Week 2 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Look to Add Nyheim Hines

Philip Rivers loves to throw to his running backs.

The Colts' new signal-caller targeted Nyheim Hines eight times, igniting eight reception for 73 total yards and two touchdowns for the third-year satellite back.

But who else should be on your radar coming out of Week 1?

I cover my favorite waiver wire pickups for Week 2, featuring wide receivers, running backs, and a tight end with high (and potentially league-winning) upside.

Let’s get to it!

Note: Our experts have limited their recommendations to players owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. All data as of Monday.

Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

Running Backs

Alexander Mattison, Vikings

Ownership: 45%

Dalvin Cook is the best running back in Minnesota, I think.

The Vikings' leading rusher just signed a five-year, $63 million deal and scored twice in Minnesota's 43-34 home loss to Green Bay. However, it is clear Mattison is going to have a role in this offense.

The second-year back tallied 80 total yards —30 more than Cook — with four receptions. Unless he becomes a regular part of the offense, Mattison is best left on the waiver wire.

But he remains the most valuable handcuff in the league if Cook were to suffer an injury.

Adrian Peterson, Lions

Ownership: 45%

Peterson was the lead running back for the Lions for most of the first three quarters. Detroit comfortably led 23-6 before allowing 21 points in the fourth quarter in a brutal 27-23 loss.

However, Peterson looked fantastic with 114 total yards and 6.6 yards per carry. He is clearly the lead running back, having doubled the rushes of last year's lead back, Kerryon Johnson.

Rookie D'Andre Swift will certainly garner carries and the majority of third-down work, but Peterson showed enough in his Detroit debut to be worth a Week 2 waiver claim.

Chase Edmonds, Cardinals

Ownership: 41%

Edmonds showed why he was one of the summer's most popular late-round running back targets with three receptions, 45 total yards, and a touchdown in Arizona's 24-20 win at San Francisco.

He still trailed starter Kenyan Drake in rushing attempts (16 to six) but would be ready for a big opportunity increase in the event of an injury.

He remains worth monitoring in PPR formats to see if the target volume remains steady.

Malcolm Brown, Rams

Ownership: 25%

One of the big Week 1 surprises was Los Angeles giving Malcolm Brown 18 carries en route to 110 total yards and two touchdowns. Brown out-touched rookie Cam Akers, 21-15, and was the preferred goal-line option for the Rams.

Los Angeles faces two difficult upcoming road defenses in Philadelphia and Buffalo, but Brown should be one of the top running back waiver targets for the early part of the fantasy schedule.

Akers' talent will eventually siphon the majority of touches, but the goal-line back in a Sean McVay offense will always have fantasy value.

Carlos Hyde, Seahawks

Ownership: 19%

He's not one of the top running back priorities, but it is worth noting Hyde scored in Seattle's 38-25 win at Atlanta.

He was not targeted in the passing game, and therefore would only be fantasy-relevant in the event of a Chris Carson injury.

Joshua Kelley,  Chargers

Ownership: 12%

The UCLA rookie solidified his role as the backup to Austin Ekeler and short-yardage back for the Chargers. He carried 12 times for 60 yards and a touchdown, while drawing praise from head coach Anthony Lynn. 

Kelley is absolutely worth a bench spot and can be used as an RB3/Flex in 12 or 14-team leagues.

Nyheim Hines, Colts

Ownership: 17%

Hines led the Colts in rushing yards (28) and receptions (eight) while scoring a pair of touchdowns. The third-year back from North Carolina State has secured his niche as Philip Rivers' new highly-targeted receiving back.

The potentially season-ending injury to Marlon Mack will only increase the opportunity for Hines, with rookie Jonathan Taylor likely taking the majority of rushing work.

Hines has standalone value already as an RB2 in PPR formats and a solid Flex play in standard leagues.

Jerick McKinnon,  49ers

Ownership: 11%

It was great to see the athletic McKinnon back on the field making a fantasy impact.

McKinnon totaled three receptions, 44 total yards, and one receiving touchdown in San Francisco's loss at home to Arizona. He has carved out a passing down role on a team that is need of playmakers without wide receiver Deebo Samuel until at least Week 4.

San Francisco has a very friendly schedule with two consecutive trips to the Meadowlands to face the Giants and Jets. McKinnon is a viable PPR RB3/Flex play for at least the next two weeks.

Peyton Barber, Washington

Ownership: 3%

The veteran plodder managed two touchdowns in Washington's 27-17 comeback win over Philadelphia.

Barber only produced 29 yards on 17 carries, but he did see the goal line work ahead of rookie Antonio Gibson.

With a difficult run defense matchup at Arizona in Week 2, there are simply better running back waiver options this week.

Myles Gaskin, Dolphins

Ownership: 0%

It was very surprising to see Gaskin lead Miami in carries (nine) and receptions (four) in a close 21-11 loss to New England.

Lead running back Jordan Howard left the game with a hamstring injury but returned for a goal-line carry in the fourth quarter. Gaskin was also a bigger factor in the passing game than fellow pass-catching back Matt Breida.

Gaskin is an intriguing waiver wire options for teams desperate for running back help. If Howard misses time, Gaskin could be a viable Flex option even in a tough home matchup against the Bills in Week 2.

Wide Receivers

Sammy Watkins, Chiefs

Ownership: 49%

Should fantasy owners yet again fall for a big Week 1 performance from Watkins?

Watkins posted seven receptions, 82 yards, and a touchdown in Kansas City's 34-20 win over Houston. His nine targets were three more than both Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.

We've seen this show from Watkins before, as he produced the overall WR1 performance last year in Week 1.  But as long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes stays healthy, Watkins will always be a viable WR3/4 option.

The question is: do you trust him?

Mike Williams, Chargers

Ownership: 46%

Williams was a very late non-scratch this week, and the Chargers were certainly happy about it.  He led all receivers with 69 yards in the Chargers' 16-13 win over the Bengals.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor displayed his preference for long sideline passes, allowing Williams to produce multiple highlight-worthy catches.

In a matchup against the Chiefs, Williams should receive enough volume to justify a WR3 Week 2 start.

The fourth-year wideout should be one of the most popular wide receiver waiver pickups this week.

Allan Lazard, Packers

Ownership: 43%

He isn't sexy, but Allan Lazard continues to produce. He tallied four receptions, 63 yards, and one touchdown in Green Bay's big 43-34 road win at Minnesota.

If you are in need of a long-term wide receiver, Lazard has one of the best upcoming schedules. Green Bay plays Detroit, at New Orleans, Atlanta, at Tampa Bay, and at Houston before hosting Minnesota.

As long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy, Lazard is a comfortable WR3 weekly start. He should be considered in all formats.

Jalen Reagor, Eagles

Ownership: 39%

It was only one catch, but it was a big catch.

Quarterback Carson Wentz connected with the first-round rookie on a 55-yard first-half reception. It was their only connection of the game, as the Eagles struggled to protect Wentz against the Washington pass rush.

Reagor's 4.47 speed was on display and gives hope to future opportunities. With upcoming home games against the Rams and Bengals, now is the time to invest in the upside with Philadelphia's likely WR1.

Preston Williams, Dolphins

Ownership: 38%

Williams' presence had a clear negative impact on leading Miami receiver DeVante Parker last season.

With Parker leaving Week 1 with a hamstring injury, Williams potentially projects for a big increase in targets moving forward.  Williams only had two receptions for 41 yards but led the team with seven targets.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has a tendency to lock on his leading receiver, which could very well be Preston Williams in Week 2.

Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers

Ownership: 35%

The Arizona State rookie was inactive (hamstring) for the 49ers Week 1 loss to Arizona. But Aiyuk made a big splash in camp and is highly-regarded by head coach Kyle Shanahan.

If you won your Week 1 battle and don't need immediate help, Aiyuk is a target to steal for very little FAAB on waivers.

N'Keal Harry, Patriots

Ownership: 32%

Harry was another game-time decision that ended with a productive stat line. The second-year wideout caught all five of his targets for 39 receiving yards.

While quarterback Cam Newton only attempted 19 passes, Harry is clearly the WR2 behind veteran Julian Edelman.

Harry will have plenty of opportunities to make plays with a trip to Seattle followed by the Raiders and a trip to Kansas City.

Curtis Samuel, Panthers

Ownership: 31%

There was good and bad for Samuel's Week 1 performance.

The good? He was targeted eight times and had five receptions with a rushing attempt.

The bad? It is clear quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will spread the ball around to D.J. Moore (nine targets), Robby Anderson (eight targets), and of course Christian McCaffrey (four targets).

Samuel has 4.31 speed but whether he will produce on a consistent basis to be worthy of a waiver pickup remains to be seen.

Robby Anderson, Panthers

Ownership: 31%

The same goes for Anderson, although he led Carolina with six receptions and 115 yards. He connected with Bridgewater on this nice 75-yard touchdown catch. 

His profile is exactly like Samuel's, and both players are likely behind Moore in the target order. But his explosiveness will always make for an intriguing Flex or WR4 play.

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

Ownership: 23%

The future Hall of Famer always finds his way into the box score with a decent performance. Fitzgerald caught four of five targets for 34 yards.

His performance came at the expense of teammate Christian Kirk, who only caught one pass for zero yards. Newly acquired wideout DeAndre Hopkins had a monstrous game with 14 receptions and 151 yards.

With Kirk likely for a bounce-back, Fitzgerald presents little upside for a waiver pickup.

Parris Campbell,  Colts

Ownership: 22%

The second-year Ohio State speedster led the Colts in targets (nine) and receiving yards (71) in the Colts' 27-20 loss at Jacksonville.

With rookie wide receiver Michael Pittman (two targets) acclimating slowly, running back Marlon Mack (Achilles) likely out for the year, and T.Y. Hilton an injury risk, Campbell should be a top waiver priority this week as a WR3 or Flex play moving forward.

Laviska Shenault,  Jaguars

Ownership: 12%

One of the most popular rookies in the fantasy community, Shenault delivered for his fans with three receptions, 47 total yards, and one touchdown.

Shenault is a weapon both as a receiver and runner and will see his versatility used on a Jaguars team badly in need of playmakers.

With a favorable upcoming schedule of at Tennessee, Miami, at Cincinnati, at Houston, and home to Detroit, I would put Shenault near the top of the wide receiver waiver wire list.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling,  Packers

Ownership: 7%

Valdes-Scantling is the clear deep threat for Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His 6-foot-4 frame and 4.37 speed caught four passes for 96 yards and this big 45-yard touchdown. 

His explosive play ability makes him worth a waiver investment as a WR4/Flex play with a favorable upcoming schedule.

Scotty Miller,  Buccaneers

Ownership: 6%

Scotty Miller won the third wide receiver spot for the Buccaneers and earned praise from quarterback Tom Brady for a great camp. 

Miller had a strong first game with five receptions for 73 yards. His targets were likely increased due to an injury that limited teammate Mike Evans.

it's worth watching Miller's target share in the next few weeks. He could serve as a bye-week WR3 in PPR formats in plus-matchups.

Corey Davis,  Titans

Ownership: 5%

Could Corey Davis become this year's fourth-year breakout wide receiver?

He got off to a fantastic start on Monday Night Football converting 10 targets into seven receptions and 101 receiving yards.  With Jacksonville and Minnesota upcoming, Davis is surprisingly worth WR4/Flex consideration.

Russell Gage,  Falcons

Ownership: 1%

Gage was an extremely valuable WR3 for Atlanta, tallying nine receptions and 114 yards in the Falcons 38-25 home loss to Seattle.

While a decent amount of Gage's production game in "garbage time," he saw enough of a snap share to earn consideration as a bench stash from the waiver wire this week.

Tight Ends

O.J. Howard, Buccaneers

Ownership: 17%

I'm starting to believe in O.J. Howard.

After preseason words of encouragement from head coach Bruce Arians, Howard posted four receptions, 36 receiving yards, and one touchdown in Tampa Bay's 34-23 loss at New Orleans.

However, he did double the targets and receptions to fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Howard will not receive enough volume to serve as your weekly starting tight end, but he could serve as a bye-week replacement later in the year, with a huge upside in the event of an injury to Gronkowski.

Logan Thomas, Washington

Ownership: 2%

The preseason fantasy community favorite produced four receptions, 37 receiving yards, and one touchdown on eight targets. The quarterback-turned-tight end was the second most productive receiver for Washington besides Terry McLaurin.

He has an incredible Week 2 matchup against Arizona, who allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2019.