The NFL season is here, and that means the fantasy football waiver wire column is back! These are players fantasy gamers need to consider picking up on the waiver wire in week 1 before the NFL season kicks off.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Additions: Week 1 Waiver Wire Run
Preseason waiver wire options for deeper formats like the FFPC.
ADDITIONS FOR ALL LEAGUES – These players should be rostered even in shallow leagues.
Jalen McMillan, WR | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FAAB RECOMMENDATION: 10%, and up to 15% for WR-heavy formats
McMillan has impressed at Buccaneers camp, and Tampa Bay appears to have found a steal in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bucs were among the heaviest 11 personnel teams in 2023, and McMillan is expected to see significant field time. Moreover, if Chris Godwin or Mike Evans miss time, McMillan would be an insta-starter.
Jordan Mason, RB | San Francisco
FAAB RECOMMENDATION: 20%
After a debated offseason, Jordan Mason earned the San Francisco handcuff RB job. His main competition, Elijah Mitchell, is now on IR and out for the season. Therefore, Mason is one of the top handcuffs in fantasy football. If you’re putting a significant bid on any player in a preseason waiver run, it should be Mason.
Samaje Perine, RB | Kansas City
FAAB RECOMMENDATION: 10-15% (We pay up for access to this offense)
Perine lands in an ideal spot. He was cut from a crowded Denver backfield and now joins one of the league’s top offenses in Kansas City. Notably, Perine has consistently commanded targets, with 50+ catches in back-to-back seasons in Cincinnati and Denver.
He could see weekly work as a reliable dump-down option in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. If Isiah Pacheco misses time, Perine would be a top waiver wire addition—don’t let him sit on the wire.
Superflex Priority
Sam Darnold, QB | Minnesota
FAAB RECOMMENDATION: 30%+ in Superflex Redraft Leagues
Darnold is a must-add in early Superflex leagues where he wasn’t drafted. McCarthy’s season-ending injury solidifies Darnold’s role as the starter in Minnesota. He should deliver QB2 numbers this season. Although Darnold’s career has been disappointing, the former first-round pick has a chance to change that. He has the best weapons and offensive line of his career.
Bo Nix, QB | Denver
Nix is worth scooping up if he was overlooked. He could exceed expectations this season. His rushing ability will be a plus, and Denver’s offense is designed to suit his strengths.
Potential Week 1 Streamer/Depth Option
Andrei Iosivas WR | Cincinnati
Iosivas is ahead of third round draft pick Jermaine Burton and set to play in three WR sets. He should see a high percentage of snaps out of the slot- an exciting outcome for a player with his size and athleticism.
With inexperienced RBs and Mike Gesicki at TE, expect the Bengals to increase their WR usage this season. Iosivas has a chance to be a Week 1 flex play if Ja’Marr Chase misses. He is a Week 1 fantasy sleeper with long term appeal.
Deeper League Options
Malik Washington, WR | Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have only four WRs rostered. Washington has a chance to play in three-WR sets. A top producer at UVA, Washington fell to the sixth round due to injury but landed in a favorable situation. If Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle miss time, Washington would be a top waiver add.
Emanuel Wilson, RB | Green Bay
With AJ Dillon on IR and done for the season, MarShawn Lloyd should get more work. However, he’s also recovering, and his Week 1 status is uncertain. Green Bay has praised Wilson as a player they are excited about. He is a sleeper who could see action in Week 1 and beyond. The Packers frequently use two running backs, and despite Josh Jacobs‘ presence, that trend should continue.
Justice Hill, RB | Baltimore Ravens
Hill is the primary handcuff in Baltimore. A long-time Raven, Hill has the trust of the coaching staff and should maintain his role, at least early on. Given that Baltimore’s offense is one of the best, Hill could be valuable on fantasy teams.
Juwan Johnson, TE | New Orleans Saints
Johnson was injured earlier in the offseason and went undrafted in many leagues.
If available, especially in TE premium formats, grab him. Rashid Shaheed has been dealing with injuries, and the Saints lack proven pass catchers. Johnson will contribute as a red zone threat and an intermediate target.
Colby Parkinson, TE | LA Rams
The focus in LA has been on Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp. However, Parkinson is set for a near every-down role. He is a sleeper TE option for those waiting on a tight end. If you’re unhappy with your current TEs, consider a bid on Parkinson—his role could surprise in fantasy.
Zach Ertz, TE | Washington Commanders
Ertz was overlooked last season and saw eight or more targets in three of the Cardinals’ first four games. He then got injured, paving the way for Trey McBride. This year, Ertz is in a similar spot with second-round pick Ben Sinnott behind him and Jayden Daniels at QB. Ertz can offer a high floor, low ceiling, and is useful as TE depth in TE premium formats like the FFPC.
Pierre Strong, RB | Cleveland Browns
Last offseason, Strong was traded from New England to Cleveland. There was hope for him in an open backfield after Nick Chubb‘s injury. Strong didn’t make much of an impact, playing behind Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt, but he’s moved up the depth chart this year. Nick Chubb will miss at least the first month, giving Strong a chance to contribute behind Ford. He’s a speculative add for those needing RB depth.
Trey Sermon, RB | Indianapolis Colts
Sermon is the handcuff behind Jonathan Taylor. If Taylor misses time, a committee is likely, but Sermon would get the first chance. Taylor has missed time in back-to-back seasons. Notably, last year, Zack Moss stepped up and thrived in this RB-friendly offense.
Jordan Whittington, WR | LA Rams
Whittington shined in the preseason. A sixth-round pick out of Texas, he played with highly regarded teammates like Xavier Worthy, Jonathon Brooks, and Ja’Tavion Sanders. Whittington had some injuries in college but now looks healthy and explosive.
Sean McVay has praised him, and if any Rams WRs miss time, Whittington could be the next Day 3 draft pick to make a fantasy impact.
Theo Johnson, TE | New York Giants
Johnson is an athletic rookie from Penn State. He will compete with Daniel Bellinger for early season snaps in New York.
Jordan Mims, RB | New Orleans Saints
Mims impressed in training camp. The 25-year-old is in line for a handcuff role behind Alvin Kamara. Kendre Miller will miss at least four months, and he isn’t in Dennis Allen’s favor. Thus, Mims is a deep sleeper worth watching.
Devaughn Vele and Josh Reynolds, WR | Denver Broncos
Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims had offseason hype, especially in dynasty leagues, but Vele and Reynolds are ahead. Reynolds had useful weeks last year and was a frequent waiver wire mention early in the season after a strong start in Detroit. He should play in two WR sets in Denver. Meanwhile, Vele is an intriguing sleeper who could get slot work. He’s a rookie but an older prospect, making him a viable deep league option.
For more articles from Theo, click here – Fantasy Football Sleepers – 10 Players to Target in Fantasy Drafts (playerprofiler.com)
