🏈 DEEP Dives

Good morning. Everyone’s asking, so next Tuesday morning we’ll have the entire newsletter dedicated to waiver wire pickups - shoutout to our loyal reader Gary!

For now, we’ve got you next week’s top waiver targets.

Deep Dives

These players, available in almost every league, are worth grabbing.

The idea is you pick up a player before everyone wants to grab them off the waiver wire. Last week, the perfect pickups were Elijah Mitchell Pittman and Juwan Johnson (or Mark Ingram, but we’re taking another victory lap with Juwan Johnson). Ownership in brackets. This week:

• JJ Taylor (1%) - The Patriots 23rd RB (he was buried in the depth chart) looked explosive in the preseason, reminding me of a “Value Mart” Clyde-Edwards Helaire. Inactive Week 1, Taylor could see an opportunity to handle early-down work for the Patriots after both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled in Week 1. Bill Belichick hates fumbles, btw.

• Alex Collins (0.9%) - Collins, still only 26, was inactive for Seattle’s game on Sunday. The backups backup, Collins is behind Chris Carson (injury history), Rashaad Penny (expected to miss a few weeks), DeeJay Dallas (not good), and Travis Homer (also sucks). Penny’s injury opens the door for Collins to join the active roster where he’s one injury away from playing time in an explosive Seattle offense.

• Josh Gordon (0.1%) - Just kidding. But not really?

• Sterling Shepard (30%) - Small chance he’s available, but worth checking anyway. Shepard had a fantastic Week 1, displaying strong chemistry with Daniel Jones (something few WRs on NY have). Sure, Kenny G got paid this offseason, but everyone slept on Shepard. He’s here, and if he puts up another 100+ 1TD performance, he’ll be the hottest waiver wire add. Get him before that happens.

• KJ Hamler (14%) - Tied for third on the Broncos in targets, Hamler was one dropped pass away from 91 yards and 1 TD. He’s a talented WR and former second-rounder who should see increased volume with Jerry Jeudy on the IR. It was a horrible drop tho…

Also, why is no one talking about Nelson Algholor? 5 catches, 72 yrds and 1 TD - Check if he’s available.

This trade chart might win you your league

Trading different positions is annoying. One guy values George Kittle too high, the other thinks 2021 Saquon is still 2018 Saquon. This incredible chart (no paywall) by RotoStreetJournal is worth checking out.

Corey Davis injured… your Week 1 opponent!

Don’t worry, he’s healthy and thriving. What a beast - the preseason target share and volume translated into real life! Corey Davis saw massive usage and finished as the WR5. No reason to believe this was a fluke, as the Jets will be a pass-heavy unit all season. Grab Corey where you can.

Injuries suck, especially to Jerry Jeudy

He was off to a promising start before suffering an injury in Sunday’s matchup. Jeudy is on the IR but eligible to return in 3 weeks. Fingers crossed:

Quick Hits

• D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams led all RBs in targets Week 1. Detroit profiled as a run-heavy team focused on their RBs, and it appears both are viable options moving forward.

• You’re sitting Saquon Barkley this week. It’s a short week, he didn’t look great Week 1, and the Giants are up against Chase Young’s WFT.

• Raheem Mostert is out for the season, along with my chances of winning any bestball leagues. So much for zero RB!

• The Bengals and Falcons ESTABLISHED THE RUN in Week 1. Look at this Rush/Pass rate above expected (Bengals are bottom right)

Also - found this gem from last year: “IDK if it’s because of Covid loneliness, but I found a great site for the top 10 best-looking NFL wives and girlfriends. Surprising to see: Lauren Tannehill. I’m happy for you Ryan.”

Tweet of the Day

That’s all for today folks - hope you got the waiver pickup of your dreams this morning (Elijah Mitchell).

Thank you all. Miss you already.

- Jake

The Morning Huddle: an (almost) daily newsletter full of fantasy football news, memes, and stats - giving you the edge to win titles and the laughs to enjoy every minute of it.

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