Preemptive Strike: Week 2
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: Baker Mayfield, (64% Rostered), Justin Herbert (63% Rostered), Kirk Cousins (55% Rostered), and Aaron Rodgers (54% Rostered).
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (34% Rostered)
If you have lost Jordan Love or Tua Tagovailoa to injury and none of the players listed above are available, Geno Smith is your priority add before Sunday’s contests begin. Smith had a solid season debut in Week 1 versus the Broncos by passing for 171 yards, rushing for 30 yards, and two total touchdowns. Smith has plenty of weapons at his disposal and next week, get a reeling Miami Dolphins team that just lost Tagovailoa and got hammered by the Bills.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (17% Rostered)
This week may be Justin Fields last start for the time being as Russell Wilson is nearing a return to the lineup. If Fields can have a great showing against the Broncos and bring home another win for the Steelers it may be enough to persuade coach Mike Tomlin to make a change at quarterback. If you’re in a deeper league or need a quarterback, stash Fields since he is a dual-threat quarterback and has proven in the past he can be a league winner.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns (1% Rostered)
So far Deshaun Watson has not looked good under center as he has been off-target and has dealt with shoulder soreness. With Jameis Winston second on the depth chart, Watson sure needs to get it going sooner rather than later. If Watson continues to be unimpressive look for the Browns to make a switch for the gunslinging Winston. Fantasy managers should only consider adding Winston in two-quarterback, super-flex, or deeper dynasty leagues.
Ryan Tannehill, Free Agent (0% Rostered)
Now this is a speculative add for deep two-quarterback and super-flex leagues that have no current starters or back-ups available on the waiver wire. But if you have lost Tua Tagovailoa and are desperate to add a quarterback who could end up being a starter for the Dolphins take a shot on Ryan Tannehill. He is a free agent and is looking to sign in the right place. Maybe it’s time he comes back home.
Running Backs
Check to see if these running backs are available first: Jonathon Brooks (68% Rostered) and Zach Charbonnet (62% Rostered).
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos (37% Rostered)
In Week 1 Jaleel McLaughlin out touched Javonte Williams 14-9. Both running backs have a tough match up this week versus the Steelers. In Week 3 they face the Buccaneers which could be a shoot out.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (36% Rostered)
As expected Zamir White is mainly a two down pounder, but if you need assistance in PPR format try to add Alexander Mattison who had four receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (33% Rostered)
When many thought that Rachaad White would be the main running back to roster, Bucky Irving decided to foil those plans by outperforming White with less touches. Add Irving while you can for free because his usage will only rise going forward.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (29% Rostered)
Speaking of unexpected, Tank Bigsby came to play this season! Although Travis Etienne is still the starter and is more useful in PPR formats, it appears that Bigsby will be pushing for a greater timeshare going forward after his 12 carries for 73 yards output for Week 1.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers (4% Rostered)
Meet starting 49ers running back Jordan Mason’s new back up Isaac Guerendo. The rookie is only a Mason injury away from being the starter for the Niners. Boy did that escalate in a hurry.
In deeper leagues, these are other running backs to add if they are available: Justice Hill (16% Rostered), Jamaal Williams (7% Rostered), and Emanuel Wilson (3% Rostered).
Wide Receivers
Check to see if these wide receivers are available first: Rashid Shaheed (61% Rostered), Allen Lazard (45% Rostered), and Brandin Cooks (41% Rostered).
Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams (33% Rostered)
With Puka Nacua out on IR, Demarcus Robinson is in store for a rise in targets as Cooper Kupp’s sidekick for the foreseeable future.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7% Rostered)
Another Buccaneers’ rookie that you must add this week Jalen McMillan. He has built quite a rapport with Baker Mayfield in a short time and already scored a touchdown and almost had a big play down the sideline that just missed. McMillan played 50 snaps in his debut and look for number to rise as the season progresses.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (18% Rostered)
With all the hoopla going towards Malik Nabers and rightfully so, it was Daniel Jones’s old reliable Wan’Dale Robinson who had 12 targets. These two have always had great chemistry when their both healthy. Look to add Robinson in deeper PPR leagues.
In deeper leagues, check to see if these other wide receivers are available:, Greg Dortch (13% Rostered), Alex Pierce (25% Rostered), and Jordan Whittington (2% Rostered)
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (67% Rostered)
If someone dropped T.J. Hockenson snatch him up quick and stash him on IR until he returns. He will be TE1 in the second half of the season.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams (41% Rostered)
Just like Demarcus Robinson, someone needs to assist in alleviating all the targets left behind by Nacua’s IR stint. Well if you are hurting at tight end, add Colby Parkinson now because he had four receptions for 47 yards on five targets. His target share and production will only go up from here.
Defense
Seattle Seahawks (41% Rostered) get a Tua Tagovailoa-less Dolphins team coming to town.
Las Vegas Raiders (7% Rostered) have the pleasure of facing the Panthers next week at home.
What players are you looking to add in Week 2? If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us on X at @FCFantasySports.
