Here’s an early look at the fantasy players you’ll be targeting off the waiver wire this week. None of these players are rostered in more than 50% of ESPN.com leagues. The actual ESPN.com ownership percentage is listed in parentheses. Be sure to check out Jen Piacenti’s expanded list of waiver-wire players every Tuesday!
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons (44%)
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To the shock of everyone, Allgeier had more touches (18) and scored more fantasy points (24.4) than rookie standout Bijan Robinson (16 touches, 20.3 points). The Falcons are going to run the ball a ton this season, and this week showed there’s enough touches for both of these backs to make an impact. Surprisingly, Allgeier is still a free agent in well over 50% of ESPN leagues. Go get him if possible.
Zach Ertz, TE, Cardinals (39.7%)
Ertz (knee) was active in the first game of the season, and he was the most targeted player in the Cardinals offense in a loss to the Commanders. In fact, his 10 looks were double what anyone else received. Tight end is a thin position, and getting a ton of looks even in a subpar offense makes Ertz well worth a look. He’ll be even more valuable when the Cardinals get Kyler Murray back on the field.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions (34.6%)
LaPorta didn’t put up a huge total against the Chiefs, but he was clearly the top tight end in the Lions offense. The rookie played 58 snaps and ran 26 routes, which was third most on the team per PFF. LaPorta was targeted five times (he caught all five) and ran a route on 50% of the Lions’ dropbacks. A talented pass catcher, he needs to be added on fantasy football teams that could use a tight end.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles (21.7%)
Gainwell didn’t put up a massive stat line for the Eagles or fantasy fans, but he was the clear top runner in the offense against New England. He saw 18 touches in the contest while D’Andre Swift saw two and Rashaad Penny was inactive. There is no guarantee this is the rotation we’ll see moving forward, but for now Gainwell looks like the Eagles back to roster in a backfield that could be volatile.
Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens (21.8%)
The Ravens have lost J.K. Dobbins for the season with a torn Achilles, so Edwards and Justice Hill (0.3%) will be worth adding off the waiver wire. Baltimore could move Melvin Gordon from the practice squad or look to add a veteran off the street, so be sure to keep tabs on the transactions wire. For now, Edwards and Hill will be the two backs to target in what figures to become a committee situation.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers (19%)
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Doubs entered this week at less than 100%, and it was even reported that he would be on a snap count. So much for that. The second-year wideout ended up catching four passes, including two touchdowns, and he finished with 18.6 points in a blowout win over the Bears. He did benefit from the absence of Christian Watson, who was inactive, but Doubs should still be added in most leagues regardless.
Jordan Love, QB, Packers (15.8%)
Love had a huge fantasy game in his first post-Aaron Rodgers era start, throwing for 245 yards with three touchdowns in a win over the Bears. What’s more impressive is that he did it without Watson and with Doubs playing at less than 100%. The Utah State product is still a free agent in the majority of leagues, but that’s unlikely to be the case much longer after his 23-point performance in the opener.
Kyren Williams, RB, Rams (10.3%)
Why does Rams coach Sean McVay hate Cam Akers (and our fantasy squads)? Seemingly out of nowhere, Williams shared the backfield work with Akers and more importantly, scored two touchdowns from inside Seattle’s 10-yard line. This Rams offense is going to be a crapshoot without Cooper Kupp, but Williams saw enough work and had enough production to be worth a look off the waiver wire.
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams (2.3%)
The Rams might have found their new No. 1 (fantasy) wideout in the rookie Nacua, who dominated the targets and receiving totals in his first NFL start. He was targeted 15 times, catching 10 passes for 119 yards. More importantly, he seemed to gain the trust of his veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford. For at least the next few weeks, Nacua could hold some statistical value for fantasy managers.
Rashid Shaheed, WR, Saints (2%)
Shaheed has secured his spot as the No. 3 wideout in New Orleans, and he showed his stuff in the opener with five catches (six targets), 89 yards, a touchdown and 19 fantasy points. This might very well be one of his best games of the season with Chris Olave and Michael Thomas in the mix, but Shaheed is certainly worth a look as a No. 5 wideout who could push for flex starter value this season.
