Welcome to year two of “In the Scope,” your trusted source for fantasy football insights that go beyond the mainstream. As we embark on a new season, we’re here to help you discover those hidden gems on the fantasy football waiver wire. Whether you’re looking to spend minimal FAAB or grab players after the initial Week 1 waiver wire has run, we’ve got your targets covered.
Rostership percentages courtesy of ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 1 Pickups
Before we dive into our deeper picks, let’s take a quick look at some mainstream waiver wire targets for Week 1. These players are gaining attention, but there are still potential opportunities to snag them:
- Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers) | 39.2%
- Jaylen Warren (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers) | 46.0%
- Tank Bigsby (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars) | 27.1%
- Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Philadelphia Eagles) | 23.4%
- Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears) | 23.0%
- Deuce Vaughn (RB, Dallas Cowboys) | 12.0%
- Alec Pierce (WR, Indiaanpolis Colts) | 6.8%
- Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE, Teneesee Titans) | 45.1
- Sam LaPorta (TE, Detroit Lions) | 27.0%
- Noah Gray (TE, Kansas City Chiefs) | 0.3%
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Free Agent Week 1 Finds
Now, let’s explore some under-the-radar picks that could be the main waiver wire editions a week from now:
Isaiah Hodgins (WR, New York Giants) | 6.8% Rostership
Isaiah Hodgins is poised to be the X Receiver for the New York Giants, a role that could yield significant fantasy points. In the final five weeks of the last fantasy football season (Week 13-17), he proved his worth as the PPR WR13. Standing out like Reptar compared to other WRs on the team, Hodgins is in an ideal situation. With Daniel Jones entering his second year in Brian Daboll’s offense, the Giants are expected to pass more, potentially benefiting Hodgins. Keep in mind that Trayvon Diggs has shown vulnerability in coverage, and Hodgins could exploit that. For whatever reason, he remains off most waiver wire Week 1 radars.
Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams) | 0.9%
With the likelihood of Cooper Kupp being unavailable, Puka Nacua presents an intriguing opportunity to snag a potential playable WR after the waiver wire for Week 1 runs. The Matthew Stafford-led Rams are in need of a volume target, and Nacua has the potential to fill that role. During his college days at BYU, Nacua averaged 8.2 targets per game. He also showcased versatility with five rushing touchdowns, suggesting the Rams might use him as an extension of their run game.
Sports Illustrated has reported that Nacua will be an “immediate contributor.” In his lone NFL Preseason game, he posted a notable three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. Expect the Rams to trail the Seahawks on the road, potentially leading to increased passing volume. Additionally, Seattle rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon‘s return to practice after a month opens the door for Nacua to shine.
Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add following the waiver wire Week 1 run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.