Waivering: Week 2

Tue Sep 9 9:25am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Fannin is going to have big role

So we have Week 1 in the books. There are plenty of players that were not expected to have big roles that surprised this past week. Just please keep in mind a lot of these guys are not going to produce like this on a weekly basis. It is just a week. We hope that isn’t the case but just be prepared. That said, there are a lot of options to consider adding if you are looking for some early-season help.

QUARTERBACK

Joe Flacco, Browns (16.2% owned). Flacco didn’t post huge numbers in the opener but threw the ball 45 times for 290 yards. This offense really could be pass-first much of the season, giving Flacco plenty of chances to air it out and make big plays. He is going to have some big fantasy games as long as he is starting.

Daniel Jones, Colts (18.3% owned). Jones had maybe the most surprising game of any fantasy quarterback in Week 1. He had a three-touchdown performance and scored 32.2 fantasy. He did do this against a Dolphins team that looks to be really bad but you can’t discount this performance from Jones. He looked good, giving you some hope that he can help fantasy teams in a starting role.

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (32.9% owned). Rodgers had a huge first game with the Steelers, finishing 22-of-30 for 244 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He had a great command of the offense and it seemed a great fit for his style of play. Again, this is just a game, but it was very encouraging. We all know his track record, so maybe he can keep it going.

RUNNING BACK

Dylan Sampson, Browns (65.4% owned). Sampson was the best fantasy back for the Browns in Week 1, mainly because of all his work in the passing game. He had eight receptions for 64 yards and finished with 17.3 fantasy points. Quinshon Judkins is likely back sooner than later, but Sampson could still have a role in this offense if he keeps playing well. We wouldn’t discount him going forward.

Kendre Miller, Saints (19.8% owned). Miller had just five carries for 24 yards in the opener but was the clear top backup for the team and made some plays with his chances. He could get some more chances going forward, especially if the team doesn’t want to wear down Alvin Kamara. Miller is not a bad speculative grab for fantasy owners.

WIDE RECEIVER

Quentin Johnston, Chargers (18.7% owned). Johnston was the forgotten man in this passing game but he showed Week 1 that fantasy owners shouldn’t forget about him. He had five receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets. He played often and made plenty of big plays with his chances. He is likely up and down in this offense but definitely worth owning in all formats.

Calvin Austin, Steelers (7.9% owned). Austin had four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Week 1. The Steelers need a No. 2 receiver to step up opposite DK Metcalf in this offense, and Austin seems to be that guy right now. He is a good speculative add for fantasy teams.

Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (6.4% owned). There are a lot of receivers to compete with for targets in New England, but Boutte could be a guy that emerges for the team. He had a 100-yard showing last week, catching six passes for 103 yards on eight targets. Much like Austin, he is a good speculative pickup for teams.

Cedric Tillman, Browns (44.8% owned). Tillman is a starter in an offense that threw the ball 45 times in Week 1. He had five receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. He really should not be available on waiver wires. This will be the last week you can likely grab him. He has a high weekly ceiling.

Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants (39.1% owned). Robinson was targeted eight times in the opener and had six receptions for 55 yards. He is not flashy but gets a ton of volume in this offense. This happened often last year and is likely to be the case again this year, especially if you see how this first game played out.

TIGHT END

Juwan Johnson, Saints (5.6% owned). Johnson was the top target for Spencer Rattler in Week 1, finishing with eight receptions for 76 yards on 11 targets. He was a top safety net for Rattler and is likely to continue to fill that role as long as Rattler is starting.

Harold Fannin, Browns (8.3% owned). Fannin was not the starter for the Browns last week but led the way at tight end for the team, outproducing David Njoku. Fannin built on the buzz he created in camp, catching seven passes for 63 yards on nine targets. He even ran once for three yards. The Browns are going to find a way to get Fannin involved on a weekly basis.

Jake Tonges, 49ers (0.0% owned). Tonges did not have a career reception before getting his chance in the second half of the 49ers game. He played because George Kittle was hurt. Tonges responded with three receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown. If Kittle misses some time, Tonges could be worth a spot start for fantasy teams in this offense. He made quite the clutch catch to win the game for San Francisco in Week 1.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Waivering: Week 2

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