After the first full slate of regular season action, the NFL and fantasy football are back in full swing.
If you had a tough injury in Week 1, or you just didn’t get the production from one of your players that you expected, we’ll scan the waiver wiree. For potential pickups, we’ll consider players who are available in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential waiver wire pickups that could help your teams heading into Week 2 of the NFL campaign.
Robbie Anderson, WR, Carolina Panthers (37.6%)
Wide receiver is deep, and we all know that. However, it’s always nice to find some impact players on the wire, and Baker Mayfield’s top target might be the best option.
In Week 1, Anderson recorded five receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown on eight targets, making him the 10th-best wideout in fantasy. If Anderson has returned to his 2020 production, he’s worth the add.
Matt Ryan, QB, Indianapolis Colts (16.6%)
Entering his first season with the Colts, Ryan’s fantasy relevance was a bit of a question, and the first week didn’t do him many favors, as he finished as QB19.
If you’re streaming quarterbacks, he may be an option in Week 2, facing the Jacksonville Jaguars who just made Carson Wentz look like the former MVP candidate he was five years ago.
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers (3.8%)
San Francisco’s running game was impressive in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears in the pouring rain, but 100 of their 176 rushing yards came from quarterback Trey Lance and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Elijah Mitchell and Wilson combined for 63 yards on 17 carries. However, Mitchell suffered a sprained MCL and is expected to miss the next two months. In his absence, Wilson should get more touches.
Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Chargers (13.6%)
Having players from the Chargers offense is enticing with Justin Herbert at the helm. With wide receiver Keenan Allen going down this past week, tight end Gerald Everett was able to be the fourth-best tight end in fantasy.
Everett’s arrival into this system could keep him as a top 10 tight end this year.
Cleveland Browns, D/ST (39.5%)
The Browns played the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 and wound up with the ninth-best fantasy output for any defense. In Week 2, they’ll face the New York Jets led by Joe Flacco. After putting up only nine points against the Baltimore Ravens last week, they probably won’t see a jump against Cleveland.
