, but he was not treated as such on Sunday. Second-year running back Tank Bigsby was heavily involved in the running game. Both backs ran the ball 12 times, but Bigsby was more efficient, racking up 73 yards compared to Etienne’s 44. It will be interesting to see what this backfield looks like in Week 2, but Bigsby would be a great bench stash for now. If you are looking to bid on Bigsby, look to use around 10% of your FAAB.
Wide Receiver
DeMarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson- Los Angeles Rams
The Rams got some bad news on Monday when they found out star wide receiver Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury. Nacua’s injury came on Sunday Night, and he has been placed on IR, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. That opens the door for Robinson and Johnson to see increased work in the Rams offense. On Sunday Night, both receivers saw plenty of snaps and were productive. Robinson played 72 snaps and caught four passes for 42 yards.
In comparison, Johnson played 51 snaps and caught five passes for 79 yards. One of these players will have to step up in Nacua’s absence, and both should be rostered in any 10+ team leagues. Both players have a chance at long-term value with the status of Nacua; spend 15-20% FAAB on these players.
Wan’Dale Robinson- New York Giants
No one wants anything to do with the Giants in fantasy football. But it is hard to overlook what Wan’Dale Robinson did in Week 1. He played 48 snaps (67.6% snap percentage) and caught six passes for 44 yards. The most impressive part of his game was leading the team in targets with 12. He had a 31.6% target share, the 10th in the NFL during Week 1. It is fair to assume the Giants will be trailing in many games and be forced to throw often. Robinson has a chance to be an impact player this season. I would look to spend around 10% of my FAAB on Robinson, but do not be afraid to go a little higher if you desperately need a WR.
Tight End
Colby Parkinson- Los Angeles Rams
Another player who could see an increase in target with Nacua’s injury is Colby Parkinson. He was often on the field for the Rams, playing 69 snaps, an 88.5% snap percentage. Also, he reeled in four receptions for 47 yards. While his stats are not eye-popping, very few tight ends had an impact in Week 1. Many fantasy managers are likely looking for a new tight end; Parkinson is a guy to target. The usage should continue to be solid for Parkinson, and he is worth around 10% of your FAAB heading into Week 2.
Isaiah Likely- Baltimore Ravens
The best playmaker for the Ravens on Thursday Night was Likely. He dominated for them on offense, reeling in nine receptions on 12 targets for 111 yards and one touchdown. His 26.1 PPR points led all tight ends in Week 1, making Likely one of the top waiver wire options. Even with the presence of Mark Andrews in the Ravens offense, Likely shared the field plenty with the former All-Pro. Likely played 66.2% of the snaps, and the Ravens seem intent on making him a significant part of their passing game. The tight-end market is weak, and Likely will be one of the most sought-after players after his TE1 finish in the first week. He should go for around 20% FAAB, but you will probably have to spend more to land him.
