As is the case with most popular waiver and streaming targets, the trick is identifying and acquiring players with upside before the breakout or promotion happens. Once it does, the chances of being able to snag a potential difference-maker over the competition lessen significantly. The first such “universal add” of the 2022 season among players 65%-rostered or less is Jeff Wilson Jr, who is expected to take over lead back duties for the 49ers now that Elijah Mitchell (knee) is on the shelf for 6-8 weeks.
It is easier said than done trying to predict which players will suddenly ascend to fantasy relevance, but there are a handful of interesting names to target for this week and beyond. Week 2 features a couple of RBs who would be must-starts in the event of an injury to the starter, a couple of veteran WRs that have been fantasy relevant in the past, and a TE who may be able to offer more than TD-or-bust. Let’s go get a W!
* If anyone featured below is at risk of not playing or is relegated to a bench role late in the week, I will do my best to keep you all updated on Twitter (@BrandonMillerFB). All players below are under 65%-rostered as of 09/14/22.
Running Back
Jaylen Warren (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers)
If Najee Harris (foot) is full-go this week, you are not starting the rookie backup, Warren. Still, the Steelers have primarily used a one-back system regardless of who is at the top of their RB depth chart, so the intrigue of a large workload is there if Harris were to miss time. While Harris “should be fine”, his fantasy managers and any RB-needy teams would be wise to stash Warren as this is the second instance of a foot issue already. Along with Alexander Mattison, Khalil Herbert, and the next featured player, Warren is a priority stash among RBs under 65%-rostered.
Jamaal Williams (RB, Detroit Lions)
The long-time spot-start superstar in Green Bay took his talents to Detroit last season where he continued to produce for fantasy managers in a familiar role. He thrived when given a starter’s workload and provided some standalone value even on weeks as the backup due to his skill set as a runner/ receiver/ change-of-pace option. D’Andre Swift did not practice on Wednesday after rolling his ankle last week, so I feel there will be an increase in his touches even if both backs are active on Sunday. Williams turned 11 carries into 28 yards and two scores last week, showing off his upside as a goal-line back if he can continue getting work.
Other names to consider (in order): Jeff Wilson Jr (easily #1 if available), Jamaal Williams, J.D. McKissic, Rex Burkhead, Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren (check Najee Harris status), Rachaad White, Jerick McKinnon, Brandon Bolden, Raheem Mostert, Eno Benjamin, Dontrell Hilliard, Kenyan Drake, Khalil Herbert, Alexander Mattison (priority handcuff), Zack Moss, Mark Ingram II, D’Onta Foreman, Ken Walker (stash), Joshua Kelley, Boston Scott, Samaje Perine, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, Travis Homer, Isiah Pacheco, James Cook, Tyler Allgeier, Brian Robinson (IR stash).
Wide Receiver
Sterling Shepard (WR, New York Giants)
Tyler Boyd (57% Yahoo) and Julio Jones (61% ESPN) are my top adds and streaming targets this week, but Shepard is another veteran WR that could function as a plug-and-play WR3/ Flex for Week 2. On paper, the Giants receiving corps has some legitimately interesting names, but the unit has gotten off to a disjointed start to the 2022 season. Rookie Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) will be out nursing an injury, Kadarius Toney is in some mysterious “Is he hurt? Is he in the doghouse?” zone right now, and 2021 free-agent signee Kenny Golladay has not gained any sort of traction since signing with New York. With so much uncertainty, my preference is to roll with the veteran Shepard, one of the few Giants pass-catchers that has shown a connection with Daniel Jones over the past few seasons. Shepard turned just four targets into two catches for 71 yards and a score last week, but look for the targets to increase at home vs the Panthers in Week 2.
D.J. Chark Jr. (WR, Detroit Lions)
Since breaking the 1,000 receiving yards mark during the 2019 season with the Jaguars, his second year in the NFL, Chark has struggled to find any sort of consistency alongside mediocre QB play and an ankle injury that kept him out for most of last season. The rangy 6-foot-4 receiver has flashed the ability to be a legitimate downfield threat on the outside to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown; we just need to see it more frequently. Week 1 was perhaps a glimpse into Chark’s mercurial fantasy profile as he endured a couple of drops but still turned in a respectable performance with four catches for 52 yards (eight targets) and a touchdown. If the Lions offense is serious about taking the next step this season, funneling opportunities to “Charknado” would be a smart strategy. Mark him as a WR3 vs the Commanders in Week 2.
Other names to consider (in order): Tyler Boyd (57% Yahoo), Julio Jones (61% ESPN), Joshua Palmer, Jarvis Landry, D.J. Chark, Jahan Dotson, Russell Gage, Sterling Shepard, Curtis Samuel, Robbie Anderson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (45% Yahoo), Kyle Philips, Isaiah McKenzie, Chris Olave (65% Yahoo), Treylon Burks, Devin Duvernay, DeAndre Carter, K.J. Osborn, Zay Jones, Donovan Peoples-Jones, DeVante Parker, Romeo Doubs, Marvin Jones Jr, Mecole Hardman, Corey Davis, Nico Collins, Skyy Moore, Noah Brown, Parris Campbell, A.J. Green, Christian Watson, George Pickens, Greg Dortch, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Sammy Watkins, Rondale Moore (inj), Alec Pierce.
Tight End
Tyler Higbee (TE, Los Angeles Rams)
While I do not think Higbee has the ceiling to finish among the top TEs most weeks, he still has a few things going in his favor that could lead to regular fringe TE1 performances. Last week’s 11 targets caught my eye, though I will admit that turning them into just five catches for 39 yards is a little concerning. TEs on above-average offenses who can threaten for double-digit targets make fine streaming options if you are just looking to get a “floor” performance that won’t destroy you.
Other names to consider (in order): Albert Okwuegbunam, Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Hayden Hurst, Taysom Hill, Robert Tonyan, Evan Engram, Logan Thomas, Irv Smith Jr., Noah Fant, David Njoku.
Looking Back
Accountability is everything, so here’s a quick look back at last week’s recommendations
J.D. McKissic (RB, Washington Commanders): McKissic had three carries for eight yards and three catches for 20 yards. We should expect to see this blend of complementary rushing and receiving work for as long as Brian Robinson is out; low-ceiling but reliable floor as PPR option.
Mike Davis (RB, Baltimore Ravens): Kenyan Drake stepped in as the lead back for the Ravens despite being signed just over two weeks ago while Davis received two carries for 11 yards. The fact that Drake usurped him as the starter in such a short period of time says it all and this backfield should be avoided until J.K. Dobbins returns.
Rondale Moore (WR, Arizona Cardinals): Moore injured his hamstring in practice last week and his exact return has yet to be determined. With A.J. Green doing very little last week, keep an eye on Greg Dortch to see if he can emerge in Moore’s absence for this Cardinals offense.
Isaiah McKenzie (WR, Buffalo Bills): McKenzie’s Week 1 had mixed reviews; he split slot work with Jamison Crowder for the most part and had a bad mishandle, but he did haul in a touchdown along with two catches (three targets) for 19 yards. He is probably safe to drop for now, but keep him on speed dial if he begins to dominate slot reps over Crowder.
Albert Okwuegbunam (TE, Denver Broncos): The TE1-level performances will likely be a bit sporadic this season as Okwuegbunam is probably the fourth receiving option at best for the Broncos. However, he has the physical ability to do a lot with a little and could thrive on certain weeks when defenses key in on Denver’s primary receiving weapons. If you need a back-end/ fringe TE1, you could do much worse than Albert O.
Make sure to check out our weekly priority waiver wire adds article and waiver wire podcast for more insights on who you should be submitting claims for heading into each Wednesday; it is a great way to get a head start on players often discussed in this article. Good luck in Week 2!
(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)