Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early Week 2 Pickups to Add (2024)

Welcome back!

In this weekly piece, we’ll review candidates for waiver wire claims before your waivers open. In fact, we’ll go through them before all the games are even done!

We’re getting an early read on potential waiver claims to help you navigate the Tuesday waiver rush. Players below will have played on either Thursday, Friday, or Sunday’s early slate and are rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early Week 2 Pickups to Add

Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC)

Rostered: 4.6%

Bigsby and Travis Etienne split carries today. Bigsby ran for 73 yards on 12 carries, Etienne took 12 for 44 and a touchdown. Bigsby should be rostered in most formats, given that he’s a timeshare running back on what projects to be a solid offense.

Justice Hill (RB – BAL)

Rostered: 3.4%

If you’re reeling at the RB spot in a deep league, Hill might be of use to you. The Ravens’ offensive line looked beatable on Thursday night, resulting in quite a few solid check-down looks for Hill. If this trend continues, Hill should see at least a few receptions a game with open space around him. He doesn’t profile as a three-down back though, so don’t think there’s some massive ceiling attached to him.

Alec Pierce (WR – IND)

Rostered: 0.4%

Pierce served as a deep threat today and did so with abundant success, catching all three of his targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. I wouldn’t expect this from Pierce week in and week out. Josh Downs was out today, and if he returns next week, it likely means more competition for snaps at receiver. However, if you’re reeling at Flex in a deeper league, having a threat such as Pierce there could beat alternatives.

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)

Rostered: 6.9%

Robinson was targeted 12 times in today’s 18-point loss. He turned those targets into six catches for 44 yards and also took a carry for 14 yards. Given that we don’t expect the Giants to score much this season, the upside for Robinson is limited. However, with a 32% target share today, Robinson deserves to be on your list if you’re looking for Flex help.

Isaiah Likely (TE – BAL)

Rostered: 9.5%

Likely dominated in a starting role alongside Mark Andrews on Thursday. It appears as though he’s here to stay, so if you’re looking for some TE help, look no further than the 2022 fourth-round pick. Don’t chase past performances, however. Mark Andrews is still the top dog for now, and Likely will likely (sorry) have some dud games because Andrews will surely eat as well.

Justin Fields (QB – PIT)

Rostered: 11.0%

Fields completed 17 of 23 passes today without throwing an interception. More importantly, he ran the ball 14 times for 57 yards. He was far from a revelation, but he should be serviceable in some formats heading into a game against the Denver Broncos. If you’re in a Superflex for 2QB league, you could certainly give Fields a look.

Houston Texans Defense/Special Teams

Rostered: 15.2%

Los Angeles Chargers Defense/Special Teams

Rostered: 10.6%

If you’re in the envious position of only needing a defense going into Week 2, look no further. The Texans get the Bears, who didn’t score an offensive touchdown today. The Chargers get the Panthers, who scored 10 points and turned the ball over three times.

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