Week 1 Waiver Wire: Promising Players to Consider Adding

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ICARO Media Group
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03/09/2024 19h45

In the ever-competitive world of fantasy football, staying ahead of the game on the waiver wire is crucial. With a plethora of potential roster additions available each week, it can be overwhelming for managers to navigate the choices. To help you make informed decisions, we have compiled a list of notable players with high-priority potential for Week 1. These players have a rostership of under 40% in fantasy leagues and could provide a significant boost to your team.

Matthew Stafford (QB - LAR): Rostership - 32.5%
Matthew Stafford, the new quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, should be on top of your radar. With a highly anticipated matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 1, Stafford has the opportunity to post big fantasy numbers in a game with a projected high point total. As long as key receivers like Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are healthy and Sean McVay leads the offense, Stafford is poised for a successful season. Moreover, in Week 2, the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals, making Stafford an attractive streaming option for quarterback-needy teams.

Geno Smith (QB - SEA): Rostership - 12.6%
Geno Smith, the backup quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, has emerged as an intriguing option. With a renewed offensive approach under new head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Smith has a talented receiving corps at his disposal, including DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The coaching staff has also expressed their intention to involve Kenneth Walker in the passing game. With favorable matchups against Denver, New England, Miami, and Detroit in Weeks 1-4, Smith could provide valuable production for fantasy managers in need of a quarterback.

Jordan Mason (RB - SF): Rostership - 14.3% & Isaac Guerendo (RB - SF): Rostership - 0.9%
The San Francisco 49ers' running back situation presents an interesting opportunity for fantasy managers. With Elijah Mitchell placed on injured reserve, either Jordan Mason or Isaac Guerendo is expected to assume the role as the team's secondary back. In a run-centric offense like San Francisco's, the RB who receives the second-most carries will likely become a sought-after commodity on the waiver wire. While Mason has been widely reported as the expected No. 2 RB, Guerendo's potential should not be overlooked. Selected in the fourth round of this year's draft, Guerendo possesses impressive speed and size. Fantasy managers should closely monitor this situation, as either player could provide value moving forward.

Jaleel McLaughlin (RB - DEN): Rostership - 36.0%
Jaleel McLaughlin, an undrafted free agent for the Denver Broncos in 2023, has shown promise as a talented receiving running back. While he may not be a three-down back, McLaughlin is expected to play a significant role in passing situations and two-minute drills. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos potentially playing from behind often, McLaughlin's involvement in the passing game could provide a reliable week-to-week fantasy floor.

Miles Sanders (RB - CAR): Rostership - 13.9%
With Jonathon Brooks sidelined for the first four weeks, Miles Sanders becomes an intriguing option for fantasy managers in search of a running back. Under the guidance of new head coach Dave Canales, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the high-powered Tampa Bay offense, there is potential for Sanders to be involved in the passing game. Sanders' previous experience lining up out wide or in the slot, combined with his role as one of the few options in the Carolina Panthers' backfield, makes him an appealing waiver wire target for those in need of a running back.

Luke McCaffrey (WR - WAS): Rostership - 5.3%
Following Jahan Dotson's departure, there is a competition among Washington Football Team receivers for targets behind Terry McLaurin. Among those vying for opportunities is Luke McCaffrey, who is projected to start as a slot receiver. McCaffrey will be playing under the offensive scheme of Kliff Kingsbury, known for his fast-paced, pass-heavy approach during his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals. With the potential for increased targets in a dynamic offense, McCaffrey could become an intriguing waiver wire addition.

Adonai Mitchell (WR - IND): Rostership - 34.2%
Adonai Mitchell, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, possesses impressive speed and athleticism, evident from his impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.34 seconds. In an offense led by creative play-caller Shane Steichen, Mitchell has the potential to emerge as one of the top targets. His big-play ability combined with the uncertainty surrounding Jaylen Waddle's injury status makes Mitchell an intriguing prospect to consider adding to your fantasy team.

Joshua Palmer (WR - LAC): Rostership - 33.3%
Joshua Palmer, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has the opportunity to establish himself as a significant target in the Los Angeles Chargers' passing game. With a talented quarterback in Justin Herbert, Palmer showcased his potential last season, racking up 581 receiving yards in just 10 games played. If Palmer continues to impress and earns Herbert's trust, he could become a priority waiver wire add for fantasy managers in need of a wide receiver option.

Tyler Conklin (TE - NYJ): Rostership - 35.7%
Tight end Tyler Conklin could be a valuable addition for fantasy managers seeking a reliable option at the position. Playing alongside star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Conklin has the potential to benefit from Rodgers' tendency to involve tight ends in the passing game. With consistent target numbers over the past few seasons, Conklin could finally see an increase in touchdowns with Rodgers at the helm. A strong Week 1 performance could place Conklin on the radar for tight end streamers.

Jonnu Smith (TE - MIA): Rostership - 3.0%
While considered a high-risk option, Jonnu Smith has shown his playmaking abilities in the past. As the current No. 1 tight end in the Miami Dolphins' offense led by Mike McDaniel, Smith has the potential for a breakout season. With Jaylen Waddle battling an injury, Smith becomes an even more intriguing option in an offense that could see him as a major target. Fantasy managers looking for a tight end with significant upside should consider making a move for Smith.

As the waiver wire frenzy begins every Tuesday, fantasy managers are faced with numerous options to improve their teams. By keeping an eye on these players, who are rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues, managers have the opportunity to find hidden gems that can make a difference in their quest for fantasy glory. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses and new waiver wire targets emerge.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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