13 Players To Pick Up Before Week 1 - Waiver Wire

The source is a believer in Adonai Mitchell, citing consistent positive camp reports and a strong connection with Geno Smith. Mitchell is projected to operate as the WR2 alongside Garrett Wilson, with the potential to command a consistent seven targets per week.

Caleb Douglas is rostered in 11% of leagues and is preferred over Chris Bell for early-season usage due to Bell's recovery from an ACL tear.

Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth are both highly paid, creating uncertainty regarding their respective usage shares in the Steelers' offense.

David Montgomery's fantasy outlook is concerning due to his reliance on 'bellcow volume' and potential for a 60/40 rushing split with Woody Marks. Combined with questions regarding the offensive line, he is viewed as a less attractive target as the season approaches.

Dontayvion Wicks has reportedly locked down the WR2 role in camp. Beat writers indicate he and DeVonta Smith will receive the bulk of targets early in the season while the rookie, Malik Nabers, adjusts to the NFL.

George Holani is a potential waiver target who could handle third-down, short-yardage, and goal-line roles, though his fantasy ceiling is limited by a lack of red-zone history. He is a viable speculative add while Trevon Henderson is out of practice.

The source describes J.K. Dobbins as the primary ground option in the Denver backfield who lacks target volume, noting his high injury risk and limited ceiling as a fantasy asset.

Jalen Nailor is competing with Trey Tucker for snaps, but his status as a backup is suggested by the fact that he was not rested during the preseason while Tucker was.

Jeremiah Love is dealing with an injury and was reported as 50/50 to play in Week 1 as of September 1st. This uncertainty creates immediate fantasy implications for the backfield, specifically impacting the short-term value of Tyler Allgeier.

Jonah Coleman is a high-upside stash despite currently being the RB3 in Denver. He benefits from a strong offensive line and a team tendency to throw to running backs, though he is not considered a viable Week 1 starter.

The source is monitoring how Josh Downs' role evolves on third downs, noting he led the team in third-down targets last season.

Kayshon Boutte is viewed as a talented downfield ball-winner and a good match for Drake Maye, but his fantasy outlook is uncertain. He is expected to serve as an outside deep threat to stretch the field, though his current ADP does not reflect the same level of interest as his predecessor, Jalen Higgins, and he may lack the consistent volume for reliable weekly starts.

Keaton Mitchell is a recommended stash in 12-team leagues, projected to earn 4-10 touches per game in a manufactured role within Mike McDaniel's running back-friendly offense. He is expected to be utilized in orbit and strafe motions to catch passes, with potential to develop into a consistent flex play.

Keenan Allen is viewed as a low-ceiling, low-floor player entering year 14, likely limited to three-receiver sets in a low-volume passing offense. However, he could have a sneaky week one performance as a chain-mover on third downs, though he may not reach his previous target volume.

Malik Davis is identified as a handcuff running back target for fantasy managers to stash on IR or benches.

While Malik Nabers is expected to get playing time, he may start in the slot and require time to adjust, leading to a higher likelihood that veterans like Dontayvion Wicks see more field time and targets initially.

Mark Andrews is viewed as being in decline, with poor training camp reports and a team shift away from the heavy tight-end-focused red zone passing attack that previously defined the Ravens' offense.

Michael Pittman Jr. is returning to full health and reaching 100% status following a missed training camp.

The source remains high on Nico Collins, noting that the addition of deep threats like Kayshon Boutte will complement Collins' role running crossing routes and working the middle of the field.

Pat Freiermuth is an undervalued tight end who could finish as a top-15 option; he is expected to play a significant role while Michael Pittman Jr. recovers. He is a potential start against the Bengals, though his usage share remains uncertain due to the Steelers paying both him and Darnell Washington top-10 contract money. He may also face target competition from Roman Wilson.

Ray Davis is considered the most underrated handcuff running back, with elite production in two career games without James Cook: 20 touches per game, 326 total scrimmage yards, and 20 fantasy points per game. He is a recommended stash for fantasy managers.

RJ Harvey is identified as the Denver running back who receives targets but lacks rushing volume, making it difficult for him to secure the full workload in a three-man committee.

Roman Wilson is identified as a primary competitor for targets alongside Pat Freiermuth in the Steelers' passing attack.

Seth McGowan is identified as a handcuff running back target for fantasy managers to stash on IR or benches.

Tank Bigsby is a high-upside handcuff; if Saquon Barkley were to miss time, Bigsby would project as an every-week top-20 running back. He is a recommended stash for fantasy managers on IR or benches.

Terrence Ferguson is a high-priority waiver wire target with breakout potential as a pseudo-WR3 in a high-scoring offense that led the NFL in red-zone passing touchdowns. The source emphasizes his shift toward underneath usage for yards-after-catch opportunities and notes that if he records 87 yards, a touchdown, and 70% snap share in Week 1, he warrants aggressive FAAB spending.

Trey Tucker is the Raiders' WR1 and a high-upside waiver target rostered in only 25% of Yahoo leagues. He is an explosive deep threat who was rested during the preseason, signaling his starter status in Clint Kubiak's scheme.

Tyjae Spears lacks standalone fantasy value due to a preseason drive-sharing arrangement with Tony Pollard. The source warns that if this split continues into the regular season, neither back will be fantasy-relevant.

Tyler Allgeier is a viable flex play and potential top-24 running back for Week 1 if Jeremiah Love is ruled out, as he would face minimal backfield competition. While his long-term outlook is limited to a backup role, his immediate volume makes him a startable asset in the short term.

Woody Marks is an excellent handcuff with potential for independent value, having shown improvement as a ball carrier and multiple top-20 weekly finishes last season. While he is owned in 49% of Yahoo leagues and may see a 60/40 backfield split with David Montgomery, the source remains skeptical of his standalone value due to insufficient passing-game usage.

The source is aggressive in drafting Zay Flowers, anticipating a 'reset season' for his red zone usage. While his size is a concern, the departure of key tight end targets in Baltimore is expected to open up more scoring opportunities for him.