By Nan Jiang
Now that the Week 1 flukes are gone, we are starting to see the true colors of some players around the league. Here are some players to look out for when putting in waivers for next week. Reminder that the percentage of ESPN players that have each player rostered is in parentheses.
Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson, DEN (61.4%)
Believe it or not, Russell Wilson’s ownership actually fell 6.6% after his big Week 1 game. Last week, I wrote to pick him up, and he showed out again this week. In a loss against the 2-0 Commanders, Russ threw three touchdowns and added 56 yards on the ground. Don’t pass on a resurging Russ two times in a row, and at least stash him this week in hopes of Jerry Jeudy’s return.
Matthew Stafford, LAR (29.6%)
Stafford didn’t have the game of his life in Week 2, but there are promising signs on the Rams that make Stafford worth holding on to. The Rams were very pass heavy against the 49ers last week and I don’t blame them, due to Puka Nacua’s insane Week 1. Well since Nacua had an even more insane Week 2, I wouldn’t be surprised if Stafford just kept throwing to him. Turnovers were a problem for Stafford in Week 2, but that won’t be quite as bad in Week 3, as they play a weaker Bengals defense.
Running back
Zach Moss, IND (32.1%)
This week could well be the last chance to grab Zach Moss, as he returns from injury as the lead back for the Colts. In his first game back, Moss had 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown in a win against the Texans. Though it’s worth noting the situation with rookie QB Anthony Richardson is peculiar, as he is a run first QB, we’ll have to see them play a game together to see how they split the carries in Indianapolis.
Wide receivers
Kadarius Toney, KC (41.4%)
Yes, I know I said to sell him last week, and this is a very doubtful inclusion, but seeing Toney go 5/5 on the day is undeniably inspiring. After single handedly selling the Chiefs last week with his butterfingers, he has shown the ability to improve, and more importantly, be reliable in a Chiefs offense where everyone is kind of unreliable. He definitely has talent, and it’s too early for the league to give up on him.
Josh Reynolds, DET (4.7%)
Last week, I talked about how Puka Nacua can settle into a Josh Reynolds like role when Cooper Kupp returns, but it seems like Josh Reynolds is making his own story. In the loss against Seattle, he had five catches and two touchdowns, which is his second big game in a row. Against the Falcons defense next week and with the DBs swarming Amon-Ra St. Brown, I expect Reynolds to continue his streak of solid games.
Nico Collins, HOU (62%)
Don’t click off the article just yet. I know nobody likes the idea of picking up a Texans player, but Nico Collins seems to be the real deal in Houston. In Week 2, Collins has had a Justin Jefferson-esque performance with 147 yards and a touchdown, and in Week 1, he was a solid performer, with six catches and 80 yards. Rookie CJ Stroud really seems to be leaning on Collins and he looks like a worthy addition.
Tight ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (34.7%)
Okonkwo was blanked in Week 1, causing mass hysteria and people saying D-Hop joining the team ruined the young TE’s fantasy relevance. At the end of the day, a modern TE is a modern TE, you know what you’re gonna get, and Okonkwo converting all four of his targets is a good game for a TE in 2023 and a promising sign for the young player. If you’re a Kyle Pitts owner, (I’m sorry) Okonkwo is a worthy streaming option until the Falcons decide to use their generational talent at TE.
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