It’s Week 1, everyone’s undefeated in fantasy football, and you’re already dealing with injuries- so streaming options needed! Cooper Kupp, Christian Watson, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and Marquise Brown all are either out or have unknown statuses leading into Week 1. P.S – if you’re someone looking to potentially replace Travis Kelce or George Kittle at TE in week one, check out the article I wrote earlier this week specifically for tight ends.
Isaiah Hodgins, WR, New York Giants
Owned %’s:
- 16% on Sleeper
- 6% on ESPN
- 8% on Yahoo
With New York scrambling for wide receiver help late in the 2022 season, Isaiah Hodgins emerged as a valuable possession receiver for Daniel Jones. Hodgins started seeing legitimate snaps in Week 13. And from Weeks 13-17 he finished as a top-21 wide receiver in 4 out of 5 games. Hodgins comes in at 6’3” 201, which is important when you consider the other receivers in New York.
He profiles as a possession receiver who can play on the outside. Separating himself from speed specialists Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt and slot-man Parris Campbell. Hodgins should maintain his prominent role as a starting outside receiver in New York despite the Giants bringing in multiple receivers over the offseason. Hodgins, per PFF, had 0 drops on 39 targets and had a stellar 75.0 receiving grade.
There’s a legitimate chance that he’s earned the good graces of this coaching staff. One that was familiar with him when he was a practice squad player in Buffalo. Hodgins was targeted 6 times inside the redzone and 4 times from within the 10-yard line from Weeks 13-17. All making him a decent target if you’re looking for someone to catch a touchdown in a pinch on Sunday.
Marvin Mims, WR, Denver Broncos
Out of every player on your waiver wire prior to Week 1, Marvin Mims may have the highest season-long upside. He was Sean Payton’s first draft pick with Denver. As well as the fact the Broncos traded up to select Mims in the 2nd round of the 2023 draft.
I get it, the idea of starting a rookie in Week 1 can be frightening. But there are plenty of snaps to be had in Denver post-Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy injuries. The opportunity for Mims in Week 1 will be prominent, and with a matchup against a shaky defense in Las Vegas he could make an immediate impact. and be a hot commodity on the waiver wire going into Week 2.
Owned %’s:
- 37% on Sleeper
- 15% on ESPN
- 37% on Yahoo
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
Another 2nd round pick from the 2023 draft, Jayden Reed could make an immediate impact in Green Bay this season. Reed played every snap in 3-WR sets with the starting offense for the Packers in the preseason, and should be slated to play a large role on the outside if Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are unable to suit up in Week 1 against the Bears.
He played primarily in the slot this preseason. But, similarly to Mims, could carve out an every-down role on the outside for this Packers offense if he starts hot in Week 1. Reed played over 480 snaps on the outside and less than 150 in the slot at Michigan State. So I would expect the Packers to give him a chance to play in 2-TE sets on the outside if one of their top 2 receivers were to miss Week 1. Christian Watson missed practice on Thursday while Doubs returned in limited fashion. (Edit: Christian Watson has been confirmed as out). Meaning at least one of them is very likely to miss Sunday’s game against Chicago. If that’s the case, there are much worse dart throws to take this Sunday.
Owned %’s:
- 18% on Sleeper
- 15% on ESPN
- 9% on Yahoo
Van Jefferson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Van Jefferson should play the vast majority of snaps for this Rams offense while Cooper Kupp deals with his hamstring injury. Last year post-Kupp injury, Jefferson played in over 93% of snaps in every game for LA over the last 6 weeks of the season. Jefferson wasn’t putting up game-breaking numbers in that stretch by any means. But Matthew Stafford also went out with injury around the same time as Cooper Kupp.
By every account, Stafford is fully healthy and ready to go for Week 1. The Rams play in Seattle as 4.5-point underdogs, slated to have high passing volume as they’re playing from behind. You can expect Jefferson to see at least 5 targets in this game.
Owned %’s:
- 45% on Sleeper
- 27% on ESPN
- 33% on Yahoo
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Image Credit: John Jones – USA TODAY Sports
