From Waivers to Rosters – Week 1

Carson Wentz vs. Jax (Ownership 6%) 

Carson Wentz could get off to a strong start in week one vs. Jacksonville. Last season the Jaguars were among the bottom ten vs. QBs in fantasy points per game. Wentz has a more solid passing attack than he had with the Colts, which led to mediocre games against the Jaguars. The combo of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson should lead Wentz to see a top 15 fantasy week due to their ability to attack the ball and make plays after the catch. The Jaguars’ secondary is young, led by Andre Cisco and Tyson Campbell. While both poised for a breakout season, they were ranked 19th on PFF (Insert) for NFL Secondaries. The unfortunate situation with Brian Robinson could lead the Commanders to throw the ball more early. Wentz could be a name mentioned in waivers as we head into week 2. 

Jeff Wilson vs. CHI (Ownership 1%)

Jeff Wilson’s name could be highlighted by the end of Sunday. We all know that the 49ers love to use multiple running backs in their offense, and Wilson had a solid command of the backup role to Elijah Mitchell. In games Wilson played last year, he averaged about ten touches per game, and if the 49ers want to ensure Mitchell can stay healthy, they may lean on a split backfield early on in the season. Wilson has been with the 49ers for years, so he knows the offense better than any running back on the roster. The Bears, in 2021, allowed the seventh most rushing yards per game with 107, and the team just lost Khalil Mack in the offseason. Let’s not forget that Mitchell could not stay healthy last season, so having Wilson now could beat a potential major week two waiver wire pick-up. 

Rex Burkhead vs. IND (Ownership 1%) BEWARE!

I wouldn’t doubt Burkhead is a popular week two pick-up for many fantasy owners who need running backs. This is more of a Beware! I wanted to add Burkhead to this list in advance so folks don’t find the need to go pick him up. The Colts are a tough run team to go up against, especially for a rookie in Dameon Pierce. Pierce could have his work cut out in his first NFL game, leading fantasy owners to be disappointed. The Colts allowed the 5th fewest fantasy points per game to the position. The Texans could be playing from behind early in this matchup, which could lead the Texans to rely on the veteran. Burkhead the final six games, was averaging about four targets per game and is a relying option in passing downs. He has the most experience within the offense and could be a trap game. 

AJ Green vs. KC (Ownership 5%)

AJ Green is dramatically overlooked in fantasy, where he went undrafted in most leagues. Like his teammates Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore, who are being talked up due to DeAndre Hopkin’s absence, AJ Green has just as much of a shot to produce. Green put together the quietest 800 yards and three touchdowns ever in 2021. He was able to stay healthy for a whole season and could get off to a hot start as the potential WR 1 for this team for six weeks. The Chiefs gave up the 5th most touchdowns to wide receivers last season, and in a game, that should be a shoot performance. Green could be a high-end WR3 in fantasy over the next five weeks if he does well. 

Jalen Tolbert vs. TB (Ownership 5%)

Tolbert’s future is cloudy because of the looming return of Michael Gallup. We saw him being ruled out so early in the week that it could be a two to three-week situation where Gallup sits. This opens the door for Jalen Tolbert to perform early in his career. The last time we saw a Cowboys vs. Bucs matchup, we had a shootout performance from both teams. If Tolbert can perform and secure five to seven targets in his first game, folks will be nuts trying to pick him up going into week 2. The Cowboys were the sixth-highest passing attempt team in the league last season, so I don’t believe they will get away from that. Tolbert’s elite speed on the outside should be able to compete with the Bucs’ secondary. Tolbert is a player that could be the star pick-up heading into week two. 

Gerald Everett vs. LAC (Ownership 7%) 

A tight end that will likely be a streaming option all season will be Everett. Everett has a fantastic week one matchup against the Raiders. Last season, the Raiders were the worst team against tight ends, allowing a league-high 11.4 fantasy points per game to the position. We expect the AFC West games to be shootout performances each time they play each other. Everett’s ability as a runner and receiver should make solid production in week one. Fantasy owners will have to decide if Everett is a must-pick after week one, and dropping their tight end, they may have taken a late dart throw on instead.