Alex Smith, Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Owned in just 29.2 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues, Smith is coming off a Week 1 performance that saw him finish as the fourth-best fantasy quarterback. The veteran quarterback completed 22-of-33 passes for 243 yards with three touchdowns and zero picks against a stout Houston Texans defense. If you are lacking confidence in your QB2 options, Smith might deserve a look this week. Act fast, especially because Kansas City takes on the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football.
Tyrod Taylor, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
In his first NFL start, Taylor completed 14-of-19 passes for 195 yards and a score while adding 41 rushing yards on nine attempts. This was good enough for him to finish ahead of the likes of Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Peyton Manning and Cam Newton in fantasy points.
With games coming up against the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins over the next two weeks, things won't be getting much easier for the first-year starter. However, his impressive preseason performance coupled with a stellar regular season starting debut should make Taylor rosterable in 12-team leagues. Owned in just 10 percent of Yahoo leagues, he is a substantial waiver add this week.
David Johnson, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
With Andre Ellington out for up to the next month, Johnson has a real opportunity to settle in as Arizona's primary ball carrier. The rookie third-round pick did not attempt a single rushing Sunday against New Orleans, but he did add an electrifying 55-yard touchdown reception. It's that type of game-breaking ability that leads me to believe he's a better pick up than teammate Chris Johnson. With Johnson's ownership total being at 21 percent, he's yet another solid add.
Dion Lewis, Running Back, New England Patriots
It's amazing how the Patriots can get water from a rock at the running back position. Without starter LeGarrette Blount last week, the team relied on the combination of Brandon Bolden and Lewis, the latter of whom put up the 15th-best PPR performance among running backs. Lewis, who wasn't even in the league last year, put up 69 yards on 15 attempts while adding four receptions for 51 yards in New England's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Likely nothing more than an add in PPR leagues with Blount returning this week, Lewis could fill the void left by the recently departed Shane Vereen as the Patriots top receiving back.
James Jones, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
Potentially the best waiver option this week, Jones' relationship with Aaron Rodgers was ignited once again on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Less than two weeks after signing with Green Bay, this veteran put up four receptions for 51 yards and two scores en route to the sixth-best fantasy performance among receivers. Even with Randall Cobb, who was limited to injury last week, returning to full health, Jones becomes a dynamite under-the-radar add as the Packers No. 3 wide receiver. He's currently owned in 32 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Stevie Johnson, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers
Because the old San Francisco 49ers coaching staff refused to use Johnson on a consistent basis last season, his overall performance was muted. The veteran receiver still caught over 71 percent of the passes thrown in his direction last season. Most people had absolutely no idea how successful he was in limited playing time. Now on the Chargers, Johnson is quickly becoming a must own around the fantasy community. He put up six receptions (on six targets) for 82 yards and a score against a good Detroit Lions defense last week. That was good enough for Johnson to rank seventh overall among fantasy receivers. Considering he's owned in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues, Johnson is a must buy.
Tyler Lockett, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
Unless you are in a league that values special teams, there are other waiver-wire options outside of Lockett. Though, the electricity he brings to the field with the ball in his hands is hard to deny. The rookie from Kansas State may have only caught four passes for 34 yards against the St. Louis Rams, but that was just the start for him. He's going to continue playing a huge role in Seattle's offense — a fact that was magnified by the 58 snaps he played on Sunday. Owned in just 31 percent of fantasy leagues, Lockett becomes a solid add.
Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
For some reason, it appears that Tyrod Taylor has a much stronger relationship with Harvin than Sammy Watkins, who wasn't targeted a single time in Week 1. The always enigmatic Harvin, however, touched the ball six times for 88 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown. If you are looking for an under-the-radar FLEX option, this is the guy to look at moving forward. He was electric with the ball in his hands last week, and will continue to play a big role in a revamped Bills offense.
Jordan Reed, Tight End, Washington Redskins
Now that Kirk Cousins is under center, Reed becomes a potential TE1 option. That much was clear in Week 1 when the Florida product caught eight passes for 60 yards and two scores against the Miami Dolphins. Think about those numbers from a tight end that was owned in less than 30 percent of Yahoo leagues before last week. With Niles Paul lost for the season and DeSean Jackson out the next few weeks, Reed becomes a high-upside play.