The key to winning your fantasy football league is not how well you draft, but the players you add off waivers. This is extremely important because securing hidden talent could replace those late-round selections, even mid-rounders, that aren’t having the best season. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. All players listed are rostered below 40 percent on ESPN. Learn to think like a NERD!
Bryan Edwards, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
When looking at the offseason changes the Raiders made, it is a mixed bag. They cut/traded some key offseason lineman and also left the door wide open for a new number one wide receiver. With high coaches and QB praise for Edwards, it’d be between him and Henry Ruggs III. A key difference is pocket timing. With negative changes in the offensive line and Ruggs being a one-trick pony, Edwards gets a key edge. David Carr will have limited time to launch deep shots to his deep threat. Plus with Edwards’s improved route running and pass catch ability, he’ll be an instant favorite for Carr. Edwards is primed to get a ton of volume, making him a perfect late-round draft pick.
Trey Lance, QB, San Fransisco 49ers
Trey Lance is almost guaranteed to be starting at some point during this season for two big reasons, health and performance. Since coming to San Fransisco, Jimmy Garoppolo has struggled to stay healthy. In 2019, he was able to play all 16 games but only combined for 15 games the other three seasons. Those odds don’t add up well and even behind a solid offensive line, something always happens. But even when Garoppolo is healthy, he’s never performed to be an above average QB. It can’t be long before Kyle Shanahan is forced to put in the future, who will have the chance to completely shock the league with his abailty to pass and run that’ll excell the 49ers to Super Bowl contention. Not to mention the weapons Trey will have including Trey Sermon, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and many more.
Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
After beating out Cam Newton for the starting Quarterback position, Mac Jones is clearly ready to make an NFL impact, said Bill Belichek, the greatest coach of all time. No he didn’t directly say that, but it was clear when not only they named him the starting quarterback but also cut Cam Newton from the roster as well. But not only that, Mac Jones will have a great supporting case around him. He’ll be behind a top 5 offensive line highlighted by Shaq Mason, Trent Brown, and David Andrews. Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor make a solid deep threat duo. Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry combine for an impact tight end group. Finally, Damien Harris is set for a breakout year of his own with this cast as well. Jones is a perfect late round investment, especially in dynasty leagues, as he’ll continue his growth onto the big stage.
Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
With a new Quarterback and head coach, the culture is starting to make major changes in the Jets organization, who have struggled for years under the Adam Gase era. Elijah Moore is another young talent who could make his impact quick. With Zach Wilson likely throwing the ball based on his arm talent and the talent in the backfield, there will be a lot of targets to spread. Corey Davis is the clear number one receiver on this team, but that doesnt mean Moore can’t receiver up to 8+ targets a game and finish as a top 25 receiver at the end of the season.
Tyrell Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Similar to Las Vegas, the Detroit Lions left their entire wide receiver room open for a new number one. Tyrell Williams is currently the one who has multiple seasons under his belt, also having almost 200 career receptions. Especially early on in the season, Jared Goff will be focused on delivering targets to veteran experience in hopes of early success. 5th round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown certainly has more season-long potential, but Tyrell Williams is worth banking on early for key fantasy wins in the first half of the season.
Ethan Hartley 