Week 2 waiver wire roundup and initial player rankings
Week 2 waiver wire roundup and initial player rankings
My first stab at this week's rankings. Plus, recapping key injuries from opening weekend to track and what waiver wire options might be worth targeting.
If you’re here for Week 2 rankings, you can jump to those here and check back throughout the week, as they will update often. Keep reading for some injury updates and waiver wire suggestions.
🏥 Injury roundup and waiver targets
Percentages reflect how many teams have that player rostered in Yahoo! Sports fantasy leagues.
Quarterback
Packers Coach LaFleur is leaving the door open for quarterback Jordan Love to play Week 2, but that would be a surprise given his MCL injury that typically takes a few weeks to recover from … Russell Wilson is likely to miss Week 2, which shouldn’t tank too many of your lineups unless you’re counting on him in 2QB leagues.
Top available QBs: Baker Mayfield, TB (36%); Geno Smith, SEA (32%)
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey could very well miss another week with Achilles tendinitis and a calf injury, but it’s worth noting that coach Shanahan said he would have played if it was a playoff game. … Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane did not take part in the Dolphins's walk-through on Tuesday. Definitely worth monitoring as Miami plays the Bills Thursday night.
Top available RBs: Jordan Mason (59%) made the most of his opportunity filling in for McCaffrey with a 147-yard rushing performance. Obviously, he’s the top guy to target should McCaffrey miss more time. … the Dolphins’ Jalen Wright (22%) is another one dependent on the health of others (Mostert and Achane), but the explosive rookie has a lot of instant potential if he’s called upon Thursday night. … The top non-injury-dependent RB pickup is the Rams’ J.K. Dobbins (51%) who produced 139 yards and a touchdown on just 13 touches in his first game back from an Achilles injury.
Other RB waiver options: Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN (37%); Ty Chandler, MIN (32%); Bucky Irving, TB (22%);
Wide Receiver
Puka Nacua is heading to the Reserve/Injured list and will miss at least four games, making Cooper Kupp owners happier for awhile … Tee Higgins’ “availability for Week 2 is uncertain,” says coach Taylor … Marquise Brown is “is heading in the right direction” in terms of playing in Week 2, according to Andy Reid … After a disappointing Week 1 performance, Bears rookie Rome Odunze is in the week-to-week zone with a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Top available WRs: Nacua owners may want to target Demarcus Robinson (6%), who may assume the WR2 role for Matthew Stafford. As FantasyPros’ Pat Fitzmaurice points out, in “Weeks 13-18, he went on a tear, ranking 36th in yards per route run, 28th in first downs per route run.” … The Athletic’s Jake Ciely ranks Joshua Palmer (59%) as the top WR waiver target this week. “The Chargers passing game was weak, but Palmer ran a route on nearly 100% of the dropbacks. Better games are ahead,” he writes.
Other WR waiver options: Brandin Cooks, DAL (33%); Tyler Johnson, LAR (1%); Rashid Shaheed, NO (55%); Greg Dortch, ARI (5%)
Tight End
The Cowboys’ Jake Ferguson suffered a sprained MCL in Week 1, which usually takes 3-6 weeks to recover from … David Njoku is dealing with an ankle injury that will likely leave him questionable for Week 2.
Top available TE: Isaiah Likely (30%) went off in Week 1 with 26 fantasy points. They may seem flukey, but look at his usage: a 29.3% target share and a 38.2% air-yard share. If you don’t understand those metrics, don’t worry, I’m not sure I do either, but they’re good.
Other TE waiver options: Colby Parkinson, LAR (6%), Tucker Craft, GB (2%)
Initial Week 2 fantasy football rankings
My Week 2 fantasy football rankings for PPR, Half-PPR, and Standard scoring formats will be updated throughout the weekend up until kickoff on Sunday.