Week 1 of the NFL regular season was weird, messy, confusing … and mostly fun.

In other words, it was a representative sample of what we’ll be experiencing for the next 17 weeks.

The first week of the new season bombarded fantasy football managers with unexpected results. The question is: What should we make of them?

The interpretation of (and the reaction to) small sample sizes is what separates the sharp fantasy football managers from the less astute ones.

Take the Baltimore Ravens’ tight ends, for example. Mark Andrews has an established track record of productivity. When Andrews has missed games in recent years, Isaiah Likely has fared well as a replacement, but Likely usually only pops when Andrews is out. So, what should we make of a Ravens season opener in which Andrews failed to produce and Likely went berserk?

We have thoughts on that.

Welcome to FantasyPros’ weekly fantasy football waiver wire article. When you need to make repairs to your fantasy football teams, we hope you’ll include this article in your toolbox.

Which players should you try to roster? How much should you bid on the players you’re trying to acquire? Which players should you drop? Who deserves a second chance? Which possible waiver wire additions are fool’s gold? We’ll answer all of those questions and more.

Not only will we make recommendations on how much of your Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) to spend on a waiver-wire player, we’ll make three recommendations on how much to spend: a “true value” bid, a “desperate need” bid for players you badly want to acquire, and a “budget-minded” bid for when you’re trying to acquire talent as inexpensively as possible.

After recommending possible waiver wire adds at every position, we’ll make suggestions about which players to drop and which players not to drop (at least not yet).

We’ll also give a grade to the waiver wire crop each week. Some weeks offer up a free-agent bonanza. Other weeks, the cupboards are relatively bare.

This doesn’t appear to be a banner week for waiver wire shopping, although there are a couple of very interesting options. Let’s take a look at what’s available.

• More Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Tools

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings

Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.

Weekly Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Grade: C+

Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues, Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.

RUNNING BACKS

Written by Bo McBrayer

J.K. Dobbins (LAC): 49% rostered

• Next Opponents: @CAR, @PIT, KC
• True value: $37
• Desperate Need: $58
• Budget-minded: $24

Analysis: Thirteen touches is a nice chunk of work for any NFL running back, especially in his first game back from an Achilles injury and two years removed from an ACL tear. Dobbins converted his 13 touches into 139 yards and found the end zone once in Week 1 for Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers. The two breakaway runs showed the wear on Dobbins’ lower body, but his trademark vision and contact balance were as stellar as ever. I’m not normally one to blow my FAAB right off the bat, but Dobbins looked incredible and plays for a team that will run the ball in heaping quantities with offensive coordinator Greg Roman calling the plays.

Jordan Mason (SF): 49% rostered

• Next Opponents: @MIN @LAR, NE
• True value: $26
• Desperate Need: $41
• Budget-minded: $16

Analysis: The 49ers love Mason. The hard-nosed runner is their special teams ace and now the heir apparent to Christian McCaffrey. CMC was a shocking Monday-night scratch with his “calf/Achilles” injury from August, and it’s not clear if CMC will be able to return for Week 2. McCaffrey doesn’t yield many snaps to his backups when healthy, but that could change in a hurry in light of the circumstances. Investors who grabbed McCaffrey at 1.01 will be highly motivated to procure Mason if they haven’t done so already, and other managers will surely be interested in a player who now finds himself as the lead back (for however long it lasts) in one of the NFL’s elite offenses — especially after Mason’s superb 147-yard rushing performance vs. the Jets on Monday night.

Zach Charbonnet (SEA): 47% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, MIA, @DET
• True value: $10
• Desperate Need: $17
• Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: Kenneth Walker was on quite a roll Sunday until leaving the game with a reported abdominal injury. Charbonnet had been listed as questionable in the lead-up to Week 1, but he was able to garner 10 touches and find the end zone on a beautiful vertical route against man coverage. It is uncertain whether Walker’s injury will cause him to miss any time, but this is enough of a crack to let the talented Charbonnet get an increased workload.

Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN): 38% rostered

• Next Opponents: PIT, @TB, @NYJ
• True value: $9
• Desperate Need: $15
• Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: The Denver offense looked terrible for most of the game against the Seahawks in Week 1. The running game was nonexistent, with Las Vegas refusing to respect rookie Bo Nix in the passing game. McLaughlin was bad too, but he led the Broncos backfield, out-touching Javonte Williams 15-9. McLaughlin only accumulated 28 yards and lost a fumble in the game. This split is encouraging for McLaughlin in the future, but this waiver claim should carry low expectations for next few weeks. The Broncos’ upcoming schedule is brutal. But McLaughlin has undeniable big-play ability, leaving some glimmer of hope that Denver can continue to lean on him while Nix goes through his growing pains.

Jaylen Wright (MIA): 21% rostered

• Next Opponents: BUF, @SEA, TEN
• True value: $9
• Desperate Need: $15
• Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: The Miami RB situation is hard to get a read on this week. De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert were both banged up on Sunday, and it’s hard to discern their status for Week 2 with the Dolphins having a quick turnaround for a Thursday-night game against the Bills. If one or both of Achane and Mostert are out, Wright and Jeff Wilson will have to take up some of the slack. In Week 1, Wilson played and had meaningful touches for the Dolphins in a close game, and Wright was a healthy scratch. So why does Wright rank higher on our waiver wish list? Because the explosive University of Tennessee product is a high-ceiling prospect with 4.38 speed and freaky athleticism. Wilson is more of a known commodity — competent but unspectacular. It’s entirely possible Wilson out-snaps and out-touches Wright this week. But Wright has dreamy upside, whereas Wilson is more of a duct-tape type of solution. It’s possible Wilson is the savvier waiver add. But Wright is the roll of the dice that could lead to Yahtzee.

Ty Chandler (MIN): 33% rostered

• Next Opponents: SF, HOU, @GB
• True value: $8
• Desperate Need: $14
• Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: I think Ty Chandler will end up usurping Aaron Jones this season, whether through injury (I hope not) or by performance. Jones looked strong in Week 1, but there was definitely a defined role carved out for Chandler. The former North Carolina Tarheel was stifled in the running game, with only 17 yards on eight attempts, but turned his three receptions into 25 yards. Chandler has more thumping power than the veteran Jones and is an underrated threat to break off explosive plays. He’s a priority add in leagues where I don’t already have him rostered.

Jeff Wilson (MIA): 0% rostered

• Next Opponents: BUF, @SEA, TEN
• True value: $6
• Desperate Need: $9
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: As noted above in the Jaylen Wright analysis, Wilson is currently No. 3 on Miami’s RB depth chart, while Wright is No. 4. Wilson is a dependable veteran, and it’s possible he could shoulder a heavy workload Thursday night against the Bills if De’Von Achane and/or Raheem Mostert are sidelined by injuries. Just realize that Wright, a fourth-round pick from the University of Tennessee, is a high-upside RB prospect with the sort of speed that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel loves, and it’s possible Wright could zip past Wright on the depth chart in short order.

Justice Hill (BAL): 4% rostered

• Next Opponents: LV, @DAL, BUF
• True value: $6
• Desperate Need: $9
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: We are back, jiggling for Justice. Derrick Henry was unfathomably only given eight more carries after getting five on Baltimore’s opening touchdown drive. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken abandoned the run against Kansas City … again. Baltimore’s Week 1 loss included quite a bit more passing-down work than expected from Hill, who caught six passes on eight targets for 52 yards. He only had one rushing attempt in the game. It could be deduced that John Harbaugh will have some words for Monken in team meetings about offensive identity. Hill is an explosive playmaker when healthy, so he’s not a bad guy to pick up.

Alexander Mattison (LV): 4% rostered

• Next Opponents: @BAL, CAR, CLE
• True value: $3
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: It was surprising to see Mattison outperform presumed Raiders starter and bell cow Zamir White on Sunday. White lost a fumble early on, and Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce let Mattison loose with five carries and four receptions. On one of those catches, Mattison broke two Charger arm tackles and cruised in for a 31-yard score. Mattison is among the least exciting players in the league, not really excelling at any discipline, but he has a role, and you can roster him for a lot less FAAB than the other RBs who rise from free agency this week.

Emanuel Wilson (GB): 2% rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, @TEN, MIN
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Reports out of training camp indicated that the Packers would not have rookie MarShawn Lloyd until Week 3, so I was not surprised at all to see Lloyd inactive last Friday. Wilson looked pretty decent in Lloyd’s stead behind starter Josh Jacobs, earning six touches, including two receptions, and producing 48 yards. This earned praise from Packers head coach Matt LaFleur in his postgame interview. While I do think Lloyd will assume the RB2 role in Green Bay once he is healthy, you can plug in Wilson as a one-week rental against a Colts defense that was gashed by Joe Mixon and the Texans in Week 1.

Tank Bigsby (JAC): 5% rostered

• Next Opponents: CLE, @BUF, @HOU
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: We’re not all that bullish on Bigsby despite his surprisingly productive Week 1. Bigsby played only 17 snaps but got carries on 12 of them. It’s pretty rare for any running back to get carries on 71% of his snaps. Bigsby certainly has handcuff value, but it seems unlikely that he’ll steal a significant amount of work from the more talented Travis Etienne — although it’s probably fair to say that Etienne can’t afford too many more fumbles near the end zone after his costly turnover helped spark Miami’s come-from-behind win over Jacksonville in Week 1.

Stash Candidates:

• Bucky Irving (TB)
• MarShawn Lloyd (GB)
• Ray Davis (BUF)

As many expected, Bucky Irving is a more reliable running-game option than Rachaad White. Irving led the Buccaneers in rushing with 62 rushing yards on nine attempts, but he only caught two passes. White is the clear starter, but Irving can continue to chip away at the snap share with performances like this one.

MarShawn Lloyd was inactive in Week 1, but the rookie from USC was not placed on IR before the season. That indicates Green Bay expects him to be ready by Week 4. Once active, he provides a really nice lightning to Josh Jacobs‘ thunder. I’m stashing him in my leagues with deeper benches.

Buffalo did not give Ray Davis many touches in his NFL debut. With only three rushing attempts and one reception, Davis still looked very strong with 27 yards. James Cook is much more involved as a receiver and was clearly overmatched between the tackles. The Bills will see Davis’ work on film and be forced to give him more touches, making him a nice stash.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Written by Derek Brown

Brandin Cooks (DAL): 32% rostered

• Next Opponents: NO, BAL, @NYG
• True value: $5
• Desperate Need: $7
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Cooks walks away from a tough Week 1 with a respectable 40 receiving yards and a score. He managed 1.33 yards per route run with a 21.8% target share (per PFF). Not too shabby considering that he faced one of the best outside corner duos in the NFL. Cooks is the clear No. 2 in this passing offense, and that distinction will be even more clear with Jake Ferguson now dealing with a knee injury. Cooks’ Week 1 performance inspires a tad more confidence if you’re in need of a flex play over the next three weeks, as Cooks is staring down three more tough matchups. Last year, the Saints, Ravens and Giants were all among the 10 stingiest secondaries in PPR points per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers.

Demarcus Robinson (LAR): 6% rostered

• Next Opponents: @ARI, SF, CHI
• True value: $5
• Desperate Need: $7
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: With Puka Nacua on the IR, Robinson could see an elevated role. Robinson was fantastic down the stretch last year. In Weeks 13-18, he went on a tear, ranking 36th in yards per route run, 28th in first downs per route run, and 26th in fantasy points per route run among 109 qualifying receivers (per Fantasy Points Data). Robinson could easily be the WR2 in the Rams’ offense. Stafford is a kingmaker, and Robinson could be a king in fantasy while Nacua is on the shelf.

Andrei Iosivas (CIN): 13% rostered

• Next Opponents: @KC, WAS, @CAR
• True value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Iosivas stepped into the starting lineup alongside Ja’Marr Chase in Week 1 with Tee Higgins out. While Iosivas commanded a strong 20.6% target share, he struggled with only 26 receiving yards (0.74 yards per route run). Cincinnati’s Week 1 opponent, New England, might not have a strong roster overall, but their secondary is stout. Better days are ahead for Iosivas and the Bengals’ offense. The Chiefs are also a brutal matchup next week, so I can understand benching him, but after that, Iosivas gets Washington and Carolina. Those are two pass defenses that it looks like we’ll be picking on this season.

Greg Dortch (ARI): 5% rostered

• Next Opponents: LAR, DET, WAS
• True value: $3
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Dortch played only 60% of the snaps in Week 1, but that didn’t stop him from ranking second on the team in targets (25.8% target share) and leading the way in receiving yards (47). Dortch’s 1.80 yards per route run was impressive. I don’t foresee him out producing Marvin Harrison Jr. on a weekly basis, but that doesn’t mean Dortch can’t be a strong flex play, especially in PPR leagues. After his matchup with the Rams, Dortch gets the Lions and Commanders, who allowed the sixth-most and THE most PPR points per target to slot receivers last year (per Fantasy Points Data).

Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG): 10% rostered

• Next Opponents: @WAS, @CLE, DAL
• True value: $3
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Robinson might not be a sexy add, but as we always say, “Volume is king in fantasy.” Robinson got the volume in Week 1 with a monstrous 28.5% target share (12 targets). He managed this while only playing 67% of the Giants’ offensive snaps. When Robinson was on the field, Daniel Jones was looking for him immediately. Robinson offers immediate flex appeal in PPR leagues next week against a Swiss cheese secondary in Washington that allowed the most PPR points per target last year (per Fantasy Points Data).

Tyler Johnson (LAR): 0% rostered

Next Opponents: @ARI, SF, CHI
True value: $3
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: In Week 1, Johnson assumed a starting role in the Rams offense, with Puka Nacua going down. Johnson had a 64% route per dropback rate, a 14.6% target share, a 13% air-yard share, 2.47 yards per route run, and an 11.1% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). Johnson should be the Rams WR3 while Nacua is out, which we have seen time and time again is a valuable role in fantasy with Matthew Stafford under center.

Alec Pierce (IND): 2% rostered

• Next Opponents: @GB, CHI, PIT
• True value: $3
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Pierce erupted in Week 1 with 125 receiving yards and a score on three targets. Will he reproduce such numbers for the rest of the season? Likely no, but after an offseason full of strong camp reports, this is notable. In Week 1, Pierce was the only other full-time receiver in the Colts’ offense outside of Michael Pittman. You might be wondering why I included Pierce here and not A.D. Mitchell, but Mitchell wasn’t a full-time player in Week 1, as he split slot duties. Once Josh Downs returns, I worry that Mitchell heads to the bench. Pierce could stack some more standout weeks over his next three games against the Packers’ and Steelers’ secondaries. These two pass defenses allowed the sixth-highest and the fourth-highest completion rates on deep passes last year (per Fantasy Points Data).

Jakobi Meyers (LVR): 48% rostered

• Next Opponents: @BAL, CAR, CLE
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Meyers’ Week 1 stat line wasn’t pretty, as he finished with 61 scoreless receiving yards while drawing only a 9% target share. Meyers remains the Raiders’ only other full-time receiver besides Davante Adams (although he was out-targeted by rookie TE Brock Bowers). I have faith in Meyers’ talent, as he still produced 1.74 yards per route run (per PFF) in Week 1. Meyers was the WR24 in fantasy points per game last year while ranking 29th in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). I don’t want to dismiss that type of production after just one week of football. He should have some flex-worthy weeks upcoming.

Josh Reynolds (DEN): 1% rostered

• Next Opponents: PIT, @TB, @NYJ
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Denver offense looks like a possible dumpster fire this season, but volume is volume, and Reynolds earned it in Week 1. Reynolds is probably only a deep league add, but he’s still viable. In Week 1, he commanded a 19% target share while leading the team in receiving yards. His upcoming matchups are brutal, but again, target volume is critical in deeper formats.

Stash Candidates

• Mike Williams (NYJ)

Williams is just a stash at this point if you have the bench space. At the time of this writing, the Jets’ Monday-night opener against the 49ers had not yet taken place. Williams has a clear path to WR2 status in this offense once he’s a full-time player. The problem is, we don’t know when that will be, as the team has stated he will be on a snap count to open the season. If Aaron Rodgers can still be anything close to his former glory, Williams could develop into a stretch-run WR3 for your lineups.

QUARTERBACKS

Written by Bo McBrayer

Baker Mayfield (TB): 34% rostered

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

Analysis: Baker Mayfield was a highly successful DFS target in Week 1, turning a primo matchup with the horrendous Commanders secondary into four touchdown passes and nearly 30 fantasy points. Mayfield also scrambled for 21 yards on three attempts — a wrinkle we haven’t seen from him in a long time. The Bucs don’t have an imposing schedule in terms of pass defenses, so Mayfield is a priority add in leagues where I am streaming QBs based on matchups.

Justin Fields (PIT): 14% rostered

• Next Opponents: @DEN, LAC, @IND
• True value: $4
• Desperate Need: $7
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: It’s only FAAB, right? We don’t know if Russell Wilson will be good to go in Week 2 with his calf injury. If he is and you’re holding Fields … well, Fields still isn’t a bad stash in deeper leagues. Wilson has been a shell of his former self in recent years, while Fields can pay off in fantasy through his rushing ability alone. Fields did not commit any turnovers in the 18-10 win over Atlanta, though the Steelers didn’t score any touchdowns. I personally think Fields should be the starter, but we’ll have to see what Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith will do with the hand they’ve been dealt.

Derek Carr (NO): 10% rostered

• Next Opponents: @DAL, PHI, @ATL
• True value: $3
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The first touchdown of the 2024 NFL season was a teardrop into the bucket from Derek Carr to Rashid Shaheed on a post route from the slot. Shaheed came in motion, and the free safety failed to rotate over and protect Carolina from the deep shot. From there, it was utter destruction in a 47-10 rout. Carr cashed in with three touchdowns on the day and was very efficient, completing 19-of-23 passes for 200 yards. I’m not sure I love the idea of streaming him against Dallas this week, but Philly and Atlanta can be exploited in Weeks 3-4.

Geno Smith (SEA): 32% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, MIA, @DET
• True value: $3
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Seattle got off to a terrible offensive start in Week 1. The Seahawks’ first two plays resulted in a sack and an interception. Both saw Geno Smith under immediate duress. Smith and the Seahawks’ offense settled in from there in a 26-20 win over Denver. Smith also broke off a career-high 34-yard touchdown run, juking out the pursuit and lunging across the goal line in a spectacle of athleticism not seen since his West Virginia days. He also found Zach Charbonnet on a go ball behind the defense for a 30-yard score. Geno is one of my favorite streaming QB options this early season. He still hasn’t gotten on the same page with his trio of excellent receivers, but it will happen.

Sam Darnold (MIN): 10% rostered

• Next Opponents: SF, HOU, @GB
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $5
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Color the world shocked. Sam Darnold had a really decent day for the Vikings on Sunday. He started 10-for-10 and found Justin Jefferson for a touchdown on 4th-and-goal. His touchdown pass to Jalen Nailor was a beauty. This still only resulted in 14 fantasy points against the putrid New York Giants, thanks to a pedestrian 208 yards and one late interception that reminded us it was still Darnold and not an impostor. The next two weeks are brutal on paper, so maybe a halfhearted desperation bid is in order.

Stash Candidates:

• Jameis Winston (CLE)

I never do this. Stashing QBs is usually frivolous and flies in the face of effective fantasy football game theory. This is, of course, unless a starting QB is playing so poorly that his backup is keeping his throwing arm warm at all times. Jameis Winston has won me and many others fantasy championships. Deshaun Watson has too, but not since he arrived in Cleveland on a wave of dollar bills. Watson was abysmal against Dallas, drawing loud boos from the Browns fans throughout the game. If he continues his poor play with an easy upcoming schedule, we could very well get our wish and see Winston eating Ws for our fantasy teams.

TIGHT ENDS

Written by Derek Brown

Isaiah Likely (BAL): 28% rostered

• Next Opponents: LV, @DAL, BUF
• True value: $14
• Desperate Need: $22
• Budget-minded: $8

Analysis: Likely went wild in Week 1 with a 29.3% target share, a 38.2% air-yard share, and 3.58 yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). His 26.1 fantasy points will likely be a season high, but we can’t dismiss Likely’s usage. I do think this could be fool’s gold, as Likely still only had 60.8% route participation. The Baltimore offense will still have limited passing volume, and I doubt Mark Andrews continues to draw a 4.9% target share weekly. I agree with strong bids for Likely’s services for your team, but I won’t be emptying the clip or bidding with reckless abandon. If Likely’s production and Andrews’ production flip in Week 2, you’ll feel foolish for spending 35% of your FAAB on Likely.

Tucker Kraft (GB): 2% rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, @TEN, MIN
• True value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Well, well, well. Kraft was the starting tight end for the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, not Luke Musgrave. Kraft entered the week injured, so my expectations were low. I certainly wasn’t expecting him to be the lead guy out of the gate. Kraft had only 56% route participation, but I expect this to climb as he gets healthier. He only commanded an 8.6% target share, but he produced 1.76 yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). When he started last year while Musgrave was recovering from a lacerated kidney, Kraft was the TE12 in fantasy while ranking 12th in receiving yards per game and first downs per route run. Stashing him is a bet on talent. Kraft also has a wonderful matchup next week against Indy, which allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game and the seventh-most receptions to tight ends last year – although the Packers are likely to be starting Malik Willis at quarterback rather than Jordan Love.

Colby Parkinson (LAR): 6% rostered

• Next Opponents: @ARI, SF, @CHI
• True value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Parkinson entered the streaming tight end conversation this week after playing 88% of the offensive snaps in Week 1. While he only drew a 10.2% target share in the Rams’ overtime loss to the Lions, Parkinson could see an elevated role with Puka Nacua hurt. Parkinson also gets a wonderful matchup this week against an Arizona pass defense that allowed the fourth-most yards per reception and the second-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends last year.

Tyler Conklin (NYJ): 20% rostered

• Next Opponents: @TEN, NE, DEN
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Last year, Conklin was the TE21 in fantasy points per game while ranking 18th in target share, 16th in receiving yards per game and 21st in yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). He could operate as the team’s WR3 until Mike Williams is up to speed. His upcoming matchups aren’t great, but Conklin is a serviceable volume option if you’re in a pinch with TE injuries.

Noah Fant (SEA): 32% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, MIA, @DET
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Fant is a matchup-based streaming option with some plus matchups ahead. Fant didn’t blow up in Week 1, so I get it if you’re scratching your head, wondering, “Why is his name here?” I know he only had a 16% target share and 11 receiving yards in Week 1. The matchup angle plays large here. After tangling with the Patriots in Week 2, Fant faces the Dolphins and Lions, who allowed the seventh-most and 11th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends last year, respectively.

Stash Candidates: none

DEFENSES

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Los Angeles Chargers (11% rostered)

• Next Opponents: @CAR, @PIT, KC
• True value: $2
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: We mentioned the Charger D’s dreamy early-season schedule in last week’s waiver article. So far, so good. The Chargers held the Raiders to 10 points and forced three turnovers in Week 1. Now they get a Week 2 date with the Panthers, who mustered only 193 yards of offense in a 47-10 loss to the Saints last week while committing three turnovers and yielding four sacks. The matchup makes the Chargers a top-five defense for this week. Their Week 3 matchup against the Steelers has some appeal, too.

Seattle Seahawks (43% rostered)

• Next Opponents: @NE, MIA, @DET
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Seahawks’ defense held the Broncos to 231 yards last week and a meager 3.3 yards per play. Seattle also forced three turnovers and recorded a pair of sacks. Now, the Seahawks get an appealing road matchup against the Patriots. New England committed no turnovers last week in a 16-10 upset of Cincinnati, but the Patriots averaged only 4.5 yards per play, and their passing game doesn’t scare anyone.

Indianapolis Colts (8% rostered)

• Next Opponents: @GB, CHI, PIT
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The appeal here is a Week 2 matchup against a Green Bay offense that’s going to be without QB Jordan Love, who sprained his MCL in Week 1. The Packers’ backup quarterback is Malik Willis, a former third-round pick of the Titans. In 12 appearances since entering the league in 2022, Willis has completed 35-of-67 passes (52.2%) for 350 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also been sacked 15 times. The Packers figure to be run-heavy this week to try to hide Willis as much as possible, but the Colts should still be able to cash in when Willis is forced to throw.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4% rostered)

• Next Opponents: CLE, @BUF, @HOU
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Jaguars allowed Tua Tagovailoa to throw for 338 yards in Week 1, but Jacksonville held Miami to 81 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry. The Jags get a Week matchup against the Browns, whose offense was a mess against the Cowboys in Week 1. Browns QB Deshaun Watson threw two interceptions against Dallas and was sacked six times. The Browns were without both of their starting offensive tackles, Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin. Even if Wills and Conklin are back this week, they probably won’t be 100%. This looks like a nice spot for the Jacksonville D.

Detroit Lions (25% rostered)

• Next Opponents: TB, @ARI, SEA
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: After a solid Week 1 showing against the Rams, the Detroit defense gets a Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa’s offense looked crisp last week against the Commanders, but Washington’s defense is a pushover. Detroit’s defense, on the other hand, appears to be much improved, particularly against the pass.

Washington Commanders (1% rostered)

• Next Opponents: NYG, @CIN, @ARI
• True value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Commanders’ defense is among the worst in the league, but it is nevertheless a playable unit in fantasy this week thanks to a matchup against the Giants and turnover-prone QB Daniel Jones. In 60 career games, Jones has thrown 40 interceptions and coughed up 46 fumbles. He’s also absorbed 179 career sacks. If your league allows zero-dollar bids, you can almost certainly acquire the Commanders’ defense for free.

Stash Candidates: none

KICKERS

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Cameron Dicker (LAC): 49% rostered

• Next Opponents: @CAR, @PIT, KC
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Dicker was 3-of-3 on field goals in his first game of the season, hitting a 53-yarder in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 22-10 win over the Raiders, then adding chip shots from 24 and 25 yards out. He also converted his only extra-point try. Dicker now faces a Carolina squad that was trucked by the Saints 47-10 last week. The Chargers’ offense probably won’t be among the league’s best, but it should at least be competent, and Dicker’s matchup this week is undeniably appealing.

Cairo Santos (CHI): 25% rostered

• Next Opponents: @HOU, @IND, LAR
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: After finishing third in fantasy soring among kickers last year, Santos opened his 2024 season by going 3-of-3 on field goals in Chicago’s 24-17 win over Tennessee, hitting clutch kicks from 50 and 48 yards out in the fourth quarter. Santos has quietly become one of the NFL’s most dependable kickers. He could benefit if rookie QB Caleb Williams struggles to cash in when the Chicago offense reaches the red zone. Santos will be kicking indoors the next two weeks.

Chris Boswell (PIT): 5% rostered

• Next Opponents: @DEN, LAC, @IND
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Not a bad start to the season for Boswell, huh? Pittsburgh’s veteran kicker went 6-of-6 on field goals in Week 1, accounting for all of the Steelers’ points in their 18-10 road win over the Falcons. Pittsburgh has a stout defense but a limited offense, which might be a good formula for a FG-heavy season. Boswell’s upcoming schedule looks nice, with a visit to the thin air of Denver this week, followed by a home game against the Chargers and an indoor game against the Colts in Indianapolis.

Matt Prater (ARI): 7% rostered

• Next Opponents: LAR, DET, WSH
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Cardinals averaged only 19.4 points per game last year, struggling to put points on the board when Kyler Murry missed time early in the season. Scoring wasn’t a problem for the Cardinals in a 34-28 Week 1 loss to the Bills. Prater kicked two short field goals and two extra points. His next three games are at home, and matchups against the Rams, Lions and Commanders all have shootout potential.

Jason Myers (SEA): 12% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, MIA, @DET
• True value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Myers attempted a league-high 42 field goals last season. He hit 2-of-2 last week in the Seahawks’ opener, including a 50-yarder. A matchup against the undermanned Patriots this week seems attractive. Then, Meyers gets a home game against the Dolphins and an indoor road game against the Lions.

Stash Candidates: none

FOOL’S GOLD

• Allen Lazard (WR – NYJ)
• Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
• Jalen Nailor (WR – MIN)
• Devaughn Vele (WR – DEN)

An Allen Lazard renaissance? Lazard caught 6-of-9 targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns in an otherwise dismal Monday-night Jets loss to the 49ers. Lazard might be a favorite of Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, but a surprise two-touchdown game makes Lazard a potential fantasy trap. Mike Williams played only nine snaps in Week 1 as the Jets take a cautious approach with his return from last season’s ACL tear. The vastly superior Williams will eventually fly past Lazard in the pecking order for targets, and it’s not out of the question that Xavier Gipson ends up playing ahead of Lazard in three-receiver sets. Even with abysmal quarterbacking as an excuse, Lazard was flat-out bad last year, with a 46.9% catch rate and 6.3 yards per target. Let someone else light FAAB money on fire.

The most diehard Quentin Johnston enthusiasts might try to talk themselves into picking up the paddle-handed young receiver after Johnston outproduced Josh Palmer in Week 1, drawing five targets from among the 26 passes Justin Herbert threw. But Johnston finished with three catches for 38 yards in Week 1, and rookie Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in targets with seven. Johnston still has to prove that he’s worthy of your FAAB dollars.

Jalen Nailor had a 21-yard TD catch on Sunday and might draw some waiver interest now that Jordan Addison is dealing with an ankle injury. But Nailor played four fewer snaps and ran one fewer route than Vikings WR Brandon Powell on Sunday, according to PFF’s Nate Jahnke. The Vikings also mixed in Trent Sherfield at wide receiver, and of course Justin Jefferson figures to dominate targets for the Vikings.

Broncos rookie Devaughn Vele built upon an impressive training camp by recording eight catches in NFL debut. However, those eight targets produced only 39 yards. Vele is Denver’s No. 3 receiver behind Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. After watching Broncos QB Bo Nix complete 26-of-42 passes for 138 yards and zero touchdowns in his NFL debut, it’s hard to imagine a No. 3 receiver in Denver having sustainable fantasy value.

DROP RECOMMENDATIONS

Droppable:

• Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE)
• Luke Musgrave (TE – GB)
• Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)

Go ahead and drop Deshaun Watson in 1QB leagues. The former Texans star hasn’t been able to get his career back on track in Cleveland. He completed 24-of-45 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys on Sunday, with two interceptions and six sacks. In fairness, the Browns were without starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin, and Watson was under duress all day from a relentless Dallas pass rush. But Watson was also woefully inaccurate on a lot of his throws and has nowhere near the same field presence he had in his first few seasons in Houston. Even with a manageable stretch of schedule ahead for Watson, it’s hard to imagine feeling good about having him in your lineup.

Luke Musgrave is no longer the Packers’ top tight end. That honor belongs to Tucker Kraft, who outsnapped Musgrave 64-17 in Week 1 and ran 30 routes to Musgrave’s eight. Even if Musgrave had a meatier role, his short-term outlook would be bleak thanks to the Jordan Love injury.

In the Bears’ season opener, Cole Kmet played seven fewer snaps and ran nine fewer routes than fellow Bears TE Gerald Everett. Even if he weren’t sharing snaps with Everett, Kmet’s value would be diminished by the added firepower in the Bears’ WR corps, with veteran Keenan Alen and rookie Rome Odunze now among the pass catchers clamoring for those Caleb Williams targets.

Droppable with a chance of regret:

• Dontayvion Wicks (WR – GB)
• Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)

We knew going into the season that Dontayvion Wicks was likely to be the Packers’ No. 4 receiver, but a lot of people thought he was worth a flyer anyway, since Wicks is talented and the Green Bay passing game figured to be prolific. Jordan Love‘s sprained MCL changes that in the near term. It’s possible none of the Packers’ receivers will provide much fantasy value while Love is away — and it’s estimated that he’ll miss at least three weeks. Wicks won’t be on the fantasy radar until Love is back, and even then, Wicks might need an injury to one of the other Green Bay receivers to become a viable fantasy option.

Jaylen Wright generated a lot of interest during fantasy draft season, the thinking being that the rookie RB from the University of Tennessee could have serious upside in the event of an injury to De’Von Achane and/or Raheem Mostert. The Wright enthusiasts ignored the inconvenient fact that Wright never officially passed veteran Jeff Wilson on the Dolphins’ depth chart. That reality was underscored in Week 1, when Wilson got five carries and Wright was a healthy scratch. It might take a while for Wright to get a chance, so you might have to move on in order to address other holes in your roster.

Don’t drop yet:

• Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA)
• Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
• DeAndre Hopkins (WR – TEN)
• Adonai Mitchell (WR – IND)

Raheem Mostert‘s Week 1 usage was no doubt disappointing to his investors. He had 6-9-0 rushing and 2-10-0 receiving, and the Dolphins let De’Von Achane punch in a 1-yard TD run — normally Mostert’s domain. But Mostert did play 43% of the offensive snaps and was somewhat involved as a pass catcher and route runner. Don’t drop him out of spite.

With the Panthers falling hopelessly behind the Saints in Week 1, they had to abandon the running game, so starting RB Chuba Hubbard finished with a measly 6-14-0 rushing. He was also shut out in the passing game. But until rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is ready to come off the PUP list, Hubbard will continue to serve as Carolina’s lead RB. That might not be a valuable role in an offense as dismal as Carolina’s, but it should at least mean flex-worthiness.

Clearly limited by a knee injury that nagged him throughout August, DeAndre Hopkins played only 17 snaps and drew one target in Week 1. He’s still worth keeping on your bench in deeper and medium-sized leagues.

Rookie WR Adonai Mitchell could have had not one but two walk-in touchdowns for the Colts on Sunday, but he and QB Anthony Mitchell couldn’t quite make the connection on either throw. Mitchell played fewer snaps than Alec Pierce in Week 1, and Josh Downs‘ eventual return from an ankle injury will further complicate Mitchell’s outlook for playing time. But with his combination of size (6-2, 205) and speed (4.34), Mitchell could come on quickly. Try to hold him a little longer.