The Way This Works...
To see this article's purpose, please refer to the intro from Week 2.
The Week 2 Review
The Replacements doesn't officially begin until Week 2, but in late August, I always post an article on waiver-wire candidates and how and when to act with them. I use a partial list of players from that article who are likely to be commodities this week to start the running list of suggested options.
I'll update this throughout the season so you have a wealth of considerations beyond my weekly recommendations.
Add Now
Jordan Mason: I mentioned in two different articles late in the preseason that you should add Mason if you have Christian McCaffrey or if McCaffrey shows up on the injury report with a tag of questionable or worse. Now you know why.
Jalen Nailor: A quick and fast receiver with YAC skills in the mold of Bills' Khalil Shakir, Nailor scored in Weeks 1 and 2 and displayed toughness over the middle and up the seams. He's an addition at the end of your roster's bench who can give you at least WR3 fantasy production when one or both of the Vikings' starters are hurt.
Alec Pierce: Adonai Mitchell's separation score impresses people, but his ability to be on the same page with Anthony Richardson isn't reliable at this point. Richardson told the national media before Week 1 that the public had written off Pierce, and he was about to remedy that. Two weeks later, Pierce has 10 targets, 8 catches, 181 yards, and 2 scores, and he's the No.8 fantasy receiver. That fantasy standing may not last, but don't expect Pierce to return to fantasy anonymity, either. Pierce is a legitimate deep threat with contested-catch skills, and he works effectively over the middle.
Andrei Iosivas: An excellent athlete from Princeton, Iosivas knew next to nothing about running routes but sought out receiver coach Drew Lieberman during the offseason. His game has grown substantially during the offseason because, according to Lieberman, Iosivas had no bad habits to unlearn. With a week under his belt as a starter, look for Cincinnati's offense to look better in Week 2.
Preemptive
Allen Lazard: Fantasy analysts may minimize Lazard's rest-of-season value due to his age and the attention Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams should eventually command from Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers has the most rapport with Lazard, he performed well in camp behind the scenes, and Rodgers demands talent that can be on the same page. Also, do you trust Mike Williams to stay healthy? I don't.
Dawson Knox: Knox is an excellent athlete who can win jump-balls. He's a good blocker, and that's likely his role as long as Dalton Kincaid is healthy. But there have been multiple indications--including Week 1--that Knox will still have a legitimate role in the passing game. Look for Kincaid to get going, but Knox will be worth consideration in your lineups if you're weak at tight end--at least until he proves otherwise.
Isaac Guerendo: If he can pick up the details of the system fast enough and Jordan Mason falters, Shanahan will give Guerendo a chance. Just know if Guerendo falters just a bit, Shanahan is likely to find someone else just as fast. Blessed with Todd Gurley's size and speed, Guerendo was one of those college running backs who began on a loaded depth chart at Wisconsin with the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Braelon Allen, and Chez Mellusi.
Monitor
Michael Penix Jr.: I've shared in great detail why Penix is one of the most talented passers in this draft. Penix is a strong fit for Atlanta's passing attack because of his mobility, skill with off-platform placement, and bold vertical game. Atlanta featured Kirk Cousins more often under center against the Eagles in Week 2, but mostly handing off the ball. Cousins' velocity and accuracy on routes outside the numbers beyond 15 yards still look suspect--even the completed passes didn't have great placement and zip. Atlanta has had success working around this weakness in Cousins' game. Continue monitoring Cousins' play, especially if Atlanta goes on an extended losing streak.
Drew Lock: If Daniel Jones falters, Lock has the skills and experience to deliver strong outings that could lead to big weeks. If Lock has learned to work at his craft behind the scenes since Denver dumped him, this could be the makings of a beautiful career rebound. Click here to read the preemptive indicators for adding Lock to your rosters.
Blake Watson: A rookie passing-down back with enough size to work between the tackles as a committee option on running downs, Watson has good speed and excellent hands. If Watson begins earning an uptick in touches and has success, consider making him a preemptive addition for 1-2 weeks at the bottom of your depth chart.
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