Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season is in the books!
You know what that means … PANIC!
Buy Broncos TicketsNo, seriously, both with our real-life favorite teams and our fantasy football teams, it can be easy to overrate (both negatively and positively) to a one-game sample size to begin the season.
It’s important to not give up on a player too quickly. On the other hand, sometimes a huge Week 1 performance can later turn out to be fool’s gold. There’s a balance, one that fantasy football managers have to try to find this week as they weigh their roster options after Week 1.
To help fantasy football managers attempt to improve their rosters going into Week 2, we’ve put together a list of 12 waiver wire targets with options at running back, wide receiver, quarterback and tight end.
Each player’s rostered percentage in ESPN fantasy football leagues is listed in parentheses. Ready? Let’s get to the list!
1
RB Kenneth Gainwell (22%)
Rashaad Penny was a surprise healthy scratch for the Eagles in Week 1 and Gainwell surprisingly dominated the RB snaps (41 compared to just 19 for D’Andre Swift). It’s hard to imagine this level of lopsided usage will continue, but just in case in does, pick up Gainwell.
2
RB Tyler Allgeier (44%)
Despite playing in a backfield with Bijan Robinson, there are enough RB touches in Atlanta for Allgeier to remain relevant in fantasy football.
3
RB Kyren Williams (11%)
Cam Akers might be in danger of losing the Rams’ starting running back job and Williams appears to be the next man up.
4
RB Gus Edwards (22%)
J.K. Dobbins is set to miss the rest of the 2023 season with a torn Achilles, potentially leaving Edwards as the new starting running back in Baltimore.
5
RB Justice Hill (1%)
The Ravens operate a run-heavy offense so even if Edwards ends up as the RB1, Hill should have enough involvement to remain on the fantasy radar going forward.
6
RB Joshua Kelley (12%)
Kelley ate into Austin Ekeler’s workload in Week 1 and if that continues going forward, Kelley could have flex value. He’s also an important handcuff RB in case Ekeler ever misses any games.
7
WR Puka Nacua (3%)
Nacua came out of nowhere to lead the Rams with 10 receptions for 119 yards on Sunday. That kind of production probably isn’t sustainable, but the rookie WR is worth stashing just in case L.A. has found a gem.
8
WR Tutu Atwell (6%)
Atwell also had a big game on Sunday, hauling in six receptions for 119 yards. Cooper Kupp (hamstring) will eventually returning, hurting the values of both of Nacua and Atwell, but for now, L.A.’s young WRs are worth a look.
9
TE Sam LaPorta (35%)
The rookie tight end caught all five targets for 39 yards on Sunday. That’s obviously not huge production, but LaPorta had the third-most targets in Detroit’s season opener, which is a great sign for a young TE.
10
TE Hayden Hurst (5%)
Hurst was a favorite target of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, leading the Panthers with seven targets in Week 1. Hurst turned those targets into five receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown.
11
QB Brock Purdy (25%)
Surrounded by playmakers in a high-scoring offense, Purdy doesn’t have to do much more than be a game manager to end up as a fantasy-relevant QB each week. Purdy threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday.
12
QB Jordan Love (16%)
How’s that for a start to the Jordan Love era? The Aaron Rodgers replacement thew for 245 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. Beginner’s luck or sign of things to come? Either way, Love’s worth stashing in case his production continues.
