It’s imperative not to undermine how important the waiver wire is in Week 1. Finding a running back or receiver from waivers now who can eventually have a significant role for most of the year (or perhaps even right out of the gate) would essentially mean that they should’ve been taken in the early-to-mid rounds during preseason drafts. Now is the time to use all the information and preseason game footage that has been compiled over these past four weeks to find the waiver wire gems who can push your team to the top. Our featured experts have done just that and identified some potential difference makers who you can have for nothing right now.
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Q. Name one player with < 20% ownership in Yahoo leagues that fantasy owners should stash right now.
John Brown (WR – BAL)
“I’d have to say Brown, who has reportedly been Joe Flacco’s favorite target throughout the entire offseason, and we saw them connect on a touchdown in the preseason. Some players just sync up well together, and every beat reporter out of Baltimore has said that these two have “it.” Most forget that Brown was a top-24 wide receiver in 2015 on just 101 targets, something that’s extremely hard to accomplish. If he’s worked through his sickle cell issue, Brown could deliver WR3 value the majority of time.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)
“John Brown has every opportunity to finally realize his potential this year in Baltimore. The constant obstacle for Brown has always been complications from his sickle-cell trait, and while it’s impossible to predict when those issues could arise again, Brown has proven himself to be a true gamechanger when healthy. Ravens personnel have raved about Brown as the “standout” at training camp, and with big-armed Flacco under center (for now), the former Cardinal should be able to make big plays down the field regularly. For as long as Brown is healthy, he’s a terrific late-round flier or waiver add to any team in need of WR depth.”
– Bill Dubiel (RotoBaller)
Christian Kirk (WR – ARI)
“There are several guys I could select from this prerequisite, but I find myself continuing to be amazed how little fanfare Kirk is getting (9%). I loved his ability and production coming out of Texas A&M and felt he was vastly overlooked in this deep receiving class. However, he continues to force the issue for people to take notice.
Thoughts of Larry Fitzgerald owning the slot don’t hold much weight for me when Kirk has played himself into a WR2 and starting role in the desert. He has a natural feel for finding open space in the defense, and so far is showing that knack will continue as a pro. The last David Johnson-led Cardinals offense left 239 targets, 117 receptions, 1,718 yards, and 13 TDs for wide receivers not named Fitzgerald. That’s a lot of offense up for grabs.”
– Andy Singleton (Fantrax)
Jeremy Hill (RB – NE)
“Hill is now a Patriot after a horrific 2017 with the Bengals. Hill is currently fourth on the Patriots RB depth chart behind Burkhead, White, and Michel. Hill’s best year was as a rookie in 2014 when he totaled 1,124 yards, averaged 5.06 YPC and scored nine TDs. His next two years weren’t nearly as productive as far as yardage, but he still scored 11 and nine TDs, respectively. There is still a gaping hole left in the Patriots rushing attack that was vacated when Blount left last year. Blount’s 18 TDs in 2016 were spread around the backfield between Gillislee (five), Burkhead (five), and Lewis (six) in 2017.
It was thought that Burkhead would take over the goal-line role in 2017, but it appears that he is battling a knee issue and will already be in the primary role after Michel missed most of camp with a knee injury and has shown that his fumbling issues have followed him to the NFL. Everything seems to be lining up for Hill to get the goal-line opportunities and as Blount showed us in 2016, that can easily develop into much more. Keep in mind, Hill is still only 26 years old, so he should have plenty left in those legs.”
– Kevin Wheeler (NFL Mock)
Tyrell Williams (WR – LAC)
“I find it interesting that Williams is only owned in 12% of Yahoo leagues, yet the player behind him on the depth chart, Mike Williams, is owned in 63% of Yahoo fantasy leagues. Tyrell did regress last season, but Mike has had an inconsistent camp according to those that cover the team, and is still trying to find his way after an injury-ridden rookie season in which he had a catch percentage of 47.8%. Mike may be the more talented Williams, but Tyrell has shown the chemistry with Phillip Rivers, and will be on the field more for the #1 passing offense of 2017.”
– Rich Piazza (Fantasy Shed)
Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
“At only 3% owned, Goedert is going to get immediate playing time with the Eagles, who are likely to start with a lot of ’12,’ two-tight end sets without Alshon Jeffery for the first couple of games. Goedert flashed his receiving skill set throughout the summer and can end the season as a top-20 fantasy tight end.”
– Jody Smith (FantasyPros)
Thank you to the experts for giving their waiver wire stashes. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter if you’re not already doing so and check out our latest podcast below for more great advice.
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