NFL Week 1 has been one for the books.
The Bills shellacked the Rams to kick off the season. The Browns defeated the Panthers in the "Baker Bowl." The Bears bested the 49ers in a game that resembled water polo. The Giants pulled off an impressive upset over the Titans. The Colts and Texans recorded the first tie of the season. The Steelers won a sloppy kicking affair over the reigning AFC Champion Bengals. The Chiefs molly-whopped the Cardinals with the help of stand-in kicker Harrison Reid. And the Cowboys put us all to sleep in primetime against the Buccaneers.
With an absolutely wild football Sunday in the rear-view mirror, it's time to assess the state of our fantasy teams and add (or cut) accordingly. Whether you need replacements for Dak Prescott, Elijah Mitchell, Keenan Allen, Chris Godwin or just need a Week 2 streamer, make sure to check out The Action Network's top targets at each position — all of which are available in at least 50% of Yahoo! leagues — that you should prioritize come Tuesday night.
Note: Yahoo! roster percentages are reflected in parenthesis as of Monday and fantasy rankings are exclusive of the Monday night game.
Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups
Fantasy Waiver QBs to Target
Jameis Winston, Saints (46% rostered)
I have been all over Winston as a sleeper target who could end up top 12 at the position this year. He had a rocky start with a mostly unremarkable first three quarters of play and ended up completing 23 of 34 attempts for 269 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions (!) in the Saints' 27-26 win over the Falcons.
He was briefly banged up in the game, but he ultimately returned and finished as the Week 1 QB7 with one game left to play. Winston has fringe-QB1 upside moving forward and could be an excellent Dak Prescott fill-in if available.
Next three games: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, vs. Vikings
Carson Wentz, Commanders (13%)
Wentz had a surprisingly nice outing in his debut for the Commanders. He completed 27 of 41 attempts for 313 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions and rushed six times for 12 yards. He exhibited a strong rapport with Antonio Gibson, Curtis Samuel, Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson and rallied the team to a 28-22 victory.
Wentz won't get to play the Jaguars every week, so I am not expecting him to post top-three numbers every week. That said, he should be considered a solid QB2 moving forward and a viable option for scrambling Prescott managers.
Next three games: at Lions, vs. Eagles, at Cowboys
Other quarterbacks to consider: Marcus Mariota, Falcons (9%), Baker Mayfield, Panthers (18%), Davis Mills, Texans (6%)
Fantasy Waiver RBs to Target
Jamaal Williams, Lions (47% rostered)
D'Andre Swift had a massive day in the Lions' heartbreaking 38-35 loss, but let's not overlook the performance of beloved "Hard Knocks" star, Jamaal Williams. He saw 11 carries (to Swift's 15) for 28 yards and a pair of touchdowns and caught one of two targets for two yards — good enough for a RB13 finish in half PPR with one game left to play.
Make no mistake: Swift is the alpha in this backfield, though it appears Williams has carved out his own role. He has a nice upcoming schedule and could offer flex value against the Commanders, who just gave up 123 rushing yards to the Jaguars.
Next three games: vs. Commanders, at Vikings, vs. Seahawks
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (31%)
Pacheco was a popular preseason name who lived up to the hype as the Chiefs shellacked the Cardinals 44-21. He out-touched lead back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (who was more involved in the passing game) 12 to 10 and tallied 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, finishing as the RB20.
It's worth noting that Pacheco did not see a touch until the second quarter — when the Chiefs were already up 20-7 — and was utilized heavily in the fourth quarter, which could indicate a more game-script-dependent role for the rookie. Nevertheless, it's clear he will be the No. 2 in this Kansas City offense and is worth an add as Edwards-Helaire's backup at the very minimum.
Next three games: vs. Chargers, at Colts, at Buccaneers
Khalil Herbert, Bears (41%)
David Montgomery led Chicago's backfield usage, though it was Herbert who posted the stronger fantasy performance as the Bears slipped-and-slid their way to a sloppy 19-10 upset over the 49ers.
He saw nine carries (to Montgomery's 17) for 45 yards and a touchdown and caught one pass for -2 yards — good enough to finish as the RB21. Strictly from the eye test, he looked like the stronger rusher of the two and his five yards per carry significantly eclipsed Montgomery's paltry 1.5.
I anticipate this will end up as some type of time share, which would give Herbert standalone fantasy value. He is worth adding in almost all leagues.
Next three games: at Packers, vs. Texans, at Giants
Jaylen Warren, Steelers (4%)
Warren was a non-factor in the Steelers' 23-20 victory over the Bengals. He saw three carries for seven yards and finished as the RB66. The undrafted rookie free agent may see more opportunities if Najee Harris, who exited Sunday's game with a foot injury, were to miss time. Harris suffered a Lisfranc injury during the preseason, though it is unclear if it's a new injury or a re-aggravation of the existing one.
Receiver Chase Claypool also stepped up with Harris out and saw six carries for 36 yards. At the very least, Warren is worth a speculative add and could have long-term value if Harris' durability becomes a season-long issue.
Next three games: vs. Patriots, at Browns, vs. Jets
Dontrell Hilliard, Titans (7%)
Derrick Henry was utilized heavily in the Titans' shocking 21-20 loss to the Giants, though it was Hilliard who ended up with the superior day for fantasy. He rushed twice for eight yards and tacked on three catches on four targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns — good enough for a RB7 finish.
If Week 1 is any indication, it appears that the Titans will deploy some kind of 1-2 punch with Henry handling most of the ground work and Hilliard taking over in passing downs. He could be a valuable asset and much more than just an insurance policy for Henry, especially in PPR formats. Hilliard is worth an add in deeper leagues, though I would not trust him next week on the road against the Bills, who completely stymied the Rams' rushing attack.
Next three games: at Bills, vs. Raiders, at Colts
Jeff Wilson Jr., 49ers (15%)
Wilson was unremarkable in the 49ers' loss to the Bears as he saw nine carries for 22 yards and caught both of his targets for eight yards. His RB52 finish won't turn heads, but he may see a larger role with Elijah Mitchell expected to miss two months — especially with rookie Tyrion Davis-Price being a Week 1 healthy scratch.
Versatile receiver Deebo Samuel had eight carries for 52 yards and a touchdown in the effort and could be San Francisco's best rusher until Mitchell returns. That said, Wilson is established enough to warrant a waiver claim in spite of not capitalizing in Week 1.
Next three games: vs. Seahawks, at Broncos, vs. Rams
Rex Burkhead, Texans (13%)
Preseason phenom Dameon Pierce drew a lot of attention in the weeks leading up to fantasy drafts, with many heralding him as a potential top-24 play right out of the gate. The rookie was mostly unremarkable in his debut and was both out-touched and out-snapped by 32-year-old Rex Burkhead in the Texans' 20-20 tie.
Pierce tallied 11 carries for 33 yards and caught his lone target for six yards while Burkhead rushed 14 times for 40 yards and caught five of eight targets for 30 yards (good enough for a RB26 finish). Personally, I was concerned the Pierce hype was getting out of control and the early season expectations were too high for a rookie — especially in a below-average offense.
I believe Pierce can develop into a workhorse back (although that was not his role at Florida), but it may take some time. In the interim, Burkhead will likely cannibalize some of Pierce's value and be involved in the passing game — enough to make him fantasy relevant as a low-end RB3/flex option.
Next three games: at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Chargers
Other running backs to consider: Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles (48%), Jerick McKinnon, Chiefs (5%)
Fantasy Waiver WRs to Target
Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, Commanders (5% and 23% rostered)
Of this stacked rookie wide receiver class, Dotson was one of the least hyped names due in part to his less flashy scouting profile and landing spot. He ended up with the best fantasy day of any of the Year 1 wideouts and caught three of five targets for 40 yards and two touchdowns. He also tacked on a rush for -10 yards and finished as the WR12 in half PPR (with one game left to play).
Dotson ranked fourth in targets behind Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas and Samuel, who caught a whopping eight of his 11 targets for 55 yards and a touchdown, and rushed four times for 17 yards. Samuel had a relatively productive start to his career with the Panthers, but fell off the fantasy radar after appearing in just five games in 2021 for Washington due to a lingering groin injury. His Week 1 target share of 26.8 percent was impressive, as was his production, which was good enough to end up as the WR16. He could easily vault into the WR3/flex conversation as early as next week against the Lions.
Next three games: at Lions, vs. Eagles, at Cowboys
Devin Duvernay, Ravens (30%)
Duvernay was a popular rookie sleeper two years ago who ultimately did not live up to the hype. He was mainly utilized as a return specialist in 2021 and earned Pro Bowl honors as a result.
Duvernay dominated in his Year 3 debut on a relatively small target share (13.8%). He reeled in all four of his targets for 54 yards and two touchdowns and finished as the WR9. He trailed Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman in targets and tied with Demarcus Robinson in the effort. Duvernay could easily solidify his role as the WR2 in Baltimore's offense and No. 3 option behind Andrews and Bateman, which makes a strong case to add him as a bench stash.
He won't get to face the Jets every week, however. Until we see more consistent looks from quarterback Lamar Jackson, he is more of a boom-or-bust, deeper league flex play.
Next three games: vs. Dolphins, at Patriots, vs. Bills
Jarvis Landry, Saints (42%)
Landry shined in his debut for the Saints and shockingly led the team in targets (nine), receptions (seven) and yards (114) to finish as the WR17.
(Note: I did think it was odd we saw very little of pass-catching running back Alvin Kamara in the game and hope that is not indicative of his role moving forward.)
Michael Thomas also delivered in his return and will be this offense's No. 1. Landry will likely vie with rookie Chris Olave, who caught all three targets for 41 yards, for the No. 2 spot. Landry could be a valuable asset in PPR formats as in previous years.
Next three games: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, vs. Vikings
Robbie Anderson, Panthers (10% )
Much to my dismay as a perennial D.J. Moore truther, it was Anderson — not Moore — who led the Panthers in all receiving categories in the team's disappointing 26-24 loss to the Browns. He caught five of eight targets for 102 yards and a touchdown — good enough for a WR10 finish — while Moore caught three of six targets for 43 yards and finished as the WR53.
The vast majority of Anderson's production came on a 75-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Anderson has been a boom-or-bust deep threat his entire career, perfectly suited to best-ball formats. In season long, it may be difficult to trust him week-to-week, though the 32% target share is intriguing enough for a waiver bid.
Next three games: at Giants, vs. Saints, vs. Cardinals
DeAndre Carter and Josh Palmer, Chargers (1% and 21%)
Carter came out of nowhere with an impressive performance in the Chargers' 24-19 victory over the Raiders. It was the 29-year-old journeyman return specialist — not Palmer or Mike Williams — who stepped up with star wideout Keenan Allen going down with a hamstring injury early. He caught three of four targets for 64 yards and a touchdown — good enough to finish as the WR21.
Carter tied Allen, Williams, Palmer, Gerald Everett, Austin Ekeler and Tre' McKitty with four targets, so suffice it to say that no single pass catcher dominated the target share. I was surprised to see Williams have a very quiet day (two catches for 10 yards), as well as Palmer (three catches for five yards).
With Allen's status very much in jeopardy on the short week against the Chiefs, both Carter and Palmer are worth a look on waivers, depending on the depth of your league.
Next three games: at Chiefs, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
Sterling Shepard, Giants (1%)
Shepard was shockingly good in his return from a torn Achilles. He caught two of four targets for a team-high 71 yards and one touchdown and finished as the WR19. His production mostly came from a 65-yard touchdown via Daniel Jones and he was out-targeted by both Richie James (six) and Saquon Barkley (seven).
This stat line, combined with Shepard's speckled history of durability/injury concerns, gives me pause about plugging him into any lineups at this time. He is still worth a speculative add in deeper leagues to see if his target share progressively increases — especially with rookie Wan'Dale Robinson suffering a knee injury in the game.
Next three games: vs. Panthers, vs. Cowboys, vs. Bears
Other wide receivers to consider: D.J. Chark, Lions (40%), Zay Jones, Jaguars (12%), Corey Davis, Jets (6%), Greg Dortch, Cardinals (0%), Noah Brown, Cowboys (1%), Mecole Hardman, Chiefs (30%), Donovan Peoples-Jones, Browns (4%), Richie James Jr., Giants (0%), Russell Gage, Buccaneers (48%)
Fantasy Waiver TEs to Target
Gerald Everett, Chargers (29% rostered)
Everett had a rock-solid debut for the Bolts. He caught three of four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown, which was good enough for a TE4 finish in half PPR with one game left to play. Everett could have season-long appeal on a top offense, as well as immediate value in light of the uncertainty of Allen's availability for Thursday. He is worth a top claim if you are in need of a tight end (see: all Mike Gesicki managers).
Next three games: at Chiefs, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
Taysom Hill, Saints (9%)
Yes, Taysom Hill is back on the fantasy radar. The polarizing gadget player, who has elicited everything from praise to contempt from the fantasy community, had an interesting Sunday as a rusher and receiver.
He tallied one catch for two yards and rushed four times for 81 yards and a touchdown. It's unclear how the Saints plan on deploying the hybrid QB/TE/RB/WR at this time, but it does look like he will have some kind of role.
Hill is dual eligible as both a quarterback and a tight end in Yahoo leagues but only eligible as a tight end in ESPN leagues. His potential for passing points and versatility makes him an attractive, high-upside stash at tight end at this time.
Next three games: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, vs. Vikings
O.J. Howard, Texans (1%)
Howard was highly efficient in his Texans debut. He caught both of his targets for 38 yards and two touchdowns and finished as the TE2 behind only Travis Kelce. Overall, the Texans were quite impressive — given they were a four-win team in 2021 — and very much held their own against the Colts defense.
Howard is extremely talented, but has been plagued with injuries. He was a five-star recruit out of high school and highly touted prospect from Alabama. He was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers, with whom he won a Super Bowl despite not playing.
He has the talent and athleticism to produce, but two targets isn't enough to justify starting him in the near term. He is a deeper league bench stash for now on the heels of a fantastic Week 1.
Next three games: at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Chargers
Other tight ends to consider: Hayden Hurst, Bengals (10%), Robert Tonyan, Packers (24%), Tyler Conklin, Jets (2%), Logan Thomas, Commanders (6%)
