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!
Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have been one of the biggest surprises this season. They are currently 2-0 with upset wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. And who else to top this list off with the man at the helm who has been leading them to these wins, Derek Carr. He’s thrown for an average of 400 yards and two touchdowns each game and despite a downgrade in weapons, he’s still able to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He’ll be facing fairly favorable defenses in his next three games in Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He’s a must-add in fantasy this instant with the hot start.
Rondale Moore, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Second-round pick, Rondale Moore, has been one of the hottest receivers to start the season despite many popular names picked in front of him such as Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith. Moore torched the Vikings’ defense last week, earning eight catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. He’s already seemed to beat out Christian Kirk for the second wide receiver spot and he’s not far behind AJ Green either. His long-term impact with Kyler Murray could be huge to push them to the postseason in later games. Rondale Moore is also an immediate waiver wire pick-up.
Carolina Panthers Defense
A surprise to most, the Carolina Panthers’ defense was able to completely shut down the New Orleans Saints who absolutely torched the Green Bay Packers only one week prior. But there’s not a reason to sleep on his defense as they have some quality stars on their roster. Brian Burns is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the league. Hasson Reddick, Donte Jackson, Jermey Chinn, Shaq Thompson, Derrick Brown, and rookie Jaycee Horn are also quality players on this defense. They’ll have the opportunity to feast on the Houston Texans offense who just lost their starting quarterback. But they also have solid long-term value and should be added immediately to fantasy rosters.
K.J. Osborn, WR, Minnesota Vikings
With Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen in Minnesota, K.J Osborn has earned his targets and has converted them into big plays for a Vikings offense already loaded with weapons. Last week, Osborn finished with five receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. He also had 76 receiving yards against the week prior. His season-long value is hard to read because he still plays behind two elite receivers in the NFL. Nonetheless, Kirk Cousins likes him as a favorable target, making him a solid addition off the waiver wire.
Maxx Williams, TE, Arizona Cardinals
Maxx Williams played an important role in Arizona’s win over the Minnesota Vikings that was filled with offense. He was a popular target for Murray throughout the entire game, earning seven receptions for 94 yards. With Kyler Murray looking like an MVP quarterback, everyone in the entire offense is going to benefit from elite passing and open opportunities, including Williams. His long-term consistency is unknown because Arizona has been known to shuffle through its tight ends. But a good game from Williams still makes a player at least to keep on radars for the time being.
Ethan Hartley 