Against all odds, the 2020 NFL season is finally here. Whether you completed your fantasy football draft two weeks ago or are waiting until right before Thursday night, fantasy football faces its most interesting season to date.
With opt-outs, trades and plenty of rising stars, this is a very talented pool of players to choose from.
If you’re looking for a possible sleeper or even a player to keep your eye on, here are some of the top pickups for the week one waiver wire:
*All roster percentages are courtesy of ESPN*
TE Jonnu Smith | Tennessee Titans | 22.9% rostered
With the emergence of Tennessee’s offense last year, a lot of players got a chance in the spotlight. One of those guys was Smith who recorded 35 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns.
With A.J. Brown as the clear cut No. 1 receiver, Smith has a chance to be Ryan Tannehill’s second option. The tight end position has never been as loaded with talent as it is this year and Smith is definitely a guy to keep your eye on should you face any struggles at the position.
As Delanie Walker moves out of the spotlight in Nashville, Smith’s athleticism is extremely intriguing for those looking for an upside play.
RB Sony Michel | New England Patriots | 53.2% rostered
Michel’s production in a committee backfield is still very impressive. In 2019 he finished with 912 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. With Cam Newton under center this season, Michel could see an increase in usage.
After an offseason foot injury, the former Georgia Bulldog has taken the field in training camp and is still expected to be the starter. Damien Harris was put on the injured reserve list Monday, leaving Michel to lead the pack with James White and Rex Burkhead behind him.
It isn’t clear if the Patriots will ease Michel back into the mix but his 247 carries from 2019 could be valuable depth if he’s on the waiver wire.
WR Jalen Reagor | Philadelphia Eagles | 30.7% rostered
The rookie suffered a shoulder injury in training camp which will result in him missing at least Week 1. The TCU product was a highly ranked prospect with break away speed and great route running ability and wound up becoming the No. 21 overall pick in April’s draft.
The Eagles have high hopes for Reagor especially after last season when the receiver position was bleak. While he’s likely to miss the first week of the season, he shouldn’t be off of the field for too much longer.
Once he returns, he will be joining a pass-catching corps that is thin with depth. This makes him a high-upside stash if he’s available.
WR Russell Gage | Atlanta Falcons | 4.7% rostered
Gage has emerged as the Falcons No. 3 target behind wide receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. The third-year wideout finished with 49 receptions for 446 yards and one touchdown in 2019 but is set to make a big jump.
He considers Jones a mentor to him and has impressed a lot of coaches during this year’s training camp. Even as the third target, Gage should see opportunities in an offense that threw the most in 2019.
Gage is a good player to keep your eye on for a WR3 or flex role.
RB James Robinson | Jacksonville Jaguars | 7.5% rostered
With the release of Leonard Fournette and Ryquell Armstead being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Jacksonville is thin at running back, to say the least. Robinson is expected to earn the starting role going into 2020.
The rookie out of Illinois State is going to have a lot on his plate if he expects to have a big year in this offense. Even though Devine Ozigbo and Chris Thompson are also there, Robinson is a solid stash off of the waiver wire.
The Jaguars offense doesn’t project to be all that strong, but volume is king in fantasy football. It’s worth grabbing him to see what type of workload he will get to open the season.
QB Tyrod Taylor | Los Angeles Chargers | 3.5% rostered
Tyrod Taylor may be the biggest mystery when it comes to quarterbacks. After leading the Bills to a playoff berth he was traded to Cleveland where he was eventually benched for Baker Mayfield. He sat and watched Philip Rivers last season and is now the starter in L.A. until rookie Justin Herbert is given the chance.
Taylor has been blessed with a talented offense and loads of playmakers around him. While he may not be highly sought after in most leagues, Taylor is a guy to consider as he progresses with the Chargers. If he plays well enough, he may hold off Herbert for 2020.
For those needing depth at quarterback or for those in superflex leagues, Taylor has some sneaky upside as a waiver pick up.
