Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups, Week 2: Kaelon Black, Denzel Boston Among Top Targets To Add

Every Monday during the season, Justin Boone breaks down the recommended waiver-wire pickups.

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Roster percentages are generated from Yahoo leagues. Free-Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are based on a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.

Key injuries to consider

• A.J. Brown (ankle)

• Zay Flowers (hamstring)

• Ladd McConkey (chest)

• Chris Olave (back)

• Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder)

• Alec Pierce (hand/wrist)

• De'Zhaun Stribling (foot)

• Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist)

• Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle)

• Brock Bowers (knee)

• Chig Okonkwo (hamstring)

• Kyler Murray (concussion)

• Sam Darnold (glute)

• Dylan Sampson (knee)

Pickups by position

• Quarterbacks

• Running backs

• Wide receivers

• Tight ends

• Defenses

• Kickers

Top-10 overall pickups for Week 2

1. Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers

2. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, 49ers

3. Denzel Boston, WR, Browns

4. Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos

5. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Jets

6. Bryce Young, QB, Panthers

7. Devaughn Vele, WR, Saints

8. Tyler Shough, QB, Saints

9. Malik Willis, QB, Dolphins

10. Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Eagles

Quarterbacks

Bryce Young, Panthers

Young is coming off an outstanding fantasy performance in the opener, when he threw for 361 yards, three touchdowns and one pick, while adding 10 yards and a score on the ground.

The emergence of Jalen Coker gives Young another dangerous weapon to pair with Tetairoa McMillan in the passing game. Even veteran tight end Darren Waller should see his role grow as he gets more comfortable in Carolina's offense. Waller had a touchdown called back in his Panthers' debut on Sunday due to a penalty. 

Next up for Young is a Falcons defense that he's had plenty of success against in recent years — especially in Atlanta, where this game will be played. Young has thrown three touchdown passes in each of his past two trips to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a 448-yard, three-TD effort in November. After this game, he gets the always struggling Browns and a banged up Lions' secondary. 

Streaming options

• Tyler Shough at BAL (40% rostered)

• Malik Willis at SF (40% rostered)

• C.J. Stroud vs. CIN (29% rostered)

Risky streaming options

• Daniel Jones at KC (25% rostered)

• Jacoby Brissett vs. SEA (7% rostered)

Risky streaming options (if starter is out)

• Carson Wentz at CHI (0% rostered)

Desperation streaming options

• Geno Smith vs. GB (5% rostered)

• Aaron Rodgers at NE (10% rostered)

• Kirk Cousins at LAC (4% rostered)

Desperation streaming options (if healthy)

• Michael Penix Jr. vs. CAR (3% rostered)

• Drew Lock at ARI (0% rostered)

Deep stashes to roster

• Fernando Mendoza (10% rostered)

Running Backs

Kaelon Black, 49ers

With Christian McCaffrey racking up 450 touches last year (including playoffs) and entering his age-30 season, rostering his backup is an important move in fantasy. That's why I spent most of the summer recommending Black as a late-round target. 

It seems like Kyle Shanahan also recognized the risk involved with giving McCaffrey another massive workload, because the 49ers split their backfield snaps 36-28 in the opener. While CMC poured in 88 scrimmage yards on 15 touches, Black wasn't far behind with 70 yards on 16 chances. 

It's possible the split was the result of McCaffrey missing time in August due to injury or the fact the game was played in Australia. Regardless, it's clear that Black is the one-injury-away option in San Francisco and he could offer weekly flex value if the team continues to get him involved. Most importantly, Black looked good on his carries. 

The rookie will be an RB3/flex option in a Week 2 matchup where the 49ers are 13-point favorites over the Dolphins. 

Jonah Coleman, Broncos

The Broncos play on Monday Night Football, so we've to see how they plan to deploy their backfield. There's a wide range of outcomes for Coleman, who could have a role right away or be brought along slowly as the J.K. Dobbins insurance plan. 

Regardless, he needs to be rostered everywhere. Dobbins is healthy entering the season and we all hope this is the year he finally plays all 17 games. However, history has taught us otherwise as the veteran missed time due to injuries in all six of his NFL campaigns. Though RJ Harvey is the No. 2 back on Denver's depth chart, it's Coleman who projects to benefit the most if Dobbins goes to the blue medical tent again. 

Sean Payton has raved about the rookie, even comparing his skillset to Dobbins. In the event of another injury, Coleman is the most likely to step into the lead-back role, while Harvey maintains his change-of-pace, pass-catching back usage. Don't wait until Dobbins gets hurt, scoop Coleman up now. 

Tyler Allegeier is51% rostered but would be the No. 3 RB add behind Black and Coleman, if available. 

Zach Charbonnet is50% rostered but can be added as an IR stash, if available. 

Best one-injury away backup RBs to stash

• Tank Bigsby (34% rostered)

• Emmett Johnson (19% rostered)

• Brian Robinson Jr. (25% rostered) 

• Ray Davis (16% rostered)

Flex options

• Woody Marks vs. CIN (49% rostered)

• Braelon Allen vs. GB (15% rostered)

Risky flex options

• Kendre Miller at BAL (1% rostered)

• Tyjae Spears vs. PHI (39% rostered)

• Keaton Mitchell vs. LV (40% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options

• Devin Singletary at LAR (1% rostered)

• Samaje Perine at HOU (4% rostered)

• Chris Brooks at NYJ (2% rostered)

• George Holani at ARI (4% rostered)

• Justice Hill vs. NO (3% rostered)

Deep stashes

• Najee Harris (9% rostered)

• Kaleb Johnson (8% rostered)

• Emari Demercado (3% rostered)

• Jaylen Wright (2% rostered)

• Seth McGowan (1% rostered)

• Raheim Sanders (0% rostered)

• Sione Vaki (0% rostered)

• Kareem Hunt (0% rostered)

Upside rookie stashes

• Nicholas Singleton (3% rostered)

• Demond Claiborne (2% rostered)

• Kaytron Allen (2% rostered)

Injured-reserve stashes

• James Conner (8% rostered)

• Isaiah Pacheco (20% rostered)

Wide Receivers

Denzel Boston, Browns

The Browns' passing attack is definitely a work in progress with a potentially volatile depth chart at quarterback. Even in a Week 1 matchup with the Jaguars where the offense floundered for most of the game, their two rookie receivers managed to flash. 

First-rounder KC Concepcion caught four of his five targets for 43 yards, while earning three carries for 15 yards. Unfortunately, he had his debut marred by a fumble. It was actually Cleveland's second-round selection Boston who came away with the better fantasy afternoon, turning his four targets into 59 yards and a touchdown, which accounted for 46 of those yards. Boston also led the Browns wideouts in snaps by a wide margin, taking the field for 92% of their offensive plays. 

We have a long way to go before having faith in a Deshaun Watson-led passing game, but fantasy managers would be wise to hold the Browns rookie wideouts to see how much Todd Monken can get out of this group as the season moves along. 

Devaughn Vele, Saints

With Chris Olave in and out of their Week 1 contest due to cramps and falling hard on his back, Vele led the Saints receivers with a 91% snap share. 

In the extremely high-volume matchup with the Lions, the 28-year-old drew nine targets, which he turned into a 7-69-1 stat line. Though it's hard to project that kind of volume on a weekly basis, the Saints were No. 1 in neutral offensive pace last season and will likely be among the league leaders in that category again. 

First-rounder Jordyn Tyson remains on injured reserve for at least another three weeks and it's possible his hamstring injury could sidelined him until midseason. In the meantime, Vele is a sneaky flex option in Kellen Moore's offense. 

Deebo Samuel Sr. is50% rostered but would be the No. 1 WR add, if available. 

Jakobi Meyers is51% rostered but would be the No. 3 WR add behind Samuel and Samuel, if available. 

Romeo Doubs is54% rostered but would be the No. 6 WR add behind Samuel, Boston, Meyers, Vele and Wicks, if available. 

Jordyn Tyson is55% rostered but can be added as an IR stash, if available. 

Flex options

• Dontayvion Wicks at TEN (16% rostered)

• Khalil Shakir vs. DET (43% rostered)

Risky flex options

• Caleb Douglas at SF (12% rostered)

• Adonai Mitchell vs. GB (16% rostered)

• Tre Tucker at LAC (35% rostered)

Risky flex options (if starter is out)

• Rashod Bateman vs. NO (2% rostered)

• Tre' Harris vs. LV (4% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options

• Antonio Williams at DAL (2% rostered)

• DeMario Douglas vs. PIT (1% rostered)

• Mack Hollins vs. PIT (0% rostered)

• Malik Washington at SF (14% rostered)

• Keenan Allen at KC (27% rostered)

• Jaylin Noel vs. CIN (2% rostered)

• Pat Bryant vs. JAX (7% rostered)

• Kalif Raymond vs. MIN (0% rostered)

• Kendrick Bourne vs. SEA (0% rostered)

• Demarcus Robinson vs. MIA (0% rostered)

Upside stashes 

• Kayshon Boutte (22% rostered)

• Ryan Flournoy (8% rostered)

• Kyle Williams (0% rostered)

Upside rookie stashes 

• Chris Bell (9% rostered)

• Malachi Fields (12% rostered)

• Cyrus Allen (7% rostered)

• Ted Hurst III (2% rostered)

• Bryce Lance (0% rostered)

• Elijah Sarratt (0% rostered)

Tight Ends

Kenyon Sadiq, Jets

If you're looking for a streamer, you might want to consider Dalton Schultz or Brenton Strange this week. However, if your goal is to a potential season-long breakout at the position — you should target Sadiq. 

Despite missing time this summer while recovering from offseason sports hernia surgery, the first-round tight end was active in Week 1 and made an impact. The coaching staff stayed true to their plan of working him back into the lineup slowly, but Sadiq earned just as many targets as teammate Mason Taylor (three) and caught all of them 21 yards. Even more intriguing was his three-yard, goal-line carry, which resulted in his first career touchdown. 

According to beat writers, Sadiq was getting a lot of volume in practice before his injury and this was a great sign the team will find ways to get the ball in his hands moving forward. With fellow first-rounder Omar Cooper Jr. dealing with a high-ankle sprain that may cost him a few weeks, Sadiq could see his target share rise quickly.  

Hunter Henry is54% rostered but would be the No. 1 TE add if available. 

Streaming options

• Dalton Schultz vs. CIN (48% rostered)

• Brenton Strange at DEN (31% rostered)

Streaming options (if starter is out)

• Michael Mayer at LAC (26% rostered)

Risky streaming options

• T.J. Hockenson at CHI (22% rostered)

• Mike Gesicki at HOU (2% rostered)

• Pat Freiermuth at NE (6% rostered)

Dart-throw streaming options

• Terrance Ferguson vs. NYG (23% rostered)

• David Njoku vs. LV (3% rostered)

• Darren Waller at ATL (3% rostered)

Upside stashes

• Eli Raridon (1% rostered)

Week 2 Streamers

Defenses

Favorable upcoming schedules: Chiefs Defense (12% rostered), Packers defense (15% rostered), Panthers defense (1% rostered)

Kickers

Drop candidates

Here are some players you can consider cutting from your roster to free up room on your bench for this week's top waiver-wire adds. 

Quarterbacks: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold

Running Backs: Kenny Gainwell, Rachaad White

Wide Receivers: Rashid Shaheed, Ja'Kobi Lane

Tight Ends: Jake Ferguson, Chig Okonkwo

It's difficult to drop any running back, since their value could increase with an injury or two. However, based on what we saw in Week 1, I'm worried about the role for Gainwell and White in their respective offenses. The hope that they could be weekly flex plays is dwindling. Even if their starters get hurt, we would likely see another back form a committee with them… Meanwhile, with the injury to Sam Darnold, Shaheed is no longer as enticing and can be sent to the waiver wire. He may still have some boom weeks, but he can't be trusted in your lineup… And if you don't have room to stash Lane on IR when he's ruled out due to the wrist injury, you can let him go as well.