FantasyPros Staff | Tue, Sep 13th 2022, 6:16am EDT

Fantasy Football Week 2 Waiver Wire FAAB Advice: Players to Target, Stash & Drop (2022)

Let’s face it: We were lucky with injuries this summer. There were relatively few major injuries for fantasy managers to reckon with, and we went into the regular season with a fairly healthy player population.

But that wasn’t going to last, of course.

Week 1 injuries make me think of the battle scenes in “Braveheart” or “Game of Thrones” where archers launch a volley of arrows before the hand-to-hand combat begins. The soldiers being targeted by the archers raise their shields and usually come out OK, but a few unlucky souls catch an arrow and go down. That’s what NFL Sundays are like. Most players raise their shields and walk away intact, but a few aren’t as lucky.

Alas, some important players took arrows this week. Najee Harris reportedly has an ankle injury. Elijah Mitchell has a knee issue. Keenan Allen is dealing with a bad hamstring. Dak Prescott will require surgery on his hand.

The bottom line is that some of you are going to need waiver help this week. But the good news is that Week 1 shone light on some suddenly appealing waiver targets.

There will be more bountiful waiver crops this season, but there are some worthwhile ways to spend one’s FAAB money this week. The overall grade for this group?

Grade: B

Written by Derek Brown, Bo McBrayer, and Pat Fitzmaurice

Week 2 Waiver Wire Rankings

Waiver Wire Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR (TM) – Expert Consensus Rankings

Running Backs

Written by Bo McBrayer

Jeff Wilson (SF): 16% rostered

Next opponents: SEA, @DEN, LAR
True value: $18
Desperate need: $40
Budget-minded: $11

Analysis: When Elijah Mitchell went down with a knee injury on Sunday, Jeff Wilson struggled to get going on flooded Soldier Field, scoring only 5.0 fantasy points. Shanahan and the 49ers typically give their top back a heavy share of the snaps until they ultimately break down and leave their musket to the next man up. Wilson will be fantasy-viable in the run-heavy Niners scheme as long as Mitchell is sidelined, and it now appears that he could be out for about two months, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Perhaps the biggest selling point for anyone debating whether to bid on Wilson this week (aside from the Mitchell injury, of course) is that Kyle Shanahan really likes him. It might surprise you that Wilson scored 10 touchdowns in 2020 and was a strong RB3 in fantasy. He is a very capable receiver and is trusted with high-leverage situations in the offense.

Khalil Herbert (CHI): 41% rostered

Next opponents: @GB, HOU, @NYG
True value: $5
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: It should come as no surprise that Herbert cracked double-digit fantasy points in Week 1 against the 49ers. More impressively, he put up those 11.3 points on only nine carries and was out-snapped and out-touched by starter David Montgomery. Chicago looked to Herbert instead of Montgomery to close out San Francisco in their comeback win in the soggy deluge at Soldier Field. Look for the more efficient second-year pro from Virginia Tech to earn a more even share of the backfield as the season progresses.

Dontrell Hilliard (TEN): 6% rostered

Next opponents: @BUF, LV, @IND
True value: $4
Desperate need: $8
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Absolutely no one could have foretold Hilliard more than doubling Derrick Henry‘s Week 1 fantasy production, but here we are. Where Henry was the obvious bell cow in the rushing department, the young Hilliard hauled in three receptions for 61 yards and two pivotal touchdowns versus the Giants. Don’t go crazy and chase points with a frivolous FAAB bid, but the receiving volume in this Titans offense has to be funneled somewhere other than to an uninspiring WR corps.

Jaylen Warren (PIT): 4% rostered

Next opponents: NE, @CLE, NYJ
True value: $4
Desperate need: $8
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Najee Harris was one of the big early-season injury scares, but it seems he should be good to go this week against the Patriots. Still, Warren absolutely earned the RB2 spot in Steelers camp this summer and will be called upon to fill in. There weren’t many more glaring handcuff RBs to roster entering this season. If for some reason you rostered Harris without Warren, you might need to spend a decent amount of FAAB to save face at the position going forward.

Rex Burkhead (HOU): 13% rostered

Next opponents: @DEN, @CHI, LAC
True Value: $5
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: It was a stern reminder to everyone that a head coach naming a starting RB means absolutely nothing. Lovie Smith anointed the promising rookie Dameon Pierce as his “lead” back, and then the preponderance of backfield snaps and opportunities for the Texans in Week 1 went to the perennially irrelevant Burkhead. Rex was his boring self, turning 19 touches into a ho-hum 12.0 fantasy points. Eight of those points came through the air for Burkhead, revealing Houston’s obvious preference for the vet in important situations. Rexy isn’t sexy, but he is a lot less annoying as a spot flex starter locked in for double-digit PPR points with how often the Texans are in negative game scripts.

Kenneth Gainwell (PHI): 48% rostered

Next Opponents: MIN, @WAS, JAX
True value: $7
Desperate need: $12
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: It was nice to see Miles Sanders reacquaint himself with the end zone on Sunday, but he was not alone. The Philly offense was really clicking in Detroit, with Jalen Hurts and each of the three RBs scoring one rushing TD. Again, I will always have a strong lean toward the RB who is most involved in the passing game. Gainwell was targeted four times in Week 1, compared to two targets for Sanders and none for Boston Scott. The second-year back from Memphis is also earning a reputation for having a nose for the end zone with his seventh score despite limited work in his 17 career games.

Stash candidates: Tyrion Davis-Price, Jordan Mason, Marlon Mack, Mark Ingram, Brian Robinson, Zamir White, Isiah Pacheco, Zack Moss, Jerome Ford, Samaje Perine

With Elijah Mitchell now expected to miss two months with a knee injury, Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason become interesting speculative plays in the San Francisco backfield, although it appears that Jeff Wilson will start in Mitchell’s absence. The 49ers have also added Marlon Mack to the practice squad and could throw him into the mix. … Alvin Kamara is dealing with a rib issue, so Kamara investors with a roster spot to spare might want to snag Mark Ingram. … We received encouraging news that Brian Robinson is recovering well from his gunshot wounds and could be available as early as Week 5. Even though Antonio Gibson enjoyed a very successful Week 1 performance, I doubt the Commanders want him to bear such a heavy workload in the long-term. Stashing the ‘Bama rookie is still a very strong play as the season unfolds. … D’Ernest Johnson was a healthy scratch on Sunday for the Browns, who instead suited up rookie Jerome Ford. The healthy tandem backfield of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt doesn’t leave any meat on the bone for Ford, who did not see a Week 1 snap. The young Cincinnati Bearcat is still in pole position to fill in if either of the co-starters miss time.

Wide Receivers

Written by Derek Brown

D.J. Chark (DET): 40% rostered

Next opponents: WAS, @ MIN, SEA
True value: $3
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: D.J. Chark conjured Jacksonville ghosts of yesteryear in Week 1. He had a 97.2% route participation mark, drawing a 21.6% target share. He was second on the team in receiving yards behind only Amon-Ra St. Brown. With three less-than-stellar secondaries on his plate in the upcoming weeks, Chark could become a consistent low-end WR3.

Jarvis Landry (NO): 42% rostered

Next opponents: TB, @ CAR, MIN
True value: $3
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Jarvis Landry did Jarvis Landry things in Week 1, as he posted a solid (actually very nice) stat line with little fanfare. Landry commanded a 26.4% target share with a 97.0% route participation clip. With Michael Thomas and Chris Olave taking the brunt of good cornerback play over the next three weeks, Landry is poised as a dark horse to lead the team in targets by the time we get to Week 5.

Joshua Palmer (LAC): 21% rostered

Next opponents: @ KC, JAC, @ HOU
True value: $3
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Joshua Palmer will be a solid waiver add this week, but please don’t go blowing the FAAB clip on him. Early reports are that Keenan Allen‘s injury isn’t a long-term deal. Palmer, in Allen’s absence, ran a route on 76.4% of passing plays, drawing a paltry 14.7% target share. Yes, he’s also in one of the league’s best offenses, but that doesn’t vault him to must-have status, especially in the short term. I wasn’t in on Joshua Palmer hype SZN, and I’m still not right now.

Jahan Dotson (WSH): 23% rostered

Next opponents: @ DET, PHI, @ DAL
True value: $3
Desperate need: $6
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Jahan Dotson is a talented rookie who will grab headlines for his two-touchdown performance, but I’m more interested in his route volume than chasing touchdowns. Dotson ran a route on 97.5% of Washington’s passing plays in Week 1. The problem is that he only drew a 12.1% target share. As Carson Wentz‘s fourth option in the passing game, there will be peaks and valleys throughout the season despite Dotson’s talent.

Curtis Samuel (WSH): 4% rostered

Next opponents: @ DET, PHI, @ DAL
True value: $4
Desperate need: $8
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Curtis Samuel also rode the Carson Wentz roller coaster in Week 1. Samuel ran a route on 87,8% of the Commanders’ passing plays. He garnered a 24.3% target share while also carrying the rock four times. This stand-alone rushing involvement gives him a higher weekly floor than Dotson, who is solely tied to Wentz’s arm. Samuel could be Dollar Store Deebo Samuel if everything hits.

Robbie Anderson (CAR): 10% rostered

Next opponents: NYG, NO, ARI
True value: $2
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1 (zero bid if possible)

Analysis: Robbie Anderson popped off with 102 receiving yards, much of it on the strength of his 75-yard reception. Anderson tied for the team lead in routes run with D.J. Moore while handling a 29.6% target share. Anderson looked like dust from every efficiency metric last year, but I’m willing to admit I could be wrong. Volume is king, and if Anderson will get it, then he’s worth a speculative add.

Stash Candidates: Sterling Shepard, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Parris Campbell, Treylon Burks, Kyle Phillips

With Kenny Golladay further cementing his dust status, Kadarius Toney in the doghouse and Wan’Dale Robinson hurt, Sterling Shepard could be the Giants’ leading receiver. He ran a route on 90.4% of the Giants’ passing attempts with a 19.0% target share. … Donovan Peoples-Jones led the Browns in every conceivable receiving category. He was first in routes, targets (11, 32.2% target share) and receiving yards. The weekly ceiling is only so high with Jacoby Brissett as your quarterback. The extra target volume this week was also the result of Amari Cooper drawing tough assignments. … Parris Campbell ran a route on 78% of Matt Ryan‘s passing attempts. With an upcoming schedule (JAC, KC, TEN) of advantageous slot matchups or high total games, Campbell worth kicking the tires on despite his 8.0% target share. … Kyle Philips and Treylon Burks make the stash position of this week’s article. Neither player (Philips 63.6%, Burks 39.3%) crested 70% routes on Ryan Tannehill‘s passing attempts in Week 1. Those usage rates will need to climb, but this offense is screaming for a wide receiver to step forward, and each of these talented rookies has the upside to do so.

Tight Ends

Written by Derek Brown

Gerald Everett (LAC): 27% rostered

Next opponents: NYG, NO, ARI
True value: $4
Desperate need: $9
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: With Keenan Allen on the shelf, Gerald Everett is the upside swing to take in the Chargers’ offense. Everett ran a route on 67.6% of Justin Herbert‘s passing attempts in Week 1. While he only drew an 11.7% target share, the upcoming matchups and offensive environment make him a sexy streamer candidate.

Hayden Hurst (CIN): 10% rostered

Next opponents: MIA, @NE, BUF
True value: $4
Desperate need: $9
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Hayden Hurst is the same sort of bet Everett is. High-powered offense. Athletic tight end. Hurst was third on the team in routes while drawing a 15.0% target share. His next three matchups are against defenses that ranked 13th and sixth, respectively, in receiving touchdowns allowed to tight ends, followed by Miami, which was 10th in receiving yards last year.

Kylen Granson (IND): 0% rostered

Next opponents: @JAC, KC, TEN
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Kylen Granson and not Mo Alie-Cox emerged as the Colts’ leading tight end. Granson ran a route on 52% of Ryan’s passing attempts with a 14% target share. While neither of these numbers is awe-inspiring, this offense still needs a second passing option to emerge behind Michael Pittman. With two above-average matchups inbound for Granson, he’s worth keeping a finger on the pulse of.

Tyler Conklin (NYJ): 2% rostered

Next opponents: @CLE, CIN, PIT
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: What do we want from our streamer tight ends? Routes and good matchups. Tyler Conklin checks both of these boxes. Conklin ran a route on 84.7% of Joe Flacco‘s passing attempts in Week 1. Cleveland allowed the sixth-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends last year. The Bengals were seventh in fantasy points per game allowed to the position.

Stash candidates: none

Quarterbacks

Written by Bo McBrayer

Jameis Winston (NO): 46% rostered

Next opponents: TB, @CAR, MIN
True value: $6
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Last week’s top QB waiver priority remains at the top after a strong Week 1 performance and comeback win. Winston has been a picture of efficiency in his time with the Saints, slowly but surely erasing his reputation as a turnover-prone signal caller. I was very inspired by his resolve on Sunday and his confidence in targeting Michael Thomas on both of his TD passes. He also targeted Jarvis Landry nine times and TE Juwan Johnson five times. A tough upcoming schedule should prompt more attention to Alvin Kamara and hopefully rookie Chris Olave, who scored a two-point conversion against the Falcons. The Saints can win a lot of games with Winston playing this well.

Carson Wentz (WSH): 12% rostered

Next opponents: @DET, PHI, @DAL
True value: $5
Desperate need: $8
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: On one hand, Wentz was a QB1 in Week1 with 313 passing yards and four TDs. On the other hand, he also threw two interceptions and nearly lost to the Jaguars. The Commanders aren’t short on receiving weapons, which bodes well for Wentz. He unlocked Curtis Samuel with 11 targets, dropped a dime to Terry McLaurin for a long TD and found first-round rookie Jahan Dotson for two scores. Antonio Gibson was also readily open for Wentz out of the backfield. For all his warts, Wentz can easily earn the favor of fantasy managers by simply dispersing the ball to his talented receivers. His next two opponents both gave up 35-plus points (to each other) in Week 1 and are defenses to attack if you’re streaming QBs.

Marcus Mariota (ATL): 9% rostered

Next Opponents: @LAR, @SEA, CLE
True value: $4
Desperate need: $7
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: It was the former Oregon Duck who produced the second-most QB rushing yards in Week 1, behind Jalen Hurts. A mere 40 yards rushing is equivalent to an extra passing TD in fantasy football, but Mariota had 72 vs. the tough Saints defense on Sunday. He was not impressive at all in the passing game, with a mere 215 yards through the air. He will certainly be expected to do better than only complete two of seven passes to his best receiver, Kyle Pitts, going forward. Rookie Drake London looked every bit as good as his first-round draft capital. It might not be wise to stream Mariota against the Rams in Week 2, but 19.8 fantasy points against a strong New Orleans team with only one TD is nothing to sniff at.

Matt Ryan (IND): 43% rostered

Next opponents: @JAX, KC, TEN
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The game tape for the Colts will not be pretty after barely salvaging a tie with the lowly Houston Texans. Matt Ryan spent the first three quarters of the game scuffling to move the ball down the field. He still ended up with 352 passing yards and a single touchdown to his WR1, Michael Pittman. Ryan is merely a Week 2 streaming option vs. the Jaguars, who allowed an obscene amount of passing yards to Carson Wentz on Sunday. Even then, the Colts don’t figure to be in another negative game script. Ryan’s passing upside will be capped if the Colts bounce back and handle Jacksonville.

Stash Candidates: none

Analysis: The QB position in fantasy proves time and again that there is always someone to plug into the starting lineup right off the waiver wire. “Stream, don’t stash” is important advice for fantasy managers. Bench spots are as valuable, as they are scarce and should be reserved for RBs and WRs only. The best streaming options at QB will vary each week in a rotating group of anonymous players who offer no advantage over one another on a consistent basis.

Defenses

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Cleveland Browns: 20% rostered

Next opponents: NYJ, PIT, @ATL
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Browns treated former teammate Baker Mayfield harshly in Week 1, sacking him four times, intercepting him once, and forcing him into four fumbles (all of which Carolina managed to recover). The Cleveland D is capable of raising some hell, and the next three quarterbacks they face will likely be Joe Flacco, Mitch Trubisky and Marcus Mariota.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 30% rostered

Next opponents: NE, @CLE, NYJ
True value: $1
Desperate need: $3
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Pittsburgh defense sustained a major blow, with reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt sustaining a pec injury that figures to keep him out multiple weeks, if not multiple months. But the Steelers have some other defensive talent, too, and they have an easy stretch of schedule coming up over the next three weeks before they run into the Bills in Week 5. First up: a staggering Patriots offense that has former defensive guy Matt Patricia calling plays and QB Mac Jones dealing with a back issue.

Cincinnati Bengals: 45% rostered

Next opponents: @DAL, @NYJ, MIA
True value: $2
Desperate need: NA
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Bengals are about to face a Cowboys team that will be without starting QB Dak Prescott (hand). That means a start against Cooper Rush, which will probably lead to some turnovers and sacks. The Week 3 date with the Jets doesn’t look bad either.

Carolina Panthers: 5% rostered

Next opponents: @NYG, NO, ARI
True value: $1
Desperate need: NA
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Panthers are a viable grab-and-dump option this week thanks to a matchup with turnover-prone QB Daniel Jones and the Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles: 41% rostered

Next opponents: MIN, @WSH, JAX
True value: $1
Desperate need: NA
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Eagles might not be a great play against the Vikings this week. Philly’s D wasn’t especially sharp in giving up five Week 1 touchdowns to the Lions, after all. But this is still a pretty good defense on paper, and matchups against Washington and Jacksonville in Weeks 4-5 appear favorable.

Stash candidates: none

Kickers

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Brandon McManus (DEN): 48% rostered

Next opponents: HOU, SF, @LV
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: With an attractive home matchup against the Texans this week, McManus is a fine streaming option for Week 2.

Dustin Hopkins (LAC): 46% rostered

Next opponents: @KC, JAX, @HOU
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Chargers “only” put up 24 points in Week 1, but this team is going to score bigly all season (even if it’s going to be without Keenan Allen for a while). Hopkins missed a 49-yarder in Week 1, but he made 30-of-34 last year, including 28-of-29 from inside 50 yards.

Jake Elliott (PHI): 23% rostered

Next opponents: MIN, @WSH, JAX
True value: $1
Desperate need: NA
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Elliott booted five PATs and a field goal in the Eagles’ 38-35 win over the Lions on Sunday. The Eagles’ offense looked sharp in Week 1, and the schedule in the coming weeks is manageable.

Younghoe Koo (ATL): 28% rostered

Next opponents: @LAR, @SEA, CLE
True value: $1
Desperate need: NA
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Koo attempted five field goals in the Falcons’ 27-26 Week 1 loss to the Saints, hitting from 54, 50, 40 and 27 yards, and missing an improbable 63-yarder that could have won the game in the final seconds. Koo is one of the better kickers in the league; it’s just a matter of whether the Atlanta offense can give him enough scoring opportunities, So far, so good. This week’s road matchup against the Rams isn’t a good one, however.

Stash candidates: Will Lutz, Jason Sanders, Cade York

Will Lutz clanged a 44-yarder off the upright, but he’s normally reliable, and the Saints offense should give him opportunities. … Jason Sanders is a high-quality kicker, but Miami’s next two games are against the Ravens and Bills. … Browns rookie Cade York has our attention after his game-winning 58-yarder. The question is whether the Cleveland offense can give him enough scoring opportunities to make him a fantasy asset.

Fool’s gold

O.J. Howard: Scored two TDs despite seeing two targets, running only six routes and playing a 17% snap share.
Devin Duvernay: Scored two TDs on four targets and only played about half of Baltimore’s offensive snaps.
Isiah Pacheco: Nearly all of his 12-62-1 rushing came in garbage time of the Chiefs’ blowout of the Cardinals. He’s No. 3 on the depth chart.
Garrett Wilson: Played fewer than half of the Jets’ offensive snaps; only had a 13.6% target share, but Joe Flacco threw 59 (!) passes. (That said, Wilson is wildly talented and could earn a bigger role in the coming weeks.)

Drop recommendations

Droppable

Mike Davis played seven snaps and had two carries in Week 1, while Kenyan Drake played 33 snaps and led the Ravens with 11 carries. Davis doesn’t have a significant role now, and he certainly won’t when J.K. Dobbins returns in a few weeks. … Mike Gesicki‘s only target on Sunday resulted in a 1-yard catch. He ran a route on less than half of Miami’s passing plays, according to PFF. … Kenny Golladay has been trending the wrong way for a while now, and he drew only two targets in the Giants’ Week 1 upset of the Titans. … Mark Ingram played a minor role in Week 1, and the people who drafted him in anticipation of an Alvin Kamara suspension can discard the 32-year-old Ingram now that there’s no imminent suspension looming. … The Patriots’ offense seems to be in a bad state at the moment, and now Mac Jones has a back injury. Ditch him in single-QB leagues. … Ronald Jones is a fourth wheel in Kansas City. … DeVante Parker is unlikely to pop in the Patriots’ ball-control offense. … Cowboys rookie Jalen Tolbert was a healthy scratch in Week 1 even though Michael Gallup hasn’t returned to action yet.

Droppable with a chance of regret

Tyler Allgeier was a popular sleeper pick all summer, but he was inactive in Week 1. It’s not worth waiting around for a player who has work to do just to join an RB committee in a below-average offense. … Alec Pierce is an interesting asset in dynasty leagues. His redraft appeal plummeted after a zero-catch, two-target debut for the Colts. … A preseason ankle injury kept Isaiah Spiller from gaining momentum in the Chargers’ backfield, and now that he was a healthy scratch in Week 1, you can dump him.

Don’t drop yet

The Rams’ minimal opening-night usage of Cam Akers was shocking, but it’s too early to give up on the talented second-year RB. … Rookie James Cook fumbled away the ball on his first NFL carry, and he’s still waiting for his second carry. Hold him for now, but you might have to part ways if he can’t quickly get back on Bills HC Sean McDermott’s good side. … Kadarius Toney apparently hasn’t gotten on Giants HC Brian Daboll’s good side yet. Toney played behind Richie James on Sunday. Toney’s athletic gifts warrant patience, but only so much. … Packers rookie Christian Watson dropped what should have been a 75-yard TD catch on the Packers’ first play from scrimmage, and he wound up with 2-34-0 on four targets. He’ll have better days.

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