Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 2.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins: He’s inexcusably available in some leagues after proving last season that he can put up elite numbers when healthy. He was the quarterback I kept targeting often late in drafts, so this is a slight pat on the back, but also an opportunity to pick up a potential top-five QB. What you saw against the Chargers is just a glimpse of what’s to come from the Dolphins this season. And while we are here, Tyreek Hill’s quest for 2,000 yards might be a real thing.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts: The most hyped rookie took one game for fantasy managers to reap the rewards of the mobile quarterback. He wasn’t spectacular as a passer, recording just 223 passing yards, but his contributions on the ground make him fantasy relevant. He’ll have games that will burn you but will have others where he is a fantasy monster. He’s the ultimate boom-or-bust quarterback, similar to what we saw from Justin Fields and Jalen Hurts in their initial playing time.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: One of the biggest question marks entering the season is how the Eagles would utilize their running backs. It’s pretty clear who the lead back is, as Gainwell dominated the snaps against the Patriots. Rashaad Penny was a healthy inactive and can be dropped in most leagues, while D’Andre Swift only got two touches. Gainwell is a must add behind the Eagles’ elite offensive line.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons: I thought Allgeier was extremely underrated in preseason rankings. He led the Falcons in carries against the Panthers, finding the end zone twice. Bijan Robinson still got his work, including a team-high six receptions, but Allgeier was still going to be a factor on the ground after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season. Allgeier is a solid FLEX play, and if this kind of usage continues, he could be an RB2.
Joshua Kelley, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Austin Ekeler is still the top running back, but Kelley becomes an elite handcuff after taking advantage of his opportunities against the Dolphins. He finished with just as many carries (16) as Ekeler for 91 yards and a touchdown in a shootout, which makes him even more appealing. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore used Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in Dallas, so it wouldn’t surprise me if both Chargers running backs get extensive playing time.
Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens: You’ve got to feel terrible for J.K. Dobbins. I was one of many who felt he was in line for a career year in the Ravens’ new offense. Moving forward, expect the Ravens to move to a committee, with Melvin Gordon likely coming off the practice squad to join the mix. Hill found the end zone twice in Week 1 and should be added, but it’s going to be hard to trust any of these guys in Week 2.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams: The rookie was a popular preseason sleeper by many and quickly made an impact with Cooper Kupp out of the lineup. Nacua saw a whopping 15 targets, finishing with 119 yards and 10 receptions in his debut. Matthew Stafford found his new No. 1 receiver while Kupp is on the mend.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens: It was clear the Ravens wanted to get the rookie involved early and often, as Flowers had 10 of the team’s 21 targets in addition to two carries. He’s going to be a weapon for offensive coordinator Todd Monken all season and is a priority add if he’s somehow available in your league. He’s going to be an instant star for Baltimore.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers: Doubs entered the game banged up with a hamstring injury but took full advantage of Christian Watson being out of the lineup. He was on the receiving end of two touchdowns, as the previously reported chemistry between Doubs and Jordan Love was on display. If Watson misses this week, Doubs is a FLEX option.
Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints: Shaheed was the lone Saint to find the end zone in Week 1 and similar to Flowers, it was evident the coaching staff wants the ball in Shaheed’s hands as often as possible. I’m not starting him just yet, but he’s a solid bench add for the time being.
Zach Ertz, TE, Arizona Cardinals: It’s incredible to see Ertz back on the field so quickly after a knee injury late last season. It was more impressive to see him lead the Cardinals in receptions and targets. He didn’t turn it into much — just 21 yards — but he instantly inserted himself into the discussion of one of the few, reliable fantasy tight ends. If you’re in need of help at tight end, he’s my top add at the position and will soar up the rankings.
Hayden Hurst, TE, Carolina Panthers: The former Ravens first-round pick led the Panthers in all receiving categories, scoring the team’s only touchdown. I don’t think that’s a fluke, either, as it’s no secret rookie quarterbacks tend to favor their tight ends. The Panthers don’t have much at receiver so there’s a possibility it could be a career year for Hurst.
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