Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups 2022: Fantasy Football Players You Need to Add

Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups 2022: Fantasy Football Players You Need to Add

Updated:

Week 1 of the 2022 season has already brought its fair share of injuries. Quarterback Dak Prescott is slated to miss considerable time, running back Elijah Mitchell picked up a knee injury and Najee Harris is very questionable with an ankle injury for Week 2.

If you need help sorting through the events of the weekend, The Duel has you covered. Here are the top-five waiver wire pickups heading into Week 2 of the 2022 season.

Week 2 Waiver Wire

Note: Only players rostered in fewer than 50% of ESPN fantasy football leagues are eligible for this list.

5. Julio Jones, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (43.4% Rostered)

In his very first action after a significant knee injury, Buccaneers wideout Chris Godwin did not last a single half before exiting with a hamstring issue. Godwin did not return for the second half. While no official word has been released, this has the makings of an injury-riddled campaign. That's exactly where Julio Jones comes into play. Jones clearly played second-favorite for Tom Brady, seeing five targets for three receptions and 69 yards. He was also utilized twice in the run game. Jones' performance didn't explode, but he becomes a vital weapon for Tampa Bay's offense should Godwin miss any time. If the rest of your lineup is healthy, sneak Jones off the waiver wire so you don't miss out on the upside outlined by these above factors.

4. DeAndre Carter, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (0.1% Rostered)

Rostered in essentially zero leagues save a diehard Chargers fan somewhere, DeAndre Carter shocked with his WR20 performance in Week 1. Justin Herbert was spreading the ball out beautifully and seven pass-catchers led the way with four targets apiece. This included Carter, who caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Normally, this would be considered an overreaction but Keenan Allen's injury makes Carter an intriguing waiver wire add. Allen is doubtful to suit up on a short week and Carter is poised to turn into an early favorite target for Herbert and the offense.

3. Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (1.3% Rostered)

The injury to Najee Harris is certainly not definitive, yet. Pittsburgh maintains optimism he can play in Week 2, but you don't want to be left high and dry should his status change throughout a week of practices. This is merely based on opportunity, but Jaylen Warren will receive the bulk of running back duties should Harris miss any action. Ankle injuries are fickle for running backs and it's a good idea to stash Harris' handcuff not only for Week 2, but the remainder of this campaign.

2. Jeff Wilson, RB, San Francisco 49ers (3.5% Rostered)

Elijah Mitchell was another running back that went down in Week 1. Hampered by a knee issue, the 49ers ruled Mitchell out immediately and that serves as notice this could be a lengthier absence. Jeff Wilson ended up logging a team-leading (outside of Trey Lance) nine carries. His 22 yards wasn't inspiring but Wilson did catch passes on both of his targets. The most important factor? No other running back logged a single snap for the 49ers, meaning this is Wilson's job (and his alone) until Mitchell returns.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Atlanta Falcons (3.9% Rostered)

Dak Prescott fantasy managers will want to pay close attention here, but Marcus Mariota will be a serviceable fantasy backup until his return. We have no idea what Dallas will do at QB for Prescott's lengthy (6-8 week) absence and it's better to target other NFL QBs than looking backup Cooper Rush. Mariota's Week 1 performance reminds fantasy managers of an important rule, rushing QBs always give better upside. Mariota completed just 20 passes for 215 yards and zero TDs. He still managed a QB10 performance and nearly 20 fantasy points. Why? Because he racked up 12 rushing attempts for 72 yards and a score.

Week 2 Waiver Wire Honorable Mention

James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Available in just 21.3% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson is worth a mention after a surprising usage rate in Week 1. Hindered by a possible timeshare with Travis Etienne, Robinson's fantasy draft stock was as low as ever entering the 2022 campaign. Seriously. Etienne held an ADP of RB18 compared to Robinson's RB38 mark. It was abundantly clear this is still his backfield. He paced the offense with 11 rushing attempts for 66 yards and one score. This was good for an RB11 performance and nearly 20 PPR points. It's also important to note that Etienne fumbled in Week 1, which never does any favors for a coaching staff.

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Adam Taylor McKillop is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Adam Taylor also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username atmckillop. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.