With the long offseason behind us, fantasy football is finally back in our lives. With that comes the constant scouring of talent on the waiver wire.
We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in MyFantasyLeague (MFL), using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11). Your questions and comments are always welcome!
We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.
Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.
Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.
Priority Free Agents
1. RB Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers
The concern level on Christian McCaffrey‘s calf strain is relatively low, but Mason should be rostered anyway as the main handcuff to the top overall player in fantasy football.
Availability: 43.4%
FAAB: 15%
2. RB Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
The backfield likely belongs to Kyren Williams as it did last year, but there’s a chance Corum has a decent role to himself. He’s not a startable asset yet, and he likely won’t be unless Williams goes down with an injury. However, the Rams spent a Day 2 pick on Corum this offseason, so he could work his way into a deeper role. The built-in upside with an injury to Williams means he should be rostered.
Availability: 26.3%
FAAB: 10%
3. RB Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings offense is likely going to be a lackluster unit, and Chandler will have to split snaps with Aaron Jones. However, Chandler has proven capable of being a sneaky flex play despite not receiving starting reps. An injury to Jones also would boost Chandler’s value incredibly.
Availability: 28.3%
FAAB: 5%
4. WR Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
It’s best to wait and see what the pecking order looks like in Green Bay, but Wicks is coming off an impressive rookie season despite seeing limited snaps. There’s a world in which he simply takes over the No. 3 role from Romeo Doubs while Christian Watson and Jayden Reed have already dealt with injuries during their young careers.
Availability: 39.4%
FAAB: 5%
5. RB Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Probably more of a stash at this point in the season. Benson is an intriguing rookie who brings solid draft capital and plenty of upside if James Conner misses time.
Availability: 28.5%
FAAB: 5%
6. WR Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills
What the pecking order in Buffalo will look like remains to be seen, which makes Samuel a target in an ambiguous wide receiver room. He has a history working with offensive coordinator Joe Brady from their time with the Carolina Panthers. There’s a chance Samuel is the target leader among the wide receivers in this offense.
Availability: 29.5%
FAAB: 5%
7. RB Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
With Javonte Williams also in the mix, it’s unlikely McLaughlin will become a league-winner. With that said, he should still be roster. Samaje Perine and his 11.7% target share are gone, which means McLaughlin should have a much more prominent role as a receiving back.
Availability: 30.4%
FAAB: 5%
Grab-n-Stash
RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
He’s more than likely scooped up in typical leagues. However, if Chubb is somehow on the waiver wire and you have an IR slot, he’s still a good stash for the second half despite the devastating knee injury he suffered last year. He’s not worth burning a roster spot for if you don’t have an IR slot.
Availability: 41.6%
FAAB: 5%
RB Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
Another running back who was likely drafted, managers should take a peek to see if he’s available. Like Chubb, Brooks is still potentially two months away from having a real impact on fantasy rosters considering the likely ramp-up period he’ll face after coming off the PUP list. Still, he’s a solid stash in leagues with IR slots.
Availability: 47.8%
FAAB: 10%
TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Another player who will be out for the majority, if not all, of the first half. Hockenson was likely drafted in leagues with IR slots but if he wasn’t, he’s a solid stash for a team that may need tight end help during the second half of the season.
Availability: 43.9%
FAAB: 5%
RB Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins
The Miami backfield is going to be led by De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. Given both of their injury histories, Wright is a player to keep an eye on. He’s another speedster who fits well in Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Availability: 43.5%
FAAB: 3%
WR Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts
It’s very likely Mitchell will be splitting snaps with Alec Pierce at the X-receiver role for the majority of his rookie season. However, he could see some early run from the slot with second-year wideout Josh Downs nursing an ankle injury. If Mitchell can get some momentum building early, he could turn into a viable flex option down the road.
Availability: 47.8%
FAAB: 3%
WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Competing for targets with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will never be an easy task, but McMillan has an intriguing skill set as the No. 3 option for Baker Mayfield. It will likely take some time before McMillan draws consistent targets, but he’s a rookie to keep an eye on.
Availability: 62.4%
FAAB: 1%
WR Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
The targets will be funneled through Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but Washington is someone to keep an eye on. He’s currently the No. 3 wide receiver with Odell Beckham Jr. on the reserve list to begin the season.
Availability: 75.9%
FAAB: 1%
Streamers of the Week
QB Geno Smith vs. Denver Broncos: There aren’t a ton of intriguing options at quarterback in Week 1, but Smith could be a viable starter against a Broncos defense that allowed the fifth-most touchdown passes to quarterbacks last season.
Availability: 28.6%
QB Will Levis at Chicago Bears: The second-year quarterback has the reins of the Titans offense. His knack for throwing downfield is intriguing with Brian Callahan bringing his pass-heavy offense to Tennessee.
Availability: 38%
TE Luke Musgrave at Philadelphia Eagles: The Packers have a crowded pecking order in the passing game, and Musgrave will split snaps with Tucker Kraft. Still, buying into this offense in what could be a high-scoring game isn’t a bad idea.
Availability: 31.2%
TE Zach Ertz at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hopefully, rookie Ben Sinnott eventually emerges, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ertz began the season as the starter. The Bucs allowed the third-most receptions and second-most yards to tight ends last season.
Availability: 53.6%
New Orleans Saints D/ST vs. Carolina Panthers: Until we see Dave Canales’ offense in Carolina, they are still a good team to bet against early in the season.
Availability: 61.5%
Cincinnati Bengals D/ST vs. New England Patriots: With Jacoby Brissett‘s conservative mentality under center to begin the season, the Bengals are a fantastic play in Week 1.
Availability: 66.9%
PK Jake Bates vs. Los Angeles Rams: Taking over the kicking duties in Detroit, Bates should find himself with plenty of opportunities in a high-scoring game inside a dome.
Availability: 81.7%
PK Matt Prater at Buffalo Bills: The Cardinals offense has a chance to be much better this season, and Prater should have plenty of chances to kick field goals in what could be a barn burner.
Availability: 87.8%
