Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Top Picks to Salvage Your Team After Week One

Welcome to Fantasy Football Chaos in the City

It’s that time of year again, folks—fantasy football season is in full swing, and just like that, we’re back to the drawing board after week one. Who would’ve thought that our grand plans would take a nosedive before we even got the chance to enjoy the ride? If you’re anything like countless others, you’re probably checking your waiver wire, looking for those diamonds in the rough to salvage your struggling team.

Top Picks for Your Waiver Wire

Let’s dive into some potential additions that are probably still available in your league. These players are making waves, and you can’t afford to miss out!

Baker Mayfield – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What a breath of fresh air, huh? Baker Mayfield turned heads with a phenomenal opening game against Washington. He finished with an impressive stat line of 24 completions on 30 attempts for 289 yards, throwing four touchdowns and, most importantly, recording zero interceptions. Let’s break that down: that’s an average of 9.6 yards per attempt and a sky-high passer rating of 146.4. Not too shabby for the guy who gets to throw to Mike Evans—talk about a dream scenario! But, a heads-up: not every week is going to be this easy for Mayfield.

Geno Smith – Seattle Seahawks

If you’re looking for a more steady alternative, consider Geno Smith. He wasn’t flawless, but he still gave fantasy fans a decent 20-point performance while leading the Seahawks to victory. Plus, he surprised everyone with a thrilling rushing highlight! Smith has a talented group of receivers around him, so don’t overlook him amid the hubbub of week one. With two match-ups coming up against teams that aren’t exactly juggernauts, he’s worth a look!

J.K. Dobbins – Baltimore Ravens

Now let’s talk about running backs. J.K. Dobbins looked downright electric against the Chargers, racking up 135 rushing yards and a touchdown. It’s been a long road for him with all those injuries, but he’s finally starting to find his groove. With a run-heavy scheme under Coach Harbaugh, it’s time to grab Dobbins while you can. He’s going to be a key piece of the Ravens’ offense moving forward!

Rookie Standouts

Keep your eyes peeled for rookies this season! Irving is someone you should know about—a rookie running back who surprised everyone by rushing for 62 yards on just nine carries. While he might still be in a split role, his potential is noteworthy.

Quarterback Chaos?

In the wild world of quarterbacks, even players like Justin Fields and Sam Darnold are catching attention. Fields may not have lit the world on fire, but his 57 rushing yards could make him a flexible option if needed. On the other hand, Darnold took advantage of a shaky Giants defense—so while he’s not your first choice, that connection with Justin Jefferson gives him the potential for big days ahead.

Streaming Defenses

Let’s not forget the streaming defense game! The Chargers’ defense is generating buzz after a solid performance, allowing you to possibly capitalize on match-ups against less explosive offenses.

So, What Now?

This opening week has taught us one thing: be prepared for anything. Injuries, unexpected performances, and questionable coaching decisions can flip the script on us in the blink of an eye. So whether you’re hunting for QB replacements like Baker Mayfield or Geno Smith, snatching up breakout running backs like J.K. Dobbins, or even streaming some defenses, stay active. Check those waivers carefully!

As we gear up for week two, remember: proactive managers typically end up on top. Get those waiver claims in, and may your fantasy team rise from the ashes!