Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 2.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mayfield is coming off the best season of his career, and his four-touchdown performance against the Commanders proves that was no fluke. Baker finished last season as QB12 but was rarely drafted in fantasy leagues this summer. Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud was QB16 and some drafted him as a top-five fantasy QB. Don’t get crazy and give up on Joe Burrow or Dak Prescott after one game, but would I rather have Mayfield over Deshaun Watson or Justin Herbert? Absolutely.
Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Bigsby was a poplar pick in late rounds last year, but many had him off the fantasy radar this summer. Travis Etienne and Bigsby both finished with 12 carries against the Dolphins, but Bigsby was far more effective with 73 yards. Etienne is still the lead back and this could be a case of easing him into a heavy workload, but Bigsby is one of the top handcuffs in fantasy.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos: The popular sleeper pick this offseason led the Broncos in touches, 14-9, over Javonte Williams. Neither did much with the ball in their hands, but this is a shared backfield with McLaughlin leading the charge. Denver’s offense is going to be one of the league’s worst, but McLaughlin’s pass-catching prowess makes him the back to target in this offense.
Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry was the prized acquisition this summer, but similar to last season in Tennessee, the shifter, pass-catching back that spells Henry also has value. Tyjae Spears got a lot of work in relief of Henry last year, and Hill looks to be that guy in Baltimore. Hill played 43 snaps against the Chiefs, while Henry was on the field for 37 in a tight game. Hill is a sneaky add in deeper leagues.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants: It’s hard to ignore 12 targets, even if Daniel Jones is the quarterback. Malik Nabers was drafted highly, but someone else must step up for the Giants. Robinson looks to be that guy after garnering 12 targets in Week 1. Robinson won’t win you many weeks, but he’s a serviceable WR4 if you are already banged up at receiver.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys entered the season with limited options in their passing game, and now Jake Ferguson is set to miss extended time with a knee injury. Cooks turned seven targets, second most on the team, into four receptions for 40 yards and the lone passing touchdown. Cooks has been underrated throughout his career, and the Cowboys figure to throw it a lot this season.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams: Puka Nacua exited Sunday night’s loss to the Lions early, and Robinson figures to step into Nacua’s role in the meantime. Robinson was phenomenal last season when called upon to start, finishing as WR12 in Weeks 13-17. Matthew Stafford has consistently shown he can support to receivers in fantasy football.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens: It was a really rough week for tight ends in general, but Likely led the position in every statistical category by a long shot. In the past, Likely had failed to produce when he and Mark Andrews were both available. Not this time. The talent was on full display in Kansas City, but I’m hesitant to make a second tight end a priority pickup. Likely is going to be a popular pickup this week, especially in Baltimore-based leagues, but he is still not a top-15 tight end for me.
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