Ahhh, football is back, and with it comes the rollercoaster that is fantasy football! Week 1 gave us some fireworks and, well, a few faceplants (we're looking at you, CMC). But fear not, fantasy warriors, because the waiver wire is here to be your shining knight in this chaotic realm of football madness. Grab your swords (and by swords, I mean your phones), because it's time to hunt for that sweet waiver wire treasure before Week 2!
Quarterbacks to Save the Day
Baker Mayfield
Baker, Baker, touchdown maker! Our first hero of the week lit it up, finishing as the *QB1* in Week 1! If he's sitting unclaimed in your league, sprint, don’t walk, to add him. Sure, he’s facing a tough Detroit squad in Week 2, but the guy is slinging the rock like he's auditioning for MVP. Can you really say no to that?
Sam Darnold
Wait, wait… could it be? Has Sam Darnold *finally* found his stride? Sure, the Giants looked like a pile of sad potatoes on both sides of the ball, but Darnold’s QB12 finish has us whispering “What if?” He’s a lottery ticket with some serious upside if things continue to click for him, but proceed with caution—he’s burned us before.
Malik Willis
With Jordan Love out for a few weeks, Malik Willis gets his shot under center for the Pack. Admittedly, excitement levels for Willis might be a bit *meh*, but if you lost Love, he’s your best option to keep your lineup afloat. It's not flashy, but sometimes survival is all you need.
.@jjones9 gives an update on the Packers QB Jordan Love.
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 8, 2024
"Certainly \\[he's] going to miss multiple weeks. ... I'm going to very interested to see how much forward they're going to go with Malik Willis and Sean Clifford as the backups." pic.twitter.com/pOdGFpywj8
Honorable Mention: *Derek Carr*. The man had a good game, but let’s be real—he’s the definition of "hot one week, cold the next." Stash him if you must, but be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
Running Backs to Rescue Your Roster
Tank Bigsby
Name a more perfect fantasy running back name than *Tank*. I’ll wait. He’s splitting work with Etienne for now, but if you're feeling spicy, Tank could bulldoze his way to the RB1 spot in due time. High risk, high reward—just how we like it in fantasy!
Jaleel McLaughlin
Denver’s backfield didn’t exactly inspire awe, but rookie Nix might just help elevate the offense. If Javonte Williams falters again, McLaughlin could sneak in and make some noise. Call it a sneaky stash play, folks.
Zach Charbonet
Yes, Ken Walker looked phenomenal, but Charbonet is carving out a nice role in this offense. If Walker gets dinged up, you’re looking at a potential RB1 right in your back pocket. Definitely worth a speculative grab!
Honorable Mention: *Jordan Mason*. Mason stepped in like a hero when CMC was a last-minute scratch and balled out. If CMC misses more time, Mason’s RB4 finish in Week 1 suggests he could be a season-altering pickup in the powerhouse SF offense.
Wide Receivers to Wow Your League
This is where the real treasure is this week—there are a bunch of receivers ready to make your lineup sparkle!
Wandale Robinson
With Malik Nabers drawing the heavy coverage, Wandale could be the sneaky #2 option on the Giants. Risks? Sure. The Giants aren’t exactly the 2007 Patriots, and Wandale’s injury history looms, but the upside is tantalizing. Swing for the fences!
Greg Dortch
Marvin Harrison who? Dortch exploded in Week 1, and while it could be a fluke, Kyler’s going to be chucking the ball all season long. Dortch is worth a dart throw, especially if you’re desperate for WR depth.
Alec Pierce
Pierce came in as WR11 after a high-yardage, touchdown-infused performance on just *three* catches. The volume is a bit concerning, but the ceiling is there. Sometimes you gotta take a risk and ride the hot hand.
Honorable Mention: *Allen Lazard*. One of the few bright spots in the Jets' offense in Week 1, Lazard benefited from Rodgers' prowess. Will it last? Only time will tell, but for now, Lazard is a viable option.
Tight Ends to Tighten Up Your Lineup
Isaiah Likely
This is it, folks. Your all-in play for Week 2. Andrews was locked up by double coverage all game long, leaving Likely to dance in the spotlight. Ranked TE1 for Week 1, expect a heavy dose of him moving forward. Go all-in before your league mates do!
ISAIAH LIKELY SO GOOD
— NFL (@NFL) September 6, 2024
📺: #Kickoff2024 on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wusReXzb9I
Colby Parkinson
With Higbee sidelined, Parkinson made his mark in the Rams’ offense, finishing as TE7. If you need a streamer, he’s likely (*wink*) available and ready to contribute.
Luke Schoonmaker
With Ferguson nursing an injury, Schoonmaker is getting his shot to prove himself. He’s a bit of an unknown, but hey, fortune favors the bold!
Honorable Mention: *Foster Moreau*. TE2 after Week 1 in New Orleans, but fair warning—this could be peak Carr, and we all know what happens when Carr falls off. Still, Moreau’s worth a look if you’re desperate at TE.
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There you have it, fantasy adventurers! Gear up, scour the waiver wire, and build that championship roster. May the waiver gods be ever in your favor!