Week 2 is almost in the books heading into Monday night, so let’s take a look at some flyers who are still on many waiver wire lists, but aren’t recognized nationally yet. These guys have either out performed the first couple weeks or are guys who are starting to see an up tick in volume. In fantasy, it’s not always who is the most talented that wins out, but more so is who has the most opportunities and in turn capitalizes on those opportunities. Without further ado, here are some guys you should be targeting or at minimum be adding to your watch list as the season progresses.
Quarterback
1. Ryan Fitzpatrick : Surprisingly, Fitz is still available in 70% of leagues. To some, Fitz has been a career journeyman who has stuck in the league due to his intelligence about the game, and the fact he is a beloved teammate wherever he ends up. However, to us who watch film for fun, this is a QB who had routinely been underrated. I’m not going to call him elite, but his rating is on par with guys like John Elway and Troy Aikman. When you account for the overall awful teams hes played for the last 6 seasons and the lack of talent outside (except the revitalization of Decker and Marshall who were talented approaching the end of their careers) his passing statistics are actually more than capable of winning in the NFL. He’s owned an 87 QB rating while getting sacked on nearly 5% of his drop backs. Give him a better offensive line and receivers like Tampa has, and we really shouldn’t be surprised Fitz is playing well. We also should have some confidence he can maintain a fantasy relevant pace even if it’s not like the first two weeks. He’s convinced the team enough that he’s the starter even after Winston comes back.
Running Back
2. Corey Clement : This is more aimed towards PPR as he’ll be boom or bust in standard based on TDs. In PPR, Clement should be on your radar. Hes available in almost 80% of leagues and hes a second year player with a lot of upside. 1st, Ajayi has battled health issues since coming into the league. 2nd, Darren Sproles is getting older, had his own injury concerns, but is the perfect mentor to mold Clement’s abilities. Clement as a rookie averaged over 4yds a carry, 12yds a reception and 6 TDs. Expect his usage to increase as he proves capable of running between the tackles and pass catching. Good chance he finishes the year with 75 catches and 75 rushes, ~1,200 all purpose yards and 8-10 TDs. That’s enough to fill a spot in bye weeks and a good flex play with the right match ups.
3. Phillip Lindsay : Hes been a hot commodity the last two weeks and for good reason. Hes a perfect current NFL style RB. He has good vision and patience in the hole to allow his blocks to set up and finding the hole while possessing the burst through the hole that makes everyone else on the field seem in slow mode. Hes still available in almost half the leagues and if your in a PPR, he is a must get if available. TD gave him his number, and he’s shown quickly he is worthy of suiting up in the 30 for Denver.
Wide Receiver
4. DeDe Westbrook : Westbrook has been a solid receiver in Jacksonville even if going unnoticed behind Hurns and Robinson last season. Last year in 7 games he averaged 7+ targets a game, even with the two aforementioned players. In two games thus far he’s averaged 5.5 targets, 4.5 reception for an 80% catch rate, and 70yds a game. In standard leagues he will live and die in your lineup on the TD’s and big splash plays, but for PPR he has a high floor considering the workload and target share. His potential for an even bigger role and even more increased opportunities is only beginning to be realized with the recent loss of Marqise Lee. Oh, and he’s available in 90% of leagues.
5. Antonio Callaway : Here is a real flyer who has been largely ignored in the mainstream fantasy circles, but is itching to burst onto the radar. If you’re in a dynasty, he’s definitely worth grabbing, but I like him even in deep standard leagues and PPR leagues. Callaway is the reason the Brown’s felt comfortable letting Josh Gordon go. Here’s a potential first round talent that fell in the draft due to off the field issues. However, when you pop on his freshman and sophomore tape at UF there is no doubting the route running, strength and speed he possesses. Can he stay clean and on the field will be the biggest test, but if he’s on the field, he is always a threat on a big play. Not the biggest guy but a savvy route runner who knows how to find the open field.
Tight End
Austin Hooper : Hooper has become more and more of a favorite target of Matt Ryan. While he has had drops issues in his career, his QB seems to trust him and looks his way multiple times a game. He has had several nice fantasy games already in his career, and with Julio, Sanu, and the potential emergence of Ridley, Hooper looks to be in line to see his fair share of favorable match ups and continued targets from Matt Ryan.If you’re in real need of a TE, Hooper is available in 82% of leagues.
Defense / Special Teams
Miami Dolphins Defense : This may seem crazy, but the Dolphins defense has been lights out the first two weeks. That’s not by chance, as the Dolphins defense has quietly gone under the radar as one of the more talented defenses in the league. They feature a line with Cameron Wake, Akeem Spence, and Robert Quinn. A very talented LB core with Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan and underrated Jerome Baker. They also have one of the better safeties in the NFL in Rashad Jones. Add on the fact they have a light schedule, in terms of offensive prowess, and you have a recipe for success.
-Sniper
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