What a great week for football. Two huge comebacks from New York Giants and Washington Commanders who at one point, were down 28-7 and 21-3 respectively and a Monday Night double header! Unfortunately, some key injuries happened this week leaving fantasy managers looking to the waiver wire for replacements. For those looking for roster replacements, check out my week 2 waiver wire targets.
Waiver Wire Targets:
Jerome Ford (Rostered in 9.5% of ESPN leagues)
Last night Nick Chubb suffered a tragic leg injury that will have him sidelined the rest of the year. You hate to see such a talented guy like Chubb go down like this. Wishing him a speedy recovery. If you had Chubb rostered, then you are now looking to Jerome Ford to carry that 3-down role. I like Ford a lot here as he was able to put up 24.1 points by rushing 16 times for 106 yards and reeling in a touchdown. There are rumblings that the Browns may bring in a free agent back and the incumbent Pierre Strong stands to be in the mix as well. However, the Browns backfield is wide open and Ford stands to take over the RB 1 duties for now.
Matt Brieda (Rostered in 1.1% of ESPN leagues)
Saquon Barkley is sidelined for 3 weeks due to an ankle injury and while he is out, Matt Brieda stands to take over RB1 duties. The veteran back should bring a steady presence in Barkley’s absence and I don’t imagine much competition from Gary Brightwell even though he will be in the mix. If you are in need of a running back this week, Brieda is worth picking especially if you have Barkley rostered.
Justice Hill (Rostered in 30.1% of ESPN leagues)
Listed in my week 1 waiver wire targets, Hill is still available in a fair amount of leagues. Against the Bengals, Hill saw 11 carries for 41 yards. He even got involved in the passing game with 3 receptions for 12 yards. I prefer him over Gus Edwards in PPR leagues. However, it still seems TBD on who will break out as the top back in the Baltimore backfield. As injuries continue to accumulate throughout the season, he is a valuable stash.
Josh Reynolds (Rostered in 4.7% of ESPN leagues)
Everyone has been talking about Nico Collins (Grab him if he is still on waivers) but Josh Reynolds has quietly been balling in Detroit. Reynolds reeled in 2 touchdowns in a loss to the Seahawks and finished with 23.6 points. The next few games could be favorable for Reynolds as Amon-Ra St. Brown should continue to draw the opponents top corner. I see value in Reynolds while Jameson Williams continues to serve his 6-game suspension.
Hunter Henry (Rostered in 34.6% of ESPN leagues)
In the first two games of the season, Hunter Henry has eclipsed 50 yards and snagged a touchdown in each game. As sparse as the TE market can be, Henry is a worthy addition moving forward.
Zack Moss (Rostered in 32.1% of ESPN leagues)
I don’t think many thought Zack Moss would produce the way he did in week 2. Moss ripped off 88 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries with an additional 4 receptions to end the week with 20.7 fantasy points. With the Jonathan Taylor situation not looking any better, Moss could take control of the Indianapolis backfield.
Sam Howell (Rostered in 9.4% of ESPN leagues)
The second year player out of Chapel Hill is now 3-0 as an NFL starter. A gritty game against the Broncos, in which they were down 21-3 at one point, solidifies that Howell can earn you points when the matchup is right. He played a much cleaner game against an arguably tougher team in week 2 and is supported by a strong run game. A tough week 3 matchup against the Bills is not one where I would start him but is a good option for 2 QB leagues.
Rashid Shaheed (Rostered in 25% of ESPN leagues)
Shaheed has been pretty productive through the first two weeks. Only seeing 9 targets, he has racked up 152 yards and a touchdown. He is in a tough situation as the Saints third wide receiver so it is hard to imagine his great production will continue forever. Would be worth stashing him just in case the depth chart opens up above him. Would not start him but could be a flex play if needed.