Week 2 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

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Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
2. QB Anthony Richardson, IND
3. QB Kirk Cousins, MIN
4. QB Mac Jones, NE (waiver wire: 3-5%)
5. QB Jordan Love, GB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
6. QB Sam Howell, WAS (waiver wire: 1%)
7. QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

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Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Aaron Rodgers, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Desmond Ridder, ATL (waiver wire: DROP)
3. QB Daniel Jones, NYG (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
4. QB Geno Smith, SEA (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
5. QB Joe Burrow, CIN
6. QB Josh Allen, BUF
7. QB Jalen Hurts, PHI
8. QB Lamar Jackson, BAL
9. QB Russell Wilson, DEN (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
10. QB Dak Prescott, DAL

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Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: 15-30%)
3. RB Kyren Williams, LAR (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: 12-25%)
5. RB Gus Edwards, BAL (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. RB Travis Etienne Jr., JAX
7. RB Justice Hill, BAL (waiver wire: 10-20%)
8. RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
9. RB Aaron Jones, GB
10. RB Tyjae Spears, TEN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
11. RB Nick Chubb, CLE
12. RB Christian McCaffrey, SF
13. RB David Montgomery, DET
14. RB Brian Robinson Jr., WAS
15. RB Jerome Ford, CLE (waiver wire: 3-5%)
16. RB Zack Moss, IND (waiver wire: 3-5%)
17. RB Miles Sanders, CAR
18. RB Jake Funk, IND (waiver wire: 1%)
19. RB Deon Jackson, IND (waiver wire: 1%)

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Running Back Downgrade

1. RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB Cam Akers, LAR (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
3. RB Dameon Pierce, HOU
4. RB Elijah Mitchell, SF (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
5. RB Antonio Gibson, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
6. RB Najee Harris, PIT
7. RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA (waiver wire: DROP FOR 12-25% OR HIGHER)
8. RB Jerick McKinnon, KC (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER IN SHORT BENCH LGS)

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Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Puka Nacua, LAR (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. WR Kendrick Bourne, NE (waiver wire: 20-40%)
3. WR Nico Collins, HOU (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. WR Rashid Shaheed, NO (waiver wire: 15-30%)
5. WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF
6. WR Romeo Doubs, GB (waiver wire: 10-20%)
7. WR Zay Flowers, BAL
8. WR Michael Pittman Jr., IND
9. WR Calvin Ridley, JAX
10. WR Tutu Atwell, LAR (waiver wire: 7-15%)
11. WR Mike Evans, TB
12. WR Tyreek Hill, MIA
13. WR Darnell Mooney, CHI (waiver wire: 5-10%)
14. WR Josh Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 5-10%)
15. WR Robert Woods, HOU (waiver wire: 5-10%)
16. WR Calvin Austin III, PIT (waiver wire: 1%)
17. WR Allen Robinson II, PIT (waiver wire: 1%)

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Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Allen Lazard, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
2. WR Marvin Jones Jr., DET (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR Skyy Moore, KC (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
4. WR Adam Thielen, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
5. WR Kadarius Toney, KC (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
6. WR Garrett Wilson, NYJ
7. WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
8. WR Diontae Johnson, PIT
9. WR Drake London, ATL
10. WR DJ Moore, CHI
11. WR Amari Cooper, CLE
12. WR Tee Higgins, CIN
13. WR Terry McLaurin, WAS
14. WR Tyler Lockett, SEA (waiver wire: HOLD)

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Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Hunter Henry, NE (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. TE Hayden Hurst, CAR (waiver wire: 7-15%)
3. TE Sam LaPorta, DET
4. TE Logan Thomas, WAS (waiver wire: 3-5%)
5. TE Kylen Granson, IND (waiver wire: 1%)
6. TE Adam Trautman, DEN (waiver wire: 1%)

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Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Tyler Conklin, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Noah Fant, SEA (waiver wire: DROP)
3. TE Greg Dulcich, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
4. TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
5. TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
6. TE Dallas Goedert, PHI
7. TE Isaiah Likely, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
8. TE David Njoku, CLE

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Quarterback Upgrade

QB Kirk Cousins, MIN - It's possible that the Vikings pass heavy approach was tailored to beat a Bucs defense that is stronger against the run, and we can't overlook Cousins three turnovers, but the productivity of the pass offense can't be ignored. Cousins could be more consistent with higher spike weeks if the addition of Jordan Addison and another year in the Kevin O'Connell offense has elevated this passing game. Thursday, Cousins faces an Eagles defense that gave up a good Week 1 to Mac Jones.

QB Sam Howell, WAS - (waiver wire: 1%) - We underrated the Cardinals defense a bit, so Howell's adequate fantasy performance could look better in hindsight if the Arizona defense keeps this up. Howell had a gaffe in the two-minute drill that resulted in a defensive score, but he was tough in the pocket and scored as a runner. He'll have a tough matchup vs. Denver this week, but could level off as bye/injury depth.

QB Mac Jones, NE - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Turns out having a real offensive coordinator makes a big difference. Jones overcame an early pick six to have a strong afternoon against a very good Eagles defense, thanks in part to Bill O'Brien constructing a quick passing offense around Jones that overcomes their lack of speed on offense. Jones is also getting the running backs and tight ends heavily involved as a receivers. Expect him to have to pass a lot to keep up with Tua Tagovailoa this week.

QB Jordan Love, GB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Love was on target when he needed to be and benefited from an Aaron Jones run after catch on the way to leading the Packers to a big win. Green Bay didn't have to throw a lot in this one and Love didn't have Christian Watson, so things are looking up with the Falcons on the schedule in Week 2. Consider him a solid QB2 with room to grow.

QB Anthony Richardson, IND - Richardson made a few rookie mistakes and got banged up at the end of the game, but overall he and the pass offense looked better prepared than expected, and the #4 overall was able to be productive and score on the ground even though he didn't really break free as a runner. The Texans defense was feisty vs. the Ravens, but as long as he's healthy, Richardson will be worth a start against them in Week 2 and as long as he produces again, he'll stay in our lineups.

QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - Tagovailoa found the barnstorming form in the comeback win vs. the Chargers that dazzled us early last season. He and Tyreek Hill can seemingly connect at will, and the Dolphins pass offense used their tight ends, secondary receivers, and even fullback to move the ball against the Dolphins. If Tagovailoa, Hill, and Mike McDaniel have anything like this kind of success next week vs. New England, we might have a strong QB1 on our hands.

QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Wilson will start for the rest of the season for the Jets as long as he stays healthy and the team doesn't sign or trade for a veteran. The team is going to go extremely run heavy if Monday night is any indication, so Wilson is just 2QB/Superflex injury/bye depth.

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Quarterback Downgrade

QB Josh Allen, BUF - Week 1 was more about how good the Jets defense is than a reason to get worried about Allen, but it was still not a great look for the player who was the first quarterback off of the board in many fantasy leagues. The Raiders should be a bounce back game this week, but this game was a reminder that Allen is mortal against good defenses like any other quarterback expect maybe Patrick Mahomes.

QB Joe Burrow, CIN - Burrow was rusty after missing camp and the preseason with a calf injury, the wet weather didn't help, the Bengals always start slow and Jim Schwartz has revitalized the Browns defense, but we don't want to make too many excuses for the worst game of Burrow's career. The Ravens defense lost Marcus Williams, but isn't a pushover. If Burrow has another rough outing against them in Week 2, we might need to bench him until he heats up.

QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - Hurts didn't look like the 2022 version of himself in Week 1 and his lack of production matched. There's some concern about losing Shane Steichen as a playcaller with Brian Johnson's offense stalling out most of the time against a tough New England defense. The Eagles offense will get a chance to bounce back quickly this Thursday against the Vikings.

QB Lamar Jackson, BAL - Jackson was sloppy with the ball and the Todd Monken offense didn't exactly light it up in its big unveiling. Jackson should get another chance in our lineups against the Bengals, as there were three offensive touchdowns, but they all came from running backs, and he should also get Mark Andrews back this week. Still, coming off of this game it's difficult to be as excited about Jackson as we were before this season.

QB Daniel Jones, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Jones and the Giants offense was atrocious against the fierce Cowboys defense. It looked like this unit might turn the corner after a strong preseason, but they ran into a brick wall and only the running game had any success on a long night. The Cardinals defense was better than expected, but we should still be ready to throw Jones overboard if he puts up another stinker in Week 2.

QB Dak Prescott, DAL - We shouldn't overreact to Prescott's Week 1 dud because the Cowboys scored a lot - it was just on the ground and viable the defense and special teams. Still, if Dan Quinn's defense is this good, Prescott won't need to shoulder as much of the load on offense. The Jets defense is a tough draw next week, and it's not clear that Prescott should be seen as a QB1, at least for now.

QB Desmond Ridder, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Ridder didn't play poorly, but the Falcons running game and defense allowed the Falcons passing game to stay in a shell, and he wasn't involved as a runner or scrambler. The fantasy result was terrible even though the game result was ideal for the Falcons. Ridder's weekly floor is too low to consider outside of 2QB/Superflex leagues, although he could have been numbers in a more competitive game against the Packers this week.

QB Aaron Rodgers, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - Rodgers is out for the season with an achilles tear. Hopefully he hasn't played his last down of football, but it would be reasonable if he decides to call it a career.

QB Geno Smith, SEA - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Smith struggled against a Rams defense that gave up a big game to him last year. The offensive line also lost both starting tackles to injury, and the Seahawks tilted a lot more pass heavy than they needed to. Smith has a good matchup against the Lions, but it's tough to trust him coming off of this dud, and if he doesn't turn it around in the next few weeks, Smith might not be an essential hold.

QB Russell Wilson, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Wilson was semi-successful in a dink and dunk Joe Lombardi attack, but it's not going to amount to much for fantasy. He didn't look as bad as he did for most of last year, but he didn't look like he'll be a viable fantasy quarterback, even with the promise of Jerry Jeudy returning in the next week or two.

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Running Back Upgrade

RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Allgeier was strong as part of a 1-2 punch with Bijan Robinson, and he was a strong as Robinson in fantasy leagues on the back of two scores. Allgeier is on the field enough and his role is fantasy-friendly enough to justify playing him as a matchup RB2/Flex, and he has a ton of upside in the even of a Robinson injury. He'll take on the Packers defense this week.

RB Nick Chubb, CLE - Make no mistake, Chubb, not Deshaun Watson is going to be the engine of this offense. That included four catches in Week 1, which could portend a career high in catches to push Chubb into the elite RB1 tier. The weary Steelers defense will try to slow him down this week on Monday night.

RB Gus Edwards, BAL - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Edwards actually ran better than Justice Hill even though Hill got both rushing scores after J.K. Dobbins went out. He also has a track record of success, where Hill doesn't. If both are the same priority or Edwards is a lower priority in the fantasy football hive mind, then Edwards is the better pickup in the Ravens backfield, but it's possible that neither will be a good pickup when the dust settled in the underwhelming Ravens running game.

RB Travis Etienne Jr., JAX - Etienne was a clear lead back, he was as involved in the passing game as we could hope with five catches, and he ran away from the defense for a long score to ice the game on a team that should be the favorite to win their division. We would probably take him in the third round if we drafted this week.

RB Jerome Ford, CLE - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Ford fumbled and was inefficient, but got a ton of volume in the Browns blowout win. The team could eventually look to upgrade from him, but for now he's the clear backup in a run-heavy offense despite missing most of camp and the preseason.

RB Jake Funk, IND - (waiver wire: 1%) - Funk entered the game after Evan Hull left with a knee injury and looked better than starter Deon Jackson. We'll see if the Colts change their backfield split and if Zack Moss is ready to play in Week 2, but for now Funk has deep league speculative value.

RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - There were murmurs that Gainwell was going to be the lead back for Eagles, but no one expected the split to be so clearly in favor of the third year back. He was solid in the role, but more importantly, D'Andre Swift didn't make it seem like putting Gainwell in that role was a bad decision. Rashaad Penny was a healthy scratch and could always enter the chat, but for now Gainwell is an RB2/Flex play against the Vikings on Thursday assuming his rib issue doesn't affect his playing time and the Eagles decision on how much to use him, and if he performs well, he could have this role for keeps.

RB Justice Hill, BAL - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Hill probably wasn't the better of the two backs that took over after J.K. Dobbins went down, but he did score twice and will probably be prioritized higher than backfieldmate Gus Edwards, but that might not be warranted based on Edwards history as a short yardage runner. It's also possible that this low wattage running game and messy committee yields no dependable back going forward, so don't get too aggressive with your bids.

RB Deon Jackson, IND - (waiver wire: 1%) - No running back did less with more than Jackson in Week 1. It's possible the Colts stick with him if Zack Moss isn't ready to play in Week 2, so there's some formal value in deep leagues, but Jackson looked like a player that should be marginalized in his offense in the loss to the Jaguars.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Johnson's game was discouraging insomuch that the backfield was a true three-headed monster and the rookie didn't get a lot of work early in the game. His game was encouraging insomuch that he scored and gobbled up six catches to post a very good fantasy day on limited snaps. He could emerge in this backfield eventually, but if the Bears are more competitive against the Bucs, we could see that he's still more of a third stringer than someone threatening for more work. He's probably worth around the same priority as the Ravens backups.

RB Aaron Jones, GB - It sounds like Jones hamstring injury is minor and probably won't keep him out of Week 2, so let's bask in his week-winning performance against the Bears. He was outstanding in the passing game yet again, and he clearly deserves to be the lead back ahead of AJ Dillon. With Jordan Love playing better than expected, Jones may end up being a low-end RB1 that you got at a midlevel RB2 price.

RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Kelley ran strong and reinforced his injury upside value if Austin Ekeler goes down (and Ekeler did emerge with an ankle injury that could keep him out of practice), but in Kellen Moore's offense, he might be a matchup flex. The Titans were tough on the Saints running game, but he's the clear backup after Isaiah Spiller was a healthy scratch, and it looks like Kelley is developing as a runner.

RB Christian McCaffrey, SF - McCaffrey was used like the clear lead back he was in Carolina instead of sharing more with Elijah Mitchell like he did after joining the 49ers mid-season last year. He busted a long score to break the game open and otherwise made folks happy they took him in the first round.

RB David Montgomery, DET - Montgomery was the clear lead back in the running game and got the game-winning score against the Chiefs. He should get enough work every week to have a solid RB2 floor with RB1 upside.

RB Zack Moss, IND - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Moss gained some value even though he was out for Week 1 because his main competition for touches until Jonathan Taylor is back (Week 5 at the earliest, if at all) got hurt or looked bad. If he's ready to play this week, consider Moss a what the heck flex against the Texans.

RB Brian Robinson Jr., WAS - Robinson got more touches and snaps than Antonio Gibson, outplayed Gibson, and even ran as many routes as Gibson, including one that resulted in a receiving touchdown. He's an RB2/Flex play this week at Denver and could level off at that value if this split holds.

RB Miles Sanders, CAR - Sanders was more involved in the passing game as we hoped, and he got a lot of volume as a runner despite a fumble and the Panthers playing from behind. He looks like a solid RB2 with room to grow if Bryce Young can improve as the year goes on.

RB Tyjae Spears, TEN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Spears box score wasn't that impressive, but he was in a 50-50 committee with Derrick Henry in snaps, and he was wide open for a long gain in the passing game that Ryan Tannehill couldn't complete. The Titans offense isn't going to create a lot of overachievers, but Spears is their best playmaker and should continue to be on the field a lot and get more opportunities even if the box score doesn't reflect it.

RB Kyren Williams, LAR - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Williams scored twice and was the lead back for the Rams despite the box score making it appear that Cam Akers was favored. Williams was on the field more when the game was hanging in the balance. The whole running game was inefficient and Williams wasn't that involved as a receiver, but the Rams offense was better than expected even with Cooper Kupp out, and that plus the preference for Williams in the backfield could make him a solid RB2/Flex going forward. Don't break the bank, but be willing to spend for Williams.

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Running Back Downgrade

RB Cam Akers, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Akers was in the backseat with Kyren Williams in the lead back role, and while he did score and the Rams offense was better than expected, Akers was horribly inefficient in a huge volume perfect game script scenario, so he's more desperation depth than someone you want in your lineup. He also didn't get a target from a resurgent Matthew Stafford. He's not an essential hold.

RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 12-25% OR HIGHER) - If you drafted Charbonnet, you were hoping for a bigger passing down role and more early success. The Seahawks abandoned the run and Ken Walker looked good and stayed healthy. It seems likely Charbonnet with get a start or more at some point this year with Walker's durability record in mind, but for now, he's not a very compelling backup to hold.

RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Dobbins was headed to a strong fantasy day with a score and the clear lead back role before suffering a season-ending torn achilles. Durability was a concern for him and it torpedoed what was otherwise good process targeting him at ADP.

RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Gibson was on the field a lot more than his numbers indicate, but it's still troubling that he didn't play a large role in the passing game and lost a fumble. There's no reason for the Commanders to force him the ball with Brian Robinson's hypercompetent game helping them get off to a 1-0 start. He's not an essential hold.

RB Najee Harris, PIT - As some expected, Harris was in closer to a 50-50 split with Jaylen Warren than ADP indicated, and Warren was much more involved in the passing game. More importantly, the Steelers offense looked terrible, although we have to allow for the 49ers defense making other offenses that are otherwise functional look that way when they are clicking. Harris is just a flex play heading into a Monday night matchup with Cleveland.

RB Jerick McKinnon, KC - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER IN SHORT BENCH LGS) - If you drafted McKinnon thinking you could use him early in the season, you're disappointed. If you drafted him to hold until December when he was a league winner last year, be patient. In short bench leagues, be more open to dropping him.

RB Elijah Mitchell, SF - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Mitchell's role was smaller than 2022, so he's merely an injury upside backup. While that upside is significant in the 49ers strong running game, you wonder if Mitchell can stay healthy with any significant role for a significant time. He's not an essential hold over backs with more opportunity.

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU - Pierce was more involved in the passing game, but that was about the only good thing you could say about his fantasy Week 1. The snap and touch split between him and Devin Singletary was very disappointing, and the running game looks like it will be a work in progress. He's more flex than RB2 heading into a matchup with the Colts.

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Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF - Aiyuk was the clear #1 target downfield for Brock Purdy, including trusting Aiyuk to make the catch when he was tightly covered - and he did for one of his two scores. There might be ups and downs with three other high quality targets in the passing game, but as long as the ups are like this, Aiyuk will be one of the biggest values in 2023 fantasy drafts.

WR Tutu Atwell, LAR - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Atwell's speed, the maturity of his game entering his third year, and opportunity from Cooper Kupp's injury combined to make him a great desperation play in Week 1. He'll be upside WR3/Flex material until Kupp returns, and maybe after if this passing game continues to surprise without Kupp.

WR Calvin Austin III, PIT - (waiver wire: 1%) - The speedy Austin will move up into the top three receiver for the Steelers as long as Diontae Johnson is out. It's not clear if the downfield passing game will get going, but if they take any deep shots vs. the Browns this week, Austin could be on the receiving end.

WR Kendrick Bourne, NE - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - The Patriots pass offense was reborn (rebourne?) with Bill O'Brien calling the shots and Bourne as the top wide receiver target. DeVante Parker was out, but Bourne more than filled his shoes and Juju Smith-Schuster's role wasn't that different from rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, so it's not hard to pickup Bourne as the #1 receiver and only reliable play from this wide receiver group.

WR Nico Collins, HOU - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Collins was the top outside target for #2 overall pick C.J. Stroud, and the good news is that Stroud and Collins were good enough to put up WR3/Flex numbers despite the offense having a long afternoon against the Ravens. Collins should be on a roster every league after his opening day performance.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Doubs wasn't full speed for Week 1, but he still caught two scores and showed the chemistry with Jordan Love that many thought could carry over from the summer. It's not clear what his target share will be when Christian Watson is back, but Doubs strong fantasy Week 1 along with Jordan Love exceeding expectations makes him worth a pickup in most leagues if he went undrafted.

WR Mike Evans, TB - Evans got good volume, quality targets, and a score from Baker Mayfield in the Week 1 win. It looks like he'll at least the WR3/Flex he was drafted as in fantasy leagues, if not be a solid WR2 in an offense without a lot of viable secondary targets.

WR Zay Flowers, BAL - Week 1 couldn't have gone much better for Flowers, who got a ton of short targets and added value after the catch. It looks like he's a cornerstone of the Ravens passing game, and everyweek start in PPR leagues.

WR Tyreek Hill, MIA - There was some talk that Tyreek Hill could be even better in year two with Tua Tagovailoa, but that was hard to believe after his stats took such a big step up last year. Believe it, as Hill put up what might be the best wide receiver game all season in Week 1. He may end up being WR1 overall and the most valuable player in fantasy football this year.

WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Mooney scored and looked completely over his season-ending leg injury from 2022. The Bears passing game still looks rudimentary and D.J. Moore should get a lot more targets going forward, but Mooney has the talent to be fantasy relevant if the Bears passing game can be good enough to support two wide receivers.

WR Puka Nacua, LAR - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Only Tyreek Hill got more targets than Nacua in Week 1. Nacua's play should not discourage the Rams from leaning on him as long as Cooper Kupp is out, although he and the rest of the offense could come back to earth against the 49ers this week.

WR Michael Pittman Jr., IND - Anthony Richardson looked more ready than expected as a passer, at least within the context of what Shane Steichen and company built for him, which included a lot of quick passes and plays where Michael Pittman was the first read. Pittman looks like a strong WR2 if this usage keeps up.

WR Josh Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - The Lions should give Marvin Jones a chance to redeem himself in Week 2, but the veteran looked like a liability, while Josh Reynolds made the most of his opportunity and looked like he should be the top outside receiver while Jameson Williams is suspended. He's a what the heck flex play vs. the Jaguars this week.

WR Calvin Ridley, JAX - Ridley was the clear #1 for Trevor Lawrence and looks more than capable of outproducing a third round ADP that seemed aspirational since he had been away from football for a year. He would go in the second round, maybe even late first if we drafted today.

WR Allen Robinson II, PIT - (waiver wire: 1%) - The Steelers offense looked sluggish for much of the game and they shouldn't pass as much if they aren't blown out, but with Diontae Johnson out for at least this week with a hamstring issue, Robinson becomes viable end of the bench depth.

WR Rashid Shaheed, NO - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Shaheed was outstanding in Week 1, and as more than just a speed threat. It appears Derek Carr will help unlock the value of more than just Chris Olave, and Shaheed had a big game with Olave and Michael Thomas both putting up solid to good numbers themselves. Consider Shaheed a WR3/Flex against a Carolina secondary that will likely be missing Jaycee Horn. He could be a league winner in return yardage leagues.

WR Robert Woods, HOU - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Woods looked better with another year removed from his 2021 ACL tear, and C.J. Stroud found him often enough to make Woods viable as bye/injury depth in PPR leagues, with room to grow if Stroud improves as the season progresses.

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Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Amari Cooper, CLE - Cooper had the same number of targets as Elijah Moore, and he wasn't as productive as Moore on the whole in a bad sign for his value this year. Cooper will remain a boom/bust WR3/Flex against the Steelers, but unless Deshaun Watson finds his old form soon, it looks like Cooper was overdrafted in the 3rd/4th round.

WR Tee Higgins, CIN - At least he got eight targets. Higgins goose egg was a lineup crusher, but the Bengals pass offense was atrocious on the whole, so we can't completely hold this result against Higgins. He's still an upside WR3/Flex play vs. the Ravens, but we need this passing game to get going if Higgins is going to stay in our circle of trust after being a third round pick in most leagues.

WR Diontae Johnson, PIT - Johnson suffered a hamstring injury that should probably keep him out for at least Monday night's game against the Browns. The Steelers offense also extinguished the hopes that a strong preseason created, although we may look back and chalk that up mostly to the 49ers defense if they stay at the elite level they played at in Week 1. Johnson is still worth holding through the injury.

WR Marvin Jones Jr., DET - (waiver wire: DROP) - Jones fumbled and otherwise looked like a player who should only be a marginal contributor in Week 1. He could find his form, but he's not worth holding.

WR Allen Lazard, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - Aaron Rodgers out for the year means that Lazard isn't worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues.

WR Tyler Lockett, SEA - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Lockett got a little banged up in this one, and the Seahawks offensive line also suffered injuries at both tackle positions. The Rams made life difficult for Geno Smith all day, so there's not a lot of wind at Lockett's back for fantasy heading into what could be a high-scoring matchup with the Lions. If Lockett struggles to put up numbers again this week, he might be retreating back to flex/bench depth more than the everyweek start we hoped for in drafts.

WR Drake London, ATL - This was a worst case scenario for London, who barely got targeted in a comfortable win for the Falcons. The team doesn't seem inclined to make Desmond Ridder take any risks with the ball in the passing game as long as the defense and running game does their job. London was able to put up fantasy relevant numbers last year in a terrible passing game, so don't give up on London yet, but maybe put him on the bench for Week 2 against Jaire Alexander and the Packers.

WR Terry McLaurin, WAS - McLaurin might not be 100%, but it's still a problem that Sam Howell was comfortable throwing to Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and Logan Thomas. The player that was drafted as the WR1 in this offense might blend into the passing game more if this isn't just because he's coming back from a toe injury. McLaurin is a risky Week 2 play with Patrick Surtain II on the schedule this week in Denver.

WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Mims got a big opportunity with Jerry Jeudy out, but he did very little with it. The Broncos pass offense doesn't seem very capable at getting the ball downfield and Jeudy will be back in the next week or two, so Mims is droppable.

WR DJ Moore, CHI - The Bears passed a lot in Week 1, but barely at all downfield or to Moore in a terrible sign for his value. The Bucs pass defense looked vulnerable against the Vikings this week, so we'll try Moore again in Week 2, but if it goes like Week 1, we could be wishing we never drafted Moore, because he could be in for another year of too talented to drop, too risky to put in the lineup.

WR Skyy Moore, KC - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Moore was on the field a lot, but he wasn't heavily targeted, and when he was, he and Patrick Mahomes seemed to be out of sync. Don't drop him for just anyone, but don't hold onto Moore tightly either after such a big disappointment to open the season.

WR Adam Thielen, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Thielen probably wasn't 100% coming into this one, but the Panthers offense might not be capable of supporting a consistent fantasy wide receiver right now. Hayden Hurst ended up being the security blanket for the #1 pick Bryce Young more often than Thielen, so it's probably time to throw the veteran back on the waiver wire.

WR Kadarius Toney, KC - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Toney wasn't not the field much, but when he was, he was targeted. He wasn't targeted a lot, but when he was, bad things happened for the Chiefs offense. Patrick Mahomes is standing behind him, and Toney was coming back from knee surgery, but his injury history and inconsistency means he's not an essential hold in a deep Chiefs passing game.

WR Garrett Wilson, NYJ - The Aaron Rodgers injury was painful if Wilson is one of your core pieces. The Jets could always trade for or add a veteran free agent (Jameis Winston would be the best case scenario), but for now, Wilson is a more WR3/Flex than WR1 with Wilson at the helm.

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Tight End Upgrade

TE Kylen Granson, IND - (waiver wire: 1%) - With Jelani Woods on injured reserve, Granson operated as the top pass catching tight end for the Colts. He's a desperation play with some upside against the Texans.

TE Hunter Henry, NE - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Henry was terrific converting five of his six targets into catches, including multiple contested catches and a one-handed grab on fourth down. Mac Jones clearly trusts him and it looks like Henry will be a fantasy TE1 with a functional offense run by Bill O'Brien around him.

TE Hayden Hurst, CAR - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Hurst scored and appeared to be the safety valve for Bryce Young in one of the times that "rookie quarterbacks lean on their tight end" appeared to be correct. If you are hard up at tight end, Hurst could be an answer, at least for now, but with the rough Saints defense up next.

TE Sam LaPorta, DET - In a very rough week at tight end, LaPorta got frequent targets and was sure-handed and tough after the catch for Jared Goff. He looks like a safe TE1 heading into a matchup with the Seattle pass defense that Matthew Stafford took apart without Cooper Kupp.

TE Logan Thomas, WAS - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Thomas was surprisingly healthy and effective coming off of an injury-riddled summer. Sam Howell targeted him more than any other Commander and Thomas put up a solid PPR fantasy day with his volume. He's a high floor/low ceiling TE1 for this week's matchup against Denver.

TE Adam Trautman, DEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Trautman could continue to be a frequent short range target for Russell Wilson with Greg Dulcich banged up. If you're desperate for a play this week, Trautman could come through for you against Washington.

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Tight End Downgrade

TE Tyler Conklin, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - Conklin reportedly had a good connection with Aaron Rodgers, but we never got to see what it could create in fantasy. Conklin is droppable across formats.

TE Greg Dulcich, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Dulcich is undergoing an MRI on his leg injury, but even if he isn't going to miss time, he is splitting the tight end role in a low wattage passing offense and wasn't relevant even with the likely most targeted wide receiver on the bench. He can be dropped.

TE Noah Fant, SEA - (waiver wire: DROP) - Fant didn't get a target and was mired in a three-way committee or snaps with Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly. He can be dropped.

TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - Freiermuth got banged up and was a dud with the rest of the Steelers offense. He did get multiple red zone targets, but it's not clear that the Steelers are going to be spending a lot of time there if the offense doesn't improve, and third round pick Darnell Washington can also do damage there from the tight end position. It doesn't seem like you'll be missing out on much if you drop Freiermuth for a hot Week 2 waiver wire name.

TE Dallas Goedert, PHI - Goedert was a Week 1 dud even though he was healthy. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense had trouble consistently moving the ball against the Patriots, and Hurts barely looked Goedert's way even though Goedert reportedly had a strong summer. Stick with Goedert this week against the Vikings on Thursday, but get concerned if he can't do anything in an easier matchup this week.

TE Isaiah Likely, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - If you added Likely in anticipation of a big game with Mark Andrews sitting, you were disappointed this week. Andrews should be back this week, so Likely can be dropped.

TE David Njoku, CLE - Njoku didn't carry over his summer momentum to the regular season as Elijah Moore was a bigger point of emphasis in the passing game and Deshaun Watson and the conditions conspired to keep the Browns passing game producing not much in Week 1. He could bounce back against the Steelers, but it's possible Njoku won't be consistent enough to trust until Watson improves.

TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Sorry if you've heard this one before, but it looks like the #4 pick of the 2021 draft is a part-time player in a low volume pass offense. He is still rosterable and potentially valuable in high-scoring more competitive matchups (maybe this week vs. Green Bay will be one), but it looks like taking Pitts was a recipe for a headache, even at a big discount from previous years.

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