The NFL operates on a “next man up” philosophy, and the same principle applies to your fantasy football league. While your team was assembled during the preseason draft, it’s the strategic moves you make throughout the season that will determine your playoff chances or your plans for next year. Each week, we’ll highlight players available in over 50% of ESPN leagues who have seen their value rise, offering recommendations for adding them as starters or smart bench stashes.
During Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Nacua, who set rookie records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) last season, will be placed on IR with a sprained PCL, sidelining him for at least four games. With the Rams also having a bye in Week 6, Nacua’s earliest possible return is Week 7.
In light of Nacua’s extended absence, let’s examine this week’s waiver wire options, starting with wide receivers who can help fill the void:
Tyler Johnson (unrostered in ESPN leagues) and Demarcus Robinson (14.8% rostered) : Both stepped up in Nacua’s absence. Johnson had seven targets and scored 12.9 fantasy points, while Robinson also had seven targets and earned 8.2 points. Robinson, who played more snaps and ran more routes, is the preferred waiver wire target. He ended last season strong and could be a solid flex option against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints (42.0%) : With Michael Thomas out, Shaheed’s role as the Saints’ No. 2 receiver has increased. Despite a tough matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Shaheed made a significant impact against the Panthers, scoring 16.3 fantasy points. His big-play ability and similar snap counts to Chris Olave make him a worthwhile addition.
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (29.7%) : Cooks, a veteran receiver, has had a strong start with the Cowboys, including a notable performance in Week 1. Despite facing a tough Saints secondary in Week 2, his experience and target share make him a viable option, especially if Marshon Lattimore’s injury limits his effectiveness.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (6.8%) : Robinson led the Giants with 12 targets in Week 1, showcasing his importance in the offense. Although his role is primarily as a checkdown option, he’s worth considering in deeper leagues, particularly against a struggling Washington Commanders secondary.
Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals (1.6%) : Dortch led the Cardinals in receptions and yards in Week 1, but his role is limited to three-WR sets. He’s a deeper league option given his current usage and the struggles of the Cardinals’ offense.
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (0.5%) : Pierce had a standout game with 21.5 fantasy points but had only three targets. In a Colts offense not known for a high passing volume, he’s a stash for deeper leagues.
Devaughn Vele, Denver Broncos (0.1%) : Vele, who appears to have secured the No. 3 receiver role for the Broncos, showed promise with 11.9 fantasy points in Week 1. He’s worth monitoring, especially in deeper leagues.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (34%) : Mayfield had an impressive Week 1 performance and is set to face the Lions, who struggled against the pass. He’s a strong pickup if you need a quarterback, particularly if Jordan Love is on your roster.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (35.8%) : Despite Nacua’s absence, Stafford remains a reliable option. He’s averaged 35.1 passing attempts and 17.4 fantasy points per game since joining the Rams.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (11.1%) : Fields’ Week 1 performance was modest, but his rushing ability makes him a speculative add, especially if Russell Wilson’s injury persists.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (4.4%) : Carr had a strong debut with the Saints and could be valuable in superflex or two-QB leagues, though he faces a tough challenge against the Cowboys in Week 2.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (4.2%) : Darnold showed potential in Week 1 and might be worth streaming in favorable matchups, particularly against the Texans and Packers in upcoming weeks.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns (0.2%) : With Deshaun Watson struggling, Winston could be a speculative add in deep superflex leagues if he gets a chance to start.
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (23.7%) : With Christian McCaffrey potentially sidelined, Mason is a top waiver wire target. Monitor McCaffrey’s injury status closely.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20.7%) : Irving’s versatility and solid performance in Week 1 make him a great bench stash, especially if Rachaad White’s workload increases.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (22.4%) : With Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane banged up, Wright could play a significant role if either is limited or out. He’s a good stash given his college production.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (10.2%) : Mattison’s performance in Week 1 suggests he could be a lead back candidate if he continues to outplay Zamir White. He’s worth stashing.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (4.6%) : Bigsby’s involvement in the offense, particularly if Travis Etienne misses time, makes him a valuable stash.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens (3.3%) : Hill’s role in passing situations could increase, especially if he continues to perform well in the Ravens’ backfield.
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens (9.8%) : Likely’s significant involvement in the Ravens’ passing game, even with Mark Andrews healthy, makes him a top tight end pickup.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams (1.5%) : Parkinson, who played nearly every snap for the Rams, is a solid option if you miss out on Likely, especially with Tyler Higbee out.