Just because your fantasy football drafts are over doesn't mean you should rest on your proverbial laurels. Between roster cuts, free-agent signings and injuries, now is a great time to scour the waiver wire for early-season fantasy football sleepers.
With that in mind, here are the best fantasy football pickups you should consider grabbing off the waiver wire before Week 1.
MORE: 2015 fantasy football rankings | Week 1 rankings | Fantasy draft cheat sheet
Best fantasy football pickups
1. Christine Michael, RB, Cowboys. The Cowboys decided to take a flier on Michael, and so should fantasy owners. Sure, he's buried on the Cowboys depth chart just like he was in Seattle, but there's no obvious roadblock like Marshawn Lynch in Dallas. The Cowboys obviously aren't enamored with their running back situation, so it's possible that Michael moves up the depth chart quickly because of injury or ineffectiveness.
2. James Jones, WR, Packers. The Packers have reunited with Jones to help fill the void in their injured and inexperienced receiving corps. While we still think Jones is far behind Randall Cobb and Davante Adams for targets, he could quickly replace Ty Montgomery as the Packers' No. 3 receiver and preferred fantasy sleeper. If you're looking for receiver depth in a non-PPR league, check out Jones. Just keep in mind his fantasy value has always been very touchdown-dependent.
3. Rueben Randle. WR, Giants. With Victor Cruz (calf) looking more and more unlikely for Week 1, Randle is looking more and more like a fantasy sleeper against the Eagles. It's possible Cruz, who's also returning from a serious knee injury, never makes an impact in 2015, which would give Randle long-term fantasy appeal.
4. Danny Amendola, WR, Patriots. Though we think Julian Edelman (ankle) might possibly play (maybe) in Week 1, the Patriots aren't making us feel very confident about it with the lack of updates. That makes Amendola an almost necessary handcuff and plug-and-play replacement if Edelman is out for Thursday night against the Steelers.
5. Kamar Aiken, WR, Ravens. With Ravens rookie Breshad Perriman (knee) expected to be out until October, Aiken should start opposite Steve Smith Sr. for at least the first few games of the season. Aiken could run away with the No. 2 gig and make it difficult for Perriman to break through once healthy.
6. Brandon Bolden, RB, Patriots. More guesswork for the Patriots, as they cut presumed Week 1 starter Jonas Gray. That leaves Brandon Bolden as the likely starter and short-yardage specialist against the Steelers. He's a nice sub if you need to replace someone like Todd Gurley, LeGarrette Blount or Le'Veon Bell for Week 1.
Though we wouldn't recommend grabbing them just yet, keep an eye on where these free agents land: Jonas Gray, Montee Ball, Hakeem Nicks, Tim Tebow (not joking).
Editor's note: The Sporting News Football Championship is coming! Hosted by FanDuel, this exclusive event will feature 10 weeks of qualifiers, culminating in a FREE Week 11 Final with $20,000 in prizes. Sign up now!