Week 1 of the NFL Season is officially in the books. As always, it was a crazy five-day stretch, with injuries, superstars struggling and underdogs stealing the spotlight. As we look forward to Week 2, here are the players you should be targeting on the waiver wire if you need some help on your roster.
1. Terrelle Pryor - Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Pryor shocked a lot of fantasy owners with his impressive performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Pryor tallied 217 passing yards, 112 rushing yards and one passing touchdown, en route to 19.88 fantasy points and 12th place among quarterbacks. Pryor would’ve been even better, had he not thrown two interceptions.
Pryor will get to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars’ lackluster defense in Week 2, which means he has the potential to put up even better numbers than this past week. If you stream your quarterback position, Pryor is definitely worth a pick up and start this week. While you won’t be able to start him every single week, if you play the matchups all season, Pryor could be extremely valuable.
Pryor is currently only owned in 8.4 percent of leagues, so you better make a claim quick before that number skyrockets.
2. Da’Rel Scott - Running Back, New York Giants
David Wilson Fumbled on his very first carry of the game Sunday night and added another one later in the game. With Andre Brown out due to a broken leg, Scott got the call and did a decent job with Wilson watching from the sidelines. Scott finished the day ranked as the 25th best running back with 7.40 fantasy points, which puts him in fringe RB2 territory for the week.
It’s all but a forgone conclusion that Wilson and Scott will split the running duties in New York now, which means he’ll see a bit more field time than he did Sunday, which in turn will boost his output and fantasy value just a smidge.
If you have Wilson on your team, you could benefit from handcuffing him to Scott, who is currently only owned in 0.6 percent of leagues.
3. Julian Edelman - Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Edelman stepped up big for New England on Sunday, finishing the day as not only the Patriots’ best fantasy receiver, but as the seventh best in the NFL with 19.90 points.
The Patriots need a No. 2 receiver to stretch the field to open things up underneath for Danny Amendola. Edelman appears to be that guy and as long as he is, he’s going to put up dependable numbers.
Edelman is currently only owned in 8.5 percent of leagues, so if you need a receiver he’ll likely be available in your league, for now anyway.
4. Joique Bell - Running Back, Detroit Lions
Bell is the Lions’ No. 2 back, and has been referred to as “Reggie Bush lite.” He’s good at carrying the ball out of the backfield, and is a skilled receiver as well.
Bell and Bush make quite the fantasy tandem, so Bush owners should consider handcuffing him with Bell. Even if you don't own Bush, Bell could be a solid RB2 all season. Unfortunately, Bell is already owned in 71.2 percent of leagues, so he might not be available. But if he is, and you need help at running back, I highly recommend giving him a look.
5. Chad Henne - Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars
Blaine Gabbert will miss at least the next week after receiving stitches in his hand, which means Henne will get another go at leading the Jaguars. Last season, Jacksonville’s offense was much more potent under Henne, and receivers Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon really came on strong once Henne took the reigns.
If you are in need of a quarterback for a spot start, or are just looking for a better streaming option, Henne could be your guy this week. He goes up against the Oakland Raiders, who Andrew Luck accumulated 178 yards and two touchdowns against this past week.
Henne might not be the guy forever, but he’s a solid add for this week. Plus, you’re in luck if you’re looking to add him, as he’s currently owned in just 0.3 percent of leagues.
Honorable Mention
E.J. Manuel - Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Manuel shocked many a fantasy owner and analyst in Week 1 against the Patriots, finishing in the QB2 range (20th) with 16.30 fantasy points on 150 yards passing and two touchdowns.
If you’re in need of a dependable backup QB or even another streaming option, look no further than Manuel, just not this week. He faces a Carolina Panthers defense that held Russell Wilson to 15.50 (21st best) fantasy points last week.
Manuel is only owned in 14.3 percent of leagues right now, but the window is closing. If you want him, you need to make that claim this week, or there’s a very strong chance you won’t get another shot.
Julius Thomas - Tight End, Denver Broncos
I’m including Thomas here, just in case anyone didn’t catch my waiver article last week or was under a rock since Thursday. Thomas torched the Baltimore Ravens for 110 receiving yards and two touchdowns - good for 23 fantasy points, second best among tight ends for Week 1.
Thomas is going to be a legitimate TE1 option as long as Peyton Manning is his quarterback, so if you can add him, you should do it now. He’s already owned in 56.6 percent of leagues, so he’s getting picked up very quickly. Get in there and make a claim right now, before it’s too late.