Fantasy Football 2018: Best Waiver-wire Targets for Week 2
Week 1 of the NFL season has come and gone in a flash, and for fantasy football players it's already time to focus on fine-tuning their teams ahead of Week 2.
Drawing any verdict from the opening weekend is always a risk, but with a number of players out injured and others putting in dismal performances in the inaugural round, expect fantasy football players to change their rosters.
Here are some valuable players you could pick ahead of Week 2.
Wide Receiver
Brandon Marshall—Seattle Seahawks (13.6 fantasy points — Owned by 5.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Marshall scored a touchdown, recorded three reception for 46 receiving yards and was a surprise target for Russell Wilson. Considering in preseason it almost looked he might not make the roster, Marshall is worth a punt in fantasy football, even if he comes with some risk.
Geronimo Allison—Green Bay Packers (17.9 fantasy points — Owned by 9.2% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Allison completed five of eight receptions for 69 receiving yards in the Packers' famous comeback against the Bears, adding a touchdown for good measure. The Vikings are next for Green Bay, who could be without Aaron Rodgers if the quarterback fails to recover from the knee issued that hampered him in Week 1. Having said that, Allison is worth a roster spot.
Phillip Dorsett—New England Patriots (19.6 fantasy points — Owned by 4.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
While Dorsett's production in Week 1 benefited from the absence of Julian Edelman, seven passes for 66 receiving yards and one touchdown are impressive figures nevertheless. Preseason doubts over the Patriots offense were swiftly dismissed in their 27-20 win over the Texans and with Tom Brady showing no sign of slowing down, Dorsett could continue to reap the dividends in coming weeks.
Quarterback
Tyrod Taylor—Cleveland Browns (23.6 fantasy points — Owned by 37.9% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
In the season-opener, Taylor wasn't exactly the pair of steady hands Browns had hoped for as he completed only 15 of his 40 attempted passes. However, he also scored a touchdown and rushed for 77 yards, a timely reminder of his value in fantasy football terms.
Ryan Fitzpatrick—Tampa Bay Buccaneers (42.3 fantasy points — Owned by 1.5% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Fitzpatrick was unstoppable on Sunday, throwing for four touchdowns and 417 yards as the Bucs upset the Saints on the road. That doesn't mean the veteran quarterback has all of a sudden turned into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but with Jameis Winston suspended for another two games, Fitzpatrick could be given the chance to shine again next week.
Case Keenum—Denver Broncos (19.2 fantasy points — Owned by 13.1% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Keenum threw for three touchdowns and 329 yards as the Broncos beat the Seahawks on Sunday, completing 25 of his 39 attempted passes—even if three interceptions proved costly in fantasy football terms.
The Broncos take on the Raiders Sunday and, given Oakland's defensive struggles in Week 1, Keenum could prove to be a valuable addition.
Running Back
T.J. Yeldon—Jacksonville Jaguars (15.9 fantasy points — Owned by 8% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
With Leonard Fournette still a doubt for Week 2, Yeldon could be worth adding to the roster. The Jaguars running back did well to replace the injured Fournette during Jacksonville's 20-15 win over the Giants, rushing 14 times for 51 yards. Yeldon might have less opportunities to shine against the Patriots, but he remains a good option.
Phillip Lindsay—Denver Broncos (18.2 fantasy points — Owned by 1.9% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Lindsay recorded one touchdown, two receptions and a combined 102 yards in the Broncos' win against Seattle in Week 1. The fact Denver chose to involve him in their passing game only added to his value in PPR leagues.
Austin Ekeler—Los Angeles Chargers (23.6 fantasy points — Owned by 11% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Ekeler was the most reliable pass-catcher for the Chargers in Week 1, holding on to all five passes Philip Rivers sent his way. While Melvin Gordon remains the Chargers' main offensive option, Ekeler also recorded one touchdown, 36 rushing yards and 87 receiving yards for 23.6 fantasy points.
Tight End
George Kittle—San Francisco 49ers (14 fantasy points — Owned by 37.2% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
The 49ers fell to a defeat against the Vikings on Sunday but Kittle led the team in targets and catches and his 49 snaps were the most of any other 49ers tight end. With Jimmy Garoppolo surely set to perform better than he did against the Vikings, Kittle's figures could look even better in Week 2.
Antonio Gates—Los Angeles Chargers (5.6 fantasy points — Owned by 26.4% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
Gates only had two catches in Week 1 but his selection is a long-term one, given fellow tight ends Greg Olsen and Delanie Walker have both been ruled out with injuries. Add to that the fact the Chargers play the Bills in Week 2 and Gates becomes a shrewd addition.
Eric Ebron—Indianapolis Colts (15.1 fantasy points — Owned by 16.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football teams)
In his debut with the Colts, Ebron caught four of five passes aimed at him, recording 51 receiving yards and a touchdown. With Andrew Luck looking a lot better than in preseason and ever closer to full fitness, the Colts' O-line is in good shape. At the same time, it is worth noting Ebron played only 45.1 percent of the snaps.
