Each week I’ll provide you with a rundown by position of key
waiver wire adds. We’ll evaluate not just breakouts based
on past performance, but also who could deliver this week based
on a soft matchup. Stats will be provided based on a 12-team PPR
league, with players less than 75% (preferably less than 50%) ownership
being considered.
As many seasoned vets know, these next few weeks will be key in
identifying who is a one-hit wonder and who could provide lasting
value for the rest of the season.
Note: This column will be updated tomorrow at the conclusion
of Week 1.
Rodgers had the kind of performance Steelers fans have been praying
for, throwing for 4 TDs and 244 yards against the Jets, averaging
8.1 yards per attempt. He won't do that every week, but we know
he can throw touchdowns at a high rate if he gets in a groove.
Jones won the starting job from Anthony Richardson, and at least
in Week 1, he made the Colts coaches look brilliant, throwing
for 272-1-0 with a 75% completion rate and rushing for 7-26-2.
He typically has a low ceiling throwing the ball, but he does
provide some sneaky rushing upside. Up next is a stingy Denver
defense.
Penix opened his first full season as the starter right where
he left off, throwing for 298 yards and a touchdown (with no picks)
while adding a surprising rushing score on six carries. Don't
count on rushing production being a regular part of his game,
but you can expect more multi-touchdown passing outings ahead.
Week 2 brings a tougher test against a stingy Minnesota defense,
but Penix looks like a worthy add in fantasy leagues.
Dylan Sampson was the surprise touch leader in Week 1, out-touching
Jerome Ford 20-7 and finishing with 12 carries for 29 yards plus
8 catches on 8 targets for 64 yards. The receiving work is especially
notable, as Joe Flacco has never shied away from checkdowns. Judkins
-- viewed as the RB of the future -- just signed his rookie deal
after missing camp with off-field issues. His workload should
increase as the season progresses. Week 2 brings a tough Ravens
defense, likely forcing more passing volume again, which favors
Sampson in PPR formats.
All offseason the buzz was about Arizona scaling back James Conner's
workload, and Week 1 confirmed it. Conner handled 15 touches (12
carries, 4 receptions), while rookie Trey Benson mixed in for
9 touches, turning 8 carries into 69 yards and adding a 6-yard
reception. Conner is still the clear lead back, but Benson showed
explosiveness and could have flex appeal in the right matchups.
More importantly, he has league-winning upside if Conner misses
time. He draws the Panthers in Week 2, a defense that surrendered
the third-most rushing yards per game in 2024, making him a sneaky
upside play.
Rookie Kaleb Johnson was expected to share the workload with
starter Jaylen Warren, but it was actually Gainwell, who rushed
for 7-19-0 and caught 3-of-4 targets for 4 yards. Aaron Rodgers
is slow to trust rookies, and can pepper running backs with targets,
so Gainwell should have a decent role for the foreseeable future.
Up next is a Seahawks defense that is decent against the run but
susceptible to passes to running backs.
The Chiefs running backs only had 10 carries combined but Hunt
saw half, including high value touches (receptions and red zone
work) so he's an important add. With Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy
(shoulder) out, Hunt will be called on against a tough Eagles
defense in Week 2.
Johnston had one of the best stat lines of the week (7-5-79-2)
in a big win over the division rival Kansas City. Allen also turned
back the clock by putting up a 10-7-68-1 line. We know the Chargers
want to run the ball, but Justin Herbert showed that he can sling
it if needed. Up next is another division tilt against the Raiders,
and these two are clearly ahead of rookie Tre Harris on the depth
chart.
Coleman had a monster game in a shootout win over the Ravens,
leading the Bills in all receiving categories with a 11-8-112-1
line. Coleman may be delivering on what the Bills hoped he could
be when they drafted him last year. The Jets allowed decent receiving
days to DK Metcalf (4-83-0) and Calvin Austin (4-70-1) in Week
1.
Brown saw a whopping 16 targets, reeling in 10-for-99 yards in
a tough loss to the Chargers. With Rashee Rice suspended for the
first six games and Xavier Worthy exiting early with a shoulder
injury, Brown was the primary beneficiary. It wouldn't be surprising
to see Worthy sit for at least a week, so Brown should be the
WR1 as long as Worthy misses. Up next is a tough Super Bowl rematch
against the Eagles.
Austin had a nice day in a win over the Jets, delivering a 6-4-70-1
line. Aaron Rodgers has shown that he can keep two WRs relevant,
and Austin appears to be the clear WR2 to alpha DK Metcalf. Up
next is a home matchup against the Seahawks.
Boutte was the team leader in targets (8), receptions (6) and
yards (103) in a losing effort to the Raiders. With Drake Maye
throwing 46 passes and spreading the ball around (5 players had
at least 6 targets), there seems to be room for another pass catcher
next to WR1 Stefon Diggs. Up next, Boutte will face the reeling
Dolphins who got lit up by Daniel Jones and the Colts in Week
1.
Tillman is the clear WR2 to Jerry Jeudy, and had a nice stat
line (8-5-52-1) in a tough loss to the division-rival Bengals.
Up next is another division matchup (@ BAL) where we should see
another 40-45 attempts from Flacco.
Johnson had a big day against the division-rival Cardinals, posting
a 11-8-76-0 line and ending up second on the team in targets while
leading the team in receptions and yards on a day where Spencer
Rattler had 46 attempts. He's currently leading all TEs
in targets (11) for Week 1, pending the Monday night game. Looks
for Johnson to be involved again against another division rival
(SF) this week where they should again be playing from behind.
Fannin led the Browns in targets (9) and delivered a 9-7-63-0
receiving line, besting starter David Njoku (6-3-37-0). Joe Flacco
can spread the ball around, and there are plenty of targets available
when he has 45 attempts. Fannin was moved all around the formation
and should be added where possible. Up next is a tough matchup
against the Ravens.
Smith got traded from the Dolphins and had an immediate impact
for the Steelers, going for 6-5-15-1 in a back-and-forth win over
the Jets. We know that Aaron Rodgers can throw touchdowns and
OC Arthur Smith loves Jonnu, so he should see adequate production.
Up next is a home game against the Seahawks.
The Patriots had a decent day in a loss to the Raiders, getting
4 sacks and an interception. Up next they get the reeling Dolphins
who got shellacked in Week 1 (3 sacks, 3 turnovers, 8 points)
by a Colts defense that is mediocre at best.
Rams @ TEN
The Rams defense got 3 sacks and 2 turnovers in a slugfest win
over the Texans in Week 1. Up next is a Titans offense and rookie
QB Cam Ward that struggled against the Broncos, giving up 6 sacks,
2 turnovers and failed to find the endzone.
49ers @ NO
The 49ers won their opener against the division-rival Seahawks,
generating a sack and 2 turnovers while only allowing 13 points.
Up next is a Saints team sporting Spencer Rattler at QB that only
scored 13 points against the Cardinals.
