By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be preaching my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. It’s hard to believe we are in the fantasy playoffs. Congrats to those who will still be setting their lineups at this point. Going forward, things will get more intense as managers play for all the marbles. Let’s look at some players who could be of sneaky value during your quest for the title:

Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions

Don’t look now, but the Lions are a two-win team now. Who would have thought after the disastrous start to the season? In the last three games, the 27-year-old Goff has seven touchdowns to two picks and at least 215 yards in all three contests. The Lions play the Falcons, Seahawks, and Packers to close out the season and Goff can continue to put up good numbers given the Packers are the only intimidating defense on that list. (Note: Goff got put on the COVID list Monday and his status will need to be monitored but he’s worth stashing for now and potentially streaming in Week 16 if he can play). 

Craig Reynolds, RB, Detroit Lions

The Lions have been shorthanded at running back but first-year player Craig Reynolds has been making noise lately. The Kutztown product has at least 83 rushing yards in the last two weeks, including 112 yards in the stunning upset of Arizona on Sunday. Reynolds is worth stashing as coach Dan Campbell may ride the hot hand to close the season. If D’Andre Swift (shoulder) returns, then Reynolds would have no fantasy value. 

Duke Johnson, RB, Miami Dolphins

Duke Johnson has hopped around NFL teams and he produced a vintage performance out of nowhere in Week 15 against the hapless Jets. Johnson had 22 carries for 107 yards and two scores as a member of the Dolphins and looks like a solid complement back to Myles Gaskin. While the performance was impressive, Johnson is only worth stashing for now as managers should wait and see whether the back can sustain this production. It’s best not to stream a player based on one performance. 

Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers

As the 49ers deal with RB injuries, Jeff Wilson has risen up and posted 21 carries for 110 yards and a score in Week 15. The 25-year-old isn’t normally the starter but Elijah Mitchell is dealing with a knee injury and his return remains uncertain. For now, consider Wilson the workhorse back and he’s worth stashing as the 49ers face a tougher defense in Tennessee in Week 16 before playing a porous Texans defense in Week 17. 

D’Onta Foreman, RB, Tennessee Titans

Foreman has quietly put up at least 108 rushing yards in two of the last three games while seeing at least 19 carries in two of the last three games too. While Dontrell Hilliard is also in the picture, he hasn’t been as explosive as Foreman, only posting over 100 rushing yards once. Foreman is currently dealing with an ankle injury, but he’s worth stashing given his recent production. 

Amon Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

Yes, this is the third LIONS player on this list, but that team is playing with heart and some players are actually producing fantasy-relevant numbers. St. Brown has been playing lights out recently. He has posted at least eight receptions, 11 targets, and 73 yards in the last three contests. The WR posted a season-high 90 yards in Week 15. Given Detroit plays teams like Seattle and Atlanta in the next couple of weeks, St. Brown is a must-add and is even in the streaming picture given his recent production. 

Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Denver Broncos

The TE out of Mizzou is quietly posting better game stats as of late. He has at least three receptions and four targets in the last three games while posting at least 41 yards in the last two games. Okwuegbunam is worth adding as a stash given he could be of use as a TE2 in very deep leagues if needed. 

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 16 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be preaching my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. It’s hard to believe we are on the cusp of fantasy playoffs. Going forward, things will get more intense as managers play for all the marbles. Let’s look at some players who could be of value during your quest for the title:

Taysom Hill, QB, New Orleans Saints

Hill is currently dealing with a finger injury but he will try to play through it. The versatile player may have thrown four picks against Dallas in Week 13, but hear me out”“ Hill can be effective on the ground (he rushed for 101 yards against the Cowboys) and did throw for 264 yards and two touchdowns as well so he does have the talent to shine in both the rushing and passing game. The only hope is that Hill’s injury doesn’t affect his passing tremendously. If anything, adding him as a streaming option this week is good especially since the Saints play the Jets on Sunday. 

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins were once left for dead across the pond in London when they allowed the no-win Jags to beat them. Well, that might as well be as distant as the flight to the UK because Miami has been on a torrid stretch lately, winning five straight games. The youngster Tagovailoa has shined as well, posting at least 230 yards in the last three games with a 5:1 touchdown to interception ratio in that span. After their bye in Week 14, Miami gets the Jets, Saints, Titans, and Pats and three of those four teams are in the top-10 in most fantasy points allowed to QBs. Tua’s a great addition in this final stretch. 

Sony Michel, RB, Los Angeles Rams

With Darrell Henderson (quad) ailing in Week 13, former New England back Sony Michel stepped up and delivered his best performance as a Ram, 24 carries for 121 yards and a score. Next up, a marquee matchup with divisional foe Arizona looms on Monday Night Football, and the Rams will look to avenge an early-season defeat to their division rivals. Henderson may return to full form for this contest but Michel is worth adding as a handcuff given his 100-yard day on Sunday. 

JaMycal Hasty, RB, San Francisco 49ers

No surprise here, but the 49ers are banged up all over, including the RB position. Surprisingly, Hasty is the only fully healthy back right now and he’s certainly worth an add given he can take on a workhorse role this week, potentially. That would make him worth streaming. 

K.J. Osborn, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Vikings star receiver Adam Thielen sustained a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to Detroit. With his status murky, the youngster Osborn is worth adding as insurance. The 24-year-old recorded four receptions for 47 yards and a score on seven targets on Sunday and would be the WR2 alongside Justin Jefferson if Thielen is out for some games.

Josh Reynolds, WR, Detroit Lions

Reynolds has reunited with his former QB from LA, Jared Goff, this time in the Midwest. It seems the chemistry hasn’t worn off, as the 26-year-old has posted at least 69 yards in two of three games with Detroit after being traded from the Titans. The Lions don’t have a clear-cut WR1, so Reynolds could see more targets going forward and thus is a solid addition. 

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The former first-round pick Treadwell hasn’t really shined in the NFL despite being drafted so high but he’s gaining small momentum on this young Jags team. The 26-year-old has posted at least 53 yards in the last two contests while seeing at least five targets in both games. While you shouldn’t assume he’s a must-start each week in fantasy, he is worth adding as depth given his recent numbers. 

Ricky Seals-Jones, TE, Washington Football Team

The WFT remains resilient despite a rash of injuries, and you can now add star TE Logan Thomas to that list with a knee injury. Thomas is expected to miss some time which means Seals-Jones will be the TE1 of the team now. The 26-year-old is nursing a hip injury himself, but he’s still worth stashing right now given his role will increase when he can return. 

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 14 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be preaching my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. It’s hard to believe we are approaching the fantasy playoffs soon. Let’s look at some players who could be of value during this final regular-season stretch:

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

It seems Cam is back to having fun again on the field- as a Carolina Panther. It’s fitting that Newton is back on his old team and he’s been displaying his dual-threat abilities the last two weeks. Even though he didn’t start in Week 10, he was responsible for two touchdowns.

In Week 11 as the starter, the QB tossed for 189 yards and two scores while rushing for 46 yards and another. Newton’s effectiveness in the rushing and receiving game make him a worthwhile addition to your team and even a potential QB streamer if you need that. 

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots

The 23-year-old has been making a lot of noise recently, even in a Patriots offense that has traditionally had an RB committee. Stevenson now has at least 10 carries and 62 rush yards in the last three games while posting 100 rushing yards in Week 10. The youngster is gaining some steam and is building a bigger role on this offense. Grab him as soon as you can. 

Tevin Coleman/Ty Johnson, RB, New York Jets

The Jets’ most effective back, Michael Carter, will be on the bench for at least a couple of weeks due to an ankle sprain. This means the veteran Coleman and the youngster Johnson will see more carries going forward. None have been potent in fantasy up to this point, but the fact that their roles will likely increase make them worth stashing for now. 

Devonta Freeman, RB, Baltimore Ravens

The former Falcon Freeman has been quietly efficient lately, seeing at least 10 carries in the last three games while posting at least 49 rushing yards in three of the last five games. He is starting to stand out in this once-crowded Baltimore rushing group, and the veteran is worth adding to your roster at this point given his growing consistency and larger role.  

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans

The Titans have a thin offensive unit right now, with Derrick Henry and Julio Jones sidelined and A.J. Brown dealing with a rib injury that puts his status in jeopardy for now. Thus, Ryan Tannehill may need to find other targets that are reliable, and Westbrook-Ikhine stood out in Week 11. The 24-year-old had seven receptions for 107 yards on eight targets and is worth adding as a potential flex play.

Tre’Quan Smith, WR, New Orleans Saints

The Saints have been thin in their receiving corps all season but Smith returned from IR just a few weeks back and has been increasing his production lately. The 25-year-old has at least 44 yards in the last three games and his growing consistency makes him worth adding to your bench as New Orleans doesn’t have stiff competition for targets.

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 12 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be giving my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. It’s hard to believe we are at the midpoint of the season. Let’s look at some players you should consider grabbing this week:

A.J. Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers

Look, Aaron Jones will always be the RB1 in Green Bay as long as he is donning the green and yellow, but the youngster Dillon has quietly been making his mark too as of late. The stocky back has compiled at least 46 rushing yards in three of the last four games along with 44 receiving yards in Week 9. He’s also had double-digit carries in two of the last four games. His value wouldn’t be that high in fantasy, but he’s certainly worth adding as a potential stash. 

Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets 

The Jets’ offense can usually never be trusted (no matter what year it is), but there are the occasional gems you should definitely consider, like the rookie Moore. The youngster posted his best two games of the season in Weeks 8 and 9, getting at least six receptions, six targets, and 67 yards in both contests. He’s worth a stash at this point and maybe in the flex conversation later on if he keeps it up. 

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Cleveland Browns

No more Odell, so the Browns’ receiving corps has now opened up and anyone can step into the spotlight. Peoples-Jones made his case in Week 9, with two receptions for 86 yards and a score on three targets. What’s more impressive is the 22-year-old has now posted at least 70 yards in the last three games. Maybe the emergence of a new fantasy stud is awaiting? We’ll see, but make sure you grab Peoples-Jones off the waiver wire ASAP. 

Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have a super, super thin WR corps and Kyle Pitts can’t be the only guy catching passes from Matt Ryan. As a result, Gage has stepped up in the last two games, getting 67 and 64 yards, respectively. With Calvin Ridley’s timetable to return uncertain, Gage will fill in as the WR1 and should see the appropriate number of targets for that role, with Pitts being the only real competition for looks. Gage is a solid addition who can be in the flex conversation right now. 

Deonte Harris, WR, New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a QB dilemma now to accompany their already thin WR unit, but Harris has quietly strung together a nice stretch of games recently. He’s seen at least eight targets and 52 yards in three of the past four games. While Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith are still ahead of him on the depth chart, Harris is still a great addition given his recent consistent production. 

Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears

Mooney has been a complete jackpot for Justin Fields, as the WR has seen at least five targets in eight of nine games this season while producing modest, but respectable numbers. The 24-year-old has at least 40 yards in three of the last four games and is a highly dependable target for Justin Fields. Mooney is worth stashing for your team as a flex play if needed. 

Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears

The youngster Kmet has finally seemed to emerge as a viable TE option for the Bears. The 22-year-old has seen at least five targets in the last four games while posting at least 43 yards in three of the last four games. While Jimmy Graham remains a presence on the team, Kmet was drafted to be the TE1 for the Bears and he should see a good influx of targets weekly. He’s worth adding and even streaming based on his recent numbers. 

Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota Vikings

Conklin is another solid TE add as he has been playing well recently. In five of the past six games, the 26-year-old has seen at least five targets. He also has 45 yards or more in the last three games. Given TE is a hard position in fantasy, Conklin’s consistency makes him a must-add and potential streamer going forward.

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 10 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be giving my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. It’s hard to believe we are nearly at the midpoint of the season. Let’s look at some players you should consider for this week:

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles RB starter Miles Sanders suffered a low-ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders and could be out for a couple of weeks as a result. This pushes 2021 fifth-round pick Kenneth Gainwell to the top of the depth chart for now. The 22-year-old hasn’t been all that effective in his rookie year but has shown spurts of brilliance. 

This includes a five receptions for 41 yards and a score performance on Sunday against Vegas and even posting 58 receiving yards earlier in the season. Gainwell will now see a lot more of the rushing workload and has receiving prowess, so he’s a solid addition. He will likely fight for carries with Boston Scott, but Gainwell has more upside. 

Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets

Look, the Jets are in shambles (as usual). Things got even worse on Sunday when rookie QB Zach Wilson went down with a PCL injury and now has to miss a few weeks. This means the Jets could lean more on their running game and that is where Carter comes in. The rookie has had modest numbers so far each week but he paces the Jets in rushing yards. 

He also has receiving abilities out of the backfield and just put up eight receptions for 67 yards on nine targets in Week 7. Though this is one of the worst offenses in the league, Carter’s dual-threat ability and expected larger role make him an intriguing addition. 

Byron Pringle, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs may be struggling this year overall, but their offense is still one of the most talented in the league. And despite having players like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, other guys have been stepping up this season too, like Byron Pringle. The 27-year-old has quietly put up at least three games with 55 yards this season. In Week 7, he posted five receptions for 73 yards on six targets. 

Pringle is the fourth-leading receiver on Kansas City and has been quite underrated thus far. He’s worth stashing for your team if you need depth.  

Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots

The Pats may not have a true WR1, but Bourne has certainly done enough to grab the attention of managers this season. The former 49er now has at least 58 yards in four of the past five games despite not seeing a huge number of targets. He had 96 yards in one of those contests. Bourne is showing consistency and decent production, meaning he’s a sneaky good stash right now. 

Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have always been about the run but Lamar Jackson can make some nice throws (when he decides to). Baltimore has mostly relied on Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown but a third viable pass-catcher may have emerged in the rookie Bateman out of Minnesota. 

The 22-year-old suffered a groin injury back in August and didn’t make his NFL debut until Week 6 in the blowout win over the Chargers, where he posted 29 yards. He flashed a little more of his talent in Week 7 when he posted three receptions for 80 yards on six targets. Bateman has the potential to be the third-best receiving option behind Andrews and Brown, and he’s worth adding. 

C.J. Uzomah, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Uzomah has been on fire in recent weeks and that continued on Sunday in a win over the arch-rival Ravens. He had three receptions for 91 yards and two scores. Overall, the 28-year-old has had five touchdowns in the last four games. One thing to note with Uzomah is his inconsistency. While he did post 91 and 95 yards in two of the past four games, he managed only 15 and 16 yards in the other two contests.

The TE is a risky option given his up and down weeks but he’s certainly worth taking a chance on if you need TE options. There is room for Uzomah to have a big game, as evidence of a few recent contests.

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 8 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be preaching my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. Let’s look at some players you should consider for this week:

Devontae Booker, RB, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley is nursing an ankle injury and could be out the next few weeks, meaning Booker is a smart addition at this point. The back had 16 carries for 42 yards and a score along with one receiving touchdown in Week 5 against Dallas. Booker will automatically have a large role as the workhorse back with Barkley out, so he may even be worth starting if you are lacking depth. 

Damien Williams, RB, Chicago Bears

A knee injury has put starter David Montgomery on IR for three to five weeks, so former Chief Damien Williams will spearhead the Bears’ rushing attack. In the last two games, Williams has 55 and 64 yards rushing, along with a rushing touchdown in both games. He’s a great addition as a potential flex play. 

Darrel Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs RB starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an MCL sprain in Week 5 that will sideline him for a bit. This means Darrel Williams will likely take on the bulk of the rushing workload for the high-octane Chiefs offense in the meanwhile. The 26-year-old is worth adding as a stash for now. 

Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants

The Giants have been ravaged at WR, with quite a few receivers like Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton dealing with injuries. In Week 5, Kenny Golladay suffered a knee injury, putting yet another New York wide receiver off the field. With all the injuries, youngster Kadarius Toney has stepped up, delivering 78 yards in Week 4 before going off for 10 receptions for 189 yards in Week 5. It’s worth noting Toney is dealing with an ankle injury and it’s only worth stashing him and monitoring his status for now. 

Chris Moore, WR, Houston Texans

The Texans are probably the last team you want to refer to for fantasy, but it’s worth noting Moore put up a solid performance in Week 5, getting five receptions for 109 yards and a score in Week 5. Moore is more of a stash in deep leagues as Week 5 was his first game with a catch in 2021. While the performance was encouraging, it’s best to wait and see how he does in upcoming games before starting him. 

Dan Arnold, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Arnold was acquired by trade from the Carolina Panthers recently. With the Jaguars having no solid TE1, the hope was Arnold would fill that role upon arriving. In Week 5, his second game with the team, he delivered six receptions for 64 yards on eight targets, signaling the Jags’ hopes for him might be realistic. Since TE is a tough position, Arnold is certainly worth adding right now and potentially even starting as TE2 if you are lacking depth due to injury, etc. 

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 6 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be giving my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. Let’s look at some players you should consider for this week:

Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Kirk has been on fire to start this season. The normally up-and-down QB has mastered consistency this season (*so far*) and carried the Vikings to a win over perennial NFC contender Seattle in Week 3. The QB has a total of eight touchdowns to no picks on the season and has posted over 320 yards in two of three games. He’s a solid backup QB to add to your roster and could be vaulted into the starting tier soon if you are dealing with byes or injuries.

Peyton Barber, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Barber thrived in Week 3 by posting 111 yards rushing and a score in the absence of Josh Jacobs (ankle). Barber is worth adding but he’s only start-worthy if Jacobs misses Week 4’s contest. 

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers

With starter Christian McCaffrey ailing due to a hamstring injury, Chuba Hubbard will take over the Carolina backfield with CMC likely sidelined for a while. The rookie will be able to prove he’s an NFL starter in the coming weeks and is one of the best stashes of the week due to his large upcoming role. 

Cole Beasley, WR, Buffalo Bills

Beasley has never been elite in fantasy but he’s always been serviceable whether he was in Dallas or now Buffalo. The WR posted an incredible 11 receptions for 98 yards on 13 targets in Week 3 and now has at least 60 yards in two of three games. He’s a great add and immediate flex play as the Bills have a favorable matchup in Week 4 against Houston.

Sammy Watkins, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Like Beasley, Watkins has been more under-the-radar for most of his career but he’s been thriving in Baltimore in his first season with the Ravens. The Clemson product has seen at least seven targets in all three games and has posted at least 68 yards in two of three games. Watkins is another solid add who could serve as a flex play immediately if needed. 

Christian Kirk, WR, Arizona Cardinals

While DeAndre Hopkins and rookie Rondale Moore have been getting much of the hype on the Cardinals’ receiving corps, Christian Kirk has quietly been efficient in 2021. The Texas A&M product posted at least 65 yards in the first two games before erupting for seven receptions for 104 yards on eight targets in Week 3. He’s not a flashy pickup, but Kirk can be just like Watkins and Beasley, a serviceable flex play. 

Hunter Renfrow, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

Renfrow is the last of this “serviceable WR flex play” group. The Raiders wideout is again not the flashiest player, but efficient and proving to be reliable. Las Vegas has caught many by surprise and Renfrow is a surprise player on this team. The Clemson product has at least five receptions and six targets in all three games while posting at least 70 yards in two of three games.

Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota Vikings

TE is a tough position to pick players for as there are such few decent options at a thin position. With Irv Smith Jr. out for the Vikings, Minnesota has proved to have had no decent backup tight ends—at least until Week 3 when 2018 fifth-round pick Tyler Conklin erupted onto the scene for seven receptions for 70 yards and a score on eight targets. With Kirk Cousins balling out right now, Conklin is not a bad pickup at TE. 

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 4 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this new NFL column where I will be sending my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. Let’s look at some players you should consider for this week:

Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

Have the Raiders possibly turned a new leaf? The normally mediocre team has started off 2021 with a bang, knocking out AFC North heavyweights Baltimore and Pittsburgh in back-to-back weeks. Spearheading this surge is QB Derek Carr, who has looked rejuvenated and potent in the first two games. He has now thrown for 435 and 382 yards, which is incredible. If Carr can keep this up, he’s certainly in the conversation to be an every-week starter. Grab him while you can. 

Sam Darnold, QB, Carolina Panthers

Like Carr, the normally mediocre Sam Darnold has started off 2021 well with his new club in Carolina. The 24-year-old has tossed for 279 and 305 yards in two games while also throwing three touchdowns to one pick. The team’s next six matchups are against average or below-average defenses, meaning Darnold is a solid addition to your team and even a potential streamer to use, potentially beginning on Thursday night against Houston.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Denver Broncos

Like Sam Darnold, Teddy B has started off 2021 on a new team as well and has been firing on all cylinders. He has 264 and 328 yards in two games along with four touchdowns and no picks. Bridgewater is worth stashing as a backup on your team and may be worth streaming during favorable matchups.

Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Patterson is technically classified as a back even though he’s played receiver at one point in his NFL career too. In his first season with the Falcons, the 30-year-old has shined in both the receiving and rushing game. In Week 1, he rushed for 54 yards, and he posted 58 receiving yards in Week 2, which displays his versatility. Patterson has performed well enough to earn a spot on your bench going forward. 

Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys

It seems like Cowboys backup RB Tony Pollard has shined more than starter Ezekiel Elliott this season. Nothing is more evident of this than Week 2 when he took 13 carries for 109 yards and a score. While it will still be difficult to trust Pollard on a weekly basis because he’s not the starter, it’s worth stashing him on your bench. 

Ty’Son Williams, RB, Baltimore Ravens

After losing multiple backs to injuries prior to the start of the season, the Ravens were in a jam and signed a collection of veterans to their squad like Le’Veon Bell, Latavius Murray, and Devonta Freeman, all standouts just a few years ago. 

Well, none of them are standing out in 2021 for Baltimore as it’s first-year player Ty’Son Williams who is doing so. In two games, Williams has nine carries for 65 yards and 13 carries for 77 yards. While Lamar Jackson was technically the team’s leading rusher in both those games, it was Williams who had the most yards of any RB. Therefore, it may be worthwhile stashing him as he is beginning to show he has a role on this squad as a potential RB1. 

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts

With T.Y. Hilton out to begin the season, Pittman was expected to make a leap in his second year. He put up a dud in Week 1 (29 yards) but rebounded for an incredible eight receptions for 123 yards on 12 targets. That’s the Pittman many wanted to see. If he plays like this, he can certainly be a fantasy starter. Though the ankle injury to Carson Wentz could dampen the QB play for Indy, Pittman’s volume could keep him fantasy-relevant. As a result, he’s worth adding. 

Quez Watkins, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

2020 sixth-round pick Quez Watkins made some noise in Week 2 as he racked up 117 yards on just two receptions. While he’s not DeVonta Smith or Jalen Reagor, this young Eagles squad could always use more elite receivers. Though a one-week sample size isn’t enough, Watkins did enough to turn heads and merit a spot on your bench.

Rondale Moore, WR, Arizona Cardinals

The 21-year-old rookie did fairly well in his NFL debut Week 1 with four receptions for 68 yards but he did even better in Week 2 with seven receptions for 114 yards and a score. The Cardinals don’t have a solid pass-catching option behind DeAndre Hopkins as Christian Kirk has been average at best and A.J. Green is a veteran on the decline. Thus, Moore can insert himself into the WR2 role if he keeps this up. He’s certainly worth adding in fantasy as a bench piece and even a potential flex play soon if he shows consistency.

K.J. Osborn, WR, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings need a solid third receiver behind Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson and 24-year-old K.J. Osborn has seemingly risen to the challenge. The 2020 fifth-round pick now has seven receptions for 76 yards and five receptions for 91 yards in two games. If he can keep this up, he would be worth a weekly flex play. 

The post Fantasy Football: Top Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome to this new NFL column where I will be preaching my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. My name is Rishi Patel, I’m a sportswriter who’s dabbled across many sites and hopes to be the king of fantasy football advice one day.

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. Let’s look at some players you should consider for this week:

Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills

Veteran WR Emmanuel Sanders is no longer a fantasy stud, but he could certainly remain in the flex conversation going forward after putting up four receptions for 52 yards on eight targets in Week 1 with his new team, the Buffalo Bills. The veteran should be in contention for the WR2 role behind Stefon Diggs as the season progresses. He’s worth adding for now and potentially starting down the road if he shows out. 

Mark Ingram II, Houston Texans

The Texans have quite a jumbled backfield with a few backs fighting for touches, but Mark Ingram stood out in Week 1. Is he a starting play going forward? That’s probably something that doesn’t have an answer as we will have to wait and see if he takes the majority of touches in the coming weeks.

But he did well in Week 1 as he had 26 carries for 85 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Phillip Lindsay had only eight carries and David Johnson had three. Ingram’s a great player to stash on your bench for now. 

Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers

Mitchell will be one of the most popular pickups this week given that 49ers starting RB Raheem Mostert will be out for the season with a knee injury. When Mostert went down in Week 1, the rookie out of Louisiana stepped up big and took 19 carries for 104 yards and a score. 

Mitchell is a good candidate for the RB1 role going forward after this performance. He’s worth picking up in fantasy and could eventually become a good starting play if he shows consistency. For now, it’s best to add him only. 

Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

Look, the calls for Trey Lance may keep picking up as the season progresses, but Jimmy G had a thing or two to show during Week 1’s close win over the Lions. The embattled QB put up 314 yards and a score on 68% completion. As long as the QB plays efficiently and turnover-free, it would be hard for coach Kyle Shanahan to bench him. Jimmy G. could certainly warrant streaming consideration if he plays like this in the upcoming games. 

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions

Former Packer Jamaal Williams, though expected to be the RB2 in Detroit behind D’Andre Swift, played like a RB1 in Week 1. Williams took nine carries for 54 yards and a score (compared to Swift’s 11 carries for 39 yards) and also chipped in in the passing game to the tune of eight receptions for 56 yards on nine targets. While Swift did have 65 yards receiving as well, the numbers for the two backs were more similar than many may have thought.

If Williams can keep up these types of numbers in the passing and rushing game, he would be a decent flex play each week. For now, he’s worth adding to your bench. 

Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals

While it’s evident QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins are studs for Arizona, the team will need another WR to step up and play at an elite level. While Christian Kirk shined in Week 1, he hasn’t really stood out during his brief NFL career, but rookie Rondale Moore could start off his career with a bang.

Moore finished Week 1 with four receptions for 68 yards on five targets and looked fantastic in his NFL debut. While it remains to be seen if he can keep up these numbers, he’s certainly worth adding as depth. 

Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler, Denver Broncos

The Broncos suffered a huge blow when Jerry Jeudy went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 1’s win over the Giants. Now, Jeudy will be out for roughly four to six weeks and Denver needs another WR to step up alongside Courtland Sutton.

The likely candidates to do that are Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler. While none of these guys had a standout performance (Patrick: 4/39/1 and Hamler: 3/41/0) in Week 1, it’s expected both of these guys will see more targets now that things will be opened up a bit. Both are worth stashing right now. 

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2    appeared first on Pro Football Mania.