The injury bug bit hard in Week 2, with several big name players exiting Sunday’s contests. It appears most of them avoided major injury, but fantasy owners lost Danny Woodhead for the season and will be without Adrian Peterson for an unknown amount of time.
Fortunately, there’s always opportunity on the waiver wire. We dig deep every week in our waiver wire advice. Below you’ll see recommendations for shallow, regular and deep leagues. Players are listed in order of priority and the suggested auction budget percentage is in parenthesis. Keep in mind that some leagues may be more aggressive or conservative in terms of bidding, so know your league tendencies. Regardless of the size of your league, it’s suggested that you work your way down the list and prioritize the top players in your waiver claims for this week. Percentages after names indicate amount of a free-agent budget I’d recommend spending.
Shallow leagues (8-10 teams)
Quarterback
1. Ryan Tannehill, Miami (5%) — There’s really only one quarterback who stands out as a possible add in shallow formats this week. Tannehill got off to an ugly start in Week 2, but ended up with a garbage-time-padded line of 389 yards and two scores. With DeVante Parker emerging, Tannehill has QB1 appeal, especially this week against the Browns.
Running back
1. Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota (30%) — Adrian Peterson tore his meniscus in Week 2, which vaults McKinnon into the lead back role. He has loads of upside, but how long he’ll be the starter is still up in the air, as Peterson’s timetable remains unclear. Either way, McKinnon makes for a fringe RB1 play as a starter. He’s one of the top adds of the week, and is a must-own in all formats.
2. Theo Riddick, Detroit (20%) — There’s a good chance he’s already owned, but Riddick is a priority pick up this week with Ameer Abdullah dealing with a foot injury. The Lions gave Riddick 11 carries in Week 2 to go along with four catches. His three-down ability in a potent offense gives Riddick RB2 fantasy appeal if Abdullah misses time.
3. Charles Sims, Tampa Bay (15%) — Here’s another injury situation that could have a major impact on the fantasy landscape. Bucs RB Doug Martin is dealing with a hamstring injury coming out of Sunday’s contest. While it isn’t as major as Peterson’s injury, Martin has the potential to miss time. That being said, it’s a tough matchup this week against the Rams, and there’s no guarantee Sims gets the bulk of the early-down work.
Wide receiver
1. DeVante Parker, Miami (35%) — Slowed by a preseason hamstring injury that cause him to miss Week 1, Parker exploded on Sunday with eight catches on 12 targets for 106 yards. He’s clearly moved past Kenny Stills on the target pecking order. He should be considered a high-ceiling WR3 going forward.
2. Tyrell Williams, San Diego (25%) — Travis Benjamin is likely to be owned in your league, but he gets priority over Williams if he isn’t. However, Williams looks to be cemented as the No. 2 wide receiver in San Diego after his strong Week 2 performance where he flashed his speed in a weaving catch-and-run touchdown. Williams is on the WR3 radar and gets a strong matchup this week.
3. Quincy Enunwa, NY Jets (15%) — Essentially the Jets’ tight end, Enunwa has been impressive to start the season. He’s behind Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall, but there’s still enough volume in the Jets’ offense to give Enunwa WR3 appeal in PPR formats.
Tight end
1. Dennis Pitta, Baltimore (20%) — Making an Ali-like comeback, Pitta exploded for 102 yards on nine catches in Week 2. He was a TE1 many moons ago, and has reemerged as a strong fantasy option this season. Consider him a high-floor TE1 going forward.
2. Martellus Bennett, New England (20%) — If he was dropped, Bennett is a priority add this week following a strong outing against the Dolphins where he put up 114 yards and a score. Jacoby Brissett under center hurts his value this week, but Bennett will retain strong value especially given Rob Gronkowski’s recent injury woes.
Regular leagues (12 teams)
Quarterback
1. Dak Prescott, Dallas (3%) — He has yet to throw a passing touchdown this season, but Prescott looked good and did find the end zone as a runner in Week 2. He’s a strong play this week against the Bears.
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