With Week 1 of the 2023 season, check out our dynasty Week 2 Waiver Wire adds. If week 1 of the NFL season has taught us anything already it’s that all the preparation and planning can go out of the window in an instant. Some of you may already be thinking your season is over with a flurry of injuries. Sat there 2 weeks ago thinking you were rolling with Jonathon Taylor, JK Dobbins Travis Kelce, and Cooper Kupp. Strutting around like you’ve already won the league. To paraphrase Saquon Barkley “The NFL doesn’t care about your fantasy team”.
Well, if you’re already floundering as to where you can find value and cover some of the longer-term injuries we’re seeing already then look no further.
Justice Hill (RB, BAL)
JK Dobbins is a sad story and we hope to see him bounce back from another setback. However, Justice Hill firmly put his name on the map for carrying the torch in Baltimore. If you have a need at RB then Hill should really be a priority. Whilst the game plan in Baltimore may evolve from here on in it was clear that there were a lot fewer plays designed for Lamar Jackson to run meaning the running backs were actually utilized as running backs. RB scoring in Baltimore has been less than reliable in recent years but Justice Hill could break that trend looking forward. Even as just a Red Zone threat Hill will carry good scoring opportunities as the season moves on.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB, PHI)
Maybe some out there knew that Gainwell was going to get this level of involvement for the Eagles. Although I think you could be forgiven for thinking that new guys D’andre Swift and Rashaad Penny would be the main features in this RB room. 14 carries in week 1 are telling, there’s a real chance Gainwell has been overlooked in many leagues out there and he’s well worth a bid with 54 yards and a familiarity with the offense Gainwell can definitely feature and score well moving forward especially if there are concerns over durability with the 2 previously mentioned new guys.
Puka Nacua (WR, LAR)
Now Puka really shouldn’t be on waivers anywhere. It actually feels criminal to have him on this list from all of the hype that has been surrounding him in the run-up to the season. However, the fact of the matter is he is out there in some leagues and if he is, spend your FAAB on him, for at least the next 4 weeks he is going to feature, he is going to get targets and score you points. Beyond that, he has a career in the NFL. 10 receptions, 119 yards on his debut that should be enough to convince you to make a play for him. You’ll kick yourself if you pass on him and he’s out there.
Calvin Austin III (WR, PIT)
With Diontae Johnson exiting the game early on Sunday with a hamstring injury a door potentially opens for Calvin Austin III. Calvin is currently rostered by only 2% on sleeper. When he was called upon he caught 6/6 for 37 yards. The possibility for Austin to fly under the radar this week is pretty high. Steelers did not flash in week 1, they will improve though. Austin isn’t a big or flashy name but week 1 despite only having 6 targets he outscored some major names in fantasy. Calvin Austin III is my wild card waiver pick up for week 1 and i’ll be making my own claims for him.
Kylen Granson (TE, IND)
I touted Mo Alie-Cox as a guy to watch pre-season but it’s clear to see from week 1 that there is some chemistry between Anthony Richardson and Granson. Granson was targetted 6 times gathering 4 of them for a respectable 39 yards. Richardson and Co gave a good account of themselves and as this young offense gains experience and grows in confidence Granson could emerge as one of the higher-targeted tight ends. Hype may not be high around Granson compared to others on this list but if you’re looking for a nice stash option to rotate into the bye week this is my guy.
Honorable mentions have to go to guys like Rashid Shaheed and Kyren Williams. If you decide to make a play for any of these guys based on our reasoning please let us know. Then shout us out if they pay off. The joy of fantasy is never truly knowing how these things play out.
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Image Credit: Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports
