Did Week 1 of fantasy football leave you craving a comeback?
Well, fear not, because every week is a fresh chance to dominate the gridiron. It’s not about how you start; it’s about the strategic moves you make throughout the season. Welcome to the inaugural Waiver Wire Wednesday of 2023, where we explore the top waiver wire pickups to fuel your championship dreams.
Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
When you squinted just right on Sunday afternoon, Puka Nacua may have resembled Cooper Kupp. In his NFL debut, Nacua stunned with 10 receptions, 119 yards, and a rookie-record 15 targets. But is this rookie sensation here to stay, or was it just a one-time show? With a massive 41% team target share and Kupp on the IR, Nacua demands attention in Week 2.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
The question isn’t wherefore art Romeo, but where is he racking up touchdowns? Despite battling a hamstring injury’s specter all week, Romeo Doubs managed four catches, 26 yards, and two touchdowns against the Bears. What’s intriguing is his chemistry with Jordan Love, which could spell fantasy gold. Keep an eye out when Christian Watson returns.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Meyers was putting on a clinic until a suspected concussion sidelined him in the fourth quarter against the Broncos. With nine receptions, 81 yards, and two touchdowns, he looked like the clear WR2 alongside Davante Adams. If he can stay healthy, he might become a favorite target for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots
What’s with all the wide receivers finding the end zone twice in Week 1? Kendrick Bourne joined the club with six receptions, 64 yards, and two touchdowns against the Eagles. While his upside might be limited once DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton return from injury, Bourne remains a weekly potential as a boom-or-bust flex option.
Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints
Amidst the hype around Chris Olave and Michael Thomas in New Orleans, Rashid Shaheed quietly introduced himself. Shaheed, with five catches, 89 receiving yards, and a touchdown, proved he’s not just cool in name but also on the field. If you’re seeking volatility in your lineup, Shaheed brings big-play potential and weekly upside.
Running Backs
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ running back situation was murky leading up to the season opener. However, the unexpected healthy scratch of Rashaad Penny brought some clarity. Gainwell seized his opportunity with 54 rushing yards on 14 carries and four catches for 20 yards. While D’Andre Swift drew pregame attention, Gainwell earned the team’s trust with 62% of snaps played.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Expectations weren’t high for Tyler Allgeier, a fifth-round pick from last year. However, he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards last season and continued to impress. In Atlanta’s Week 1 victory over the Panthers, Allgeier not only received more touches than Bijan Robinson but also seems to have secured the role of the team’s goal-line back. His two rushing touchdowns propelled him to RB4 for the week, and he offers legitimate flex appeal and insurance for fantasy managers.
Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams surprised by not leaning heavily on Cam “Ron” Akers in Week 1 due to Cooper Kupp’s absence. It was second-year running back Kyren Williams who stole the show with 52 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, out-snapping Akers at 65%. Williams seems poised to build on this performance, making him an enticing flex option with room for upside.
Justice Hill/Gus Edwards, RBs, Baltimore Ravens
Injuries struck the Ravens’ backfield again in Week 1, with J.K. Dobbins suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. While our thoughts are with Dobbins, his absence opens an opportunity for someone to step up. Justice Hill managed only nine yards on eight carries and received no targets. On the other hand, Gus Edwards played slightly fewer snaps but had more production with eight carries for 32 rushing yards. Both players should be considered valuable additions in most leagues due to the potential opportunities ahead. Keep an eye on the team’s moves in free agency, making Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette intriguing stash candidates.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
Week 1 saw many top-tier tight ends sidelined due to injury, turning the position into a complete gamble. Only two tight ends scored in double digits. Leading the pack was Hunter Henry with five receptions, 56 yards, and a touchdown. In a position that struggles to produce, Henry at least stands out as a featured target in his offense.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
Rookie tight ends often struggle to produce, but Week 1 had exceptions. One standout is Sam LaPorta, who filled the void left by T.J. Hockenson, hauling in all five of his targets for 39 yards during his team’s Thursday night victory over the Chiefs.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Jake Ferguson’s name is worth mentioning despite a somewhat underwhelming performance. In a game where his team didn’t heavily depend on him, Ferguson still managed a team-leading seven targets, though he secured only two of them for 11 yards. Consider that poor weather conditions may have contributed to Ferguson’s drops, and his role in the offense is something to watch. However, for him to become a dependable fantasy asset, his production will need to align with his volume of opportunities.
Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy made a triumphant return from injury, completing 19 of 29 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s commanding victory over the Steelers. He added three rushes for 20 yards. Purdy’s resilience and winning spirit shine through, and in the right matchup, he has the potential to thrive as a streaming option. When you supply an efficient signal caller with a plethora of elite weapons, good things tend to happen.
Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers…and now, Jordan Love. Is Love poised to become the next great starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers? In his inaugural game of the 2023 season as the team’s starter, he certainly made a compelling case. Love completed 15 of 27 pass attempts, amassing 245 yards and delivering three touchdowns in the team’s impressive win over the Chicago Bears. Additionally, he added three rushes for 12 yards to his performance. Like Purdy, Love might offer streaming potential in favorable matchups, but his consistency and reliability could be less assured.
Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
Under the guidance of Bill O’Brien as the team’s new offensive coordinator, Mac Jones appears to have undergone a potentially significant transformation. After a challenging sophomore season that followed a promising rookie year, Jones is off to an impressive start to the 2023 season. He nearly orchestrated a comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 35 of 54 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. Jones is now set to carry his promising start into Week 2, where he will attempt to keep up with the high-powered Miami Dolphins offense.
Final Thoughts
This list is your secret weapon for the waiver wire scramble. Tuesday nights during fantasy football season are filled with anticipation. We hope you snag the coveted players like Kenneth Gainwell and Puka Nacua. Best of luck, and here’s to many more restless Tuesday nights this season!
