The options on the waiver wire are slimmer than ever, and yet rosters need production more than ever with bye weeks, injuries, and unclear depth charts. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but there are a few good targets out there in most leagues. Quarterback is particularly interesting for those who play in bigger leagues or superflex leagues. With uncertainty in Tennessee, Cleveland, and possibly Washington, there is a lot to sort through. Will Jayden Daniels come back without missing a full week?
Will it be Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson at the helm for Cleveland? Will Mason Rudolph retain the job in Tennessee or does it belong to Will Levis? With so many question marks, I usually try to go with someone who I can trust to be the starter moving forward.
Quarterback Targets
Russell Wilson (5%)
On the broadcast Sunday night they stated that Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is still trying to figure out which quarterback gives them the best chance at winning a superbowl, but Wilson looked good for his first game back. In fact, heading into the Monday night games, Wilson is the top scoring quarterback this week. He did a good job getting the ball to receivers in space, and George Pickens is a great contested-catch receiver which bodes well for Wilson.
Drake Maye (13%)
Through a couple of weeks, Drake Maye looks like a good quarterback on a bad team. He was efficient, completing over 70% of his throws, didn’t turn the ball over, and threw two touchdowns en route to being QB4 this week heading into the Monday night games. I love Maye in dynasty leagues, but even in redraft he is looking like a solid piece to have if you need a replacement for injuries or bye weeks.
Running Back Targets
Alexander Mattison (42%)
The Raiders just traded away Davante Adams, and they can’t seem to decide which quarterback they want to role with. This means they’re going to have to run the ball a lot. It may not be pretty or efficient, but Mattison should get a ton of volume. This week he carried the ball 23 times and averaged 4 yards a carry. Considering that Zamir White only got 3 carries and a fairly neutral game script, I think it is reasonable to expect good volume moving forward. If Mattison can continue to get around 4 yards per carry, and have a couple receptions, he should be a low double-digit scorer most of the season.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Kendre Miller (7%)
All offseason Kendre Miller was painted in a bad light by Saints coach Dennis Allen as Miller struggled to stay on the field. Nevertheless, Miller, now back from injury, looks like the clear RB2 on the saints and arguably the better true runner than Kamara. To be clear, Kamara is still far more valuable in fantasy football, but primarily because of his target share out of the backfield, not his rushing yards. Miller had only one fewer carry than Kamara and averaged 6 yards per carry compared to Kamara’s 1.4. Expectations should still be tempered, but Miller is in a good position as a handcuff with moderate production as the team’s RB2.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Wide Receiver Targets
Romeo Doubs (37%)
None of the Packers’ receivers are going to put up consistent numbers this year. Even Jayden Reed who is widely regarded as the best receiver to own put up a dud this week. Doubs was touted in training camp as looking like the best 1-on-1 receiver the Packers have, and he has looked that way at times. He is sure to be a boom or bust type of player, but you can do far worse than grabbing him and inserting him into your lineup as a bye week replacement.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Ricky Pearsall (5%)
With Brandon Aiyuk suffering an ACL injury and the 49ers already persevering through a rash of injuries this season, someone will have to step up, and Pearsall looks to be the most likely candidate. I’m always a fan of good players on good offenses. The 49ers spent a first round pick on Pearsall which speaks to their belief in his abilities, and the offense needs reliable weapons. I think Pearsall will step up to fill the void left by Brandon Aiyuk.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Tight End Targets
Hunter Henry (27%)
It’s criminal that Hunter Henry is only rostered in about a quarter of all leagues. He is quietly the TE5 on the year (likely passed by Trey McBride tonight) and has put up two good games with Drake Maye at QB. I’m a big believer in getting whichever receiver is the safety net for a new, young quarterback, and I believe Henry is just that for Maye. In a year when tight ends have struggled, Henry should be rostered in every league.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Cade Otton (42%)
I have included Otton on this list multiple times. He had an incredibly poor first two weeks, but since then has put together a great stretch the last four weeks with an average of 6.5 targets per game and averaging 9.45 ppr points per game. Excluding the first two weeks, his average would put him right between Jake Ferguson and Evan Engram in points per game.