WAIVER WIRE WEEK 2

Good Morning Rush Nation! 

What a great first week! We saw everything we hoped for in Week 1. Outstanding plays, overtime games, and rookies getting their first shot at being great. What’s more, we go to see players that we didn’t even have on our radar this year. Players that could be the advantage that we are looking for in our leagues this year. We also got to see some injuries to players in our leagues. You never want to see it happen, but it is part of the game. 

We will look at players that are rostered in 30% or less in total leagues. Ownership data is coming from ESPN.com Fantasy Football.

Let’s do it!

QUARTERBACKS

CARSON WENTZ (WAS)-16.7% -@LIONS 

Carson Wentz has a new home and a new lease on life. After only one season with the Colts, Carson Wentz has landed in Washington and it looks like a good fit. In his first game, he threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. In a close game, he scored 27.7 FPTS against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Twice he connected with Curtis Samuel, and also scored with Terry McLaurin and rookie Jahan Dotson. Next week he takes his talent to Detroit. The Lions gave up 239 passing yards to the Eagles on Sunday. However, this is just the second game of the season, and so much football is still to be played. Can he earn the trust of fantasy players after only one week? Time will tell.

MATT RYAN (IND)-24.3% -@JAGUARS 

Matt Ryan shows up again on the Waiver Wire list. After playing Houston to an overtime tie, he scored 15.28 FPTS. Passing for 352 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. In addition, next week he plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville gave up 313 yards and four touchdowns on Sunday. However, that doesn’t guarantee you a win with playing Matt Ryan, but it is a safe play if you are looking to hit at least 15 FPTS.

 

RUNNING BACKS

REX BURKHEAD (HOU)-17.4% -@DENVER  

After all the hype of Dameon Pierce moving up the draft boards, Rex Burkhead came out of the first game leading the way for the Houston backfield. He had 40 rushing yards on 14 carries and 30 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Finishing the game with 12 FPTS and no touchdowns, he looks to help set a good pace as they try and work Damon Pierce into more of a lead back. However, going into Week 2 against Denver. Look for the backfield to be split.

The upside for Burkhead is the passing downs. He is a weapon, having received eight targets against the Colts. He was second on the time in targets only behind Brandin Cooks, who had twelve for the game.

KHALIL HERBERT (CHI)-25.2%-@GREEN BAY  

Leading the way in the backfield against San Francisco, Herbert had a total of 45 rushing yards on 9 carries, and one touchdown, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He finished the day with 11.3 FPTS. Playing Green Bay next week will never be a cakewalk. However, they gave up 126 rushing yards against Minnesota in Week 1. There are opportunities for Herbert to have a great game against Green Bay. In one game last year against the Packers, Herbert had 97 rushing yards on 19 carries with one touchdown. 

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

ROMEO DOUBS (GB)-24.9%-VS CHICAGO

Stepping onto the scene with the reigning MVP as your Quarterback is a good place to start. Coming in as a fourth-round pick from the NFL draft doesn’t give you the gold key to the wide receiver room. With plenty of able bodies ready to go catch for Aaron Rodgers, you must do something to stand out from the rest of the PACK. Going out in your first game and catching 4 of 5 targets for 37 yards is a good place to start. Doubs had 8.8 FPTS in his first game. He also helped establish a good rapport with Rodgers. Doubs will continue to grow this season. With Rodgers looking for someone to step up and take Davante Adams’ place, Doubs is in a prime spot to take a chance in Week 2.

CURTIS SAMUEL(WAS)-8.5%-@DETROIT

After a rough 2021 season with injuries, Curtis Samuel steps back onto the field with a great game. Getting 8 receptions on 11 targets for 55 yards and 1 touchdown for 19.2 FPTS is a good day. Leading the way on targets opens the door for him to be one of the top weapons in Washington. However, with Carson Wentz looking to have a good year with his new team. Look for him to spread the ball around and build relationships with everyone in the receiver room. Does that mean Samuel will be his main target in Washington? No. All it means is he has a good chance to get 6 to 8 targets a game. That amount of targets is enough to give him a good look for a Week 2 Waiver Wire look.

 

TIGHT ENDS

HAYDEN HURST(CIN)-19.6%-@DALLAS 

Starting your first game and being third in targets on the Cincinnati Bengals shows you have the trust of Joe Burrow. Having 5 receptions on 8 targets for 46 yards and 9.6 FPTS is a good first start. Tee Higgins having to leave the game for concussion protocol opened up the door for Hurst. The Tight End will be a weapon that can help move the ball for the Bengals. The Bengals have one of the best Wide Receiver rooms in the NFL. Additions like Hurst can only do one thing, create more opportunities for the offense. However, for the offense to take advantage of this, they have to keep him active and getting targets in games. Hurst might end up being one of the best Waiver Wire picks for the year.

 

KICKERS

YOUNGHOE KOO(ATL)-17.9%-@LAR  

Hitting 4 of 5 field goals and 2 for 2 extra points was good enough for 18 FPTS for Younghoe Koo. His longest for the day was 54 yards. Next week they play the L.A. Rams. Getting into the red zone will be a problem. Look for the Falcons to try and take advantage of Koo when he gets in range.

 

DEFENSE

VIKINGS-3.5%-@PHI  

The Vikings had 11 FPTS against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. They held them to 227 passing yards and 111 rushing yards with only one touchdown. Looking to stop the rush against the Eagles will be the key. The Eagles ran for 216 yards against the Lions on Sunday. Vikings have a new coaching staff and it looks like they are ready to play.

That’s all for Waiver Wire Week 2. For more tips and suggestions, subscribe to the 5 Yard Rush Podcast with Dan and Murf. Also, don’t forget the Waiver Wire Podcast with more tips for Week 2.

Stacey @sdcochran99