Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance. Early in the season, this article will also include several rookies who have a good chance to explode later in the season.
As managers scurry to the waiver wire to spend their pennies early on in the season, know that this week’s article will probably be a mix of players you can use immediately and those to help you get ahead.
Good luck out there!
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you are fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (76% rostered in Sleeper)
We may have seen the beginning of a coming-out party for Drake Maye on Sunday, as he finished the day with three total touchdowns. The Patriots have a nice run of games that project well for the quarterback position, and they also have a late bye week. Maye needs to be rostered.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (67% rostered in Sleeper)
Raise your hand if you lost a quarterback this week. Even though the Bears have looked rough, Caleb Williams has been startable in fantasy football. He isn’t the best option, but options seem to be dwindling this season, and this week, he faces a defense that just made Russell Wilson look like a hero. They have an earlier bye week (Week 5), but then the Bears have a nice string of favorable matchups in Weeks 7-10.
QB Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (72% rostered in Sleeper)
The Colts are another team with a later week bye, and take advantage of other fantasy managers still believing that Daniel Jones’ other shoe will drop. Even if he regresses a little, he has still shown a great baseline in rushing and passing - he already has three rushing touchdowns this season.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Jaxson Dart (12%), Michael Penix Jr. (40%)
