Week 2 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

by Sigmund Bloom, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Updated: September 9, 2022

The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Jalen Hurts, PHI
2. QB Josh Allen, BUF
3. QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. QB Marcus Mariota, ATL (waiver wire: 7-15%)
5. QB Carson Wentz, WAS (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. QB Jameis Winston, NO (waiver wire: 5-10%)
7. QB Matt Ryan, IND (waiver wire: 3-5%)
8. QB Jared Goff, DET (waiver wire: 3-5%)
9. QB Daniel Jones, NYG (waiver wire: 3-5%)
10. QB Patrick Mahomes, KC
11. QB Geno Smith, SEA (waiver wire: 3-5%)
12. QB Joe Flacco, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)
13. QB Baker Mayfield, CAR (waiver wire: 1%)
14. QB Davis Mills, HOU (waiver wire: 1%)
15. QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN (waiver wire: 1%)
16. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
17. QB Brian Hoyer, NE (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
18. QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
19. QB Cooper Rush, DAL (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Dak Prescott, DAL (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB LEAGUES)
2. QB Mac Jones, NE
3. QB Matthew Stafford, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
4. QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT
5. QB Tom Brady, TB
6. QB Trey Lance, SF (waiver wire: HOLD)
7. QB Aaron Rodgers, GB (waiver wire: BUY LOW)

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Darrell Henderson, LAR
2. RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL
3. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC
4. RB James Robinson, JAX
5. RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
6. RB Michael Carter, NYJ
7. RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: 15-30%)
8. RB Jerick McKinnon, KC (waiver wire: 15-30%)
9. RB Miles Sanders, PHI
10. RB Jeff Wilson, SF (waiver wire: 15-30%)
11. RB A.J. Dillon, GB
12. RB Antonio Gibson, WAS
13. RB Khalil Herbert, CHI (waiver wire: 12-25%)
14. RB Dontrell Hilliard, TEN (waiver wire: 12-25%)
15. RB DAndre Swift, DET
16. RB Jamaal Williams, DET (waiver wire: 10-20%)
17. RB Eno Benjamin, ARI (waiver wire: 7-15%)
18. RB Rex Burkhead, HOU (waiver wire: 7-15%)
19. RB Jordan Mason, SF (waiver wire: 3-5%)
20. RB Jaylen Warren, PIT (waiver wire: 3-5%)
21. RB Tyrion Davis-Price, SF (waiver wire: 1%)
22. RB Kenyan Drake, BAL (waiver wire: 1%)
23. RB Zack Moss, BUF (waiver wire: 1%)
24. RB Isiah Pacheco, KC (waiver wire: 1%)

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Kyren Williams, LAR
2. RB Elijah Mitchell, SF (waiver wire: DROP UNLESS YOU HAVE IR SPOTS)
3. RB Ameer Abdullah, LV (waiver wire: DROP)
4. RB Mike Davis, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
5. RB Cam Akers, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
6. RB Dameon Pierce, HOU (waiver wire: HOLD)
7. RB Tony Pollard, DAL
8. RB James Cook, BUF (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES)
9. RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
10. RB David Montgomery, CHI
11. RB Damien Harris, NE (waiver wire: HOLD)
12. RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (waiver wire: HOLD)
13. RB Travis Etienne, JAX
14. RB Breece Hall, NYJ
15. RB Najee Harris, PIT
16. RB Alvin Kamara, NO

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR A.J. Brown, PHI
2. WR Curtis Samuel, WAS (waiver wire: 20-40%)
3. WR Robbie Anderson, CAR (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. WR Julio Jones, TB (waiver wire: 15-30%)
5. WR Jarvis Landry, NO (waiver wire: 15-30%)
6. WR Michael Thomas, NO
7. WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (waiver wire: 7-15%)
8. WR Josh Palmer, LAC (waiver wire: 7-15%)
9. WR Mike Evans, TB
10. WR D.J. Chark, DET (waiver wire: 3-5%)
11. WR Romeo Doubs, GB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
12. WR Christian Watson, GB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
13. WR DeAndre Carter, LAC (waiver wire: 1% in deep leagues)
14. WR Greg Dortch, ARI (waiver wire: 1% in deep leagues)
15. WR Devin Duvernay, BAL (waiver wire: 1%)
16. WR Richie James, NYG (waiver wire: 1% in deep leagues)
17. WR Zay Jones, JAX (waiver wire: 1%)
18. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE (waiver wire: 1%)
19. WR Kyle Philips, TEN (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR CeeDee Lamb, DAL
2. WR WanDale Robinson, NYG (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR Randall Cobb, GB (waiver wire: DROP)
4. WR Chris Godwin, TB
5. WR Sammy Watkins, GB (waiver wire: DROP)
6. WR Robert Woods, TEN (waiver wire: HOLD FOR OPTIONS 7-15% OR BELOW)
7. WR Chase Claypool, PIT (waiver wire: HOLD)
8. WR Amari Cooper, CLE
9. WR D.J. Moore, CAR
10. WR DeVonta Smith, PHI (waiver wire: HOLD)
11. WR Kenny Golladay, NYG (waiver wire: DROP)
12. WR Darnell Mooney, CHI
13. WR George Pickens, PIT (waiver wire: HOLD)
14. WR Hunter Renfrow, LV
15. WR Allen Robinson, LAR
16. WR Mike Williams, LAC
17. WR Kadarius Toney, NYG (waiver wire: HOLD)

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT
2. TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN (waiver wire: 5-10%)
3. TE Gerald Everett, LAC (waiver wire: 3-5%)
4. TE Hayden Hurst, CIN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
5. TE Logan Thomas, WAS (waiver wire: 3-5%)
6. TE Robert Tonyan, GB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
7. TE Tyler Higbee, LAR (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Austin Hooper, TEN (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Mike Gesicki, MIA (waiver wire: DROP)
3. TE Cole Kmet, CHI (waiver wire: DROP)
4. TE Mo Alie-Cox, IND (waiver wire: DROP)
5. TE David Njoku, CLE (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 1% PICKUPS)
6. TE Noah Fant, SEA (waiver wire: DROP)
7. TE Isaiah Likely, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
8. TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
9. TE Irv Smith, MIN (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 1% PICKUPS)

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Josh Allen, BUF - Allen couldn't have played much better, especially when we consider how sloppy most offenses were in Week 1. He'll face a Titans defense that eventually wilted against the Giants, and has opened up a larger gap between him and the QB1 pack at quarterback.

QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Fields was actually good considering the matchup and conditions in Chicago for Week 1. He had a career high in carries even though it didn't amount to much for fantasy and was able to complete two big passes downfield. He is a suitable Dak replacement against the Packers this week.

QB Joe Flacco, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - Flacco was far from "good" against the Ravens, but once the Jets fell behind, he filled the air with footballs. He can be a fine desperation play for Dak teams this week against the Browns.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Whether due to the 49ers getting cold feet about Trey Lance, or the Cowboys trying to trade for Garoppolo, the chances of Garoppolo starting at some point in 2022 went up in Week 1. He should be rostered in all superflex/2QB leagues.

QB Jared Goff, DET - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Goff was better than his bottom line stats in Week 1, mostly because the Lions scored three touchdowns on the ground. The Eagles defense is not bad, but the Lions defense is, which should ensure lots of favorable game scripts for Goff. He's a suitable Dak replacement against the Commanders this week.

QB Brian Hoyer, NE - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Hoyer could get a start in Week 2 against the Steelers, and perhaps longer with Mac Jones battling a back injury, but he won't do more than Jones would have done, so he's just a desperation play if he's in - including in 2QB/Superflex leagues.

QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - Hurts prospects are looking up in fantasy, and they were pretty high to begin with. A.J. Brown every bit the dominant #1 receiver the Eagles were expecting, and the offense was able to move the ball at will. Hurts could have easily had two rushing scores, and three different running backs won't score every week. He would go in the top 3-4 quarterbacks if we were drafting today. Next, Hurts will face the Vikings defense that frustrated Aaron Rodgers.

QB Daniel Jones, NYG - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Jones drew the ire of coach Brian Daboll during the game, but made the plays necessary for the team to come back and win, and should definitely benefit from better coaching than he has had in his NFL career to date. He's a suitable Dak replacement in Week 2 against a Panthers defense that let Baker Mayfield get up off of the deck in Week 1 and almost win.

QB Patrick Mahomes, KC - For some reason, the Cardinals decided to blitz Patrick Mahomes a ton even though they have one of the best safety combos in the league. Last year, the NFL adjusted to Mahomes and played more cover two, and we should expect that to be default after Mahomes dissected the Cardinals defense. We should certainly feel good about having Mahomes as our QB1 right now, but as we go forward, we may learn that this result was more about the Cardinals defense than Mahomes.

QB Marcus Mariota, ATL - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Mariota was very productive as a runner and did enough as a passer with a very weak wide receiver group to have the Falcons in the lead for most of the game against a tough Saints defense. We can't be sure how much of the Rams defense woes in Week 1 were due to Josh Allen, but they weren't exactly impressive, so Mariota is a solid Dak replacement against them in Week 2.

QB Baker Mayfield, CAR - (waiver wire: 1%) - Mayfield had a rushing score and long bomb touchdown in a valiant comeback attempt, but was ineffective up to that point against the Browns. He'll face a mediocre Giants defense in Week 2, but is a low priority Dak replacement.

QB Davis Mills, HOU - (waiver wire: 1%) - Mills was a solid fantasy performer in Week 2, benefiting a bit from the extra period in the tie and a weak running game that kept the onus on him, but he still offers little upside as a Dak replacement against the Broncos and should be a lower priority on the list.

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Mitchell Trubisky did enough in overtime to get the win, but overall it was the kind of performance that makes you wonder what another quarterback could get out of the Steelers receivers. Mike Tomlin will be conservative about pulling Trubisky, but with T.J. Watt out, the defense won't be able to carry the team as effectively. We will see Pickett this year sooner or later.

QB Cooper Rush, DAL - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Rush is a bottom of the barrel option in superflex, but at least he is a starter for now. We'll see if the Cowboys make a move at quarterback after Dak Prescott went down for the year.

QB Matt Ryan, IND - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Ryan had a solid game on overtime-enhanced volume, but there was more there against the Texans if the Colts had executed better. The Jaguars let Carson Wentz be the hero of Week 1, so Ryan is a solid Dak replacement in Week 2 and going forward.

QB Geno Smith, SEA - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Smith had a magnificent performance against the Broncos in Week 1. He was remarkably accurate and found his tight ends for two long touchdowns to account for most of the Seahawks scoring. He could be a viable Dak replacement for teams that are strong elsewhere, as somehow after trading Russell Wilson, Seattle seems willing to go pass heavy.

QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Tannehill had a solid fantasy day on the back of two touchdown passes to Dontrell Hilliard, but Derrick Henry will certainly finish his share of drives going forward. Tannehill could help Dak teams, but not in Week 2 when he faced the Bills defense that frustrated Matthew Stafford in Week 1.

QB Carson Wentz, WAS - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Who knows how long it will last, but Wentz is hot out of the gate and riffing with his new receivers. This week brings the Lions defense that the Eagles took apart, so consider him the #1 Dak replacement who is likely available in your league.

QB Jameis Winston, NO - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - It took Winston a little while to get going against the Falcons, but he made the plays when he needed to and put up a solid fantasy performance in basically one quarter. He'll have a tough task against his old Bucs team in Week 2, but he's still a good long term Dak replacement as long as you're willing to absorb a potentially poor game this week.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Tom Brady, TB - Brady lost Chris Godwin to a hamstring injury and free agent pickup Russell Gage was barely heard from. Julio Jones looked like he had found the fountain of youth, but this will be a more balanced offense than what we saw last year, at least until the wide receivers get healthy. The Saints are up next and they give Brady fits, so consider starting your QB2 if they had a good Week 1.

QB Mac Jones, NE - Jones coughed up the ball to give the Dolphins an easy score and posted mixed results at best in the first game without Josh McDaniels calling the offense. He also suffered a back injury, so his Week 2 (and maybe longer) is in doubt. He's only a hold in Superflex/2QB.

QB Trey Lance, SF - (waiver wire: HOLD) - The conditions were working against Lance, but he did have plenty of mistakes that were solely on him, including his interception. Week 2 should bring better weather, but if Lance doesn't improve, the calls for Jimmy Garoppolo will get louder. Consider him a boom/bust play for Week 2 against Seattle.

QB Dak Prescott, DAL - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB LEAGUES) - Prescott suffered a thumb injury that will require surgery and cost him 6-8 weeks. The offense wasn't looking too hot before he got hurt, so you don't need to carry him in 1QB leagues.

QB Aaron Rodgers, GB - (waiver wire: BUY LOW) - Rodgers had his second straight terrible season opener. Having two backup tackles in and no Allen Lazard, ended up putting a big cramp in the passing game execution, as the Packers suffered from a bad drop by rookie Christian Watson and general inability to get the engine to turn over. The Bears edge rush isn't nearly as good as the Vikings and the Packers will get both of their starting tackles back sooner than later. We might want to bench Rodgers this week if we have a strong QB2, but he should be fine in time.

QB Matthew Stafford, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - We didn't see any clear signs that Stafford's elbow was bothering him, but the constant pass rush from the Bills without the benefit of any blitzes surely did. The offensive line lost another starter for 2-4 weeks when Brian Allen went down. If you have a solid performer from Week 1, Stafford should be on your bench despite the good matchup on paper against the Falcons. If Stafford has a strong game, we can probably just chalk up Week 1 to strength of the Bills defense.

QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT - Trubisky made a few plays in overtime to help set up the game-winner, but otherwise was miserable as a passer and unable to harness the value of the Steelers talented passcatchers. He also did little as a runner to help fantasy teams. He's a desperation play in 1QB and Superflex leagues alike.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley looked like the back that was going in the top five of fantasy drafts earlier in his career. He was used more in the passing game and all of his top end physical abilities were on display. He'll face a Panthers defense that was tired of seeing Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb run at them in Week 1.

RB Eno Benjamin, ARI - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Benjamin got all of the touches behind James Conner, and while the game was out of hand, he looked like he had more juice than Conner. The team should give Benjamin more opportunities going forward, and it's possible that he grows into the Chase Edmonds role as the season goes on, while still carrying Conner injury upside.

RB Rex Burkhead, HOU - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Burkhead was the lead back for the Texans, racking up 70 total yards on 19 touches and presenting flex value. Dameon Pierce could be more involved as the rookie gets more seasoning, but for now, Burkhead is the more valuable Texans back.

RB Michael Carter, NYJ - Carter was running ahead of second round pick Breece Hall, and he gave the Jets coaches no reason to change that split going forward. Consider him a solid flex in PPR, or an RB2 in a punch heading into a matchup with the Browns, who mostly contained Christian McCaffrey.

RB Tyrion Davis-Price, SF - (waiver wire: 1%) - Davis-Price should at least be active on game day with Elijah Mitchell out. Whether he gets touches ahead of UDFA Jordan Mason is yet to be seen, but Mitchell's injury at least opens the door for Davis-Price to develop some fantasy value.

RB A.J. Dillon, GB - Dillon got more touches than Aaron Jones, including in the passing game, and he scored the Packers only touchdown. It's fair to wonder if he has more value than Jones, and it's clear that Dillon should be in our lineups going forward.

RB Kenyan Drake, BAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Drake wasn't exciting, but he did lead the backfield in touches while J.K. Dobbins sat in Week 1. Dobbins could be back this week, but if he's not Drake will be a what the heck flex against the Dolphins.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC - Don't let the box score fool you. Edwards-Helaire dominated touches in the backfield while the game was close, and he looked as good as you could have hoped if you took him as your RB2/RB3. He should be in lineups Thursday night against the Chargers.

RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Gainwell was more involved than he was last year and still scored even though he's in a three-way committee. It's unclear how much value he would gain if Miles Sanders misses time, but we can see the trust in him is growing, and he's attached to a potentially elite fantasy offense.

RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - Gibson earned back the trust that he lost this summer, and was an important target for Carson Wentz in the comeback win. He should have at least three more weeks of leading the backfield in touches and meriting an RB2/Flex start in fantasy leagues, but Brian Robinson could return as early as Week 5.

RB Darrell Henderson, LAR - Henderson was the lead back against the Bills and looked much more well-suited for the part than Cam Akers. Expect a big game in an easier matchup against the Falcons this week.

RB Khalil Herbert, CHI - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Herbert got fewer touches than David Montgomery, but he did more with them than Montgomery did, which could lead to more opportunity going forward. He has Montgomery injury upside, but could develop standalone value in time.

RB Dontrell Hilliard, TEN - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Hilliard caught two scores in a feat that is unlikely to be reproduced, but he is clearly the injury upside backup behind Derrick Henry, who continues to take a lot of punishment from opposing defenses. Hilliard showed he at least has desperation play value while Henry is on the field to go with his speculative value if Henry goes down.

RB Jordan Mason, SF - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Mason moves up to RB2 (or RB3 if you include Deebo Samuel) with Elijah Mitchell's injury. Jeff Wilson wasn't that impressive, albeit in poor conditions, so Mason could stake his claim to a fantasy relevant role while Mitchell is out.

RB Jerick McKinnon, KC - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - McKinnon is going to remain involved in the Chiefs offense as a passing down back, giving him at least desperation play value in PPR leagues, and he has the most injury upside if Clyde Edwards-Helaire goes down. He should be rostered even in short bench leagues.

RB Zack Moss, BUF - (waiver wire: 1%) - Moss didn't look explosive on his touches, but he was involved in the passing game, and James Cook could get banished to the bench if the rookie has another fumble. As a competent back in a good offense, Moss should be rostered if bench size allows.

RB Isiah Pacheco, KC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Pacheco's production came almost exclusively in garbage time, but he did more than enough to keep Ronald Jones on the gameday inactive list. It might take two injuries to make him fantasy relevant, but he should be on our radar in deep leagues.

RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL - Patterson was the first back to go over 100 yards rushing against the Saints in the last 20 games. Damien Williams injury helped boost his workload, but Patterson looks as good as he did when he was set up to be a league winner from the waiver wire early last season.

RB James Robinson, JAX - Robinson scored twice and showed no ill effects from his December achilles tear. He is the more valuable fantasy back on the Jaguars roster until further notice and should be in lineups as a flex against the Colts.

RB Miles Sanders, PHI - Sanders was the lead back, and while two rushing touchdowns went to other backs, he got one and the Eagles offense looked as good as we could have hoped (with an assist from a poor Lions defense). Consider him a solid RB2 going into a matchup against the Vikings.

RB DAndre Swift, DET - Swift looked like he was shot out of a gun on his touches and was probably the most outstanding running back on the field in Week 1. Two of his big plays set up Jamaal Williams scores or he could have had an even bigger game. Washington gave up two scores to James Robinson and they are up next.

RB Jaylen Warren, PIT - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Najee Harris's foot injury is not serious, but two foot injuries in about a month should put us on alert for the potential value of his backup. Warren replaced him and will provide or low end RB2 value at best if Harris is out, and the low quality of the Steelers offense also dampens enthusiasm to pay for him on the waiver wire.

RB Jamaal Williams, DET - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Williams got two rushing scores and could be the goal line back, giving him weekly what the heck flex value. D'Andre Swift had two big plays before Williams touchdowns, so it's possible that Swift would get more goal line looks if someone else sets up the score. Either way, Williams should be rostered for his combination of standalone and Swift injury value.

RB Jeff Wilson, SF - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Wilson wasn't that efficient in relief of Elijah Mitchell, and Deebo Samuel's role in the backfield isn't going away, but Wilson should still get enough touches to be flexworthy, assuming the 49ers offense looks better in reasonable weather against the Seahawks this week. It's possible that Jordan Mason or Tyrion Davis-Price splits the workload that isn't Samuel's, or even overtakes Wilson if he doesn't look better this week.

Running Back Downgrade

RB Ameer Abdullah, LV - (waiver wire: DROP) - Abdullah was supposed to be the James White of this offense after a strong summer, but instead it was Brandon Bolden getting the receiving touchdown and more snaps.

RB Cam Akers, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Akers didn't look good and didn't get many opportunities behind Darrell Henderson. The problem seems to be more mental than physical, so don't chalk it all up to the achilles injury. Kyren Williams went down and Henderson isn't known for durability, so outside of the shortest bench leagues, hold onto Akers going into a much better matchup against Atlanta.

RB James Cook, BUF - (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES) - Cook fumbled on his first NFL touch, but he did get back on the field, so the team hasn't given up on him. Zack Moss's six catches give hope of a receiving back role that Cook could fill, so hold him if bench size allows.

RB Mike Davis, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - There was hope that Davis would lead the backfield in touches while J.K. Dobbins sat, but he was clearly behind Kenyan Drake. He can be dropped across formats.

RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL - Elliott is only a what the heck flex until Dak Prescott returns. He looked better than he did last year after his knee injury, but the Cowboys offense isn't going to give him many touchdown chances while the backup quarterback is in.

RB Travis Etienne, JAX - Etienne had a chance at a score two different times, but both were missed. One was on him and one was on Trevor Lawrence. The backfield was split 50/50, which wasn't reflected in the ADP gap between him and James Robinson, and it gives Etienne a smaller margin of error. He's a flex play against the Colts this week.

RB Breece Hall, NYJ - Hall was running behind Michael Carter and did nothing to show the coaches that that was a mistake. Only a garbage time game script made him relevant in PPR leagues. He's just an upside bench stash for now.

RB Damien Harris, NE - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Harris is in a three-headed backfield committee in a mediocre offense. He's only going to be fantasy relevant in good matchups, and the Steelers up this week ain't that.

RB Najee Harris, PIT - Harris left the game with a foot injury that is reportedly related to the lis franc injury that cost him a lot of the preseason. He has a chance to play this week as tests were negative and should miss one week at the most.

RB Alvin Kamara, NO - Kamara was far from a cornerstone of the offense, and we still haven't seen Jameis Winston light his fuse as a receiver in the same way that Drew Brees did. You have to leave him in your lineup against the Bucs, but it's possible that you'll have nothing to show for your second round pick for two straight weeks.

RB Elijah Mitchell, SF - (waiver wire: DROP UNLESS YOU HAVE IR SPOTS) - Mitchell will miss around eight weeks with a knee injury. He looked good before the injury and should be relevant once he returns, but unless your league has IR spots, the missed waiver opportunity cost of carrying him through such a long absence is too much.

RB David Montgomery, CHI - Montgomery did get more touches and receptions than Khalil Herbert, which was expected, but Herbert got key touches in the comeback, including a touchdown, and he looked better than Montgomery. It's possible that this moves more towards an RBBC. Montgomery is only a what the heck flex against the Packers this week.

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Pierce was clearly behind Rex Burkhead and the somewhat positive result for the Texans won't exactly open the door to more work for Pierce going forward on a team we expect to have a losing record. Don't bail on Pierce yet, but don't start him against the Broncos.

RB Tony Pollard, DAL - Pollard didn't do much in the loss to the Bucs, but then again, neither did the rest of the offense. He could get a bump in receptions if the Cowboys are constantly playing from behind while Dak Prescott is out, but that's not a recipe for consistent value. He's stuck on our bench for a while.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Stevenson is in a three-headed backfield committee in a mediocre offense. He's only going to be fantasy relevant in good matchups, and the Steelers up this week ain't that.

RB Kyren Williams, LAR - Williams went down with a high ankle sprain and will miss 6-8 weeks after having surgery. He was set to have a role in the Rams backfield, so we might revisit him on the waiver wire later this year.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Robbie Anderson, CAR - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Anderson's day was made with a 75-yard score, but he was also a mainstay in the offense and the clear 1A receiver with D.J. Moore. The connection with Mayfield was a key to the almost comeback win. Anderson gets to face the Giants defense this week and could be a viable WR3/Flex

WR A.J. Brown, PHI - Brown was the clear centerpiece of the Eagles pass offense and took over the game against the Lions. He would be drafted at least a round earlier if we selected teams today.

WR DeAndre Carter, LAC - (waiver wire: 1% in deep leagues) - It was Carter, not Josh Palmer, who got a production bump after Keenan Allen went down. He could get some valuable slot snaps against the Chiefs as Allen is unlikely to be ready for the game Thursday night.

WR D.J. Chark, DET - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Chark had a touchdown in the futile comeback effort and should at least be good for bye/injury depth until Jameson Williams comes back.

WR Greg Dortch, ARI - (waiver wire: 1% in deep leagues) - Dortch got the slot receiver role while Rondale Moore sits, and turned into the most yards and catches on the Cardinals roster in the season opening loss. He might have some value until Moore returns, but that will be in the next few weeks, so Dortch is only an add in very deep leagues.

WR Jahan Dotson, WAS - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Dotson caught two scores, including the decisive one in the win over the Jaguars. The Commanders pass offense is deep and Dotson might not be more than a what the heck flex, but he has earned trust from Carson Wentz and should only get better from here.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Doubs didn't exactly break through in his debut, but he was more productive than veterans Randall Cobb Sammy Watkins, which is a good place to start. He's a speculative bench stash, as the Packers offense should improve when their starting tackles return, which should be soon.

WR Devin Duvernay, BAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Duvernay had two scores and his role could grow, but for now he is just end of the bench depth in deep leagues. His ability to get downfield could turn into something down the line, but the Ravens pass offense has a lot of mouths to feed and running game should give them more balance once J.K. Dobbins returns.

WR Mike Evans, TB - Evans has a tough matchup against the Saints and Marshon Lattimore next week, but he is one of the few healthy Bucs receivers and should get a ton of targets from Tom Brady as long as Chris Godwin is out and Russell Gage isn't fully involved in the offense.

WR Richie James, NYG - (waiver wire: 1% in deep leagues) - The door to opportunity opened for James when Wan'Dale Robinson got hurt. He led Giants wideouts in catches and posted enough PPR points to be viable depth in deep leagues until Toney gets in the circle of trust, assuming Robinson is going to miss time.

WR Julio Jones, TB - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Jones wasn't heavily involved snap wise, but he did the most with his touches and was much faster and more impactful than he was last year. Chris Godwin's hamstring injury should increase Jones appeal as a WR3/Flex for now.

WR Zay Jones, JAX - (waiver wire: 1%) - Jones got a healthy number of targets in what should be a pass first offense in Jacksonville. He's looking like viable depth in PPR leagues.

WR Jarvis Landry, NO - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Landry had a huge catch to set up the game-winning field goal and should be a core part of the Saints passing game. His chemistry with Jameis Winston makes him rosterable, if not startable in three wide receiver PPR leagues with a flex.

WR Josh Palmer, LAC - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Palmer was in on 75% of the snaps in the season opener, so the extra opportunity was there after Keenan Allen went out, but it didn't convert into production. This is still a scenario that should give Palmer temporary startable value while Allen is out, which should be at least this week against the Chiefs because it's a Thursday night game.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE - (waiver wire: 1%) - Peoples-Jones looked like Jacoby Brissett's #1 receiver in the win over the Panthers. That might not translate to an everyweek startable fantasy wide receiver, but he is at least solid depth, and he could do even better this week against the Jets, who gave up multiple long scores to the Ravens.

WR Kyle Philips, TEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Phillips looks like he's going to be the most reliable target for Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee this year. He should have a solid floor in PPR leagues, enough to be quality depth, and his value could grow as the season goes on.

WR Curtis Samuel, WAS - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Samuel is finally healthy again, and the result was a big PPR game in a win over Jacksonville. He is clearly one of the emphasized players in the offense and he has chemistry with Carson Wentz. Samuel looks like a solid WR3/Flex play until further notice heading into a good matchup with Detroit.

WR Michael Thomas, NO - Thomas caught two crucial touchdowns in the comeback win over the Falcons and showed that he is back after worries about his layoff and hamstring injury. The Bucs and Carlton Davis have been a tough matchup for him, but Thomas belongs back in lineups.

WR Christian Watson, GB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Watson got more playing time than expected after an injury wiped out most of his summer. He dropped an easy long touchdown or he would be higher on this list. Allen Lazard could return as early as Week 2, but Watson's speculative value is still on the rise as the potential immediate heir to the Marquez Valdes-Scantling role.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Chase Claypool, PIT - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Claypool was a dud in Week 1 as Mitchell Trubisky just isn't the quarterback to unlock the value of the talent at wide receiver in this offense. Claypool can obviously still contribute to fantasy teams with a better quarterback, but Mike Tomlin doesn't seem too eager to make the change... yet.

WR Randall Cobb, GB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Cobb was the most experienced receiver on the field with Aaron Rodgers, but it didn't amount to anything in the season opener. He could bounce back, but don't clog up a roster spot waiting for it.

WR Amari Cooper, CLE - The connection between Cooper and Jacoby Brissett just wasn't there in the season opener against the Panthers. He could bounce back this week against the Jets, but should be considered only a what the heck flex this week and going forward until the downfield passing game comes into focus in Cleveland.

WR Chris Godwin, TB - Godwin suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 that will likely cost him multiple weeks.

WR Kenny Golladay, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP) - Golladay's lackluster 2021 and 2022 preseason was followed by a lackluster Week 1 game. He can be dropped in redraft leagues.

WR CeeDee Lamb, DAL - At least he got 11 targets. The Cowboys are evaluating quarterback options, but right now it seems most likely that Cooper Rush will be Lamb's quarterback. We'll probably give him another go in lineups this week against the Bengals, but if it just as disappointing as Week 1, Lamb will be on benches until further notice.

WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - Mooney didn't record a catch until the fourth quarter and wasn't a point of emphasis in the Bears passing game. The conditions were terrible and Mooney's outlook should improve in Green Bay this week. Justin Fields did complete two deep balls, so Mooney is at least a what the heck flex in Week 2.

WR D.J. Moore, CAR - Moore's first game with Baker Mayfield was disappointing to say the least. There was little success in the downfield passing game, and Robbie Anderson, not Moore, was on the receiving end of the 75-yard bomb to get the team back into the game. Moore should stay in lineups against the Giants this week, but it doesn't yet look like Moore will get a bump from having Mayfield as his quarterback.

WR George Pickens, PIT - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Pickens looked like he was going to get behind the defense on at least one play, but Mitchell Trubisky badly missed on the throw. He isn't a drop yet, but you might have to wait for Kenny Pickett before you can trust Pickens in your lineup.

WR Hunter Renfrow, LV - The first game with Davante Adams was an inauspicious one for Renfrow, who was overlooked as Adams dominated targets just like he did back in Green Bay. If Renfrow doesn't put up good numbers against the woeful Cardinals defense, he might be relegated to bye/injury/emergency value in PPR leagues.

WR Allen Robinson, LAR - Robinson was nullified by constant pressure from the Bills defense and zone coverage that took him away early in progressions. Robinson was still moving well and getting open. He should bounce back against Atlanta, but expectations have to be lowered across the Rams offense.

WR WanDale Robinson, NYG - (waiver wire: DROP) - Robinson went down with a knee injury in Week 1 and wasn't looking like an instant impact player before that. He can be dropped in redraft leagues.

WR DeVonta Smith, PHI - (waiver wire: HOLD) - With A.J. Brown getting most of the attention from Jalen Hurts, Smith was a forgotten man in the win over the Lions. Smith is too talented and this offense is too good to just drop the 2021 first round pick, but he should remain on our benches until he gives us a reason to start him.

WR Kadarius Toney, NYG - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Toney looked electric on his two touches, but that's the problem. He hasn't earned enough trust from Brian Daboll yet to be a big part of the offense, and that's even with Wan'Dale Robinson going down during the game. Toney is too good to drop, but not trusted enough to put in your lineup at this point.

WR Sammy Watkins, GB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Watkins led the Packers wide receivers in snaps, and that's about the best thing you can say about his Week 1 performance. He can be dropped.

WR Mike Williams, LAC - Williams had his share of floor games last year, but it wasn't comforting to get one right out of the gate after he was such a big time September performer last year. He'll face the Chiefs this week and if he doesn't do much on Thursday night, we'll have to put him on our benches until he gives us a reason to start him.

WR Robert Woods, TEN - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR OPTIONS 7-15% OR BELOW) - Woods blended in during his first game as a Titan. He is coming back off of an ACL tear and it was his first game with Ryan Tannehill, but a few more like this one and we'll be dropping him. He shouldn't be trusted against the stout Bills defense.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Gerald Everett, LAC - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Everett had a big touchdown, and he could get a larger opportunity while Keenan Allen is out. Still, Tre McKitty was involved as the second tight end, and Donald Parham will have a role when he comes from a hamstring injury, so Everett is more streamer than potential everyweek start for your fantasy team.

TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT - Mitchell Trubisky has a favorite receiver, and it's a tight end. Freiermuth got a lot of the good looks Trubisky did have as a downfield passer and should be considered a fantasy TE until further notice.

TE Tyler Higbee, LAR - (waiver wire: 1%) - Higbee did okay from a PPR point of view because the Rams offense struggled to throw downfield, but he was very inefficient and didn't look like a player who will add value to his targets. The matchup against the Falcons is good enough to stream Higbee this week, but don't think that he's your answer this year at tight end.

TE Hayden Hurst, CIN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - The Bengals ran a ton of plays, which helped Hurst's volume, but that shouldn't overshadow his involvement in the passing game. If Tee Higgins is out for Week 2, Hurst becomes an even better streamer against the Cowboys, but he also has a shot to level off as a low-end TE1 because of the quality of offense and quarterback.

TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Okwuegbunam had a strong Week 1 after it appeared early that he would be behind Andrew Beck in the tight end pecking order. He was tackled at the 1/2 yard line and showed strength after the catch to solidify his role. He's a viable streamer against the Texans this week.

TE Logan Thomas, WAS - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Thomas looked good in his return from an ACL tear. The Commanders passing game is crowded, but it appears he has trust from Carson Wentz, and Wentz started off the season on the right foot. Consider streaming Thomas against the weak Lions defense and hope that he gets back to previous levels of consistency - enough to be a low-end TE1.

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