Week 3 Waiver Wire Adds: Week 2 of the 2018 NFL season is in the books, and that means it’s time to look at waiver wire pickups. Most leagues waivers process on Wednesday, so this article will be posted every Tuesday afternoon. The percentages next to a player’s name explain what percentage of an FAAB budget should go toward that player in a 12-team PPR format.
Quarterbacks
Tyrod Taylor (CLE) (0-1%)
Tyrod Taylor’s running ability gives him unmatched – except by Cam Newton – upside at the quarterback position. Rich Hribar’s famous Konami Code article explains why you should target running quarterbacks in fantasy football.
Andy Dalton (CIN) (0%)
The quarterback position is too replaceable for me to bid any FAAB money on Andy Dalton, but he has back-to-back weeks with multiple touchdowns and has a plethora of weapons available at his disposal.
Running Backs
Giovani Bernard (CIN) (8-10%)
Joe Mixon underwent knee surgery this past weekend, so it’s Giovani Bernard’s backfield in Cincinnati for the next few weeks. A dual threat, Bernard has had 39 or more catches every year of his career despite splitting time with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Jeremy Hill, and Joe Mixon. Now, as the only healthy running back on the team – only rookie Mark Walton is there to steal touches – Bernard has high-end RB2 value as long as Mixon is sidelined.
Javorius Allen (BAL) (5-7%)
Javorius Allen Victory Lap Friday was in full force on Twitter after the USC product caught five balls on seven targets Thursday night. Allen played 40 snaps, only two less than teammate Alex Collins. Throughout his career, Allen has struggled to post efficient numbers, but the Ravens seem committed to him as their pass-catching back. Collins finished last among all running backs with 25 or more targets in receiving DVOA and DYAR in 2017, so it’s not a stretch to assume Allen will handle the third-down work in Baltimore. While he’s an uninspiring talent, he’s relevant in PPR as long as he maintains his pass-catching role.
Nyheim Hines (IND) (2-3%)
Hines made the list last week, and he’s still here despite disappointing production in Week 2. The rookie out of North Carolina State played 39 percent of snaps last week, tied with Jordan Wilkins for most on the team. Marlon Mack’s return threatens Wilkins’ rushing workload, but Hines, as a three-year wide receiver in college, should operate as the team’s pass-catching back going forward. He’s not an immediate option, but he has the potential to provide flex value later in the season.
Names to monitor: Ito Smith (ATL), Corey Grant (JAC)
Wide Receivers
Geronimo Allison (GB) (5-7%)
Although Geronimo Allison is the clear No. 4 option in the Green Bay passing attack, he has played 70 percent or more of snaps in both of the Packers’ games this season, totaling 14 targets across two games. Allison played 79 percent of snaps in Week 2, while fourth-string wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling played only 8 percent. Allison has spot-start potential due to the high-octane nature of the Green Bay offense. He has James Jones-type upside and is available in most leagues.
John Brown (BAL) (3-5%)
John Brown had 10 targets in Baltimore’s Week 2 loss to Cincinnati, playing 79 percent of snaps (second among Ravens wide receivers). His 4.34 speed gives him the ability to take one to the house any given week, and Brown has tantalizing upside if he can continue to get 6-8 targets per game as the Ravens No. 2 wide receiver.
Tyler Boyd (CIN) (3-5%)
With the benefit of hindsight, I should have seen this one coming. John Ross scored a touchdown in Week 1, but Tyler Boyd played 87 percent of snaps compared to only 65 percent for Ross. Boyd cemented himself as Cincinnati’s No. 2 wide receiver in Week 2, totaling 91 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With 14 targets over the two games so far, Boyd is worth an add.
Names to monitor: Antonio Callaway (CLE), Phillip Dorsett (NE), Rashard Higgins (CLE)
Tight Ends
Ricky Seals-Jones (ARI) (2-3%)
Ricky Seals-Jones has consecutive six-target outings and has played 90 percent or more of snaps in both games this season. If he can continue to get that sort of volume, he will be relevant in fantasy football this season. The Cardinals offense is anemic, but we chase volume above all else, and 96 targets would have placed seventh among tight ends last season. It’s not worth rostering two tight ends, so pass on RSJ if you’re comfortable with your tight end spot, but he is worth a prospective add for tight end-needy teams.
Names to monitor: Ben Watson (NO)
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