Having a good fantasy draft sets a team up really well, but most of the time to win a fantasy football league, acquisitions need to be made during the season. Each week there are several players worth exploring on the waiver wire. Here are fantasy football players to add week 1.(Note: These are best used for standard scoring leagues. All players are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues)
One of the stars of the preseason was Romeo Doubs. The rookie receiver out of Nevada impressed in practice and in the games, which even drew some high praise from Aaron Rodgers. The fourth-round pick has shown that it isn’t crazy to think he can outperform his draft position by a wide margin.
The Packers don’t have many solidified receivers, so the opportunity could be great for Doubs. He will compete with Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers and second-round pick Christian Watson. It seems like he has already proven he is worthy of being on the field, but if he develops throughout the season, getting him now is paramount. He is currently rostered in under 20 percent of ESPN leagues.
Another preseason all-star has been Alec Pierce for the Colts. The Colts are another team that don’t have a ton of proven receivers on the roster, as they let T.Y. Hilton go to free agency. Pierce can be a key part of the offense across from Michael Pittman.
The Colts’ offense should take a big step forward at quarterback with the addition of Matt Ryan. Defenses may key on stopping the run or on slowing down Michael Pittman, which will leave some targets for Pierce to take. The deep-threat can produce some big plays for the offense. He is just rostered in 15 percent of ESPN leagues right now, but that number could increase over the next few weeks.
Dallas has some issues at wide receiver this season. Amari Cooper was traded to the Browns, Cedrick Wilson joined the Dolphins and Michael Gallup is recovering from injury, so CeeDee Lamb will be the top receiver. The no. 2 receiver to start the season will be Noah Brown, who has been with the Cowboys for a few seasons.
Dak Prescott has noted that he has comfortability with Brown and the Cowboys will need him to produce. He will compete with rookie Jalen Tolbert to start the season, but until Gallup returns, they both will get plenty of chances. Brown is a player to pick up for a few weeks, but maybe not one to roster for the whole season. He is currently available in almost all ESPN leagues and even though he is questionable for week 1, should be able to play.
Sometimes real life things happen that impact fantasy football. Brian Robinson was shot in and had to go to the hospital. He is currently recovering, but will not play for the first few weeks of the season. That has opened the door for McKissic to play more for the Commanders.
To start the year, McKissic will likely be featured with Antonio Gibson in the backfield. Gibson was recently in the doghouse after having some fumbling issues in the preseason. McKissic is a good receiver, so he will get third-down work, but he may get even more than that. He is currently rostered in 47.5 percent of ESPN leagues.
Likely is another rookie that looks like he could be a factor early for his new team. He impressed in the preseason, showing off his athleticism. The Ravens would be wise to use Likely given their roster construction and his talent.
While the Ravens have Mark Andrews, they are on offense that utilizes multiple tight ends. They traded away wide receiver Marquise Brown this offseason, so there are more targets available. Andrews is favored to be the most targeted player, but there is still plenty of room for Likely to produce. He is rostered in just over five percent of ESPN leagues.
Make sure to check out our fantasy football page for more articles like 2021 Fantasy Football Defenses to Stream Week 1.
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
