Waiver Wire claims can make or break a fantasy season. I’ll be here every week with my top adds to save you time. Percentages are based on ESPN’s rostered player data.
This week’s waiver wire won’t offer much juice due to Week 1’s feeble offensive showings along with a lack of significant injuries to fantasy-relevant players. Make conservative bids on players with FAAB dollars, as more valuable opportunities will emerge in the coming weeks.
Jordan Mason (37.4%)
Mason is the clear No. 1 priority if still available. The third-year back handled a hefty 29 touches, posting 153 yards and a score in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey. Mason could see another start this week if McCaffrey’s issues persist.
Isaiah Likely (10.5%)
Likely will remain the Ravens’ No. 2 tight end despite outproducing Mark Andrews in a big way Thursday night. Andrews still ran more routes, but the Chiefs’ defense prioritized shutting him down more than any other Ravens pass catcher. Likely will continue to see opportunity, however, due to his talent and the Ravens’ tendency to use two tight ends.
Justin Fields (11.0%)
Fields’ weekly upside makes him a startable waiver option for those willing to roll the dice. His Week 1 performance didn’t include a touchdown, yet he still managed a QB19 finish. If he can find the end zone even once a game, Fields will push for top-12 fantasy finishes with room to grow if he scores multiple times.
Brandin Cooks (29.7%)
A full-time starter on one of the most pass-happy teams in the league, Cooks still looks like a trustworthy option for Dak Prescott. In a tough matchup with the Browns, the 30-year-old saw seven targets, one resulting in a 21-yard touchdown on an impressive anticipatory throw from Prescott. Cooks remains an uninspiring starter, but he provides a decent floor in a pinch.
Wan’Dale Robinson (6.9%)
Robinson’s 12 targets in Week 1 tied for second-most in the league behind Cooper Kupp‘s 21. While the Giants offense won’t visit the red zone often, Robinson offers value as a PPR merchant.
Alexander Mattison (10.3%)
Samir White drafters find themselves in shambles immediately with Mattison outsnapping White in Week 1. White figures to remain the early-down grinder while Mattison plays more in passing situations, which inherently is the more lucrative role but offers even more value thanks to the Raiders’ negative gamescripts.
Jalen McMillan (3.1%)
McMillan established himself as the clear No. 3 wideout, outpacing Trey Palmer comfortably in snaps in Week 1 while catching a 32-yard touchdown on one of his three targets. The rookie will get better as the season progresses, and early returns from Baker Mayfield signal his 2023 success shouldn’t be credited entirety to former offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Take these results with a grain of salt, though, as the Commanders’ pass defense is bottom-tier.
Josh Downs (10.4%)
If the priority adds aren’t available, don’t waste time trying to figure out a beneficiary of Puka Nacua‘s injury outside of Cooper Kupp. Downs is still working back from a high-ankle sprain and may sit again in Week 2, but if bench space allows, the talented second-year receiver is worth a stash as one of Anthony Richardson‘s favorite targets.
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