I was concerned I wouldn’t have much to write about for the Friday edition of the Waiver Report, since there doesn’t tend to be a whole lot of news in Week 1. I guess I didn’t need to worry. While the unexpected bye for the Dolphins and Buccaneers threw a wrinkle in the plans of many fantasy owners, hopefully you can replace any starters from those teams with players from your bench or from Tuesday’s Waiver Report. Today’s waiver report will focus on players who have been in the news since Tuesday. Most of these players are deep-league adds only, though there was some significant news that has repercussions for shallow leagues, so we will start there.
Sterling Shepard, WR, NYG (41%)
It is looking increasingly unlikely Odell Beckham Jr. will play Week 1, and there aren’t a whole lot of options if you want to wait until Sunday night to replace Beckham in your lineup. Shepard will likely still run quite a bit out of the slot, but he will probably get at least a few more targets if Beckham is out.
Jeremy Hill, RB, CIN (50%)
I don’t know how much it matters that Hill was listed at the top of Cincinnati’s running back depth chart, but it doesn’t hurt. I still like Giovani Bernard (18% owned) better, especially for PPR, but perhaps this indicates Hill will still be the Bengals’ goal line back this season. Hill has scored at least nine touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons, and he will have plenty of fantasy value if he can match that number again this season.
Evan Engram, TE, NYG (22%)
I remain skeptical of rookie tight ends, but Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard cannot catch all of the passes for the Giants. Engram has a chance at a significant target share, especially in the red zone, and he could be your best bet if you are looking to replace Julius Thomas or Cameron Brate.
Nick Boyle, TE, BAL (0%)
Boyle is listed at the top of Baltimore’s TE depth chart heading into Week 1, and that makes him pretty interesting for deep leagues. I mentioned Boyle as someone to keep an eye on all the way back in July, and now may be the time to add him. Dennis Pitta led all tight ends in receptions last year, and while Boyle almost certainly will not match that feat, he could get an awful lot of targets in this offense. Benjamin Watson will likely still be involved, which is why Boyle isn’t higher on this list.
Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK (68%)
Janikowski was dropped in a number of leagues over concerns with his contract dispute with the Raiders, but now that it has been resolved, he is probably an upgrade over a number of kickers. Janikowski finished ninth in fantasy points among kickers last season.
Kamar Aiken, WR, IND (0%)
Chester Rogers has not practiced this week, and with Phillip Dorsett gone to New England, Aiken should be the number three receiver in Indianapolis for as long as Rogers is out. That position would be far more interesting if Andrew Luck was healthy, but Aiken could be the security blanket for Scott Tolzien.
Jeremy Langford, RB, BAL (1%)
The Ravens signed Langford to their practice squad after he was released by the Bears, and while he is probably a long way from having a significant role, he might also be the second-best running back on the roster behind Danny Woodhead. Let’s not forgot, Langford was a starting NFL running back a year ago before he got hurt. I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t be again.
Jonathan Williams, RB, DEN (1%)
Williams was signed to Denver’s practice squad, and while there is a lot more talent ahead of him than Langford faces, they are all injury risks. Williams looked solid in limited opportunities last season, and there is reason to believe he could be effective if given the chance. If nothing else, he may have a shot at a short yardage role in Denver.