Week one for fantasy football is in the books and has opened up enormous opportunities for players heading into week 2. Whether it is the next man up after an injury, a shift in target shares, or a straight-up gut feeling that a player is about to have a break-out game, there is always opportunity to be found on the waivers.
Nyheim Hines RB Indianapolis Colts 21% owned
Hines came into the season with the Colts’ coaching staff talking up his pass-catching skills. The Colts assured that Hines would have a role on the team despite being number three on the depth chart behind starter Marlon Mack and rookie Jonathan Taylor.
Marlon Mack went down in the first quarter, leaving Hines (7RA 28YDS 1TD 8REC 45YDS 1TD) to have a nice day against the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense. Mack will not be back after his season-ending achilles injury, leaving Hines as the number two or 1B back in this offense. Hines is the must-add of the week.
QB Phillip Rivers is well known to throw to his half-backs quite a bit, so that Hines will be a massive pickup in PPR leagues. Hines should see his fair share of rushes as well, and I feel like this will be a 50/50 rushing situation because Taylor is still in his first season. In contrast, Hines is a three-season veteran, is familiar with the Colts’ offense, and has the coaching staff’s trust.
Benny Snell Jr RB Pittsburgh Steelers 16% owned
Snell got a little taste of being the starting RB for the Steelers last year as James Connor battled with injuries. This season, the Steelers were touting James Connor as the healthiest he has ever been in his career. Connor was ready to be with the Steelers for a full season.
Conner suffered an ankle injury on Monday night, and Snell (19RA 113YDS 1TGT) filled in admirably as the Steelers took down the New York Giants 26-16. I liked Snell before the season started because I don’t trust Conner to stay healthy, but Snell also showed he has a good skill set for this offense. On Monday night, we saw his prowess while rushing the ball, but I think he can also be a monster in the passing game. If Conner is out for a stretch, which is usually the case, Snell is the one to gain.
Joshua Kelley RB Los Angeles Chargers 13% owned
Without preseason games, no one knew who would emerge as the back behind Austin Ekeler. The top candidates were Justin Jackson, who has been with the Chargers the past two seasons, and Joshua Kelley, who was drafted this season.
On Sunday, Kelley (12RA 60YDS 1TD) seized the job by punching in the Chargers’ only touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kelley looked good running through the tackles with power and was able to punch in his goal-line carry, which Ekeler struggles with and will hold value for Kelley throughout the season.
Ekeler thrives when he has a second running back with him, giving Kelley more time on the field, giving both fantasy value.
Other Adds to Consider: Russel Gage WR Falcons-9REC 114YDS 12TGT; OJ Howard TE Buccaneers-4REC 36YDS 1TD 6TGT; Arizona Cardinals Defense-6PTS; Scotty Miller WR Buccaneers-5REC 73YDS 6TGT.