Week 1 Fantasy Football Stash List: Players to Grab Before Waiver Wire Frenzy

The 2024 NFL season is officially underway, and if you’re looking to stay ahead of the waiver wire frenzy for Week 2, below are some potential pickups. If these players are available in your leagues, you should consider stashing them at the end of benches. There are few things more enjoyable in fantasy football than to save FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) because you already have the coveted waiver wire adds on you roster!

There is no reason to roster players at the end of your bench that you know have low ceilings when it comes to their potention production in fantasy football. Your lineup should already be packed with consistent and safe players that are a part of your foundation. If you want to win your fantasy football league, you have to hit on breakout players. Sure, you can wait to see who the top adds are next week and spend your precious FAAB, however, if you get out ahead of your league mates that is when you maximize your chances of taking home the title! Let’s break down some under-the-radar names you should consider stashing now to save yourself the scramble next week.

Potential Adds

1. Greg Dortch (WR, Arizona Cardinals)

Greg Dortch was a surprise performer in 2023, filling in whenever the Cardinals' wide receiver corps was depleted. With a healthy Kyler Murray, Dortch could see significant targets out of the slot, especially in PPR leagues. His rapport with Murray and his skillset could make him a sneaky add before others catch on.

2. Justin Fields (QB, Chicago Bears)

Justin Fields is worth mentioning given that it appears he might get a surprise start this week. He’s shown elite rushing upside, and if he plays effectively in Week 1, you’ll want him on your roster before his value in fantasy football skyrockets. A strong performance will absolutely put the pressure on Russell Wilson this season. If he’s available, consider making a move now.

3. Xavier Legette (WR, Carolina Panthers)

Xavier Legette, a standout athlete for South Carolina, offers tremendous upside. Known for his size and speed, Legette has the tools to be a downfield threat and a key red zone target. Bryce Young needs weopons this season and Leggette’s big-play potential makes him worth a speculative add ahead of week 1.

4. Ja'Lynn Polk (WR, New England Patriots)

If Ja’Lynn Polk gets off to a hot start in 2024, you’ll want him on your roster before his stock rises. He's a high-upside add, that is available in far too many leagues. His chemistry with Drake Maye in the preseason was spectacular. When Maye finally gets his opportunity, this could be a special pairing.

5. Rico Dowdle (RB, Dallas Cowboys)

Dowdle has a clear opportunity ahead of him. Dowdle is in a prime position to step in and produce. Stashing him now could pay dividends.

6. Adonai Mitchell (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

Adonai Mitchell had a strong college career and now finds himself in a solid situation with a talented young quarterback in Indy. With Josh Downs being out with an injury, Mitchell could emerge as a reliable target for Anthony Richardson, especially with his red zone potential. Mitchell isn’t just a deep stash, he can be started in week 1 if you are desperate for a flex option with upside!

7. Darnell Mooney (WR, Atlanta Falcons)

With Drake London and Kyle Pitts drawing most of the attention, Mooney could find himself as a sneaky option for the Falcons' offense. If he shows flashes of his 2022 form in Week 1, he’s likely to become a waiver wire darling, so get ahead of the rush and grab him now.

8. Jaleel McLaughlin (RB, Denver Broncos)

McLaughlin is an intriguing option in the Broncos’ backfield. He impressed in 2023, and with Sean Payton at the helm, McLaughlin could see more action in the passing game than expected. Denver is likely to rotate backs, so stash him now to avoid a bidding war.

9. Tyrone Tracy (WR, New York Giants)

Tyrone Tracy might be flying under the radar, but his versatility as both a wide receiver and runner in a lackluster running back room gives him upside. If the G-Men scheme him in multiple roles, Tracy could become a useful flex play this season.

10. Ben Sinnott (TE, Washington Commanders)

Tight end is always a thin position, and Ben Sinnott is one to watch, especially in deep leagues. Sinnott has the skillset to carve out a steady role, making him a speculative add at a scarce position.

11. Andrei Iosivas (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)

Andrei Iosivas has the size and speed to make an impact in the Bengals' offense, especially with the current injuries to their top receivers. Keep an eye on his snap count in Week 1, but he’s a solid stash in case Cincinnati looks to get him involved.

12. Ray Davis (RB, Buffalo Bills)

Davis was a workhorse-type back at Kentucky and could carve out a role in Buffalo. In deeper leagues, where running back depth is crucial, Davis is worth a speculative add, especially if Buffalo leans on him near the goal-line. If James Cook were to ever get injured, Ray Davis would catapult into RB1 territory.

13. Jaylen Wright (RB, Miami Dolphins)

Miami’s Jaylen Wright is a talented back who could carve out a bigger role as the season progresses if anything ever happens to Achane or Mostert. He’s part of a crowded backfield, but his talent could lead to increased opportunities. If you’re looking to stash a running back with upside, Wright is a smart choice.

Conclusion

Adding these players before the post Week 1 waiver wire madness begins can give you a competitive edge and save your FAAB or waiver priority for bigger moves down the road. Most of these players are widely available and have the potential to see their roles expand, making them valuable stashes in both standard and deeper leagues.

Be proactive now, and you’ll be glad you did when these names pop up in waiver wire articles next week!