There are gems to be found on the waiver wire, almost every single week. In this ongoing piece, we’ll highlight three players each week that are likely to be found on the waiver wire and can also be plugged into your starting lineup as a starter. As always, I’ll try and avoid the obvious plays (this week, it’s Jeff Wilson and Joshua Palmer, for instance).
Week 2 Fantasy Football Streamers
Marcus Mariota, Atlanta Falcons, QB:
Not to brag, but I’ve been spot on with Marcus Mariota the ENTIRE season (one week). He was my bold prediction pick last week on FantraxHQ and didn’t disappoint. With his rushing upside and solid weapons in Kyle Pitts and Drake London, he’s an overlooked fantasy asset. This week he faces an LA Rams defense that let Josh Allen slice and dice them. I recognize Josh Allen has entered the “elite” category of quarterbacks, but defenses that you need to be scared of, don’t get beat down like that often. Mariota gave us 20 fantasy points last week without a passing touchdown, and I think he’ll do even better this week. He should be on your radar.
Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts, WR:
There was plenty of positive and plenty of negative with Matt Ryan’s debut with the Colts this year. But all-in-all, he looked like Matt Ryan. That means that Colts receivers are in play as fantasy assets. Pittman is the unquestioned #1 WR on the team and had an astounding 9 receptions, 121 yards, and 1 TD to prove it. Up against the 31st-ranked Jaguars defense this week, I expect a similar performance, but I could see a scenario where Pittman is double covered, or jammed at the line of scrimmage. With Pierce recovering from concussion protocol, it’s Campbell’s time to shine. I expect 10 targets and 1 TD from the former Ohio State wideout this week.
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens, TE:
Mark Andrews is always going to be the top TE in the Ravens offense. I’m not suggesting otherwise. What I can tell you though, is that the Ravens offense is not what I anticipated, judging by last week. Lamar Jackson must be trying to show the Ravens he can sit in the pocket and win, so he can get his 100% guaranteed contract because he only had 17 yards rushing last week. Jackson delivered 3 TD dimes (2 to Duvernay and 1 to Bateman) and looked great doing it. The reason I highlight Likely is that he was a preseason standout, and had 4 targets (0 receptions) in the game last week. For reference, off-season fantasy darling Rashod Bateman had 5 targets. If Bateman and Likely are going to have similar target share all year, you’re going to want a piece of Likely. The Ravens play a potent Miami offense this week, so they’ll need to air it out to keep the Dolphins under pressure. Likely should eclipse those 4 targets, rather easily.
Also make sure to check out our Week 2 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex Rankings