With the injury to Aaron Rodgers, fantasy football managers are left with a void on their roster. Let’s check out the extent of the injury and players you can target on your waiver wire this week.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Injury Replacement Pickups

Injury Outlook

Aaron Rodgers out for season, torn Achilles confirmed

Aaron Rodgers is officially out for the 2023 season after an MRI confirmed he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1.

Fantasy Impact

This is obviously a devastating blow to the Jets and fantasy managers who roster the future Hall of Famer. Additionally, this downgrades all New York wide receivers, including Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Mecole Hardman Jr., though Wilson is still an elite talent capable of putting up WR1/WR2 numbers. Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook get a slight bump as the Jets will presumably run the ball more. Zach Wilson will take over for Rodgers, but he can be ignored in all formats except Superflex and 2-QB leagues.

Kelly Kirby

Waiver Wire Replacements to Target

Jordan Love (GB): 31% rostered

• Next Opponents: @ATL, NO, DET
• True value: $6
• Desperate Need: $9
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Love was solid on Sunday vs. the Bears despite operating without WR Christian Watson. He tossed three touchdown passes – two to Romeo Doubs and another to Aaron Jones. Chicago’s defense was abysmal, which covered up some of Love’s poor decision-making. Still, the upcoming schedule indicates that adding Love on waivers is a strong move.

Sam Howell (WAS): 22% rostered

• Next Opponents: @DEN, BUF, @PHI
• True value: $5
• Desperate Need: $8
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: The second-year pro from North Carolina matched his two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) with a pair of turnovers against the Cardinals in Week 1. Howell was a preseason breakout candidate of mine and certainly showed poise beyond his years (and draft capital). His upcoming schedule is brutal, but don’t overthink it. Howell has a safe floor with his underrated rushing ability.

Derek Carr (NO): 38% rostered

• Next Opponents: @CAR, @GB, TB
• True value: $5
• Desperate Need: $8
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Saints’ offense struggled to punch the ball into the end zone in Week 1 against the Titans. Carr passed for more than 300 yards but had only one touchdown. It was eerily reminiscent of his days with the Raiders. Without Alvin Kamara, I expect New Orleans to continue to air it out down the field. Carr still has a penchant for big plays and occasional monster games.

Bryce Young (CAR): 18% rostered

• Next Opponents: NO, @SEA, MIN
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $5
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: While it might not seem like a wise idea to add a rookie on waivers before he shines on the field, the reigning Heisman winner’s schedule is extremely favorable in the first half. Young’s weaponry was dinged up in Week 1. He still managed to look very poised in defeat against Atlanta. Young is simply too talented to ignore, and all signs point to a quick learning curve.

Trade Replacements to Target

Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE)

Deshaun Watson‘s rushing ability kept him valuable in fantasy, despite his struggles in passing. 5 for 45 rushing and 1 touchdown on the ground.

He missed some key throws, but his running capability allowed him to finish as a fantasy QB1.

CJ Stroud (QB – HOU)

C.J. Stroud can move, and he looked way better than the box score would suggest. Stood strong in the pocket, took several hits behind a patchwork OL and was not intimidated despite playing in a house of horrors. He also looked more mobile than he ever was at Ohio State. 4 scrambles for 20 yards.

Big things are coming for Stroud. 242 passing yards was a top-5 mark in Week 1.