Adam Villio This is a great week if you have first, or even early priority on the waiver wire. There are definitely some solid starters still on waivers. If need be, I recommend using your position now more than ever. And even if you do not end up with the top guys on this list, I recommend still going after some long shots. They could really pay off in the playoff stretch.
- Kenneth Walker
- Geno Smith
- Mike Boone
- George Pickens
- Rondale Moore
- Hayden Hurst
- Kenny Pickett
- Eno Benjamin
- Zach Wilson
- Joshua Kelley
QBs
Geno Smith:
Value: 9.1/10
I had Geno on this list last week but I had to add him again because not only is he still available in 67.4% of ESPN leagues, but he had another great game. I am sure it is surprising to a lot of people that Smith is finding success in Seattle, however he does have two amazing receivers, he has great mobility and can make throws on the run. He definitely should be added to rosters right away.
Role: Fringe QB1
Kenny Pickett:
Value: 7.5/10
Although Kenny Pickett has not posted big numbers in his two games, he is showing a lot of potential. Keep in mind he did not start the game against the Jets and Buffalo has one of the best defenses in the game right now. He might also struggle against Tampa Bay this weekend, but after that he should have some real production.
Role: QB2
Zach Wilson:
Value: 6.9/10
I am not too thrilled about Wilson so far this year, but one thing is true, the Jets look much better. Between Moore, G. Wilson and Hall, Zach Wilson has a lot of options to move the ball. So I would not immediately start him, but he might be good to have for upcoming bye weeks if your roster is missing QB depth.
Role: Bye Week Fill-in
RBs
Kenneth Walker:
Value: 9.8/10
This is the player you have been waiting for all year. This is why you save your picks to get an early waiver wire pick. Walker came out of college last year as one of the most productive RB’s in his class. He has already shown a lot of potential and should now expand on that considering he has full control of the starting position. Walker should now become a set it and forget it player on your team.
Role: RB2
Mike Boone:
Value: 8.7/10
Now there are still a lot of questions in the Broncos backfield, but all signs point to Boone reaping most of the benefit. Gordon is the veteran, but has recently struggled with fumble issues. And the team signed Murray, but he is still very new to the system. Boone seemed to take a lot of the snaps on passing downs. So with Russell Wilson’s injury, you could be seeing a lot more of Boone.
Role: Flex
Eno Benjamin:
Value: 6.7/10
There is not a lot to be excited about Benjamin right now, however there is a lot of potential upside with him. Conner is the starting RB and he has already dealt with 3 different injuries in the first 5 weeks. Not only that, but Williams, the other backup RB also just got hurt. So if things keep going this way, Eno could see some real playing time.
Role: Handcuff
Joshua Kelley:
Value: 6.5/10
Much like Eno Benjamin, Kelley does not possess a lot of value right now. But as you saw with the Penny/Walker situation, it is always good to have a backup plan. Considering how Ekeler is on the smaller side and has dealt with injuries in the past, it might not be such a bad idea to hold on to him just in case.
Role: Stash / Handcuff
WRs
George Pickens:
Value: 8.7/10
If you have noticed anything about the Steelers offense this year, it is that Pickens has an extraordinary talent for catching the ball. Now he does split a lot of targets with Johnson and Claypool, but it seems the Steelers are consistently trying to air it out. And with Pickett under center, he is not afraid to let the ball fly. Pickens has a very large ceiling moving forward and should definitely be considered when looking at this waiver wire.
Role: WR2/Flex
Rondale Moore:
Value: 8.2/10
Moore is another player I keep adding to this list because he is still available in over 80% of ESPN leagues and put up 13.1 points in PPR format last week. Now I do not love him because Hopkins comes back next week. However, Moore has the talent to surprise a lot of people this year and is capable of putting up over 10 points on a weekly basis.
Role: Flex
TEs
Hayden Hurst:
Value: 8.0/10
With the TE position you either have an elite player like Kelce and Andrews to give you consistently great numbers, you have a good TE to occasionally give you good numbers, or you have a TE that you pray gives you at least 5 points. Now, Hurst is not elite, but he does have the ability to give you really good games with Burrow as his QB. And even better, Hurst has shown he can produce multiple games around 10 points. He might not be the flashiest player, but with TE position being the way that it is, he is a solid option to pick up off the waiver wire.
Role: TE2
