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Week 1 of the NFL is in the books, and that means that week 1 of the fantasy season has come and gone. This is a pivotal point in the season for fantasy owners who will undoubtedly look to the waiver wire to replace injured or underperforming starters. This past week in the NFL had some high flying performances from fantasy studs like Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill, and budding fantasy stars like James Conner and Patrick Mahomes. If you had the misfortune of starting Doug Baldwin, Amari Cooper, or Jimmy Graham, you might need one of the players below to ensure your week 2 starting lineup performs to maximum ability. Here is a list of 10 players you should pick up off the waiver wire if available. And if not, you better hope their owner is willing to make a trade.
Top 10 Sleepers & Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 2
1. Patrick Mahomes
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If you had predicted that one of Week 1’s top performing quarterbacks would be sophomore Patrick Mahomes, you are a good liar. He is available in most leagues and can be a serviceable starter if your regular quarterback does not pan out.
2. Austin Ekeler
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Though he will play second fiddle to Melvin Gordon as the lead of the Chargers rushing attack, Ekeler has strong fantasy value in PPR leagues and is largely available in free agency.
3. Jared Cook
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Oakland’s starting tight end shined on Monday night, hauling in nine passes for 180 yards. His fantasy value going forward is extremely high, as Tight Ends seem to be in short supply. He should be high on your waiver priority if you had Greg Olsen or Delanie Walker, both of whom will be out an extended period of time with injury.
4. Dion Lewis
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The pass-catching back in Mike Vrabel’s Titan offense will have an increased role going forward, as he showed his versatility and fantasy value amidst starter Derrick Henry’s subsided production.
5. Phillip Dorsett
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Though Patriots receivers are a commodity whose value fluctuates week by week, there is no doubt that Dorsett and Brady had a connection week 1 versus the Texans. He should remain on fantasy radars as long as he is not injured.
6. Kenny Stills
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Stills is most likely owned in your league. His high upside, bolstered by Devante Parker’s absence, makes him a must own. Even if he is the top receiver in a stymied offense, he is still the top option.
7. Phillip Lindsay
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Though Royce Freeman is the Broncos rookie back that is getting attention, Lindsay proved during Week 1 that he is a name worth remembering. With 15 carries in Week 1, Lindsay is a low risk/high reward pickup on the waiver wire.
8. Geronimo Allison
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Despite his role as third fiddle to Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, Allison has fantasy value as long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy.
9. T.J Yeldon
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Yeldon’s value relies entirely on Leonard Fournette’s health. As the past has proven, owning a backup with the sole purpose of waiting until the starter gets hurt can pay dividends.
10. Bradon Marshall
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Seattle’s pass-happy offense thrives with tall athletic receivers. If Doug Baldwin’s injury keeps him out, Brandon Marshall could be a serviceable flex play in week 2.
