Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: NFL Week 2

• Isaiah probably dominates week 1: The Ravens tight end scored 26.1 PPR points in Week 1. Only four other tight ends scored in double figures in the season opener.

• Multiple leading rushers available: Running backs who led their team in rushing yards could be on the waivers list.

• Take advantage of a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all of our fantasy tools of the season, including Weekly rankings, WR/CB Matchup Charts, weekly projectionsThe Start-Sit Optimizer and more. Register now!

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season is almost complete. Here are the key players you should target on the fantasy football waiver list. Here we'll cover options for both minor and major leagues and also highlight the players you should avoid.

Jump to a position group:

QB | RB | WR | TE

quarterback

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (9.7%)

Fields filled in for the injured Russell Wilson and delivered a solid performance, rushing 14 times for 57 yards, ranking third among quarterbacks in both categories this week. He was more efficient as a passer than he had been during much of his time with the Chicago Bears, though his limited passing numbers kept his box score stats modest.

There are reports that the Steelers are planning Restart fields this week. The fact that the reports are coming so early in the week, coupled with the news that Wilson is improving, suggests that Fields could hold onto the job until he loses it. Given his yardage so far and his high yardage in Week 1, it's fair to consider him a borderline fantasy starter every week until he loses the job.

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (In 35.9% of leagues on ESPN in the squad)

Stafford completed 34 of his 49 passes for 317 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ Sunday night loss to the Detroit Lions. Stafford finished last season as QB15 and ranked 11th in passing yards due to the Rams' high passing volume. He finished second among quarterbacks in passing yards in Week 1, although many fantasy managers would have hoped for one or two more passing touchdowns.

In the real matchup, he remains a fantasy starter, but his potential is limited due to his lack of rushing ability.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (33.9%)

Mayfield was the best fantasy quarterback in Week 1, throwing a league-high four touchdowns and completing 24 passes for 289 yards. He did this with one of the lowest average depth of target in the league (5.1 yards), allowing his receivers to gain plenty of yards after the catch.

Mayfield finished as QB9 last season, but was drafted lower in fantasy leagues this year despite minimal changes to the Bucs' offense. That drop was largely due to other quarterbacks averaging more fantasy points per game.

After one game, it appears that Mayfield and Tampa Bay's offense are even better this season, allowing Mayfield to be a fantasy starter in the right matchups.

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (4.2%)

Darnold impressed in Week 1, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt in a dominant win. Although his total yardage was lower than other quarterbacks due to the Vikings' limited passing needs, he is still poised to finish the week as one of the highest-rated passers. He was the best Fantasy Sleeper Because of the Vikings' good passing ability and a coach who loves to pass the football.

The Vikings were faced with the New York Giants this week, but in the coming games Darnold will likely need to get some more air, which will lead to an increased passing rate.

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (4.4%)

Carr finished last season on a winning streak, averaging 18.5 fantasy points per game over the final third of the year thanks to favorable matchups. He carried that momentum into Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, where the Saints cruised to a commanding 47-10 victory.

Despite attempting just 23 passes, Carr averaged 8.7 yards per attempt. With one of the easiest schedules remaining in the league, Carr is primed for more highly productive matchups and could continue his recent fantasy success.

Run back

Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (23.6%)

Mason delivered his first 100-yard performance on Monday Night Football.

Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a calf and Achilles injury and was officially questionable before the game. McCaffrey himself said he had no doubts he would play, but his injury took its toll and the team decided not to play him, leaving many fantasy managers without a plan B.

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