Many a fantasy football championship has been won with the waiver wire. Following Week 2 action, these are the names that should be on owners' radars going forward.
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
Before Robert Griffin III dislocated his ankle, there had been calls for Cousins to be the man under center. Once RG3 went out, Cousins immediately came in and tossed a touchdown pass. The Redskins eventually thrashed Jacksonville 41-10, and Cousins completed 22-of-33 passes for two touchdowns with no interceptions.
Quarterback is deep this year though, and it's possible that the Redskins enter next week without DeSean Jackson and TE Jordan Reed, so his upside may be limited. Still, if you're a believer in the Redskins' offense Cousins is your guy.
DEEP OPTION: Geno Smith, New York Jets
Smith is the recommendation for a second straight week. He posted very pedestrian passing numbers (176 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) but rushed seven times for 36 yards and a touchdown. It's clear Geno will be running quite a bit, and he's not afraid to sell out to score.
Running Backs
Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs
Davis ran 22 times for 76 yards and hit paydirt twice. Touchdowns are unpredictable, but running backs in Andy Reid offenses thrive, and if Charles is out for extended time Davis is a clear fantasy starter.
Don't get carried away-he ran impressively, but still managed just 3.59 yards per attempt, far below an elite level. But the opportunity will be present provided Charles is not active, and he was targeted nine times in the passing game. If Charles is ruled out, Davis is a fair add even for non-Charles owners.
Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rainey's ownership went up because of Doug Martin's injury, but the fact that he wasn't ruled out until very late means Rainey could be available in leagues. If so, snap him up. Use that No.1 waiver priority, or blow a good chunk of FAAB. He thrived yesterday, and the Bucs offense was better with him rushing in Week 1.
For now Martin's still the guy, but Rainey's gaining on him fast. Martin might be on his way to Trent Richardson-land.
Donald Brown, San Diego Chargers
Danny Woodhead is the name most people associate with backing up Ryan Mathews, who sprained his MCL last week. Donald Brown, however, will be the featured back in Mathews' place while Woodhead's role remains the same, or perhaps increased a bit.
Brown's not a flashy guy, and doesn't have too many Sportscenter worthy plays, but he produces. He took over for Richardson in Indianapolis last year and was quietly one of the NFL's better backs down the stretch. Expect more of the same in San Diego with Mathews down for several weeks.
DEEP OPTION: Denard Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Toby Gerhart's not injured to the point where he'll miss time, but he is playing while banged up. And it shows. Gerhart's been disastrous through two games as the starter, rushing 25 times for just 50 yards with no touchdowns. Another week like this, and it's almost a lock that Denard Robinson will at least see the field in order to spark this running game. Robinson has much more speed, along with the ability to bowl defenders over, and should add a dynamic element to a currently predictable attack.
Wide Recievers
James Jones, Oakland Raiders
Jones has caught touchdowns in back-to-back games, and separated himself as the go-to Raiders receiver. Against Houston this week he drew 12 targets, and racked up 112 yards. Derek Carr is no great shakes at QB, but he's proving to be the only reliable pass-catcher there.
Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams
Fantasy owners might be scared by the truly dreadful quarterbacking situation in St. Louis, but Quick has gotten nine targets in each of the first two games of the season. Tavon Austin appears to be favored in a gadget-play role moreso than the No. 1 option his draft slot suggests, leaving Quick to soak up targets. Get him now, before he starts scoring touchdowns.
Mohamed Sanu, Cincinnati Bengals
Sanu made the most of his chances in A.J. Green's absence, catching three of his four targets for 81 yards and a touchdown. It seems possible that Green could return next week, but if he doesn't Sanu's a surefire FLEX possibility. Even with Green in the fold, Andy Dalton does look for Sanu in the red zone.
DEEP OPTION: Jeremy Kerley, New York Jets
Eric Decker left Sunday's game with a hamstring injury, and if he missed time Kerley will be due for an increased workload. Kerley works best in the slot, and is more valuable in PPR formats, but if Decker misses time Geno Smith will have to throw to someone.
Kerley also showed big play capability on a long touchdown bomb that was erased because of a referee/timeout snafu. Keep tabs on Decker's status though-if he plays, Kerley can safely be ignored in shallower leagues.
Tight End
Larry Donnell, New York Giants
In the rush to bag on the Giants for their out-of-sync offense, the early success of Larry Donnell is flying under the radar. He's been targeted 17 times in two games, and in Week 1 Eli Manning was force feeding him in the end zone. With the wide receivers and Manning not connecting, Donnell will continue to be his safety blanket.
Niles Paul, Washington Redskins
The Redskins clearly are going to make use of their tight ends, and with Jordan Reed out for a little while Paul looked more than capable of filling the void. 11 targets and a touchdown in his first game filling in is very exciting.
DEEP OPTION: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce was a big sleeper in the preseason, and owners that picked him are probably dropping him in frustration over his lack of touchdowns. Anthony Fasano may continue to be a hindrance, but eventually Kelce will start to take over. Get him now, while he's cheap, and wait for it.
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