Week 2 wasn’t quite as exciting for pickup hunting as Week 1, but, with two weeks down, we have a little more clarity on how valuable these free agents could be for your team this season. Looking back on last week’s list, Javorius “Buck” Allen appears to be the top of the class. His role in Baltimore has expanded with the injury to Danny Woodhead. With Terrance West suffering through a soft tissue injury, the Ravens could lean on him even more in Week 3.
Allen looks like cream of post-Week 1 waiver-wire crop. Outplayed & out-touched West again. 2nd on #Ravens in tgts. https://t.co/6dyilLdoQl
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) September 17, 2017
Not to be forgotten, Tarik Cohen continues to see a high percentage of Chicago’s touches — 24.7 percent, to be exact, according to John Paulsen — and he’ll have better weeks than what Week 2 had in store for him.
Tarik Cohen has seen 24.7% of his teams targets through two weeks.
— John Paulsen (@4for4_John) September 18, 2017
This week, injuries hit many of the fantasy football elite so you may be looking for depth or a worthy stash to help you through the rest of your season. Tight ends were especially hard hit.
Players who may have MRIs today:
Gronkowski
Graham
Reed
Murray
Newton
Cobb
Davis
Eifert
Howard
Beasley
Daniels
Multiple OL
…Busy day.
— Jene Bramel (@JeneBramel) September 18, 2017
And if you gambled on some aged veteran players, you might be regretting that decision now. Adrian Peterson owners saw him take a backseat again in Week 2. At this point, it’s fair to consider dropping AP for players with more opportunity. He trailed just ahead of Brandon Marshall in terms of veteran players that owners were frustrated with heading into Week 3, but the winner was “All of the Above.”
Who are you giving up on after 2 weeks?
— Fantasy Football Fools ? (@FantasyFools) September 19, 2017
Carson Palmer, while not winning the poll, is still not winning his owners any weeks thus far this season. Don’t hold him if you can look elsewhere for QB points with useful free agents like Trevor Siemian and Carson Wentz rising up the ranks.
Your current top-three fantasy quarterbacks with at least 2 games played: 1) Trevor Siemian, 2) Carson Wentz, 3) Alex Smith. Predictable.
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) September 18, 2017
If Chris Carson, the rookie RB for the Seahawks, is still available in your league, be sure to go after him this week as your top priority. His path is clear to take over the lead role after Seattle featured him heavily in Week 2.
Even if Rawls gets a few more “starts,” it seems clear that Carson has the most talent and ability.
Chris Carson now the guy in #Seahawks backfield. Eddie Lacy healthy scratch, T Rawls ineffective, CJ Prosise pigeonholed as pass-game back.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) September 18, 2017
The offensive line in Seattle still needs to get it together, but this running game should have value, especially if Eddie Lacy continues to be a healthy scratch.
After Carson, the decisions get a little more difficult. According to our poll, the Redskins’ Chris Thompson is the highest priority after his two touchdown performance on Sunday.
Rob Kelley may miss time with a rib injury, which would open up more opportunity for Thompson, primarily the receiving back for the Redskins. Samaje Perine would also likely get a larger share of the touches if Kelley misses time, but Thompson’s role has more staying power.
Who's your top target? on the waiver wire? (Assuming Chris Carson is owned in most leagues)
— Fantasy Football Fools ? (@FantasyFools) September 19, 2017
Those seeking less expensive running backs on the wire can look to stash a Johnson as both Chris Johnson, now back in Arizona, and Duke Johnson had productive Week 2 performances.
Alex Collins, recently signed to the Ravens, could be a sneaky pickup if Terrance West misses significant time or if Collins gets his chance to shine.
At receiver, two Jaguars wide receivers, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, are available in many leagues and gained value due to Allen Robinson’s injury. Unfortunately, you have to trust Blake Bortles to get them the ball.
For my roster, I’d rather stash someone like J.J. Nelson. Despite Carson Palmer’s poor play, Nelson still produced in both Week 1 and Week 2. Even if John Brown gets back on the field, he appears to be worth owning, especially in PPR.
Last but not least, you can also target Jermaine Kearse on the wire this week. The Jets are not a good team this season, and they’ll have a lot of garbage time opportunity for their top receiver.
Time to universally add Jermaine Kearse. Yes, the Jets are dreadful, but clear-cut No. 1 on a team always in catch-up mode. Sneaky valuable.
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) September 17, 2017
If you’re looking for wide receiver value on the cheap, try grabbing Rashard Higgins of the Cleveland Browns, likely to be the top receiver with the loss of Coleman, or Geronimo Allison, who has an awesome name and the potential to step into a larger role for Green Bay if Jordy Nelson misses time.
Good luck in Week 3!