With week one in the rearview mirror, it’s time to hit the waivers. Whether your fantasy squad needs to improve or maintain their dominance, all roads begin on the waiver wire. Here are some great additions based on new developments and standout performances this past week.
Waiver pickups
Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Forsett has been named the week 2 starter in Baltimore in the wake of his 11-70-1 performance week one against the Bengals, and Ray Rice being released from the Ravens. This is due to a poor performance from former starter Bernard Pierce who fumbled on Sunday. While Forsett isn’t expected to be the long-term starter, he may be worth a quick stash for those who are in need.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers
After an impressive preseason, Benjamin had a strong debut against Tampa Bay. He lead the team in yards, catching six balls for 92 yards and . The best part is that Benjamin did all that with back up Derek Anderson at quarterback. If the preseason is any indication, Benjamin has the same rapport with Cam Newton. While the Panthers are a run first offense, Benjamin is a valuable addition as he could post consistent numbers.
Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns
The NFL and the NFL Players Association are trying to reach an agreement on a new drug policy that could potentially reduce or overturn Gordon’s year-long suspension. It’s a longshot but given that Gordon was last season’s highest scoring receiver, he should be picked up immediately.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Indianapolis Colts
There’s a dearth of running backs with a great workload so now is the time to look at backups who could claim the starting role. Simply put, Trent Richardson isn’t running well in Indianapolis. Bradshaw is already the third down back due to his superior pass protection but he could see more work if Richardson continues to have problems. Donald Brown did it last year and Bradshaw could usurp Richardson this year.
Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints
For the longest time, the Saints running back situation was too unpredictable to be relevant in fantasy, but now it looks as though Ingram has become the No. 1 back in New Orleans. He rushed for two touchdowns and 60 yards. Before people plug Ingram into their starting lineup, they should wait and see how the situation develops. Next week could see New Orleans go back to their old tricks but for now Ingram is worth a roster spot.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Miami Dolphins
Similarly to Bradshaw, Moreno is in a battle for the starting position and is winning. The former Bronco for 134 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s matchup. Starter Lamar Miller had 59 yards on 11 carries. Miller was able to snag a receiving touchdown but it was clear who the better back was on Sunday, not to mention Miller lost a fumble. With or without Peyton Manning by his side, Moreno is looking to continue his resurgence. He should be added immediately if he is available.
Chris Ivory, RB, New York Jets
Ivory is in a fortunate position as a second-string running back in that he has an even split in carries with Chris Johnson in New York. On Sunday, Ivory had 102 yards and touchdown on 10 carries. Granted the majority of those yards and the score came from in which Ivory ran 71 yards to the house, but it’s the fact that Ivory is getting plenty of opportunities to make those kinds of plays that makes him a necessary pickup.
Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
While there’s always the worry of “chasing points” after a player posts insane numbers like Hurns (see Kevin Ogletree in 2012), this is a good pickup. For now at least. With Cecil Shorts sidelined with a hamstring injury — that could potentially flare up again after he recovers — Hurns will line up opposite Marqise Lee in two-wideout sets. Hurns had a good preseason which bodes well for his consistency but it’s unlikely that he’ll put up 110 yards and two touchdowns on a regular basis. For now he’s a great add for the immediate future.
Brandon McManus, K, Denver Broncos
Like Hurns, McManus is a great player to plug in and play while Matt Prater is serving his suspension. The Broncos replacement made four PATs and a field goal against the Colts Sunday night.
Deeper Picks
Terrance West, RB, Cleveland Browns
When starter Ben Tate went down with a knee injury, West came in and rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries. West is worth a stash should anything happen to Tate.
Dwayne Allen, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Last year’s starter before his season ended with a hip injury, Allen looks superior to fellow tight end Coby Fleener and should surpass him as the season progresses.
Allen had four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.
Hugh Johnson: 303-954-1037, hjohnson@denverpost.com
