It's the first real waiver period of the season, and it's tempting to either do absolutely nothing or go overboard with your FAAB bids. That's especially true this week, where there's a potential long-term starting RB (Jeff Wilson Jr.) and a whole bunch of fringe WRs (Jahan Dotson, Robbie Anderson, Curtis Samuel, Devin Duvernay). All will be among the top Week 2 waiver wire pickups, but who's really worth a sizable chunk of your budget or a high waiver claim, and who's best suited for $1 bids and free agent adds?
As we'll do every week this season with the help of our friends at Fantasy Alarm, let's break down the top pickups and project how much of your FAAB budget you should bid on them.
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Week 2 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver wire QB pickups, streamers
Carson Wentz (WAS). In what was a relatively competitive game against Jacksonville, Wentz was victorious in his debut with the Commanders. While we did have to deal with two interceptions, Wentz looked comfortable in his new offense, completing 27-of-41 passes for 313 yards. The main thing is that Wentz showed a rapport with multiple receivers, connecting for four touchdown passes. In Week 2, Wentz gets to face the Lions, which should lead to another favorable performance after the Eagles put up 38 points against their defense to begin the season. Projected FAAB Bid: 1-2% of total FAAB budget
Marcus Mariota (ATL). The Falcons did not look to do too much offensively through the air on Sunday, but Mariota was at least efficient (20-of-33 passing for 215 yards). Atlanta clearly has work to do in the red zone, but they are also lacking in the weapon department, so Mariota will be forced to do a lot with his legs. That skillset was on display, as he carried the ball 12 times for 72 yards and a touchdown. If we take that production along with whatever we get in the passing game, there could be some real value here if Mariota continues to produce like a running back. Proj. FAAB Bid: 1%
WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kicker
Week 2 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver wire RB pickups, streamers
Jeff Wilson (SF). Initially, we had confirmation that Wilson is the clear No. 2 back for San Francisco, but things changed pretty quickly on Sunday once Elijah Mitchell exited with a knee injury. Wilson Jr.'s value now skyrockets in conjunction with Mitchell expected to be out for close to two months. The weather made things a complete mess on Sunday -- and Trey Lance will continue to be a large factor in the running game (13 carries for 54 yards) -- but Wilson’s workload, at least temporarily, does stand to increase. I would be higher on Wilson if Deebo Samuel wasn't so involved as a ball carrier (eight carries for 52 yards and a touchdown), but Wilson Jr. should still get plenty of carries. Beyond JWJ, there's potential value in the new 49ers' handcuff, as rookies Jordan Mason, who was active for Week 1, and Tyrion Davis-Price, who was inactive, could be involved more going forward. Projected FAAB Bid: 6-8% of total FAAB budget
Khalil Herbert (CHI). As of Sunday afternoon, Herbert is available in 59 percent of Yahoo leagues, and that is simply too much for someone who is (at the least) on an even playing field with the presumed starter. Both running backs were involved, but Herbert looked more impressive carrying the ball nine times for 45 yards and a touchdown. The incumbent needed 17 carries to gain just 26 yards, and it was also telling that it was Herbert who picked up the touchdown. It looks like Herbert is the more dynamic option who also fits the offense better, and I would look for him to continue to out produce Montgomery most weeks. Proj. FAAB Bid: 5%
Rex Burkhead (HOU). After the release of Marlon Mack, we thought there was some clarity in the Houston backfield that would lead to Dameon Pierce being in charge, but that was not exactly the truth. The rookie did carry the ball 11 times, but Pierce only managed to pick up 33 yards while catching one pass for six yards. Ultimately, Pierce should continue to grab more of a hold on the Houston backfield, but he will also need to improve his performance. What is clear is that Burkhead will have a true role, as he led the Texans with 14 carries but just 40 yards. However, at least based on this week, Burkhead will have a big role from a receiving perspective, as he was targeted eight times, catching five for 30 yards. Proj. FAAB Bid: 2-3%
MORE RB CONSIDERATIONS (1-2%): Jaylen Warren, Steelers; Jamaal Williams, Lions
WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kicker
Week 2 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver wire WR pickups, streamers
Devin Duvernay (BAL). The Baltimore offense is generally not going to be an air-based attack, but the role previously filled by Marquise Brown does have to be accounted for with the receiver now in Arizona. If we are going to go based on receptions, that honor — at least for this week — goes to Duvernay, who led the Ravens receivers with four receptions (four targets) for 54 yards and two touchdowns. While we do not want to go chasing last week’s touchdowns, what we did see from Duvernay was encouraging. Projected FAAB Bid: 6-8% of total FAAB budget
Curtis Samuel (WAS). It was clear that we simply have to write off last season for Samuel, as he never was truly healthy or able to generate any momentum. With Carson Wentz now under center for Washington, things should also improve for the receiving game, and that was evident this past week. Samuel led the Commanders with 11 targets against Jacksonville, which I would take as a sign of things to come. More importantly, Samuel delivered, catching eight of those targets for 55 yards and a touchdown while also adding another 17 yards on four carries. Proj. FAAB Bid: 4-6%
MORE WR CONSIDERATIONS (1-3%): Jahan Dotson, Commanders; Robbie Anderson, Panthers; Jarvis Landry, Saints; Sterling Shepard, Giants
MORE WEEK 2: Top waiver pickups | Trade advice
Week 2 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver wire TE pickups, streamers
Gerald Everett (LAC). Everett wasted no time fitting in with his new team as perhaps the missing offensive weapon for Justin Herbert and the Chargers. On Sunday, Everett caught three of his four targets for 54 yards and an impressive touchdown. I expected him to continue to have consistent involvement in the Chargers’ offense. With Keenan Allen (hamstring) dealing with an injury, Everett might also be in line to pick up an extra target or two on a temporary basis. Projected FAAB Bid: 3% of total FAAB budget
O.J. Howard (HOU). Perhaps the third team will be the charm for the talented tight end? With tight ends, we often end up in a situation in which we are chasing touchdowns, and for that reason, it's possible that we have already seen the best game of the season out of Howard. He began his time with Houston by catching both of his targets for 38 yards and two touchdowns, and there is a clear opportunity in the Texans offense for Howard to make a difference, as there should not be much opposition for targets. Proj. FAAB Bid: 1%
Week 2 Fantasy FAAB Advice: Waiver wire D/ST pickups, streamers
As we always caution, you shouldn't spend more than one percent of your FAAB budget on a D/ST. Here are this week's potential streaming pickups:
- Cincinnati Bengals (@ Cowboys)
- Carolina Panthers (@ Giants)
- Cleveland Browns (vs. Jets)
- Washington Commanders (@ Lions)
