Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
FANTASY FOOTBALL Several receivers could be big pick-ups
We’re almost through the second week of fantasy football. And perhaps it’s becoming clearer to you how well (or poorly) you constructed your roster. Maybe you’re in desperate need of a kicker. Maybe you need a quarterback, tight end or defense. Or maybe you’re starting to worry about your depth at running back and receiver. So it’s time to hit the waiver wire. These are the top candidates to claim for Week 3.
Keep in mind that we’ve only included players who are owned in 50 percent (or less) of leagues in either Yahoo! or ESPN. That means you may have a diamond in the rough — great, play him.
1. DEMARCUS ROBINSON, WR, CHIEFS; ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 4%.
In the absence of receiver Tyreek Hill, Robinson — not Sammy Watkins — exploded with production in Week 2 (6 catches 172 yards, 2 TDs). It obviously won’t happen like that every week. But Robinson is absolutely worth owning.
2. JOHN ROSS, WR, BENGALS; ESPN: 38%. Yahoo! 51%.
It seems Week 1 was not a fluke. Ross’ stock might get more complicated when A.J. Green gets healthy. For now, he appears to be a legitimate option for FLEX.
3. TERRY MCLAURIN, WR, REDSKINS; ESPN: 38%. Yahoo! 51%.
McLaurin (5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD) managed significant volume for a second straight week. He appears to be Case Keenum’s favorite option in the Redskins offense.
4. DEEBO SAMUEL, WR, 49ERS; ESPN: 13%. Yahoo! 13%.
The 49ers offense is showing real promise, and Samuel (5 receptions 87 yards, 1 TD) was the biggest beneficiary.
5. JAYLEN SAMUELS, RB, STEELERS; ESPN: 26%. Yahoo! 35%.
How bad is James Conner’s knee injury? If he misses time, Samuels is the player to own. 6. CHASE EDMONDS, RB, CARDINALS; ESPN: 3%. Yahoo! 3%.
It’s the same story with Edmonds and David Johnson as it is with Samuels and Conner. If Johnson is set to miss time with his wrist injury, Edmonds is the player to own.
7. RAHEEM MOSTERT, RB, 49ERS; ESPN: 11%. Yahoo! 16%.
Tevin Coleman’s absence made Mostert a must-own player in PPR and standard settings. So long as Coleman is out, Mostert could be a playable PPR FLEX option. 8. MECOLE HARDMAN, WR, CHIEFS; ESPN: 34%. Yahoo! 40%.
Robinson was the hot option in Week 2, but Hardman (4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD) could just as easily pop, particularly as the rookie gets more comfortable with NFL speed.
9. D.J. CHARK, WR, JAGUARS; ESPN: 22%. Yahoo! 12%.
I had him on the list last week. I’m keeping him here. He seems to be the top option in the Jaguars’ passing offense, regardless of whether quarterback Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew is playing. Chark has been consistent. 10. JOSH ALLEN, QB, BILLS; ESPN: 28%. Yahoo! 41%.
If you’re beginning to worry about your starting quarterback or he just got injured, Allen is a good pickup. He’s a sneaky scorer with contributions as a runner and passer.
11. TENNESSEE, DEFENSE; ESPN: 53.4%. Yahoo! 35%.
If your defense isn’t putting up numbers, the Titans defense might be worth consideration. It was awesome in Week 1, and solid in Week 2. The Titans play the Jaguars next week, which should be favorable matchup.