Well Rush Nation, in a blink of an eye, Week 1 is almost in the books. We have seen 30 of the teams play now. And we have a bit more information, which is valuable as we move forward. It is important not to dwell on what has happened, good or bad. However, we should learn from it, with all this new information and data. And we put this new knowledge to the test by making significant claims on the Waiver Wire. And this Waiver Wire NFL Week 2 2021 column is here to help.

So let’s get straight into the top targets for Waiver Wire NFL Week 2 2021.

QUARTERBACKS

JAMEIS WINSTON- 26.2% OWNED @CAR WEEK 2

5 TDs and almost 30 points and it is obvious I made the wrong stream choice last week. This was made even more obvious with the hip injury to Ryan Fitzpatrick that knocked him out of the game before half time. Winston was clinical against an extremely poor and uncharacteristic Packers team. He took shots, he was calculated. He also held back. But 5 strikes and zero turnovers will mean people will see 2019 Winston and want in. Don’t get fooled into thinking he’s going to ball out. However, he is clearly the best QB option on the Waiver Wire NFL Week 2 2021 slate right now.

KIRK COUSINS- 24.0% OWNED @ARI WEEK 2

Kirk Cousins is Kirk Cousins. He’s not overly exciting, or sexy. But he is safe. He will produce decent displays and he will put points together. If your QBs have had to weather a storm or got hurt or question marks over them, Cousins is a lovely option to have on your bench. Sure, he’s not going to light it up often. However, he isn’t going to let you down too many weeks either. He has low end QB1 upside this week vs. Arizona.

RUNNING BACKS

MARK INGRAM- 11% OWNED @CLE WEEK 2

Will it be David Johnson, or will it be Philip Lindsay. Turns out neither! Mark Ingram ran the show in the backfield and dominated the touches. 26 carries for 85 yards. He is not going to get that workload every week, as the Texans won’t be embarrassing teams like they embarrassed Urban Meyer and the Jaguars on debut. However, he is clearly looking like the lead dog. So, let’s buy in. He could have RB2 upside if he continues to dominate with 70% of the RBBC carries.

ELIJAH MITCHELL- 0.7% OWNED VS @PHI WEEK 2

This is the biggest surprise of week 1. Mitchell suiting up over Sermon was a shock to most. And, with Mostert getting hurt (again!) Mitchell was left as the alpha in this backfield as he carried the ball for 19 times for 104 yards and a Touchdown. What was said after the game was even more important, as Kyle Shanahan said that Trey Sermon was not the top 3 Running Backs out of camp and he was pleased to see Mitchell run without hesitation. Sounds like Mitchell could be in for a busy few weeks. However, this is the 49ers and all could change in a short period of time. Therefore, don’t blow all the FAAB on him. You will regret it come second half of the season I would expect.

WIDE RECEIVERS

TERRACE MARSHALL JR- 21.1% OWNED VS NO WEEK 2

This is a long term play. He got 6 targets which is about what I expected Week 1. He went 3-26-0 which isn’t enough to put him in the starting lineups yet. However, he is someone they are going to get involved. And sooner, rather than later. I wouldn’t be starting him in Week 2, but he is certainly someone I will be adding now. Because it is clear he will get more and more work in the offense, and soon. He is a must add on this Waiver Wire NFL Week 2 2021 slate.

CHRISTIAN KIRK- 3.6% OWNED VS MIN WEEK 2

Kirk looked dominant when called upon. I would argue this might be the best I’ve seen of Kirk as an NFL receiver. He caught all 5 targets for 70 yards and 2 TDs. His role looks cemented in this offense. There will be some lean weeks, and some boom weeks. But he has shown he can be a week winner if started in the right spot.

TIGHT ENDS

JARED COOK- 22.6% OWNED VS DAL WEEK 2

Nothing truly ground-breaking or incredible here. The fact of the matter is that he had 8 targets, catching 5 for 56 yards. He also got end zone and red zone looks. Cook will be a low end TE1 most weeks with TD upside. Nothing spectacular, but he will get work and right now, that’s good enough for a starting spot in your lineup.

JUWAN JOHNSON- 1.3% OWNED @CAR WEEK 2

Everyone expected Trautman to dominate this position. However, if you watched pre-season, you knew that might not be the case. Johnson managed a team high 6 targets, catching 3 and scoring 2 Touchdowns. Winston loves to target a Tight End in the red zone as he is going for scores, and it appears he had chemistry with Johnson. He remains a Touchdown threat most weeks.

KICKER

RYAN SUCCOP- 30.0% OWNED VS. ATL WEEK 2

Safe, reliable, and accurate. Ryan Succop made all 5 of his kicks on Thursday Night Football. Ok, only 1 was a Field Goal and he only got 7 points. But he did his job. He should get more opportunities Sunday vs Falcons at home

D/ST

GREEN BAY PACKERS- 24.1% OWNED VS. DET WEEK 2

Tough slate this week for Defense’s. Therefore, I’ve gone with a team that got whooped by the Saints Week One. The Packers don’t lose 2 in a row. And they have the perfect get right game, facing divisional opponent Detroit. I expect them to use the Lambeau crowd to really intimidate the visitors and you can always rely of Jared Goff to turn over the ball at least once. Dial up the Packers this week.

Don’t forget, all of my picks come from those owned under 30% on ESPN.com Fantasy Football. If you want to hear other suggestions, subscribe to the 5 Yard Rush Podcast and listen to the Waiver Wire Podcast for other suggestions.

Don’t forget to listen to all our podcasts this week as we work with you to deliver a ship for you this season. However, until next week Rush Nation, where I will be back for Week Three picks, Keep Rushing!

– Murf (@Murf_NFL)