Fantasy football is a cruel mistress, especially if you happened to own David Johnson, Allen Robinson, Kevin White, or Danny Woodhead (or maybe all of them?). With injuries and breakouts dramatically changing the fantasy landscape, the Week 1 waiver run is arguably the most important of the year. Your FAAB money will get you the most bang for your buck, with the potential of getting 15 weeks out of a player you pick up. Let’s dive into this week’s recommendations.
Remember, we cast a wide net 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.
Shallow leagues (8-10 teams)
Quarterback
1. Alex Smith, Kansas City (15-20%) – While Smith has never been the highest-ceiling fantasy option, he flashed serious upside in Week 1. Having explosive weapons in Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt will help Smith sustain QB2-plus value going forward.
2. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia (10-15%) – One of this year’s biggest breakout candidates, Wentz got off to a strong start with 300-plus and two scores in Week 1. He isn’t an every-week fantasy starter yet, but he deserves to be on rosters.
Running back
1. Tarik Cohen, Chicago (25-50%) – Week 1 was full of surprises, but Cohen was arguably the biggest. With Kevin White out for the season, Cohen has a chance to be the Bears leading receiver. He’s worth a big chunk of your FAAB budget.
2. Javorius Allen, Baltimore (20-40%) – Danny Woodhead looks likely to miss several weeks, which means Allen will now play a significant role in the Ravens’ backfield. He out-touched Terrance West in Week 1 21-19.
3. Kerwynn Williams, Arizona (15-30%) – With David Johnson likely to miss extended time, Williams is the best bet to serve as the early-down back. That said, he isn’t going to simply assume Johnson’s duties. Expect a committee.
Wide receiver
1. Kenny Golladay, Detroit (15-30%) – The explosive rookie receiver got off to a hot start with two scores in Week 1. Golladay is still the No. 3 in Detroit, so don’t expect these numbers every week. However, he should be owned in all formats.
2. Corey Coleman, Cleveland (15-25%) – Coleman didn’t post massive numbers in Week 1, but he did find the end zone. With DeShone Kizer’s big arm, Coleman offers a lot of weekly upside.
3. Cooper Kupp, LA Rams (15-25%) – He’s quickly emerged as Jared Goff’s favorite target. There’s a good chance Kupp leads the Rams in receiving this year.
Tight end
1. Jason Witten, Dallas (10-15%) – The “old” man can still play. Witten gobbled up six catches on seven targets and found the end zone in Week 1. He offers a high weekly floor at the notoriously inconsistent tight end position.
Regular leagues (12 teams)
Quarterback
1. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo (5-10%) – The surrounding cast in Buffalo leaves something to be desired, but Taylor proved in Week 1 that he’s still capable of putting up QB1 numbers in plus matchups.
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