This weekly article is focused on identifying players who are owned in less than 40% of redraft leagues. These players are going to help your team win this week and every week to come! We are looking for guys you should be able to plug into your starting lineup without hesitation.
Be sure to check out all of our in-season content right here.
(There will be no recommended FAAB spends in this article, as those decisions always depend on your team’s needs)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR – GB)
Ownership: 41.41%
MVS’s ownership comes in just over 40% but we’ll include him anyway as he’s on just about all my redraft waiver wires. The Packers have been searching far and wide to assist Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams but we’re never sure who it will be. MVS could finally be separating himself from the pack (no pun intended). He finished Week 1 with four receptions on six targets for 96 yards and a 45-yard touchdown. The Packer’s deep threat should be at the top of your waiver list if receivers are needed.
Scott Miller (WR – TAM)
Ownership: 26.89%
The Tom Brady era in Tampa Bay didn’t quite start as expected but, to their credit, they were dealing with some injuries. Namely, Mike Evans, who suffered a hamstring injury the week before the season began. He was considered doubtful Friday and updated to questionable Saturday. Evans ended up playing Sunday but was noticeable ineffective. Miller, on the other hand, caught five of six targets for 73 yards and rushed the ball once for six yards. It’s early in the Brady era, but Miller looks like he could fill the Edelman/Amendola role as a trustworthy possession receiver. He has some stand-alone value but becomes increasingly valuable if Evans were to miss any time.
Logan Thomas (TE – WAS)
Ownership: 19.24%
Thomas was mainly discussed as a dynasty sleeper this offseason but it appears he’s much more valuable than we even thought. I remember someone saying on twitter he gave them “Darren Waller vibes”. His athletic profile certainly fits but I think we all needed to see it to believe it. Thomas received eight targets and hauled in four receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown. We’ll take just about anything with the tight end landscape as it is, but that’s fairly impressive. Good for tight end 7 in Week 1. Put in a claim for Thomas if you have any questions about your tight end position. He could even end up starting the rest of the season for you.
Peyton Barber (RB – WAS)
Ownership: 30.86%
I know how running-back-needy teams can be. I tested out the entry-fee-stealing “zero running back” method in 2020. It’s not pretty. Barber is the perfect waiver target if you’re shorthanded at the position. He doesn’t offer much, if anything, in the passing game but received 17 carries and scored two touchdowns. I prefer not to talk much about the measly 29 yards he produced on that carry total, but the two touchdowns are enough to ignore the efficiency and put in a waiver claim. The RB position is so thin, Barber is like finding gold.
Leave on the wire:
Taysom Hill (CIN – WR)
Ownership: 25.76%
I know seeing Hill throw a 37-yard pass to Alvin Kamar is fun to watch but it’s not sustainable fantasy production. He will remain one of the best gadget players in the league, and an incredible tool for the Saints, but he does nothing for your roster. Let him take up someone else’s roster spot.
Thank you for reading. If you have any thoughts or would like to discuss, you can find me on Twitter @WillieBeamanDFF.
