Preemptive Strike: Week 1
Welcome back to another season of Preemptive Strike. Nowadays every fantasy manager is always looking for an edge. Whether hearing a podcast, watching someone go live, or even looking through social media, fantasy football news is always at your fingertips. What I try to accomplish with this article is to allow fantasy managers to get ahead of their league mates by adding players before their weekly games are played to get ahead of the following week’s waiver wire run. That way the player is already on your roster and you can save your FAAB. With the season already on the way, it’s time to assess our teams and waiver wire and add these players before Sunday’s contest.
Quarterbacks
Check to see if these quarterbacks are available first: Kirk Cousins (52.8% Rostered), Matthew Stafford (57.9% Rostered, and Aaron Rodgers (64.2% Rostered).
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (40.4% Rostered)
If none of the quarterbacks listed above are available, Baker Mayfield should be on your list to add this week. Especially if you are rostering Jordan Love who suffered a possible MCL strain on Friday Night, you must add someone now. Mayfield has plenty of weapons at his disposal and he will build on what he started last season. Mayfield could be in a shootout next week with Detroit.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (23.7% Rostered)
Next week Geno Smith gets the pleasure of facing the Patriots who are in disarray as a team, and no longer has defensive genius Bill Belichick on the sidelines. Couple that with D.K Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Noah Fant as weapons, and you have a streaming quarterback if needed.
Justin Fields, (20% Rostered)
Well, that didn’t take long! Russell Wilson is almost certainly missing Week 1. If he should miss the game and Justin Fields has a breakout performance, he may not let go of the starting gig for the rest of the season. Fields has proven previously that he can be QB1 for fantasy managers so if you have the space in deeper leagues add him now, especially in two-quarterback and super-flex leagues.
Running Backs
Check to see if these running backs are available first: Rico Dowdle (60.4% Rostered), J.K. Dobbins (58.4% Rostered), Zach Charbonnet (55.2% Rostered), and Tyler Allgeier (48.4% Rostered).
Jaylen Wright, Dolphins (47.5% Rostered)
All fantasy managers should try and have a piece of the high-octane Dolphins’ offense. Sure, Jaylen Wright is the third-string running back, but the two running backs in front of him Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane have dealt with injuries in the past. Should one of them go down Wright will be the hottest pick-up of the week, so if you have the space add him now for free.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos (44.2% Rostered)
The Denver Broncos’ backfield is headed for a time-share this season. Javonte Williams is the lead back, but Jaleel McLaughlin will be the receiving back. Coach Sean Payton brought in McLaughlin in last season and he produced when given the chance. McLaughlin should be rostered in all PPR formats.
Jordan Mason, 49ers (34.8% Rostered)
Christian McCaffrey’s insurance policy anyone? With Elijah Mitchell out for the season on the IR, Jordan Mason is the one to add if you can since McCaffrey has already been dealing with a calf injury during training camp. Add Mason now and thank me later.
Bucky Irving, Buccaneers (24.1% Rostered)
Bucky Irving has been one of my favorite running backs to roster in most of my leagues. Irving will be splitting touches with Rachaad White this season, and when Irving demonstrates he is the better back he might get the heavier share of the touches. His pass protection is phenomenal and he can make big plays.
Kimani Vidal, Chargers ( 18.4% Rostered)
Another rookie to stash in deeper leagues is Kimani Vidal. Currently third on the depth chart, Vidal has two injury-prone running backs (Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins) standing in his way to glory.
In deeper leagues, these are other running backs to add if they are available: Dyan Laube, Raiders (4.7% Rostered), Tank Bigsby (10.3% Rostered), Roschon Johnson (8.5% Rostered), and Cam Akers (2.8% Rostered).
Wide Receivers
Check to see if these wide receivers are available first: Adonai Mitchell (61.2% Rostered), Jakobi Meyers (59.9% Rostered), and Mike Williams (51.2% Rostered).
Ja’Lynn Polk, Patriots (42.2% Rostered)
I’ve been pounding the drum for Ja’Lynn Polk since the draft. There’s no true WR1 for the Patriots heading into Week 1. There’s been numerous reports that Polk has been the brightest spot all summer and he has built a great rapport with both quarterbacks. If you want to take a flier on one of the Patriots receivers, stash Polk for now if you have the space and see how it plays out for the first couple of weeks.
Andrei Iosivas, Bengals (16.4% Rostered)
Where do we begin with this mess of a receiving core the Bengals have? First of all Ja’Marr Chase has been in and out of practice calling himself limited for Week 1 because he wants a new contract, and Tee Higgins is doubtful heading to the home opener which means he is basically out. Regardless if they play or not Andrei Iosivas is third on the depth chart and will be playing more the many experts believed. If you have Chase or Higgins, Iosivas will be a great addition to hold the fort down until they return should they miss time and be a possible flex play in deeper leagues.
Darnell Mooney, Falcons (30.8% Rostered)
Now that Kirk Cousins is in Atlanta, the Falcons offense is getting ready to soar. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are surely going to garner most opposing defenses' attention. This makes Darnell Mooney a wide receiver to add in deeper leagues. He will be starting opposite Drake and could be in store for a career revival.
In deeper leagues, check to see if these other wide receivers are available: Jalen McMillan (12.5% Rostered), Michael Wilson (17.4% Rostered), Greg Dortch (11% Rostered), and Luke McCaffrey & Dyami Brown (17.1% & 2% Rostered)
Tight End
Check to see if this tight end is available first: Pat Freiermuth (67.9% Rostered)
Taysom Hill (48.2% Rostered)
The Swiss Army knife is back, baby. Before adding Taysom Hill check what position he is eligible for because some sites list him as only a quarterback. Hill should be rostered in most league formats because there are reports that the Saints will use him in all sorts of formations. This makes him a unique player to roster if he has a dual position eligibility because he can get you out of a bind should injuries arise.
Noah Fant, Seahawks (15.7% Rostered)
Noah Fant has been one of my favorite tight end sleepers this season. With the departure of Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly, Fant now has all the tight end targets to himself. This week Fant gets Denver who allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends last season and next week he faces the Patriots who are likely to struggle.
In deeper leagues, check to see if these other tight ends are available: Hunter Henry (23.1% Rostered), Mike Gesicki (9.4% Rostered), and Zach Ertz (6.8% Rostered).
Defense
Seattle Seahawks Defense (40% Rostered)
Not only does Seattle have a favorable match-up this week versus the Broncos but they tangle with the Patriots next week which allows the Seahawks' defense to score some fantasy points next week.
Los Angeles Chargers (10% Rostered)
The Chargers get to face off against the Panthers who could be prone to make some mistakes.
What players are you looking to add prior to Week 1? If you have any fantasy questions feel free to reach out to us on X @FCFantasySports https://x.com/FCFantasySports
