Must-Add Waiver Wire Picks for Week 1

Week 1 kicks off with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Dallas Cowboys for Thursday Night Football. But even with one game getting the season started, that doesn’t mean you can relax. It’s time to check that waiver wire and see what else is out there. Remember, stay vigilant. Look for any opportunity to improve your fantasy team. Because you never know when situations change that could improve a player’s fantasy potential. So here are a few players fantasy managers should be searching the waiver wire for.

Week 1 Waiver Wire Targets

*Roster percentage via ESPN Fantasy

Jaylin Noel – WR, Houston Texans

Christian Kirk has a hamstring injury, causing notable news coverage. As a result, Jaylin Noel should be the next rookie wide receiver. Now, Noel will have to step into a starting role for the Texans. Noel could even have season-long value if Kirk misses more time. There are many targets left over from Stefon Diggs’ departure during free agency. Tank Dell’s absence due to injury also contributes. Noel can be a rookie wide receiver with opportunity for fantasy managers looking for a chance to add some firepower. Noel is rostered in less than one percent of ESPN leagues.

Dont’e Thornton Jr – WR, Houston Texans

Dont’e Thornton is slated to be a starter for the Las Vegas Raiders. And with Amari Cooper retiring, this looks to add more opportunity for the rookie wide receiver to shine. Thornton is a crucial part of the offensive strategy. Chip Kelly wants to use him to bring the deep ball back for the Raiders. Running a 4.3 also helps Thornton’s cause for his major sleeper appeal. More fantasy managers should give Thornton a look as he’s rostered in just 13.8% of fantasy leagues.

Kyle Monangai – RB, Chicago Bears

It looks like Kyle Monangai will play this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Both he and Roschon Johnson are working their way back from late-preseason injuries. Monangai returned to practice and is listed as a full participant on Saturday. Johnson wasn’t able to practice until Saturday and was listed as limited. If Monangai can go, he’ll slot in behind starting running back D’Andre Swift. Remember, the Bears backfield has been a hot topic. Fantasy managers are eager to see who will assume the “David Montgomery” role. At just 2.2% rostered, Monangai could be player we’ll be talking about for waivers heading into Week 2. This may be the best time to get ahead of the fantasy curve.

Cedric Tillman – WR, Cleveland Browns

Cedric Tillman may not be a sexy name for fantasy managers to target but the opportunity is there. Joe Flacco is the starter for the Cleveland Browns but he’s a statue behind the offensive line. Flacco still offers a big arm at the age of 40. Passing volume shouldn’t be an issue for the Browns and Tillman. Remember too, that the Browns also released wide receiver Diontae Johnson before the start of the regular season. Tillman has shown flashes of being a fantasy asset when he was catching passes from Jameis Winston just last season. Tillman is rostered at 42.7% so far.

Brenton Strange – TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Brenton Strange is the new top dog for the Jacksonville Jaguars at the tight end position this year. Evan Engram left during free agency to sign with the Denver Broncos. Now Strange some sleeper appeal at a position that is tough to gauge for fantasy. Strange could see added targets with the Jaguars only sure pass catcher being Brian Thomas Jr and Travis Etienne. While top draft prospect Travis Hunter will eventually solidify himself as another viable pass-catcher. Meanwhile, Strange can help move the offense along as a safety blanket for Trevor Lawrence. Rostered at just 20%, Strange is worth the stash play heading into Sunday.