After Week 1, there are some Fantasy Football managers who are scrambling to make changes to their rosters. Sometimes a devastating injury causes a change to be made. Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers both suffered season-ending Achilles injuries and were in plenty of lineups.
Or a player underachieved, which happened for numerous teams, and you want to make a change. Fantasy Football managers rarely exhibit patience as they want to put their team in the best position to succeed.
One way to do that is to win on the waiver wire. Finding hidden gems that could round out your roster is key to finding success throughout the season. If you were one of the Fantasy Football managers who lost J.K. Dobbins, Kenneth Gainwell of the Philadelphia Eagles is someone you should look into adding.
There were whispers this offseason that Gainwell was going to be the team’s lead back and that turned out to be true. Free agent signing Rashaad Penny was a healthy scratch and D’Andre Swift handled only two touches. Unfortunately, Gainwell is now nursing an injury of his own, but this is his backfield when healthy.
Another running back that should be near the top of your adds list is Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams. It was Williams, not Cam Akers, who was the lead back for Los Angeles in Week 1 and he made the most of it.
Akers was involved, especially late with the Rams icing away the game. Before he received eight carries in the final four minutes, Williams had the edge in touches. Add him with confidence he will have an every down role.
If you are looking for help at quarterback, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers is your guy. The Iowa State product is off to a historic start in his career as the 49ers’ starter and could be a nice addition to a Fantasy Football team that lost Rodgers.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, Purdy completed 19-of-29 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. He accomplished that in a blowout and with his offensive line having an underwhelming day, as the Steelers pass rush was still getting home.
If you are looking for pass-catching help, going back to the Rams could be your answer. Coming into the season, it was the other Hollywood team, the Los Angeles Chargers, that Fantasy Football managers were paying attention to. It turns out Sean McVay’s group has some value too.
Puka Nacua is someone everyone is going to look to make a claim on this week. He played the Cooper Kupp role in the Rams’ offense and was stellar with 15 targets, hauling in 10 passes for 119 yards. He faces a stiff test in the 49ers this week, but his production warrants a spot on your roster.
Last but not least, the tight end position was a wasteland in Week 1. Many of the top options were sidelined or limited because of injuries, leading to a lot of duds for Fantasy Football managers. Anyone left without a clear-cut starting option should look into adding Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions.
LaPorta played a ton as a regular in 11 and 21 personnel. He received plenty of work, as his five receptions are the most for a rookie tight end in Week 1 since T.J. Hockenson had six in 2019, also with the Lions. The Iowa product looks like a safe, reliable option with legitimate upside in this explosive offense.
