For the most part, injuries were avoided in week 1 of the NFL season, making the week 2 waiver wire a little less important in that regard.
There were some surprises as well, but I don’t believe there are any players who are going to be dominant, week-to-week fantasy football options coming off the waiver wire. Even, so, here’s the early week 2 wavier wire pickups in fantasy football.
Jamison Crowder, WR, New York Jets
I’m not sold on the Jets offense, but Crowder did come out of the week 1 loss as the best option from the wide receivers.
Sam Darnold looked terrible, getting balls batted down on a consistent basis. Le’Veon Bell was good and his usage may actually have to increase from his days in Pittsburgh. And when Darnold actually looked beyond 5 yards for a pass, it was Crowder who got his attention.
Crowder attracted 17 targets, hauling in 14 catches for 99 yards. Getting him into the endzone may be difficult in this offense and I’m not sure those targets are going to be consistent (actually I’m certain that will be the case).
Crowder sill has enough ability to carve out a role in this offense, even if it won’t match his week 1 level. He’s worth a flier, especially in leagues with WR3 and Flex options.
Marquise Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens
The waiver wire is a regular place for boom-or-bust wide receivers. And make no mistake about it, Brown will fit that mold in 2019.
He was a boom candidate in week 1 with four catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t anticipate that every week, but Brown can take the top off of defenses, making him an attractive option to get touchdowns with a limited supply of targets.
The only issue with Brown is that I don’t believe the Ravens offense is that good and the Dolphins may be historically bad. In fact, there’s already a report saying Miami players want out of town after the week 1 disaster.
Brown will have his moments, but don’t always expect this kind of stat line.
John Ross, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Finally. And maybe this time is for real.
Ross was the best receiver on the Bengals roster in week 1, generating 12 targets, and hauling in seven receptions for 158 yards and two touchdowns.
We’ve been expecting this kind of output from Ross since he was drafted in the first round. He hasn’t delivered, but with A.J. Green out with injury, this may be the opportunity Ross needed to make his mark. Of all the options on the week 2 waiver wire, Ross is my favorite based on his talent level and experience.
