2023 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Week 2
The first week of the 2023 NFL Season is in the books. It is time for fantasy football managers to dive into the waiver wire. The waiver wire is an essential tool for winning your league and we are on the hunt for value. The first trip to the waiver wire can be filled with landmines as we look to dodge week-one overreactions. That will be the goal today.
*All players are available in more than half of ESPN leagues.*
Puka Nacua — 2.5%
As we head into Week 2, the top fantasy football waiver wire claim will be Puka Nacua. The wide receiver excelled in the absence of Cooper Kupp as he finished with 15 targets, 10 receptions and 119 yards.
The most crucial aspect of Nacua’s week one performance was that it did not feel like a fluke. It is very hard to fall into 15 targets. The combination of opportunity and positive results is a great look for the rookie receiver.
Nacua looks to be in a prime position to excel with Kupp injured; however, I think that can continue later into the season. The Rams had a strong opening game against a quality Seahawks defense. If the Rams continue to put up points, Nacua can be a strong second option alongside Kupp. Worst-case scenario, he is a great option while Kupp is out.
Tyler Allgeier — 43.3%
The best fantasy football waiver wire for the running back position comes in the form of Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier. I was actually surprised to learn that Allgeier was widely available. At the same time, rookie Bijan Robinson has been the Falcons running back with the preseason hype.
Allgeier can be a quality fantasy football asset despite sharing work with Robinson. Allegeier actually had more touches than Robinson in Week 1. Allgeier had 15 carriers for 75 yards with three catches for 19 yards. In comparison, Robinson had 10 carries for 56 yards with six catches for 27 yards. Allgeier also corraled both rushing touchdowns while Robinnson’s score came through the air.
At the end of the day, Allegier is a quality back. In 2022, he averaged 4.9 yards a carry. That number should be similar this year. The Falcons will run the ball a ton this year too. Unless we get to the point where Robinson is getting 25 to 30 carries a game, Allgeier will present value.
Not to mention, he looks to be the goal-line back and will likely steal touchdowns from Robinson.
Romeo Doubs — 19.1%
The second WR option on the waiver wire is Green Bay Packers pass-catcher Romeo Doubs. Doubs finished his season debut with four catches, 26 yards and two touchdowns on five targets.
The biggest reason that Doubs finds himself as a solid waiver wire option is because of the success that the Green Bay Packers had in Week 1. The Packers put 38 points on the board against the Bears and Jordan Love looked solid while doing it.
The success of the Packers’ offense makes me optimistic that Doubs can find have a successful 2023 season. I do not expect Doubs to walk away with two touchdowns on a weekly basis, but there is still value.
I actually think Doubs’ production can increase when Christian Watson returns. The main reason for that is because Watson has the potential to stretch the defense and he will likely be the opposing team’s biggest concern in the passing game. That will allow Doubs to do more work in the short and intermediate-range while having more favorable matchups in man coverage, which should lead to more targets and points.
Gus Edwards — 21.4%
The opening week of the 2023 NFL Season saw Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins go down for the year with a torn Achilles. That leaves fantasy managers scrambling to add his replacement through the waiver wire. The only issue is that managers have to choose between Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. I am siding with Edwards.
Hill is currently receiving more love from the fantasy community because he had more points in week one. Hill finished with nine attempts for eight yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Edwards had eight attempts for 32 yards.
I am not convinced that Hill will see the bulk of the work. It should not be a guarantee that he gets the goal-line carries either. Yes, he was given those opportunities in week one, but Edwards is the bigger back.
If you look at this on a wider scale, Edwards seems to be the better fantasy option. At the most simplistic level, he is the better running back. Furthermore, since the Ravens drafted Hill in 2019, Edwards has consistently been higher on the depth chart.
That has led to Edwards getting more carriers despite playing fewer games. If you look even further, Edwards has been more efficient despite having far more carriers. A lot of the signs lead toward Edwards being the lead back.
It is important that you should not break the bank to grab Edwards. It is fairly realistic that he and Hill share touches. Even if Edwards comes out on top, it may not be enough for quality fantasy production. It would not be a shock to see the Ravens add a running back in free agency either.
Brock Purdy — 24.5%
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has the potential to be a league winner in two-quarterback leagues. In Week 1, he showed that potential. Purdy finished the day with 220 yards and two touchdowns on 29 passing attempts.
Purdy has a ton of potential because of all the talent on the 49ers offense. Purdy will be the benefactor of a Kyle Shanahan offense with Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and a good offensive line. If the 49ers offense scores, Purdy will provide fantasy value. It is a fairly simple concept.
If you are in a competitive league that already has Purdy rostered, Jordan Love would be another solid quarterback option on the waiver wire.
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