Early Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Before Week 1

Before the NFL season starts, it’s always better to be ahead of your league and not behind. Simply, when it comes to the waiver wire, this is truly how fantasy football leagues are won. That being said, let’s take a look at a lot of players who are on the waiver wire that shouldn’t be. 

Roster percentages from CBS Fantasy Sports.

Quarterbacks

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (51% Rostered)

The first quarterback to stash here is Love. Even though he started a little rough, he ended the preseason on a high note. I’m excited to see what he can do now that Aaron Rodgers is gone. Even with the pressure on him, there are plenty of playmakers around him in Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and a lot of young pass-catchers. 

Sam Howell, Washington Commanders (33% Rostered)

This is more of a two-quarterback league play as the Commanders take on the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 1. If you haven’t noticed yet, the Cardinals look like they are throwing in the towel as they’ve already traded Isaiah Simmons along with releasing Colt McCoy. However, Howell’s upside is in his rushing capabilities. He ran for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns at North Carolina in 2021. The dual-threat QB could see back-end QB1 upside in Week 1.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (22% Rostered)

Although Mayfield’s career as of late hasn’t been great, his preseason finale looked great as he completed all six of his passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. Going up against Minnesota could be a tough match, but that defense is still just as bad. He’s a great deep-league player. 

Running Backs

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (71% Rostered)

Above all, the way the Jaguars offense is coming together, I want any and every piece of it I can get. Although starter Travis Etienne has pass-catching ability, he never had any more than three receptions. Something we saw in his Clemson days, has not transitioned to the NFL. On the other hand, Tank Bigsby has shown that he could be a thorn in Etienne’s upside as he has pass-catching ability and goal-line capabilities. He could excel in the goal line as Etienne struggled mightily last season. And if anything were to happen to Etienne, Bigsby could have stand-alone high-end RB2 value. 

Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs (66% Rostered)

McKinnon is my favorite running back on the Chiefs and should be on your roster, especially in PPR. Last year McKinnon closed out the season as a fantasy RB1 while sharing the field with Isiah Pacheco. Although he had nine touchdowns in the final six games, he had at least five receptions over that span. Yes, he’s an older back. But with the way Patrick Mahomes runs the offense, don’t be surprised to see McKinnon pick up right where he left off, especially with Travis Kelce looking doubtful. 

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (66% Rostered)

When Johnson’s name is on this list, I always question why. Although he is one of my most targeted running backs late in drafts. Even with Khalil Herbert listed as the starter, I expect Roschon to make an impact sooner rather than later. I think Johnson is the best value in this backfield. 

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles (52% Rostered)

To no surprise, the running back drafted the most is Philadelphia’s D’Andre Swift. Yet, he’s looking to be a PPR monster and I’m happy to draft him. However, don’t forget about Gainwell. Undoubtedly this backfield could turn out to be a total mess, but Gainwell looks like he’ll be involved. Stashing a running back behind two injury-prone running backs isn’t a bad idea. 

Deon Jackson (52%) /Zack Moss (25%) /Evan Hull (12% Rostered)

With Jonathan Taylor missing at least the first four games of the season, I would add any of the available Colts running backs. Deon Jackson was already named the Week 1 starter, but don’t sleep on the Day 3 pick out of Northwestern in Evan Hull. Not to mention, Zack Moss could be back any day now. This backfield could be a mess, but make sure you pick up one if not all if they’re available.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (46% Rostered)

When you’re behind a 29-year-old running back, you know father time is near. However, every time we’ve seemed to doubt Derrick Henry, he once again puts up RB1 numbers. But, how much longer can he keep up? The wheels could fall off anytime and having Spears ready could be beneficial. 

Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings (31% Rostered)

Another deep add, but with Kene Nwangwu being on injured reserve and DeWayne McBride being demoted to the practice squad, that leaves Chandler as the RB2 behind Alexander Mattison. How Mattison played behind Dalvin Cook, the same can be said for Chandler. Overall, a lottery ticket type of addition.

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (21% Rostered)

The hype around Nick Chubb is hotter than ever going into Week 1. With no more Kareem Hunt behind Chubb, Ford is hoping to step into the backup role. Although injuries have held him out of practice, he can be added for free-off waivers. For deeper leagues, look at Pierre Strong Jr. His involvement could be more than we know too. 

Keaontay Ingram, Arizona Cardinals (8% Rostered)

We have no idea which direction the Arizona Cardinals are going, but it looks like they are tanking. Yet, the only running back ahead of Ingram is James Conner. If anything happens to Connor let alone be traded, Ingram is next in line. He may not return the value that Connor holds but could be a serviceable RB3/ Flex.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6% Rostered)

The hype around Rachaad White has been well-deserved as he’s the RB1 of this backfield coming with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers releasing Leonard Fournette. However, don’t sleep on an undrafted rookie out of Syracuse. Although Tucker went undrafted due to a heart condition, he would have been a mid-round pick at best in the NFL Draft. He may not make an immediate impact to start the season, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him carve out more of a role as the season goes on.

Wide Receivers

Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos (43% Rostered)

With Jerry Jeudy being out with a hamstring injury, Mims is looking to have a prominent role opposite of Courtland Sutton. Even once back, Mims will still be on the field often, especially in three-wide receiver sets. And let’s not forget, that head coach Sean Payton used his first pick on Mims.

Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers (41% Rostered)

Clearly, rookie quarterback Bryce Young’s favorite target is Adam Thielen, which makes sense with the veteran presence. However, with DJ Chark being banged up, don’t be surprised if Mingo steps into a predominant role. He’s a great stash if you can afford to wait for a rapport to develop.

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears (34% Rostered)

Last season we were excited to have Mooney as the No.1 receiver on the Chicago Bears. Now with the addition of DJ Moore, Mooney can slot better as a No.2 receiver in the offense. Coming back from his ankle injury, Mooney should bounce back in a way where he’ll have the No.2 corners on him. He could seek into WR3 territory.

Jalin Hyatt, New York Giants (29% Rostered)

The New York Giants receiving core is a mess. We know by now that Darren Waller looks to be the main target-getter. But who is the wide receiver to own? The 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner has a chance to make an immediate impact. Also, he went from wearing No.84 to No.13 for what it’s worth.  

Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, Houston Texans (24% Rostered)

Dell busted out on the scene in the first preseason game catching five of eight targets for 65 yards and a touchdown. However, he cooled off in the following week with tightness in his hamstring, but no word on him missing any time to start the season. This receiving core is wide open and Dell is already listed as a starter over John Metchie III. 

Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys (24% Rostered)

Even though his numbers have declined over the last couple of years, let’s not forget that Gallup is coming off an ACL injury and just didn’t look the same last season. But, what looks to be the No.3 option behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, Gallup could look to bounce back. In 2020, Gallup had 105 targets and turned that into 59 catches for 843 yards and five touchdowns. It’s hard to say Gallup will see 100-plus targets, but should see somewhere between 70 to 80 easily. 

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (19% Rostered)

For the second year in a row, the Green Bay Packers used a second-round pick on a wide receiver. He’ll be the No.3 receiver behind Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. The rookie out of Michigan State has had a really good training camp and performed well in the preseason. With Doubs status for Week 1 still uncertain, Reed could move up quickly. 

Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders (15% Rostered)

A sneaky add if I must, but with Terry McLaurin’s turf toe injury, Samuel should benefit too. While Jahan Dotson will be more of the WR1 with McLaurin out, Samuel should be the No.2. Even with a quiet preseason, he is a good stash candidate.

Justyn Ross, Kansas City Chiefs (9% Rostered)

For your deeper leagues, Ross secured a roster spot on Kansas City’s 53-man roster. He’s competing for snaps with the likes of Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He could be used as a gadget-type player, but the former Clemson star looks to make a dent here and work to get on the field.

Puka Nakua, Los Angeles Rams (5% Rostered)

Another deep sleeper to look at is Rams rookie Puka Nakua. With Cooper Kupp being questionable with his second hamstring injury in the last month, Nakua is looking to play ahead of Ben Skowronek and Demarcus Robinson. That’s enough to convince me to throw him on the end of my bench as he should be looked at being used as a gadget player. 

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (5% Rostered)

For months on end, I liked Wilson from the moment he was drafted. So far, I’ve mentioned two Cardinals to look to add now as Wilson should be the WR2 of this offense. Additionally, it showed in the preseason game where Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch were the ones coming off the bench. Another deep league stash who could be beneficial some weeks in what looks to be a dumpster fire offense. 

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (7% Rostered)

While Michael Pittman is the WR1 on this offense, don’t be the one sleeping on Downs. Isaiah McKenzie was just released putting Downs in competition with second-year wide receiver Alec Pierce. Although Downs appeared in three wide receiver sets, he should be on the field as soon as Week 1 as we try to understand how this offense operates with Anthony Richardson and company. 

Tight Ends

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (66% Rostered)

With Jameson Williams out for the first six games, I love what LaPorta can bring to the offense. He is looking to be the No.2 pass catcher behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and I noticed it while at Lions training camp. Although some drafters are taking him with a late-round pick, others are letting him fall into the waiver wire. 

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (56% Rostered)

If I don’t get Travis Kelce, my favorite fall-to-tight end is Juwan Johnson. Late last season he went on a tear and was able to put up TE1 numbers. Now, with Derek Carr at the helm, I love Johnson’s capabilities more due to what Carr did with Darren Waller. We’ll have a wait-and-see approach on this offense to see how it folds out against Tennessee.

Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers (35% Rostered)

Although it’s been a small sample size, Musgrave has had a 22% target-share in the Packers offense. Not to mention he also has been on the field with an 84% route participation. With Travis Kelce looking to be uncertain for Week 1, I would target Musgrave second.

Irv Smith, Cincinnati Bengals (21% Rostered)

If you missed out on any Bengals, don’t hesitate to add Irv Smith to your bench. Although the former first-rounder hasn’t lived up to expectations, maybe this is his year. This offense looks powerful as it pushes for another playoff run. Smith could be this season’s Evan Engram.

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (33% Rostered)

Since Dak Prescott has been quarterback, he’s loved to target his tight ends. The tight end in Dallas has tended to be targeted quite a bit as they haven’t seen any less than 83 targets in six of the last seven seasons. Now this receiving core is loaded, but with Dalton Schultz moving onto Houston, Ferguson is looking to be that next TE1 in fantasy. He’s my third target for a Kelce replacement. 

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