replacing a player of his talent and production… trust me, I wish I could tell you different. The lone bright spot is that it’s early in the year with more options than you would find before the playoffs. And hey, maybe, just maybe, Johnson can return for the Fantasy playoffs.
Speaking of, if anyone thinks they’re buying low and offers you value that helps your team for Johnson, just take it. You need to make the playoffs to enjoy Johnson’s value, and there is no guarantee that he returns without setback anyway. Don’t sell him for Eddie Lacy, but if you get help, take it.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups: QBs
Sam Bradford, MIN – I covered Bradford last week, and while few defenses are as favorable as the Saints are, there is potential for another good game against the Steelers this week… and several good games this season.
Tyrod Taylor, BUF – After looking uncomfortable in the Bills new-look offense this preseason, Taylor looked like the old Taylor in Week 1. Granted, it was the Jets, but the Panthers defense is good, not great, and the appeal has always been the rushing ability of Taylor. As usual, Taylor neared 40 rushing yards, which is a free passing touchdown and what he averaged the last two seasons.
Carson Wentz, PHI – Wentz doesn’t have the best matchup in Week 2, as the Eagles head to Kansas City… and the Chiefs just made Tom Brady look human. He’s a better pickup for the long term though, as Wentz flashed that early 2016 season swagger that had Fantasy Football players drooling. With Alshon Jeffery in the fold, Wentz can be a nice bye week option. Just be careful, as the Eagles schedule has plenty of land minds.
DON’T: DeShone Kizer, CLE and Deshaun Watson, HOU – If you put Kizer in at quarterback, you’re basically hoping he runs for a score. Kizer’s rookie season isn’t going to be pretty, and it will hurt Kenny Britt’s value, as we saw. Kizer is very slow in his decision-making, is inaccurate and makes poor throws. He’s a two-QB league option only. The same goes for Watson, who had one of the worst career first-game starts ever with 4.4 yards per attempt. Watson also struggles with decision-making and quick reads. There is concern for DeAndre Hopkins if Watson remains the starter.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups: RBs
Jacquizz Rodgers, TB – This is a reminder since the Buccaneers game was pushed back to Week 11. Again, it’s surprising that Rodgers’ ownership is under 60-percent. Doug Martin is still out for three games, and Rodgers was quite good last year as the top option. I’d scoop up Rodgers and start him over any of the following options.
FAB: 15-25%
Tarik Cohen, CHI – Let’s get one thing out of the way first. Cohen is not stealing Jordan Howard’s job. Stop panicking, Howard owners.
Cohen also doesn’t deserve 50 percent of your FAB. Cohen is Darren Sproles. That’s why he has standalone value, as Sproles was a RB3 in Non-PPR and RB2 in PPR last year. Sproles also happened to be RB31/24 in his one season with LeSean McCoy in Philly. That’s a good comparison for what this backfield can be and why you shouldn’t panic over Howard… but definitely grab Cohen. Understand that Cohen will have some down weeks as well though, and that’s why he’s not worth 50 percent or a No. 1 waiver spot (unless desperate).
FAB: 15-25%
Javorius Allen, BAL – As long as Danny Woodhead is sidelined, Allen will fill his role and have RB3 value. Allen has more potential in PPR leagues, but he’ll share the backfield with Terrance West in the same fashion as Woodhead did. While Allen will be subject to game scripts, he’s a must-add if you need running back help already. As with Cohen though, unless you’re desperate, I wouldn’t want to blow my top waiver spot on him or a significant FAB chunk.
FAB: 15-20%
Alvin Kamara, NO – Well, assumption confirmed. There was plenty of speculation that the Saints wanted Kamara to be the next Sproles, and it was clear on Monday night that he’s just that. It’s just one week, but Kamara is looking like the only trustworthy Saints running back… at least until Mark Ingram or Adrian Peterson gets hurt. Kamara led the team in rushing attempts and targets, and we know Sean Payton kinda hates Ingram. Kamara can bring RB3 value in Non-PPR and near the RB2 level in PPR, but understand that it will be an up-and-down ride.
FAB: 10-15%
Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington, ARI – You’re not going to get David Johnson production, even if you combined Williams, Ellington and D.J. Foster into one running back… heck, even toss in Chris Johnson if the Cardinals sign him. As of now, Williams is the top add and stronger in Non-PPR thanks to the expected red zone rushing use. Ellington will have PPR value and saw a decent amount of work last week even before Johnson left the game.
FAB: 5-10%
Chris Carson, SEA – There was a decent drop-off to the Cardinals running backs, and there is another one here. Someone will likely overpay for Carson based off Week 1, but you need to remember a few things. Thomas Rawls will be back in Week 2, Eddie Lacy looks like toast that’s been sitting in a lake but will still get touches and the Seahawks offensive line is atrocious. This is shaping up to be a committee behind one of the worst lines in football. Stash Carson, sure, but don’t overpay to do so.
FAB: 5%
Marlon Mack, IND – Mack equaled Frank Gore’s carries, and given Gore’s use and age, he’s at a risk to break down any given week… although, betting on that seems like lost money at this point. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a stash to snag after the more popular names, Mack is one to grab.
FAB: 2-3%
FOR THE FUTURE:
Samaje Perine, WSH – Rob Kelley was back to looking average, and while Perine didn’t touch the ball, the Redskins will start giving him opportunities if Kelley continues to induce yawns.
FAB: 2%
DON’T: Mike Tolbert, BUF – Just don’t. Tolbert is going to be a frustrating touchdown vulture for LeSean McCoy owners, but that’s it. He’s no Mike Gillislee, and even Gillislee wasn’t a running back you could truly start in Fantasy last year.
REMINDER: Theo Riddick, DET; James White, NE; Darren Sproles, PHI – I highlighted this group last week, and their ownerships are still too low. Don’t overlook their values in PPR. Each is at least a RB3 in that format.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups: WRs
Corey Davis, TEN – Davis was supposed to be on a snap count and potentially start slow due to a missed preseason. Guess what? That doesn’t matter when you’re the next Terrell Owens. Add Davis now before it’s too late. I already warned you last week, and now you likely have to pay more.
FAB: 15%
Cooper Kupp, LAR – If Kupp is still somehow floating out there, first, shame on you for not listening last week. Second, don’t waste anymore time. Jared Goff looked like a capable quarterback finally and continued his great rapport with Kupp – the Rams leading receiver this year.
FAB: 10-15%
Corey Coleman, CLE – As mentioned at the top with Kizer, Britt’s value took a hit, but Coleman’s value saw a slight boost. Kizer can extend plays and at least find his underneath/crossing/etc. routes more consistently. That’s why Seth DeValve was the second leading receiver for the Browns. Coleman? He led the team in targets, receptions, yards and scored.
FAB: 10-15%
Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, JAX – With Allen Robinson done for the year, Lee and Hurns are the Jaguars top two options. Lee took over as the team’s No. 2 late last year, and there was talk about the Jaguars trading, possibly even releasing, Hurns this preseason. Both receivers need to be owned with Lee as the first priority and much more valuable in PPR. Don’t forget about Dede Westbrook if you have a free IR spot. He could surprise in the second half.
FAB: 5-10% Lee, 5% Hurns
Kendall Wright and Markus Wheaton, CHI – Wright was on this list last week, but now Kevin White is done for the year. This is exactly the same as the Jaguars situation: Wright is Lee, Wheaton is Hurns, Finkle is Einhorn.
FAB: 5-10% Wright, 5% Wheaton
Kenny Golladay, DET – Here we go again. Let someone else overpay for Golladay. Remember when I said, “Watch Golladay have just one catch next week!” after his two-touchdown preseason game? Oh, you don’t? Maybe you should listen to the award-winning On Target 4-6p ET more often (shameless plug). Even if Golladay is Anquan Boldin, we’re talking about eight touchdowns, which is nice, but less than 600 receiving yards and high inconsistency… not nice. He’s absolutely worth grabbing and stashing in case he’s more than Boldin was, but that’s unlikely given all of the Lions weapons.
FAB: 5%
Sterling Shepard, NYG – Shepard looked like the best receiver in the preseason, and yes, I know Odell Beckham didn’t play much or at all in Week 1. However, the Giants continue to roll out a three-wide formation as their base offense, and Shepard looked much better than Brandon Marshall did on Sunday night. Maybe Beckham’s return hurts Shepard and helps Marshall, but either way, watching that game made it clear that Shepard should be on more rosters.
FAB: 5%
Jermaine Kearse, NYJ – Kearse saw one more target (nine) than Robby Anderson (still a decent pickup in deeper leagues) and did more with them: seven catches, 59 yards. With the potential to be the Jets No. 1 receiver, Kearse is worthy of a bench spot, despite his disappointments in Seattle.
FAB: 2-4%
DON’T: Nelson Agholor, PHI – The schedule involves several tougher matchups for the Eagles and Agholor, and you can’t bank on that busted play to him happening again. Let someone else grab Agholor, put him in the lineup and take a one-point performance on the chin.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups: TEs
Austin Hooper, ATL – Nope. Hooper is not going to be standing wide open in the middle of the field each week. However, he is going to be a breakout tight end this year. Oh, and he’s another waiver pickup covered last week. Start listening the first time so you don’t have to spend so much on the wire. That’s me showing tough love.
FAB: 5-8%
Zach Miller, CHI – Bringing up the last player to appear in Week 1’s piece, Miller is a great option for those needing tight end help. Miller has been a mid-level TE2 that put up TE1 numbers quite often in 2014-15. The problem is Miller also only played 10 and 11 games. With White following Cameron Meredith to the IR, Miller is going to see significant work going forward.
FAB: 2-4%
Charles Clay, BUF – Clay has been fairly productive and consistent over his career, when on the field. Clay is always going to miss time, but when playing, he’s shown the potential for a few TE1 weeks and solid high-end TE2 value.
FAB: 1-3%
Buy Low and Sell High Players
Buy Low
- Russell Wilson, SEA
- DeMarco Murray, TEN
- Jordan Howard, CHI (panicking owners)
- Isaiah Crowell, CLE
- Bilal Powell, NYJ
- Ameer Abdullah, DET
- Dez Bryant, DAL
- Terrelle Pryor, WSH
- Kelvin Benjamin, CAR
- Jamison Crowder, WSH
- Martavis Bryant, PIT
- Brandon Marshall, NYG
- Tyler Eifert, CIN
- Eric Ebron, DET
Sell High
Main Image Credit: Kevin French/Icon Sportswire
