In a 2020 season riddled with injuries, it is even more vital that we, as fantasy owners, ensure that in the case of an injury we have good depth. Picking up the right guys on the waiver wire can make you win your league. In 2017, picking up Alvin Kamara may have seemed crazy to some and yet he finished as the RB3. The waiver wire is where leagues are won and I am here to give suggestions on intriguing fantasy options. For every player on this list, the ownership is below 50% on ESPN. Depending on how active or knowledgeable your league is, these players may or may not be available however I tried to put some guys that will definitely be on the waiver wire in your league. Now let’s dive into this week’s pick ups.
Running Backs to Target:
Damien Harris: 15% owned
In his first start as a Patriot, Harris had 17 rush attempts for 100 yards which was good for 5.9 yards per carry. His issue is that it is a very crowded backfield. With Michel coming back next week and Burkhead and White holding down the third down role, Harris' upside is definitely capped a bit. I think he could be a fine bench piece who could be great if given more opportunity as the season progresses.
Justin Jackson: 6% owned
With Austin Ekeler out for the foreseeable future, I think Justin Jackson could have a very nice role. He averaged over six yards per carry in a small sample last year and had eight touches this past game. He could have a ton of potential upside if he can average about ten touches per game. Jackson could provide weekly flex value in deeper leagues right now and if he gets a bigger role then he could be an every week starter until Ekeler comes back from his injury.
Chase Edmonds: 25% owned
Edmonds was average this past week with 16 rushing yards, 24 passing yards and a touchdown. However, with Drake playing badly and possibly hurt, I wouldn’t be surprised if he took on a bigger role. That could be huge in terms of fantasy. At worst he worth a stash this year.
D’Ernest Johnson: 0% owned
Without Chubb for two weeks, Johnson has the chance to be very, very productive. He had 13 rushes (!) for 93 yards, 7.1 YPC, and looked really good. In a run first offense, I expect him to have a solid role and he’s free right now. Any running back with potential should be rostered no matter what. Get him on your team ASAP. It is especially important to note that Johnson actually had two more rush attempts than Hunt. This backfield could still be split with Johnson assuming some of the Chubb role. If so, he becomes incredibly valuable this year.
Gus Edwards: 1% owned
He’s not very good due to the huge committee he is in, but if you really need a running back to stream due to injury he’s worth a shot. He’s averaged 6.2 yards per carry. He can get you a few points here and there if you really need an injury or bye week filler. Edwards actually leads the Ravens in rushing yards this year so if Ingram or Dobbins were to miss time, he could become very relevant in fantasy. He’s more of a bench stash than anything right now but if you really need a running back, he is definitely worth a look.
Wide Receivers to Target:
Tee Higgins: 25% owned
Higgins has been great since coming back from his injury. He has 15 targets the last two games to go along with eight catches. Last game was a big game for him as he recorded his first two ever NFL touchdowns. With Burrow playing as well as he is and AJ Green being irrelevant, Higgins has the opportunity to really blossom as a rookie. He can offer flex and WR3 value for sure this year.
Laviska Shenault: 28% owned
Shenault has been really solid thus far. He has three plus receptions in every game this year and four plus touches every game. Last game was a bit of a break out performance with 5 receptions for 86 yards to go with a rushing attempt for five yards. He’s slowly becoming more and more important to the offense and could offer really good value down the stretch and as he improves. His physicality as a wide receiver is fun to watch and his talent is clearly there. If Shenault can stay healthy, I think him and Minshew can do big things.
Tim Patrick: 1% owned
Patrick had an incredible week four against the Jets, recording seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. He is a big bodied wide receiver at 6’4 212 so he fits that mold of Courtland Sutton in that offense. Patrick has had at least four targets every single game. I think he can be pretty productive this year and his size should allow him to catch a lot of touchdowns.
Cole Beasley: 20% owned
The Bills have become one of the best teams in football this year. With Allen playing incredible, Beasley has slowly enters fantasy relevance once again. He has three plus targets in every game not to mention how he has four plus receptions in three of four games with over 58 yards in three. Even this past week when he didn’t record four plus receptions or 58+ yards he still had a touchdown. Definitely worth the bench stash for this week.
Brandon Aiyuk: 26% owned
He’s on this list again because he is slowly becoming a very explosive weapon on this offense. Yes he only had four touches but he’s still just a rookie and he’s playing without a real starting QB. That amazing run attempt he had where he leaped over the defensive back illustrates his true explosiveness. He has some really good long term upside.
Greg Ward: 18% owned
Ward has been Wentz’s only consistent wide receiver target. Even with Jackson returning, Ward is still a steady slot presence who can absorb some of the targets Goedert left when he went down with an injury. Ward is a lower upside guy who can put up flex value.
Tight Ends to Target:
Mo Alie-Cox: 21% owned
Although he only had one reception for thirteen yards and a touchdown, Rivers only had 190 yards passing in a very defensive game so it was not too surprising that Alie-Cox did not have a ton of receiving yards or receptions. Alie-Cox is the perfect end-zone target to match what Antonio Gates was for Rivers for so many years. He had 111 yards two weeks ago and 50 yards plus a touchdown just last week. He’s definitely a guy who should at the very least be on your bench.
Robert Tonyan: 6% owned
With touchdowns in three straight weeks, Tonyan needs to be rostered in all leagues. Tonyan had three touchdowns on Monday night to go along with 98 receiving yards. He’s quickly becoming one of Rodger’s favorite targets and without Lazard and Adams, Tonyan has taken advantage of the opportunity. Tonyan has been outstanding and has come out of nowhere. He’s a high upside TE who plays for the best offense in football this year. Tonyan should be one of your number one waiver wire targets this week
Dalton Schultz: 33% owned
Schultz has been nothing short of incredible this year as he was the TE5 coming into this week and he had a massive 4 receptions for 72 yards and a score. Dak clearly loves him and he’s played very, very well. He can be a very serviceable starter for you despite being the fourth option on the Cowboys. Don’t have huge hopes for continued success but he can be a TE2 at worst in my opinion.
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