Week 2 Waiver Wire Frenzy: Key Players to Target in Fantasy Football

Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season is here, and fantasy football managers are looking to gain an edge after the first week's highs and lows. This is traditionally the wildest waiver wire week of the year! Whether you're looking for breakout candidates, waiver wire gems, or streaming options, it’s important to stay on top of rising talent. Unfortunately, week 1 in 2024 was one of the most bizarre starts to a season we have seen in quite a while leaving us with fewer “must grabs” when it comes to what is on the wire. With that said, this does allow for more proactive thinking as far as what players we can speculate will be top adds in week 3. Getting ahead of the curve is the key! Below, we'll highlight notable running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends to consider placing claims on tonight!

Running Backs

Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers

While Christian McCaffrey is the clear workhorse in San Francisco, his injury status shocked the fantasy football world on Monday night. Jordan Mason stepped in and stepped up in a massive way vs the Jets. His performance made him a must add moving forward if you are fortunate to find him on your waiver wire.

J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers

J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last season but you wouldn’t know it if you watched him play on Sunday. If he is available in your fantasy league, unlikely as it is, be sure to place a significant bid today on the waiver wire. Elite RB performances are hard to come by and something is telling me that he is prepared to deliver a few more by season’s end.

Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins

Jeff Wilson was RB3 for Miami in week 1 and now with both Achane & Mostert hobbled, there is a chance that Wilson takes the lead role on a short week.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins

Jaylen Wright is a rookie running back that should be rostered. The theory has been to roster Wright with the chance of an Achane or Mostert injury. Here we are in week 2 and we are potentially facing this exact scenario. Wright is ultra talented and just might get the opportunity to shine sooner than we all expected! Between Wright and Wilson, Wright has the highest upside in 2024. If you want to swing for the fences and Wright is available, take your shot!

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos

Jaleel McLaughlin remains an intriguing option in Denver’s backfield alongside Javonte Williams. McLaughlin’s speed and big-play ability give him a chance to make an impact in the Broncos’ offense. Against Seattle in Week 1, McLaughlin saw plenty of work in the passing game and will look to carve out a legitimate role in Denver.

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks' running back scored a touchdown in Week 1 vs the Broncos. Kenneth Walker III, walked away from the game a little banged up with a possible core injury. Charbonnet could get more opportunities in Week 2, and he remains one of the top handcuff options in fantasy football.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

Tank Bigsby was effective in week 1 as he outproduced Travis Etienne and looked good doing it.

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders

Mattison was the best running back on the field for the Raiders last Sunday. If he has the hot hand, the Raiders may look to increase his load given how desperate they are to create production on offense.

Quarterbacks

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Fields struggled in Week 1, but his elite rushing upside keeps him in the QB1 conversation as long as he has the opportunity to start football games. If Russell Wilson remains out, Fields should be rostered and started in most leagues.

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

Sam Darnold was red hot vs the Giants this past weekend. He finds himself in a great situation within a system and with the weopons he needs to find success in the NFL.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield surprised many with his Week 1 performance, helping lead the Bucs to big win throwing 4 touchdown passes.

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr had a phenomenal game for the Saints in week 1. He proved that he can still be a reliable option if you find yourself in need of a quarterback in fantasy football.

Wide Receivers

Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

Keon Coleman made a strong impression in Week 1, showing off his size and athleticism. As a rookie, it is worth noting that he was heavily involved in route participation vs the Cardinals. He will indeed have some big performances in 2024.

Greg Dortch WR, Arizona Cardinals

Greg Dortch was very active on the field last Sunday for the Cardinals. Much more so than his counterparts which includes 1st round pick, Marvin Harrison, Jr. His skillset, reliability, and familiarity with Kyler Murray should not be underlooked.

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

Alec Pierce made his mark on week 1 of the season catching multiple deep balls from Anthony Richardson. This includes one of the most beautiful passing plays I have ever seen. Unfortunately, Richardson only completed 9 passes during the game. Pierce is not the type of player that I want to spend my precious FAAB on but if you want to take your chances on Pierce’s big play upside, I will not judge you!

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts

Josh Downs is another Colts wide receiver worth monitoring, especially in PPR formats. He will return at some point in the coming weeks after dealing with an injury. Downs is a solid flex option in deeper leagues, particularly if you’re looking for a PPR boost. Acquire him now before he’s unavailable.

Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams

With Puka Nacua out of the lineup and on IR officially, Demarcus Robinson has a chance to carve out a role in the Rams’ offense. Robinson could see more targets as the Rams try to spread the ball around. He’s a deep-league flex option, especially in games where the Rams might need to play catch-up.

Tyler Johnson, Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Johnson outperformed Demarcus Robinson in week 1 subbing in for the injured Puka Nacua. Johnson has the opportunity to step into a larger role alongside Cooper Kupp. He’s a deep-league flex option worth considering if you need wide receiver help.

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants

Wan'Dale Robinson, once again, proved to be a PPR machine in week 1. He is consistently targeted at a high rate when he is on the field and healthy.

Tight Ends

Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens

Isaiah Likely remains one of the most intriguing young tight ends in the NFL. He demonstrated that in week 1 with his monster performance vs the Chiefs. He is the top option on the waiver wire in fantasy football when it comes to pass catchers.

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams

Colby Parkinson had a solid performance in his Rams debut. He looks to be a bigger target than anticipated with Puka Nacua’s vacated targets over the next month or so.

Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers

The tight end for the Packers, Tucker Kraft, outperformed his counterpart, Luke Musgrave, in week 1. He’s worth an add if you are thin at tight end.

Final Thoughts

As Week 2 approaches, now is the time to fine-tune your roster, make waiver wire pickups, and exploit matchups. Whether you’re dealing with injuries or just looking to improve your roster, these players are worth considering as you head into another week of fantasy football. Remember, early season waiver wire adds are most valuable as you have the potential of utilizing their production for nearly an entire season! Spend wisely and best of luck on the wire!