Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups
By Michael Visconti September 13th, 2016
There is so much to factor in when picking up and dropping certain players. Our projections will give you a good semblance of what players to drop for which of these names to pick up. Not all of these guys will be available in your league; in fact, most were drafted in high-stakes (12 team 20 rounds) formats. Still most of our home leagues will have these guys available. It is a great idea to refer to our weekly projections to decide if you should be replacing a guy on your roster with any of these names.
If you need to back up an injury then these are your guys, but be sure that the player you are dropping is not stuck in the “week one overreaction” fad. As for how to use your Free Agent Auction Budget dollars a good rule of thumb is to keep each of these pickups under 20% of your total FAAB. Now of course the depth of your league dictates the amount you’ll spend. There is another thought process that early in the year the potential stars fall through the draft cracks and that you won’t get a better value than when you do in the beginning of the year. It doesn’t always work. I have seen guys blow their entire annual FAAB on a big Week 1 or an injury only to not hold the job. Be smart. Spread your cash out you’ll need it during bye weeks.
Remember DO NOT overreact to what you saw this weekend; it is only week 1.
Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota TEN – Mariota looked as though he is ready to take a step forward this year. He is showing confidence in his team. His newly found run-game support will help take some of the pressure off of him as well. He is not a weekly starter yet, but he could provide some upside as a streamer or an effective backup.
Ryan Fitzpatrick NYJ – Fitzmagic was one of the most consistent QB’s last season week in and week out. He will continue to find his stride this season as Matt Forte adds a new dynamic to this offense. Marshall, Decker, Enunwa, and Forte are some real nice weapons for him to average a 250 yard 2 TD stat line for a complete season. Great streaming and backup option.
Alex Smith KC – We are a fan of him this year. These are arguably the best options that Alex has ever had under center. Travis Kelce, Chris Conley and Jeremy Maclin provide a spark to this offense. Alex had 14 targets going to West and Ware. While we do not expect every team to play defense like the SD Chargers we are anyticipating Alex Smith’s best statistical year in 2016.
Watch List – Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, Josh McCown, Jay Cutler
Running Backs
Spencer Ware KC – Even when Charles comes back healthy Ware will make an impact. Andy Reid has never been much of an RBBC guy but his talent is undeniable. His strength, vision and hands looked incredible on Sunday. Grab him if he’s available.
Tevin Coleman ATL – Tampa Bay is really good against the run which is why we will not overreact to Devonta Freeman’s horribly slow start, but if this trend continues we could see Tevin take the reins. For now, this is a total time share but that could change.
Kenneth Dixon BAL – It is clear that somebody will need to take over this backfield and Dixon is the most talented back here. He will be returning from a torn MCL at some point in October and should step into the #1 RB spot in Baltimore.
Shaun Draughn SF – We loved this guy in PPR formats as a startable flex in bye weeks from the get go with his receiving skills, but we love him if he is the lead back if Hyde suffers another injury.
Watch List – Justin Forsett, Travaris Cadet, Shane Vereen, Kenjon Barner Damien Williams, Robert Turbin
Wide Receiver
Cole Beasley DAL– Dak looked for Cole a lot in his first game on Sunday as he had a really good control of the offense despite a weak stat line and a loss there was quite a few bright spots for him. One of which was his comfortability with slot receiver Cole who caught 8 of his 12 targets.
Will Fuller HOU – Star in the making. This offense is changing before our eyes. I would be nervous of how many targets Will is going to get with DeAndre in town, but Fuller is the most talented WR of this group.
Tajae Sharpe TEN – Tajae looked the part this last Sunday as he was Mariota’s favorite target. Tajae managed to haul in 7 catches for 76 yards. Great debut!
Jamison Crowder WAS – Crowder is a PPR dynamo. We can’t understand why we got him in the 18th round of the FFPC this last week. He is going to be great this year. Look for him to catch around 80 passes this year in this offense and if DJax or Garcon get injured then that number could be low.
Quincy Enunwa NYJ – Deep league only option as he is the 3rd wide out on the Jets behind Marshall and Decker, but when a WR catches 7 balls on 8 targets for 54 yards and a TD we pay attention.
Tyrell Williams SD – A whole lot of targets just became available in San Diego with the season ending injury to Keenan Allen. Sad, really, we may never get to see what Keenan could really do. Williams giant frame seems like the perfect fit for those deep balls from Rivers as they will be trailing in many contests.
Eli Rogers PIT – Drafted in most leagues but listed just in case. This kid is the real deal, grab him if he’s there. He’s Big Ben’s #2 target.
Watch List – Dontrelle Inman, Quinton Patton, Robert Woods, Nelson Agholor, Chris Conley, Jeremy Kerley, Kenny Britt
Tight End
Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB – He is on the watch list simply because he saw the field. There are not many players with his ability, and if he manages to get his head right and attitude adjusted then his ability will show. That is something Coach Dirk Koetter will not be able to deny.
Hunter Henry SD – Hunter is going to be on the field more now that Keenan is on the IR, but he will not be a fantasy value unless Gates gets hurt which is likely to happen at some point this year. We do not usually fall for rookie tight ends, but they really like this kid in San Diego and so do we.
Watch List – Dennis Pitta, Jack Doyle, Jermaine Gresham, Jacob Tamme