Now that Week 1 is in the books, you think you have it all figured out, don’t you? Sammy Watkins is the de facto number one receiver in football, and you just lost your league because you drafted Joe Mixon in the second round, right? Well, I’m here to tell you to get a hold of yourself. You’ve been jumping to conclusions faster than my mom does when I don’t answer by her fifth call (I’m not dead, mom, I’m just stupid).
One week isn’t a large enough sample size to warrant jumping ship on Mike Evans in favor of John Ross. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t players on your roster that you can leave on waivers. Players you drafted late in the draft that weren’t involved in the offense in Week 1 are probably safe to drop. Just know that most of the players on the waiver wire that exploded last week had anomalous performances. Taking a shot on any of them is merely that: a shot.
Quarterback – Josh Allen
If there’s one takeaway I had from Buffalo’s opener, it’s that their offense can look horrendous and Josh Allen can still produce fantasy points. Even though he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles to the Jets, he ran the ball ten times, more than any other QB. His matchup in Week 2 is inviting. He plays away against the Giants, who aren’t great at defending the run or the pass. Derek Carr of the Raiders is also a quality streaming option playing at home against Kansas City in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Running Back – Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson surprised me last season in two ways. I was shocked that he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the 8th time in his career, and I was amazed that he was able to stay healthy enough to play in all 16 games. Redskins starter Derrius Guice will likely sit at least one week, leaving the lead ‘back duties to AP. Washington’s offense was surprisingly effective against Philadelphia in Week 1. They face the Cowboys at home in Week 2. Chris Thompson, Washington’s passing back, is also streamable in the same matchup, considering saw ten targets in Week 1.
Wide Receiver – Michael Gallup
The Dak Attack torched the Giants last week with 405 passing yards, and Michael Gallup was a major part of that. Gallup whipped the Giants secondary 7 times for 158 yards. The second-year receiver out of Colorado could establish himself as the Haw to Amari Cooper’s Yee this season. Dallas travels to Washington this week. While Amari Cooper attracts the attention of Josh Norman, Gallup will be able to trot free. Jamison Crowder, who’s in a similar position like Gallup, is a quality streaming play against the Browns this week, especially in PPR leagues.
Tight End – Daren Waller
If you added Waller after the Antonio Brown news broke, congratulations. If he’s still on your waiver wire, pick him up immediately. Waller is going to be involved heavily in this offense moving forward. I believe Coach John Gruden loves him, and I believe OC Greg Olson (no not the panthers TE) is required to love whoever Gruden loves. On Monday, he led the team with 8 targets and 7 receptions. Expect Carr to look his way against the Chiefs on Sunday. In deeper leagues, Tyler Eifert of the Bengals makes for a fine dart throw against San Francisco. He was targeted six times in the loss to Seattle.