Week 1 is in the books, and it was eventful, to say the least. We had injuries, upsets, and unexpected performances galore. Do not make the mistake of reading too much into what happened this weekend. Joe Burrow and Daniel Jones will not continue to be QB3s, Josh Jacobs and Miles Sanders will not often get out-performed by Tyler Allgeier and Joshua Kelley, and Tee Higgins won’t go 0-8 on receptions. Take last week into account, but remember your pre-season rankings and don’t overreact to one week.
That being said, there are some injuries and some other concerns, so take a look at your waiver wire and see who you can get. As always, I will try to give you at least one player at each position.
In general, these players will be injury replacements or those who I think have a chance to breakout. Remember, it’s unlikely that someone here will be the next fantasy great, but you should find some low-end RB2s, WR3s and bye week starters with upside potential. Any players listed will be less than 50 percent owned according to fantasypros.com consensus roster percentage.
From my Week 1 waiver article, Derek Carr is available in 66.9 percent of leagues; and the Rams’ receivers (Nacua, Atwell, and Jefferson) are all still available in over 64 percent of leagues. With their Week 1 performances, I expect that to change pretty quickly for Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell.
Without further ado, here are players to consider claiming this week:
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers quarterback is only rostered in 40.3 percent of leagues. If Aaron Rodgers was on your team or you’re in a superflex/2 QB league, go get him. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in all six of his starts. The match-up this week against the Rams isn’t bad and he will provide a serviceable floor all season.
Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
If Purdy isn’t available, check out Rodgers’ real-life replacement, Jordan Love. He was the QB3 this week, and while I don’t expect that to continue, he’s only rostered in 6.5 percent of leagues and has a favorable schedule three of the next four weeks.
Running Backs, Baltimore Ravens
With J.K. Dobbins out for the season, who will get carries for Baltimore? I like Justice Hill over Gus Edwards. Hill had 5 red zone attempts last week against Houston, Edwards had none. I do not think either back will be that effective between the 20s due to Lamar Jackson’s tendency to run, but if Hill continues to get the ball near the goal line, he could be a serviceable flex or RB2. Watch out for Melvin Gordon though. He’s on the Ravens’ practice squad and definitely had the most talent, but how far past his prime is he?
Running Backs, Los Angeles Rams
This is another backfield to monitor. Kyren Williams was on the field for 65 percent of the snaps, compared to 35 percent for Cam Akers; however, Akers had more touches (22 to 15). On the other hand, Williams definitely looked better, averaging 3.5 yards per carry to Akers’ 1.3. You may be tempted to rush out and grab Kyren Williams (91.9 percent available) and if you have the roster space, go for it. Just be forewarned, if it stays a committee, neither back will have much value, and neither looked great other than the touchdowns (two for Williams, one for Akers). I wouldn’t start either against San Francisco this week, so there is time to get more information.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
With Christian Watson out, Doubs looked good last week. He only had four catches on five targets for 26 yards, but two of those catches were touchdowns. Clearly Love looks for him in the red zone and Romeo Doubs is only rostered in 25.1% of leagues.
Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin, WRs, Pittsburgh Steelers
With Diontae Johnson out with a hamstring injury, look for all of Pittsburgh’s receivers to see an uptick in targets. Both Robinson and Austin are on less than three percent of rosters. Austin is the straight replacement for Johnson, but both could easily help you in the flex.
Robert Woods, WR, Houston Texans
Woods quietly hauled in six catches on ten targets which was only one less than team-leader, Nico Collins. Stroud should keep using the veteran receiver, so Woods should continue to be a solid WR3.
Hayden Hurst, TE, Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young may have found his go-to guy. In Week 1, Hurst led the team in targets, receptions, and caught the teams’ only touchdown. He’s on 8.4 percent of rosters, so he should be available in your league. He’ll make a great streaming option with top 12 potential.
May your waiver spot be high enough to get whomever you want to fill up your roster!