Looking for a final piece for your fantasy team before the NFL season starts? Drafted a little too early and now one of your players is on the IR? There are many reasons why you will be surfing the waiver wire in week one, but no matter your reasoning, getting the right players to start the year is critical to a successful fantasy season. To save you time and effort, we did the research and found the best player at each position to grab on the waiver wire in week one.
Top Quarterback
Brian Hoyer – San Francisco 49ers
There probably are not a lot of people picking up a quarterback in week one of the season, but if you are one of the few you could be a lot worse than Brian Hoyer. Last season Hoyer played six games for the Bears. Excluding the first game where Hoyer came in midway through and the last where he left with an injury, Hoyer essentially had four full games. In each of those four games, Hoyer threw for over 300 yards, while totalling six passing touchdowns to zero interceptions. Over the last two season (17 games and 14 starts), Hoyer has a TD-INT ratio of 25-7.
Top Running Back
Shane Vereen – New York Giants
A lot of people are look at guys like Matt Jones on the waiver wire or trying to handicap who’ll get carries in Philadelphia, but Vereen is an excellent option. He had 129 touches in 2015 but was on pace for much more last year. He had 44 touches in five games, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 8.5 yards per reception. The bottom line is that the Giants still haven’t figured out their running game. Orleans Darkwa is a plodder while Paul Perkins – who the Giants would love to hand the keys to – hasn’t impressed. Vereen is still just 28 years old and there’s no reason why he won’t be a weekly asset in PPR leagues. He’s worth an add and he has upside to be the starter if Perkins and Darkwa continue to be mediocre.
Jalen Richard – Oakland Raiders
Although he will not be starting for Oakland in week one, Jalen Richard should see a higher work load in the early part of the season, as the Raiders ease Marshawn Lynch back into regular season football. As neither of these teams is renowned for their defense, lots of offense is expected, meaning Richard should have more chances than normal in this game. Last season Richard had 41 yards against the Titans (28 rushing, 13 receiving) and should be able to top those numbers in week one, with a chance at reaching the end zone.
Top Wide Receiver
Malcolm Mitchell – New England Patriots
For those who drafted Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell is a possible waiver wire replacement. Mitchell developed some chemistry with Tom Brady in the second half of last season, averaging 45 yards per game and catching four touchdowns in just seven games. He should see his targets increase with Edelman out and is a nice piece to have to start the season.
Top Tight End
Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys
The days of Witten being a top-tier fantasy tight end are over. However, playing the match-ups, Witten can still be a great spot starter. Last season, Witten dominated the Giants, catching 17 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown in two games. Witten problem was outside of those Giants games, the veteran averaged just 35 yards receiving and scored two touchdowns in 14 games. Start him in week one, if you can.
Top Defense
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have one of the more impressive young defenses in the NFL and should be available in most leagues for a waiver wire grab in week one. The Miami Dolphins are still adjusting to life with Jay Cutler, a quarterback prone to turnovers and being sacked, which will get the Bucs some fantasy points. If you did not draft an elite defense and follow more of a streaming approach, go with Tampa Bay in week one.
Top Kicker
Kai Forbath – Minnesota Vikings
This could be the best offensive game for the Vikings all season. Expect Forbath to have a chance to kick a few field goals and add a few extra points against a Saints team that gave up the second most points in the NFL last season.
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