Fantasy Football Week Two Waiver Wire Watch

Well week two was unkind in the injury department. Owners lost Tony Romo to a broken clavicle, possibly Drew Brees to an injured shoulder and Eddie Lacy was hobbled with an ankle injury.  Alshon Jeffrey had a set back with his injured calf and hamstring and missed week two while Michael Floyd and Mike Evans were shut out because they are playing through injuries.  Promising rookie Tevin Coleman cracked some ribs and something must have happened to Roddy White for him to be shut out in New York.  Not to mention Jeremy Hill had some fumbling issues and Alfred Morris saw more of his touches end up going to Matt Jones.  The struggles of Brandin Cooks, CJ Anderson and Lamar Miller continued and Peyton Manning’s arm strength looked just as bad as week one.

Hopefully some the guys listed below can help plug the gaps grab some wins for you.

QB:

Joe Flacco Baltimore Ravens- (ESPN Ownership 41%)
With Baltimore’s defense looking like swiss cheese Baltimore’s signal caller will be asked to put it up early and often.  The development of Crockett Gilmore really helps Flacco as he works the middle of the field and makes the linebackers and safeties pay attention to players besides Steve Smith and Justin Forsett.

Andy Dalton Cincinnati Bengals- (ESPN Ownership 21%)
Dalton looks to be a new man this year as he’s consistently throwing the ball where only his receivers can make a play.  The size of AJ Green and Tyler Eifert give him excellent weapons in the red zone and Giovani Bernard gives him an outlet for added yardage in the passing game.

RB:

Matt Jones RB Washington Redskins (ESPN Ownership 15.8%)
Matt Jones looked explosive in game one when given a chance behind Alfred Morris and ran with an opportunity during week 2 as he topped 100 yards and scored twice against a tough St. Louis Rams defense.  The Redskins O looks to rely on the running game and Alf and Jones could each have RB2 value going forward.  If Jones badly outplays Morris he could take over the role as Morris is not signed past this year.

David Johnson RB Arizona Cardinals (ESPN Ownership 46%)
Chris Johnson was announced as the lead dog last week by Bruce Arians, but once again you cannot listen to Coach Speak when looking for the best upside pick up.  Johnson returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown to start the game against the Bears and then got in the endzone again in his few touches.

Devonte Freeman Atlanta Falcons (ESPN Ownership 64%)
With Tevin Coleman sidelined Devonte Freeman will see the bulk of the touches for Atlanta against the Cowboys, Texans and Redskins in the next three weeks.  While I don’t like Freeman’s talent all that much he did show nice strength gaining first downs this week against the Giants and even scored at the goal-line to ice the game.

Dion Lewis New England Patriots (ESPN Ownership 40%)
LeGarrette Blount returned from suspension this week and the Patriots faced the fearsome Bills defense and still Dion Lewis excelled.  Lewis has been money in the passing game and has been one of the most elusive backs in the NFL so far.  I say ride him while you can.  If he keeps fumbling he will eventually lose his job so don’t go all in.

Ronnie Hillman Denver Broncos (ESPN Ownership 49%)
The toe injury has clearly slowed CJ Anderson and Hillman has been just a bit more effective with his chances.  Grab him if he’s available in case Anderson gets shut down or Hillman outplays him.

James Starks Green Bay (ESPN Ownership 8%)
It looked like Eddie Lacy was going to miss major time when he couldn’t put weight on his foot and ankle during Sunday Night Football against the Seahawks, but now it’s been rumored that he may be a go on Monday night against the Chiefs.  Starks looked great filling in, especially in the passing game so he needs to be owned, especially with Lacy’s concussion history.

WR:

Michael Crabtree Oakland Raiders (ESPN Ownership 31%)
Amari Cooper is scary good and that’s a good thing for Crabtree.  With Cooper getting added attention Crabtree was left alone to make plays last week and I can see that happening a lot moving forward.  The Raiders D is once again soft and the Raiders will be forced to throw the ball a lot.

Travis Benjamin Cleveland Browns (ESPN Ownership 6%)
I don’t love Benjamin long term, but he is a big play wide receiver who is hot.  I would take a stab, especially in standard leagues as Benjamin is scary in the open field and running at safeties.

Doug Baldwin Seattle Seahawks (ESPN Ownership 35%)
Loved the way Baldwin looked this week as he easily got open once Wilson started threatening the edge.  Against the Bears and Kyle Fuller next week Baldwin could be borderline WR2.

Allen Hurns Jacksonville Jaguars (ESPN Ownership 4.5%)
Hurns is the clear number two wide receiver for Jacksonville and Blake Bortles looks like he’s getting better.  Hurns has the speed to make big plays and his catch rate is getting a bit better this year.  I love having him as a WR5 on my teams.

Leonard Hankerson Atlanta Falcons (ESPN Ownership 3.8%)
Hankerson was the man to benefit last week as the Giants tried their best to pay attention to Julio Jones.  Hankerson is a nice PPR option in deep PPR leagues as Matt Ryan and the Falcons may lean on the passing game a bit more with Tevin Coleman sidelined.

TE:

Vernon Davis San Francisco 49ers (ESPN Ownership 38%)
Vernon Davis seeing consistent targets the first two weeks and the 49ers D looks vulnerable which will force the 49ers to throw more than they have the last few years.

Jared Cook St. Louis Rams (ESPN Ownership 9%)
Cook led all Rams receivers this week in yardage has looked like he has a nice relationship going with Nick Foles.  Cook could be a solid deep PPR league flex option this week against the Steelers.

Crocket Gilmore Baltimore Ravens (ESPN Ownership 1.5%)
Gilmore has made strides as a tight end from year one to year two.  He is a huge target who has nice athleticism and a nose for the goal-line.  In standard leagues I like him a lot more.