Best Possible Fantasy Waiver Wire Adds Heading into Week 2
Nyheim Hines RB (IND)
The Colts had three running backs going into the 2020 season that they were going to use in their game plan. On Sunday, Marlon Mack went down with a torn Achilles. Hines was the beneficiary from that injury. Hines did not have a huge game from a yardage standpoint but was able to get 15 touches and score on 2 plays. Jonathan Taylor still remains the main guy Indianapolis will use through their run game. Hines will not be a starter in fantasy right away but could be if more injuries come. Taylor also does not have the experience that Hines has in the Frank Reich offense. The Colts will rely on Hines on passing downs to block and be a safety blanket for Philip Rivers. Unless Taylor becomes the workhorse back for this offense which is highly unlikely in such a weird season, Hines will have fantasy value as a backup running back and possible flex play down the line.
Benny Snell Jr. RB (PIT)
Snell helped spark the Steelers offense that struggled tremendously in the first half on Monday Night. He had 19 carries for 113 yards without much playing time in the first and second quarter. Running back James Conner suffered a sprained ankle on Monday Night but did not look effective even before that. He was getting constantly stuffed and had no impact on the passing game. Snell can instantly become a flex play especially if Conner continues to be plagued by the injury bug. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers always seem to make use of their new running backs. At Ben Roethlisberger’s age, Pittsburgh can no longer rely heavily on the passing game, especially in a loaded division. Snell should provide some variety in the offense that will open up the middle of the field for Juju Smith Schuster and Diontae Johnson. The former Kentucky wildcat will be everyone’s waiver priority so if you are first or second in the order heading into Week 2 don’t hesitate to use a bid to add Snell.
Malcolm Brown RB (LAR)
The hype in L.A. was all about rookie Cam Akers this offseason but it was a different story on Sunday Night. Akers did have 15 carries but could not do much with it, totaling just 39 yards on the ground. On the other hand, Brown a known goal-line presence had 19 carries
for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. This was a career-high for the veteran but, also was a sign of more to come in for the 2020 season. This shortened preseason also may affect how quickly a guy like Akers can pick up the offense. McVay will continue to use both backs but the size and experience that Brown offers may have him ahead of Akers on the depth chart for at least the next couple weeks. Brown is a low-end flex play with RB2 potential if Akers is injured.
James Robinson RB (JAC)
After much controversy on who would get the carries in Jacksonville after the Leonard Fournette departure, Robinson seemed to answer that question on Sunday. He was the only Jaguar running back that got carries and was effective enough to be a waiver wire add heading into Week 2. Robinson had 16 carries for 62 yards and caught 1 pass for 28 yards. This Jaguars team is not gonna depend too much on Robinson, especially in a pass-happy offense but they are going to have to consistently run the football to keep defenders off of Gardner Minshew. Robinson is worth a flier in deeper leagues but shouldn’t be prioritized over Brown, Snell Jr, or Hines.
Dallas Goedert TE (PHI)
Who would ever think to start a back-up right end in fantasy? It is different in this case throughout Carson Wentz’s career we have familiarized ourselves with his love of throwing to tight ends. Both the Eagles touchdowns on Sunday came through that department in a dreadful loss to the Washington Football Team lead by Dwayne Haskins. Goedert was the lone bright spot in this game having 8 catches for 101 yards, and a score. Zach Ertz and the Eagles front office seem to be in disagreement right now and it would be no shocker to see them start to use Goedert even more as the season continues. The tight end position this season is hard to judge but if you are in need of one Goedert is one of your safest plays.
Parris Campbell WR (IND)
Philip Rivers threw the ball 46 times in a loss on Sunday. Campbell is the clear cut number two wideout for the Colts, and with the injury history of T.Y. Hilton, he could end up being their number one option as the season continues. The Colts play a Vikings defense that was torn to shreds by Aaron Rodgers in Week 1. If the Vikings woes on defense continue Campbell should continue to be effective in this offense. He is nothing more than a low-end flex play right now but, a breakout season is definitely not out of the picture for the Ohio State product. The speed and short route running ability that Campbell has should help Rivers whose arm strength is deteriorating. Campbell is a solid addition to any fantasy roster that lacks decent wideouts.
Scotty Miller WR (TB)
The Buccaneers offense struggled on Sunday but Miller was a bright spot. Brady looked his way 6 times which resulted in 5 receptions for 73 yards. Miller’s speed and the greatness of the wideouts around him should create a lot of one on one battles that Tom Brady will take advantage of. Throughout Brady’s career, he has had no fear in spreading the ball to all of his weapons. If the Bucs are going to become an elite offense like many said they would Miller will need to be a consistent third option. Mike Evans was limited on Sunday with a hamstring injury. If that continues to bug him throughout the season Miller will have a chance to become a prime option in Tampa. The young wideout fits Brady’s typical stereotype for an effective wideout. Miller should not be played in lineups just yet but there is a possibility he becomes a reliable option for the Bruce Arians offense.
Gardner Minshew QB (JAC)
Minshew was overlooked coming into the 2020 season but was able to again be an effective surprise at the Quarterback position. By no means was Minschew great on Sunday but did take care of the football and managed to throw three touchdowns. Jacksonville’s wide receiver core is young but underrated. D.J Chark was promising last season and did not disappoint on Sunday. The Jags new toy for Minshew, Laviska Shenault also made contributions Sunday to an offense that lacked playmakers last season. The Jags may not win many games in 2020 but if they are trailing Minshew will be forced to throw the ball even more. If you drafted Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold hoping for a breakout season Minshew may not be a bad backup plan.
Joe Burrow QB (CIN)
Burrow was challenged on Sunday having to go up against one of the toughest defenses in football. He was not perfect but showed an ability to make plays with his feet with a 23-yard touchdown run. Burrow drove his team down the field late to a position to win the game after throwing his only interception. He had a touchdown pass called back that was clearly a questionable call. Kicker Randy Bullock then missed a 31-yard field goal to lose the Bengals their first game. Considering this was one of the hardest challenges Burrow will face all year, he should be able to succeed in this season as he continues to build chemistry with his weapons. He plays the Browns on Thursday night who were just torched by the Ravens if you are in need of a Quarterback Burrow is a good streaming option heading into Week 2.
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