Let the games begin!
There were smiles all around the world on Sunday when football fans heard the words “seven hours of commercial-free football starts now”. The 2022 NFL season is off to a fast start and sweeping the fantasy season along with it. Lots of questions surround every team’s players right now and I’m here to bring you the answers.
All of the players listed are under 50% owned (no “Worth a Look” this week, unfortunately) so the odds of them being available are in your favor. This early in the season, any waiver pick can really make or break your season, especially when looking for handcuffs. And with that, here are your Week 2 Waiver Wire picks.
*Owned % are in terms of the Yahoo platform at the time of writing
Dontrell Hilliard, TEN- RB (7%)
I actually picked up Dontrell Hilliard myself just hours before the Titans kicked off on Sunday. Obviously, King Henry still dominates the Tennessee backfield, which gives limited rushing volume to Hilliard.
However, Hilliard was targeted 4 times and caught two touchdowns in the loss against the Giants this weekend. Hilliard could potentially evolve into a pass-catching back worth considering for FLEX starts, especially if Derrick Henry gets hurt again this season. No matter what, Hilliard is a worthwhile handcuff to have.
Khalil Herbert, CHI- RB (41%)
Khalil Herbert was already an above-average handcuff going into this season. In addition, many expected Herbert to slowly carve more and more into David Montgomery’s workload every week.
The spotlight shined on Herbert when he got a goal line touch which he converted into a score. Herbert outrushed Montgomery by almost 20 yards on several fewer carries. We could be looking at a future Kareem Hunt or AJ Dillon situation, or perhaps even better.
Robbie Anderson, CAR- WR (10%)
One of the first things that go through my mind when a QB makes his debut with a new team is “Who is their favorite target?” The answer for Baker Mayfield is Robbie Anderson, it seems.
Many may be surprised considering the drama that went on between the two in the offseason, but the stats don’t lie. Anderson was targeted eight times against Cleveland and connected with Baker for a 75-yard touchdown. Anderson is worth picking up in case this amount of volume remains consistent.
Devin Duvernay, BAL- WR (31%)
If I’m being completely honest, there is not much evidence from Sunday to support consistently good numbers for Devin Duvernay. With just four catches, Duvernay still managed to make the highlight reel with two flashy touchdowns.
Although I would still expect Rashod Bateman to be Lamar Jackson’s favorite this season, Duvernay could emerge as a Hollywood Brown lite being another electric deep threat. Duvernay is certainly worth a pickup in deeper leagues.
Jarvis Landry, NO- WR (42%)
Despite not being the true WR1 on his team, Jarvis Landry looked like his old self as he attracted nine targets against the Falcons. For now, Landry has some upside and a potential FLEX start in deep leagues. If managers want to squeeze points out of Landry this season, this is the time to do so before his production declines once rookie Chris Olave begins to heat up.
Rex Burkhead, HOU- RB (13%)
To the surprise of many, Rex Burkhead was the clear RB1 in Houston this weekend. Totaling 14 rush attempts and 8 targets, Burkhead looks like he completely beat out Dameon Pierce for the job in the summer. Burkhead definitely should be picked up, but not at the expense of dropping Pierce who could eventually take on more of a workload.
D.J. Chark, DET- WR (40%)
D.J. Chark had a solid outing in his Detroit debut. Catching 4 of 8 for 52 yards and a score, all bodes well for Chark’s chemistry with QB Jared Goff.
Facing off against a weaker Washington defense could officially kickstart Chark’s road to a rebound season. Competition for reps with Amon-Ra St. Brown should not be of any concern at this point, as Chark should be considered for a FLEX start this week.
Jeff Wilson Jr., SF- RB (17%)
Does this really need an explanation? Elijah Mitchell is out for two months and Jeff Wilson is the only experienced running back in San Francisco. Do you see where the pieces fit together? Wilson is poised for a significantly larger role for the next eight weeks and that’s the role I want on my roster. Expect Wilson to be the premier waiver wire choice in Week 2.
