Fantasy Football Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickup Advice
Is your fantasy team in need of new blood? Each week I’ll bring to you the best pickups to make ahead of the waiver deadline. All the players I list will be rostered in fewer than 50 percent of leagues, with the roster percentages coming from Yahoo.com.
Quarterbacks
Sam Howell, Commanders (22% Rostered): Howell isn’t an ideal Week 1 starting QB, but there are those who enjoy the pressure of streaming the right guy week after week. If that’s your bag, Howell is very widely available, has shined in the preseason, and has one of the better possible matchups in the tanking Cardinals.
Running Backs
De’Von Achane, Dolphins (49% Rostered): Achane’s stock went up when the news dropped that Jeff Wilson Jr. would begin the season on IR. Achane is as small a RB as you’ll really see in the NFL, and the likelihood of him ever being a three-down back is close to zero, let alone as a rookie. But he’s pretty much actual lightning on the field, and he’s in an offense that is specifically designed for talents like him. The biggest question mark about Achane was usage in this crowded backfield, but Myles Gaskin was cut, and Wilson’s gone, clarifying the situation. Raheem Mostert will start and handle most carries, but the door is open for low double-digit touches weekly for Achane, who can do a whole lot with that. I’d like to see the usage for a week before starting him, but if he pops a long TD on Sunday the price will be through the roof on waivers next Tuesday.
Deon Jackson, Colts (33% Rostered): Jackson is rather uninspiring, but we saw him produce in Jonathan Taylor’s absence last season and Taylor is a lock to miss the first four weeks at minimum. Evan Hull has buzz, but we have seen Jackson shoulder the load before, and he may come in handy in a pinch.
Jaylen Warren, Steelers (49% Rostered): While I do not buy the hype of Warren unseating Najee Harris in Pittsburgh, it’d be foolish to ignore just how efficient he was as a rookie. Warren averaged 4.9 yards per carry, but also caught 28 passes for 214 yards, graded as PFF’s No. 26 RB last year, one spot ahead of Harris, and tied Austin Ekeler for PFF’s third-best receiving grade at the position. Harris perfectly fits the mold of a Steelers bell cow, but Warren can absolutely carve out a standalone role for himself, and be a big deal if Harris gets hurt. I’m not one to draft handcuffs, but when they have standalone value, then it’s time to pay attention.
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers (2% Rostered): Tucker is someone I’ve highlighted a lot this offseason, but nobody’s listening. The mediocrity of Rachaad White is evident, and the other names in the Tampa Bay RB room – Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn – are not real possibilities to contribute meaningfully. Tucker put up big numbers at Syracuse, and has a three-down skill set. He’s my current favorite stash.
Wide Receivers
Jonathan Mingo, Panthers (17% Rostered): Mingo is another player I’ve been high on this offseason, and I believe he’s primed for a pretty stable role in this offense. As a big slot receiver who can punish defenders and chew up yards after the catch, he’ll be a good friend to fellow rookie Bryce Young in Year 1 of his career. If Adam Thielen is actually over the hill, and D.J. Chark is doing cardio on the outside with no separation, Mingo might be the only guy Young even trusts. There’s so much upside for basically no cost.
Van Jefferson, Rams (19% Rostered): Jefferson is in line to be Matthew Stafford’s top target in Week 1 now that Cooper Kupp has reinjured his hamstring. Is anyone thrilled about getting the top guy in a middling offense? Not really, as evidenced by Adam Thielen’s ADP, but there’s value to being the No. 1 in any offense. Jefferson’s game is nothing like Kupp’s, and he’s not filling some kind of “Kupp role,” because only Kupp can do what he does. But Jefferson has shown the ability to produce for the Rams, having an 802-yard, six-touchdown campaign on his resume, and Stafford is a legit QB. He’s worth picking up if there’s space on your team as simple depth.
Darnell Mooney, Bears (41% Rostered): Mooney struggled last year as the Bears’ WR1, because while he ascended to that two years ago when Allen Robinson flopped, he’s not actually built for that. Mooney’s returning to No. 2 status with D.J. Moore in town, and that will put him in more favorable situations. His downfield ability is impressive, and pairs well with Justin Fields’ rocket arm. If Fields can make a leap as a passer, Mooney will be picked up in tons of leagues. Get him now, while free.
Isaiah Hodgins, Giants (8% Rostered): Hodgins isn’t receiving any respect for his impressive play after joining the G-Men last year, probably because he’s not an explosive player or particularly efficient. But he scored four touchdowns in eight games for Big Blue last year and became their clear No. 1 receiver. This offseason the Giants brought in Parris Campbell, and added him to Wan’Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, and rookie Jalin Hyatt. That’s a whole lot of nothing, and while TE Darren Waller is going to automatically be the go-to in the red zone, opposing defenses know that too. Hodgins is a value here.
Tight Ends
Taysom Hill, Saints (18% Rostered): Hill’s appeal has been detailed by me already, and I’ll readily admit the steep downside he carries. But other TEs that are not the top players carry the same bust risk each week, with nothing close to the upside Hill brings. There’s an illusion of safety to some TEs that are more widely drafted, but if you’re committed to just taking a dart throw, why not a guy who can get you a 30-burger?