Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 2.
Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts: The story of Jones is well-documented, but he is off to a great start in Indy. The Dolphins’ defense did not show up on Sunday and Jones led the Colts to points on every drive. Many forget Jones was a top-10 fantasy QB in 2022 in large part because of his mobility, and that was on display this week. Jones is not a priority in traditional leagues, but he needs to be added in Superflex formats.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns: My sleeper pick this summer took the majority of the snaps at running back for Cleveland in Week 1. He finished with 20 touches, compared to just seven for Jerome Ford. He made an impact as a receiver, catching all eight of his targets for 64 yards. Sampson figures to handle the load again in Week 2, but Quinshon Judkins signed his rookie contract and was drafted to be the lead back. Both Browns players need to be rostered.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers gave Jaylen Warren a contract extension and used a third-round pick on Kaleb Johnson, so it came as a shock to many that Gainwell got as many touches as he did. Johnson played just two snaps, which is concerning to those who spent a mid-round pick on the rookie. Gainwell figures to be a factor early on and looks to be the handcuff to Warren for the time being.
Hollywood Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy left Friday night’s game against the Chargers and should miss multiple weeks. Brown stepped up with Worthy out and Rashee Rice suspended. Brown saw 16 targets in Week 1 and should remain the top target for Patrick Mahomes. An afterthought in most drafts, Brown needs to be rostered by all receiver-needy teams.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Johnston earned more criticism than praise this summer. He has a history of drops, but there is a reason the Chargers used a first-round pick on him. His size and speed were on display against the Chiefs on Friday, hauling in five of seven targets for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Johnston is a quality addition for the end of your roster, but ease your expectations after just one week.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns: The rookie earned a lot of hype in the draft process and led the Browns in targets in Week 1. It’s no secret Joe Flacco likes throwing to tight ends, and Fannin is a freak athlete at the position. It’s hard to envision the Browns supporting two tight ends, but we’ve talked about for years how little depth there is at that position. Stash Fannin on your bench and see if the usage continues.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins
DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers