PPR Fantasy Football Top 10 Waiver Wire Picks after Week 1
A lot of guys surprised people with their production and may still be available to claim in your Fantasy Football Leagues
A lot of things did not go as planned in week 1 for not only Fantasy Football owners but for NFL teams in general. Jerry Jeudy will miss 4-6 weeks due to a high ankle sprain leaving Denver without one of their best players after picking up a solid win in week 1. Jeudy’s injury also leaves Fantasy owners with a decision on what Wide Receiver to pick up or play in his absence.
Raheem Mostert was also a popular pick in PPR formats due to his NFL leading 5.6 YPA (Yards Per Attempt), but after only rushing twice for 20 yards, Mostert will get season-ending knee surgery which is a gutted blow to not only the 49ers but also for Fantasy Football owners that were very high on Mostert like myself. Either way, here are the top waiver wire guys that will help your team succeed if they are available to claim.
Elijah Mitchell, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
The most popular name on the waiver wire right now is the 49ers Running Back Elijah Mitchell who was the lead back for the 49ers in their 41-33 win over the Detroit Lions in week 1. Trey Sermon is healthy but was inactive in week 1, which is concerning because no one knows when he will be used.
Because Mostert is out of the season and Sermon is a big question mark, Elijah Mitchell is the lead back as of right now on a very good 49ers team that likes to run. If the 49ers decide to stick with Mitchell as the lead back, he should replicate the 104 yards and touchdown performance he had last week.
Jamies Winston, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
Most people will not need to pick up Winston because Quarterbacks are never really an issue in Fantasy Football since there are so many formidable ones. However, if you drafted Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan, or another struggling QB, you should strongly consider picking up Winston and slotting him in as your starting QB in week 2.
Winston passed for 5 touchdowns in the Saints’ beatdown of the Packers and should only continue his production further against the Carolina Panthers. Pick up Winston, his last game was far from being a fluke.
Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Jefferson had an amazing first week for the Rams catching 2 passes for 80 yards and pulling in a touchdown on one of them. Jefferson seems to be a popular target for Matthew Stafford even in an offense that includes Robert Woods and Connor Kupp. If you have a spot available or are in need of a solid Wide Receiver, Jefferson is the guy to pick up.
Derek Carr, Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders
I know Quarterbacks are usually not the guys you want on the waiver wire but Derek Carr has been consistent for years and it seems like this year he will finally be a very reliable Fantasy Football QB.
Just like Winston, if you have a QB like Rodgers, Lawrence, Ryan, or others that you are not convinced on, then pick him up and slot him in as the starter for your team next week. He won’t disappoint.
Carlos Hyde, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
As a big James Robinson fan and owner of him on both of my fantasy teams, I hate to admit that Carlos Hyde has a lot of boom potential for PPR leagues, but it is true.
Hyde had more carries than Robinson last week for the Jaguars, and if he is on the waiver wire and you are struggling to find depth at the Running Back position he is the guy to pick up besides Elijah Mitchell.
Mark Ingram II, Running Back, Houston Texans
Another Running Back who had a very solid Fantasy Football week 1 is Mark Ingram II, who ran for 85 yards and picked up a touchdown as the lead back for the Houston Texans. It was up in the air if Phillip Lindsay, David Johnson, or Mark Ingram II would be the lead runner for this different Texans offense, but it ended up being Ingram II and I don’t think that will change at least for this week.
The Texans are going to play the Browns and I wouldn’t play Ingram II in Fantasy against that defense, but if you are lacking depth at the RB position and both Elijah Mitchell and Carlos Hyde are gone, go with Ingram II here and he will be a nice waiver wire addition.
Nelson Agholor, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Agholor ended up being Mac Jones’ favorite target in the 17-16 week 1 loss to the Dolphins and he should be a solid target again for Mac Jones in week 2 against a much weaker New York Jets defense.
Agholor could be an even better pickup than Van Jefferson for this week at least and should produce at a high level all season long. Stash him on your bench and pick him up before others jump at the opportunity.
Tevin Coleman, Running Back, New York Jets
Coleman is the lead back for the Jets, but the Jets don’t really have a rushing attack so unless you desperately need a Running Back and Elijah Mitchell, Carlos Hyde, and Mark Ingram II are gone, then do not pick Coleman up. However, Coleman has a lot of upside if the Jets can somehow figure out how to use their running attack.
Emmanuel Sanders, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
Sanders is a very good receiver who will be swapping in and out with Cole Beasley in the passing game. Josh Allen did not have a productive week against the Steelers, but should be able to settle down and pass the ball much better in Week 2 against the Dolphins, even though the Dolphins have a great secondary. If you need a Wide Receiver and Agholor and Jefferson are already picked up, Sanders is a nice stash on your bench.
Phillip Lindsay, Running Back, Houston Texans
Lindsay had a touchdown run in the Texans’ win over the Jaguars in week 1, but he is still 2nd on the depth chart behind Mark Ingram II as of right now. Since the Texans are playing a good defense in the Browns, the running game should not be that successful regardless of whoever rushes more between Lindsay and Ingram II.
If you desperately need a Running Back and Coleman, Mitchell, Hyde, and Ingram are all gone, then pick up Lindsay. If you have enough depth at the position stay away from him.