Dynasty Waiver Wire: Week 1

Jeff Haverlack

Welcome to our in-season coverage of waiver wire considerations for this week.

We won’t be forcing waiver wire advice or suggestions.  Instead, expect to see a wide-ranging number of players each week, based solely on increasing snaps, injury or any combination of events that suggest a player’s status could change in the future.  You can expect we will be providing a bit of justification for the addition as well as just how deep the particular player is.  We are only highlighting those players that we believe deserve some level of attention, not merely players who happen to see targets or log a carry. As is always the case in fantasy, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Whether you are a multiple-year winner or in a constant state of rebuilding, the waiver wire is, arguably, your largest source of talent from which you will build your future dynasty.  Being first to act and last to react, year over year, will play a huge role in the building and shaping of your team(s).  It takes a lot of commitment to stay that engaged, but it’s an activity that will pay dividends every year.

Players for consideration:

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Phillip Lindsay, RB DEN

The diminutive (5’8/190) rookie out of Colorado matched Royce Freeman as the most productive runner on the field Sunday with 15 carries and 71 yards, but Lindsay also pulled down two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown.  It appears as though Devontae Booker is on the outside looking in and Lindsay is a more dynamic change of pace back.  Anyone’s guess as to what transpires from here but Lindsay will be rostered in most all dynasty leagues following this week’s process.

Will Dissly, TE SEA

It’s hard to recommend the blocking specialist as Dissly did all his damage in only a few minutes before fading back to anonymity but he’s a consideration in very deep leagues.  He amassed three receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown on five targets but he won’t fool defenses in games to come.  Expect Nick Vannett to assume a greater role going forward. Again, he’s a last roster spot play in very deep leagues and, even then, may not match his game one totals in his remaining 15 games this season.

Jonnu Smith, TE TEN

Smith is likely already rostered in your dynasty league but you should check to be sure.  Delanie Walker fell to a gruesome ankle dislocation and fracture in week one and will be finished for the season and, quite possibly, his career as he’s 35 years old.  Smith will be thrust into a starting role and has the skills to be productive.  He’s somewhat undersized (6’3/248) but plays like a large wide receiver.  He’s an immediate add if available.

Bruce Ellington, WR HOU

Ellington saw eight targets on Sunday vs. the Patriots and converted on half of them for 37 yards and a touchdown.  Ellington likely saw increased snaps due to Will Fuller ‘s absence.  Fuller is due back in week two so Ellington’s role may be reduced but we’d suggest adding him before we find out more in week two.

Phillip Dorsett, WR NE

The suspension of Julian Edelman has opened up snaps for Dorsett who immediately took advantage by compiling a 7/66/1 stat line on seven targets.  With so few receivers appearing on the Patriots’ depth chart, Dorsett should continue to be targeted well at least over the next three games and it won’t be a surprise if he continues to be productive beyond week four.

Ted Ginn, WR NO

Ginn should be rostered but we suggest a check to be sure.  He continues to be a favored target by Drew Brees and while he’ll likely be a feast or famine play each week, he could be a valuable asset once bye weeks settle in.

Austin Carr, WR NO

Carr was a popular addition on Sunday AM as word emerged he’d be starting in the slot.  It’s quite possible your league-mates didn’t see the new item and he’s on your waiver wire now.  He only produced 20 yards on two receptions but any starting receiver with Drew Brees at the helm is worth an addition if he’s cheap to add.  The sophomore receiver carries decent size (6’1/195) but is virtually unknown in fantasy.

Mark Andrews, TE BAL

The Ravens run a very tight end friendly system and Flacco has made many viable plays on Sunday.  Rookie Hayden Hurst was the higher drafted selection but it was Mark Andrews, due to injury to the aforementioned Hurst, who produced vs. the Bills, reeling in three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown.  Maxx Williams is still lurking about as well but we favor Andrews for his pure receiving ability.

Geoff Swaim, TE DAL

It was Swaim who drew the start and he was the only tight end to be productive vs. the Panthers on Sunday, drawing four targets, converting on three for 18 yards.  The Cowboys look hapless on offense and badly need receiver talent.  Should Swaim develop, he could quickly begin to see an increase in snaps and targets.  But the battle is far from over as Blake Jarwin is seemingly close behind in the competition.  Neither are anything more than an emergency TE3 play until they prove otherwise but Swaim can be rostered now in deeper leagues.

Ian Thomas, TE CAR

Aging star Greg Olsen is said to be facing a more significant injury which will thrust Thomas into the lineup.  As a 2018 rookie, he’s likely not a free agent but check to be sure.  Should he be available, he’s an immediate add in all formats.

See you next week!

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jeff haverlack