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NFL Week 1 fantasy football waiver wire targets

Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead (28) rushes against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams RB Darrell Henderson leads the running backs after being the clear starter for the team on Thursday Night Football.

Carolina Panthers WR Robbie Anderson was one of eight wide receivers with a 100-yard game on Sunday. Most of them required a high draft pick to acquire, but Anderson is still available in most leagues.

• A New Orleans Saints tight end is one of the top waiver targets at the position, but it’s not who you think.


Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season is just about in the books. Here are the players you should be targeting in your fantasy football leagues, including targets in smaller leagues and deeper leagues, as well as players to avoid.

Jump to a position group:

QB | RB | WR | TE

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Quarterback

Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders (Rostered in 16.7% of leagues on ESPN)

Wentz completed 27 of 41 passes for 313 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions, making him one of the most successful fantasy quarterbacks of Week 1.

    • It’s a small sample size, but there is enough talent around him in the form of receivers who are also waiver wire targets.
    • There is a chance this was a one-game blip, but if you weren’t happy with your backup quarterback’s performance, it’s worth taking a chance on Wentz.

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints (36.4%)

Winston completed 23 of 34 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints' victory over the Falcons.

    • The offense should improve as the season progresses, with Michael Thomas’ health improving and Chris Olave playing better over time.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (57.4%)

Lawrence completed 24 of 42 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown with an interception.

    • The Jaguars passed often early in the game because they wanted to and then did so late in the game because they had to.
    • Jacksonville lost the time of possession battle, but in future games, the offense will run more plays, which means even more passing attempts.
    • Lawrence is a good fantasy backup because of volume alone. If he starts living up to being a former first overall pick, he can be a fantasy starter.
    • He is rostered in over half of leagues, but if you’re in a league where there are enough spots to have a backup quarterback, he should be worth considering for that role.

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