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Data, Data, Data. After an entire offseason of looking at the same data, we’re two weeks into the slow trickle of new data that is the NFL season. With each passing week, the picture becomes clearer. At this point, there is still ample uncertainty. And that means opportunity for the savvy fantasy football player on the waiver wire.
Who is the Giants’ preferred backup running back? Will the Browns bring in somebody else with Nick Chubb injured? Is CJ Stroud the real deal!? If we can predict these outcomes accurately, we’ll have a leg up on our league mates heading into Week 3.
Wide Receivers
Nico Collins, Texans (55% Rostered), Tank Dell, Texans (20% Rostered)
Stroud was lauded by many as the most “pro-ready” QB in this class (and the best overall QB by a smaller group). Through two weeks, he might be proving them right. The Texans have unleashed Stroud in the passing game, allowing him to throw the ball 44 times in week 1 and 47 times in Week 2.
- WR Rankings: Aerial Show in Minneapolis
- RB Rankings: Bell Cow Rings Loud in DC
- QB Rankings: Make Room for the Rookie
- TE Rankings: YAC Attack in Detroit
- King Henry A Great Pick 'Em Play in Week 3
- Who Will Be This Week's Daniel Jones?
- Amazing How Low-Priced These Guys Are
- Doubt Patrick -- Just a Little Bit
- Waiver Wire Picture Is Getting Clearer
Dell and Collins have become favorite targets of this rookie QB. Both scored in Week 2, and if this pass volume remains this high, both are worthwhile adds.
Rashid Shaheed, Saints (46% Rostered)
Shaheed is proving to be Derek Carr’s preferred big play threat and a consistent part of the New Orleans passing game. While Shaheed did not find the end zone in Week 2 like he did in Week 1, he still caught 4 passes for 63 yards. Shaheed has weekly startability given his usage through two weeks. While not likely to be the most consistent, his big play ability makes him a TD threat every week.
Tutu Atwell, Rams (32% Rostered)
Speaking of big play receivers, the Rams have found their answer at that position. I know Puka Nacua is soooo hot right now, but don’t forget about Atwell as a viable option. Tutu was on the field for 94% of the Rams snaps this past week and has been targeted 17 times this season. The attention being heaped onto Puka is deserved, but the value on the waiver wire may be in his teammate Tutu.
Marvin Mims, Broncos (21% Rostered)
Mims is a stash play if you have extra room. He’s a big play receiver and showcased that in Week 2 with 2 receptions for 113 yards and a TD. However, Mims isn’t on the field nearly enough (only 24% of Broncos’ snaps in Week 2) to be a consistent weekly starter. The early success is promising, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see his role grow. If you have bench space, add him now and wait.
Running Backs
Jerome Ford, Browns (15% Rostered)
After suffering a knee injury Monday night, Chubb’s season is over. The next man up for Cleveland is 2022 5th-round draft pick Jerome Ford. After Chubb went down, Ford had 16 for 106 yards, including a 69-yarder that showcased his playmaking ability. While Cleveland may add someone to the RB room (cough Kareem Hunt cough), Ford will likely remain RB1.
Kareem Hunt, unsigned (23%)
With Chubb gone, the Browns could be in the market for a veteran RB with familiarity of the offense. While I expect Ford to be the lead back even if Hunt signs, this will likely be an RB-by-committee, so Hunt will command fantasy value in the Browns’ run\heavy offense.
Roschon Johnson, Bears (50% Rostered)
While Johnson didn’t outsnap Khalil Herbert in Week 2 like he did in Week 1, he still saw significant playing time and was more efficient with the work he was given. D’Onta Foreman being a healthy scratch in Week 2 is a good sign for Johnson’s role in this offense. While Herbert is the 1A for the time being, expect that to switch Johnson in coming weeks.
Tony Jones Jr., Saints (0% Rostered)
With Jamaal Williams going down Monday Night, Kendre Miller dealing with a hamstring injury, and Alvin Kamara still serving 1 more game on his 3-game suspension, that leaves Jones Jr. all but alone in the RB room.
Jones scored two touchdowns Monday and should be RB1 if the injury situation doesn’t improve. That said, his upside is extremely limited. Kamara is only out for one more week and while not a running back, expect Taysom Hill to steal some work from Jones Jr. as well.
Matt Breida, Giants (3% Rostered), Gary Brightwell, Giants (0% Rostered)
Saquon Barkley is out three weeks with an ankle sprain, meaning a lot of uncertainty about who will carry the ball for the Giants. Breida is the veteran presence, and Brightwell is the 3rd-year back who has shown rare flash on special teams. While neither is particularly exciting -- especially with a matchup against the 49ers’ defense on TNF -- I’d prioritize Breida as he appears the most likely to take over as the primary back.
Tight Ends
Taysom Hill, Saints (15% Rostered)
With RBs Williams and Miller injured, and Kamara having to serve one more game in his 3 game suspension, tight end Hill had 9 carries Monday against the Panthers. Given the current RB situation, expect Hill to remain involved in multiple ways in this offense. Given that 8-10 PPR points is all that’s needed to be a top 12 TE most weeks, Hill is a worthwhile add.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers (19% Rostered)
The butt of many offseason jokes and the sworn enemy of Kyle Trask Truthers, Baker Mayfield has looked good for the Buccaneers – throwing for 490 yards, 3 TDs, and no interceptions. The next game is against the vaunted Philly defense, but Mayfield remains stream able and his pass catching options (especially Mike Evans) remain must starts.
CJ Stroud (24% Rostered)
I sang his praises at the beginning of this article when making the case to pick up both of the rookie QB’s receiving options – Tank Dell and Nico Collins. Stroud is slinging it through the first two weeks – 91 attempts for 626 yards, 2 TDs, and no interceptions. The Texans will likely be trailing at lot this season and that will lead to more positive game scripts for Stroud and his receivers.
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