“In the Scope” is a unique weekly article that won’t solely focus on giving readers the mainstream fantasy football waiver wire pickups. Instead, we aim to recommend the top free agents to acquire after waivers run. These players may be the top pickups next week, saving you Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) and waiver priority. So whether you’re trying to grab the leftover mainstream Week 2 fantasy football waiver wire pickups or the longer-ranged free agents, below are some options to consider.
Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Check Your Waivers; Week 2 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups
• Curtis Samuel (WR, Washington Commanders) | 8.7 percent
• Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB, San Francisco 49ers) | 3.8 percent
• Khalil Herbert (RB, Chicago Bears) | 24.7 percent
• Jaylen Warren (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers) | 1.4 percent
• Devin Duvernay (WR, Baltimore Ravens) | 2.5 percent
• Rex Burkhead (RB, Houston Texans) | 17.2 percent
Kyle Philips (WR, Tennessee Titans) | 0.5 percent
While suspicions that the Titans could regress seem true, that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be had in Nashville. More specifically, by way of rookies. First-round WR Treylon Burks had a nice showing in Week 1 (three receptions for 45 yards), but fifth-rounder Kyle Philips led the team in all receiving categories with nine targets, six receptions and 66 yards.
Manning the slot, Philips should have that role secured as the Titans gear up to face the Bills and Raiders in Week 2 and 3, respectively. These are both high-powered offensive opponents, likely meaning garbage time and plenty more targets for Philips. Though he doesn’t have high upside in this offense, he could be a serviceable PPR-floor play reminiscent of Cole Beasley, who had three PPR WR3 finishes throughout his career. – Seth Woolcock
Taysom Hill (TE, New Orleans Saints) | 3.9 percent
Taysom Hill is quietly one of the better players in the NFL. He’s an effective runner. He’s big enough to be a tight end and fast enough to be a wide receiver. What can’t he do? He was a quarterback in college, so he naturally stepped in for a couple of games in 2020 and 2021 behind center for the Saints.
The Saints paid him handsomely (four-year, $40 million), and he will remain under contract until 2026, so they better use him. It’s questionable whether he’ll be fantasy relevant throughout the season. Still, after his performance (81 yards rushing, a two-yard catch and a touchdown) in last Sunday’s game against the Falcons, he could see more looks from quarterback Jameis Winston. Hill might be your man if you’re looking for an upside play at tight end. – Jen Polvogt
Tyrion Davis-Price (RB, San Francisco 49ers) | 2.9 percent
San Francisco 49ers starting running back Elijah Mitchell was placed on Injured Reserved (IR) after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Bears in the “monsoon” game this past Sunday. While he won’t need surgery, he will likely miss at least eight games, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. This opens the door for the 49ers’ third-round pick, RB Tyrion Davis-Price, to show what he has in the tank.
This situation feels similar to 2021, when running back Raheem Mostert went down for the season, clearing the way for Mitchell to take the lead in the San Francisco backfield. Jeff Wilson Jr. is slated to start in Week 2, but we all know Shanahan has no loyalties regarding RBs. Davis-Price will certainly get ample opportunity to make a dent and earn a role in this offense moving forward. – Nate Polvogt
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