Even though this is Week 1 of the NFL season, many Fantasy managers are still holding their drafts. Some of you like to wait until the last minute to avoid any injury concerns, which we totally understand.
But most of you have already had your drafts, and you might be ready to make your first add/drops to tweak your roster. With that in mind, we want to marry our final Average Draft Position review and our first look at the waiver wire.
The players we're going to look at here are excellent late-round choices based on the CBS Sports ADP if you're still drafting (Round 10 or later). And they are also rostered in less than 65 percent of leagues on CBS, so they could be available to pick up.
For those of you playing on our site or reading me for the first time, every Tuesday during the season we provide an in-depth look at the waiver wire. We'll tell you the best players to pick up, guys to consider dropping and streaming options at kicker and DST.
You'll want to check it out every Tuesday prior to making your waiver wire moves, and we'll help you get your lineup right. If you want to win, this is the place to be, starting now.
Quarterbacks
Trey Lance, 49ers
ADP: 130.82
Roster percentage: 64 percent
Lance is battling a finger injury and might not be ready for Week 1 against Detroit. He wasn't expected to start anyway, but the 49ers were going to use him in certain packages in tandem with Jimmy Garoppolo. The hope is Lance takes over in San Francisco sooner rather than later for the 49ers, and if that happens he could be a weekly starter in all leagues. He's worth stashing if you have an open bench spot.
Fantasy Football Today Newsletter
Know What Your Friends Don't
Get tips, advice and news to win your league - all from the FFT podcast team.
Thanks for signing up!
Keep an eye on your inbox.
Sorry!
There was an error processing your subscription.
Jameis Winston, Saints
ADP: 134.11
Roster percentage: 62 percent
Winston won the starting job for the Saints, and he could emerge as a weekly starter in all leagues. It might not happen until the middle of the year when Michael Thomas (ankle) is healthy, but Winston has plenty of upside in New Orleans. Now, there's some risk of him losing playing time to Taysom Hill, but it could be worth seeing it unfold while Winston is already on your Fantasy roster. He's worth stashing on your bench right now.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
ADP: 137.32
Roster percentage: 63 percent
I won't be surprised if Roethlisberger is a top-10 Fantasy quarterback this year. He was actually No. 13 in Fantasy points last season, and it was a miserable campaign for him. But he's in better shape now, seemingly healthy from his elbow injury in 2019 and has a fantastic receiving corps with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster. If you draft a questionable No. 1 Fantasy quarterback (Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow or Trevor Lawrence) then Roethlisberger is the perfect No. 2 option to put on your bench.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
ADP: 138.37
Roster percentage: 63 percent
The hope is Tagovailoa takes a step forward in Year 2, and he's had a strong training camp and preseason. The Dolphins put better weapons around him with Jaylen Waddle and Will Fuller, and those guys should help Tagovailoa improve as a passer. He should also be fully healthy after the hip injury he suffered in 2019, and he doesn't have to worry about Ryan Fitzpatrick taking him off the field this year. He's a promising backup Fantasy option to stash.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Football Team
ADP: 147.96
Roster percentage: 41 percent
Fitzpatrick is like Roethlisberger as a quality veteran that you can pair with a questionable starter. And should you need Fitzpatrick as a streamer, he should deliver. He has great weapons around him with Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic and Curtis Samuel. We've also seen Fitzpatrick as a reliable Fantasy option. In his past two seasons with the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick scored at least 20 Fantasy points in 12 of his past 14 starts. Consider him in deeper leagues if you need to carry two quarterbacks.
Running backs
Giovani Bernard, Buccaneers
ADP: 140.45
Roster percentage: 60 percent
Bernard is battling an ankle injury, but hopefully, he'll be OK for Thursday's game against the Cowboys. When healthy, he might be the best Fantasy running back for the Buccaneers in PPR. He should be the one playing on passing downs, even with Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette on the roster. And we know Tom Brady loves a pass-catching running back like Bernard. In non-PPR leagues, Bernard isn't as valuable, but check your 0.5 and PPR waiver wire to see if Bernard is available and scoop him up.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
ADP: 142.75
Roster percentage: 56 percent
Stevenson emerged as the backup to Damien Harris after the Patriots sent Sony Michel to the Rams. If something happens to Harris, Stevenson would be a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues. He has lottery-ticket upside, and these are the types of running backs you want to stash on your bench, especially after Stevenson had a strong preseason. We'll see how much he plays in tandem with Harris and James White, but I have been drafting Stevenson in all leagues or adding him where available just in case he ever gets an increased role.
Ty'Son Williams, Ravens
ADP: 147.06
Roster percentage: 38 percent
With J.K. Dobbins (ACL) out for the season, the Ravens could need Williams to play a prominent role in tandem with Gus Edwards. We know Baltimore will rotate running backs, and Williams is No. 2 on the depth chart. And should something happen to Edwards then Williams could be a must-start running back in all leagues. He had a strong preseason, and Dobbins' unfortunate injury opened the door for Williams to be a potential flex option in deeper leagues, with lottery-ticket upside.
Tevin Coleman, Jets
ADP: 152.67
Roster percentage: 46 percent
I'm still hopeful that Michael Carter will be the best Jets running back this season, but it appears like New York will rotate Carter, Coleman and Ty Johnson (9 percent rostered on CBS). It's worth picking up Coleman where available and also taking a flyer on Johnson in deeper leagues. Coleman was with this coaching staff in San Francisco, so they are familiar with his ability. And should he outplay Carter early in the season and stay healthy, Coleman could end up as a potential flex option in deeper leagues.
Wayne Gallman, Falcons
ADP: 158.89
Roster percentage: 28 percent
The Falcons added Gallman after the 49ers cut him, and he should be the No. 2 running back behind Mike Davis. Gallman is worth drafting late or adding where available just in case Davis goes down. I'd expect Atlanta to use Gallman over Cordarrelle Patterson, and Gallman had his moments with the Giants last season in place of an injured Saquon Barkley. You don't necessarily have to handcuff Davis with Gallman, but it could make sense in deeper leagues.
Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles
ADP: 161.09
Roster percentage: 32 percent
We all want to see the Eagles lean on Miles Sanders, but it seems like Gainwell and Boston Scott (12 percent rostered) are going to have significant roles. Gainwell could end up playing on passing downs, and he's worth taking a flyer on in PPR. Scott is likely to play more of a hybrid role, and he's also worth a flyer in deeper leagues. Again, we'd like to see Sanders keep both off the field, but that doesn't seem likely based on reports out of Philadelphia during training camp.
Darrel Williams, Chiefs
ADP: 164.82
Roster percentage: 25 percent
I've drafted Williams in almost every league as a lottery-ticket option. Should something happen to Clyde Edwards-Helaire then we could see Williams in a prominent role for the Chiefs, much like what happened last year when Andy Reid leaned on him in the playoffs against the Browns and Bills. Jerick McKinnon would likely have a role as well if Edwards-Helaire was out, but I'll stash Williams in all leagues now. He could be a starting option in all Fantasy leagues if he got a chance to start in Kansas City this season.
Justin Jackson, Chargers
ADP: 165.45
Roster percentage: 25 percent
Jackson appears to be the No. 2 running back for the Chargers behind Austin Ekeler, and that could be a valuable role. Now, the Chargers would likely use Joshua Kelley and maybe Larry Roundtree along with Jackson if Ekeler were to miss any time, but Jackson seems to be the leader of that group. As such, he's worth a late-round flyer in all leagues and definitely worth a bench spot if you have a roster spot to play with.
Mark Ingram, Texans
ADP: None
Roster percentage: 24 percent
I don't particularly want any members of the Houston backfield on my Fantasy teams, but Ingram is likely the best of the bunch. The Texans will use Ingram, Phillip Lindsay and David Johnson in a rotation, with Johnson likely playing on passing downs, but Ingram looked the best in the preseason. He also has a history with Houston coach David Culley from their time in Baltimore. In deeper leagues, if you want to trust anyone in the Texans backfield, it appears like Ingram has a slight edge over the competition for now.
Tony Jones, Saints
ADP: None
Roster percentage: 21 percent
Jones was a more attractive Fantasy option when it appeared like the Saints were going to move on from Latavius Murray. But since New Orleans kept Murray there's some mystery as to what will happen if Alvin Kamara missed any time this year. It's worth the gamble to stash Jones in case he's No. 2 on the depth chart, and he had a strong preseason compared to Murray. We could be talking about Jones as a league-winning Fantasy option at some point this year.
Wide receivers
Jakobi Meyers, Patriots
ADP: 131.79
Roster percentage: 64 percent
I might have more exposure to Meyers than any player this season, and he's one of my favorite receivers to draft. He's better in PPR than non-PPR leagues -- he's yet to score a touchdown in two seasons -- but he should be the best receiver in New England this year. I would draft him as early as Round 8, and he should be added in any leagues where still available. If he's really going after Round 10 then he might be the best value pick in any format in 2021.
Darnell Mooney, Bears
ADP: 135.19
Roster percentage: 60 percent
The Bears No. 2 receiver opposite Allen Robinson is another one of my favorite sleepers. He closed 2020 on a positive note with at least 15 PPR points in two of his final three games, and he should prove to be a favorite target for Andy Dalton or Justin Fields. The latter will hopefully be great for Mooney, and he's an amazing value pick at this price.
Mike Williams, Chargers
ADP: 135.99
Roster percentage: 65 percent
Williams saw his ADP slide as he missed several weeks in August due to a hip injury, but he's ready for Week 1, which is all that matters. He remains a popular target for Justin Herbert, and Williams profiles as the next receiver seemingly unwanted by his team who could play big (think DeVante Parker in Miami in 2019 and Corey Davis in Tennessee in 2020). Williams is better in non-PPR leagues than PPR formats, but he's definitely worth investing in with a late-round selection or if he's on waivers.
Elijah Moore, Jets
ADP: 146.58
Roster percentage: 48 percent
Moore has been one of my favorite sleepers for a while, and I've still been investing in him even with Corey Davis getting all the attention in the preseason. Moore was the early star in training camp, and he should hopefully still have a solid rapport with fellow rookie Zach Wilson. By the end of the season, Moore could prove to be better than Davis, and I love his value in drafts or on waivers. I have plenty of shares of Moore already, and I'm still looking to add more.
Henry Ruggs, Raiders
ADP: 147.13
Roster percentage: 53 percent
Ruggs flopped as a rookie in 2020, but there's a path to a rebound season in 2021. He's now the expected No. 1 receiver for the Raiders, and with Nelson Agholor gone and John Brown not making the final roster, Ruggs should be No. 2 in targets behind Darren Waller. Bryan Edwards (14 percent rostered) should also be considered in deeper leagues, but Ruggs has the higher ceiling. Hopefully, he emerges as a potential weekly starter in all leagues.
Russell Gage, Falcons
ADP: 151.3
Roster percentage: 43 percent
Gage likely doesn't have a high ceiling as long as Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts are healthy, but he does have a nice opportunity in front of him with Julio Jones gone in Atlanta. Last season, Gage scored at least 15 PPR points in four of his final five games, and hopefully, Matt Ryan will lean on him. He's worth a late-round flier in PPR leagues, and he's also someone to grab off waivers where available just to see what happens early in the year.
Rondale Moore, Cardinals
ADP: 155.92
Roster percentage: 35 percent
The Cardinals have plenty of options at receiver behind DeAndre Hopkins, who is clearly their best weapon. A.J. Green (34 percent rostered) could be No. 2 in the passing game, and he's also worth adding. But I'd prefer to take a flyer on Moore, and it was fun to see how Arizona used him in the preseason. Christian Kirk (24 percent rostered) is also in the mix, and this is clearly going to be a fun season for Kyler Murray. Hopefully, Moore becomes one of the top options for Murray, and Moore could emerge as a Fantasy starter in deeper leagues.
Terrace Marshall, Panthers
ADP: 160.26
Roster percentage: 33 percent
Marshall had a strong preseason, and he should have the chance for a productive rookie campaign. While he could struggle for targets on the same field as Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, he still has the chance to be productive with new quarterback Sam Darnold. And there are 97 vacated targets available from Curtis Samuel going to Washington. Marshall is one of my favorite late-round targets, and I plan to add him in any leagues where he's still available.
Sterling Shepard, Giants
ADP: 163.48
Roster percentage: 29 percent
The Giants receiving corps is a mess with Kenny Golladay, Evan Engram, Darius Slayton and Kadarius Toney battling injuries at one time or another during training camp. That should allow Shepard to remain a prominent weapon for Daniel Jones if that continues into the regular season. Last season, Shepard scored at least 13 PPR points in five of his final 10 games, and he's capable of replicating that kind of production again, especially if his teammates continue to battle injuries. He might even be successful when everyone is healthy given his rapport with Jones.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
ADP: None
Roster percentage: 19 percent
The Lions receiving corps is likely the worst in the NFL, so plan to take a flyer on St. Brown and even Tyrell Williams (28 percent rostered). I expect St. Brown to have more chances to catch the ball, which is why I like him better than Williams, but both belong in this category. T.J. Hockenson can only do so much as the best pass catcher in Detroit, so beat the rush to add St. Brown or Williams now if you have an open roster spot.
Tight ends
Zach Ertz, Eagles
ADP: 137.8
Roster percentage: 65 percent
I'm stunned that Ertz will enter Week 1 with the Eagles, and I expected him to be cut or traded this offseason. Now, he could be the No. 1 tight end in Philadelphia once again. His presence ruins the upside of Dallas Goedert, but Ertz could still be a go-to option for Hurts. If you're in need of a tight end or looking for a late-round option, it could be worth your investment to see if Ertz still has anything to offer.
Gerald Everett, Seahawks
ADP: 150.9
Roster percentage: 46 percent
We'll see if Everett or Will Dissly becomes the lead tight end for the Seahawks, but Everett is the one to target now. He's the one with a history with new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron from their time in Los Angeles, and Russell Wilson has raved about Everett this offseason. Whoever emerges as the lead tight end in Seattle could be the third receiver for Wilson behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and that could be a valuable Fantasy option this year.
Hunter Henry, Patriots
ADP: 151.85
Roster percentage: 51 percent
Henry might not be ready for Week 1 after dealing with a shoulder injury in training camp, but hopefully he'll be able to face the Dolphins in the opener. We want to see how Henry does with new quarterback Mac Jones and how New England plans to use Henry in tandem with Jonnu Smith. While Smith appears to have a higher ceiling, don't rule out Henry being the best tight end for the Patriots this year.
Austin Hooper, Browns
ADP: 160.04
Roster percentage: 40 percent
Hooper isn't expected to be a league-winning tight end with the Browns this year, but he could be useful in deeper leagues. He closed last year on a high note with at least 13 PPR points in each of his final three games, and maybe that momentum carries over to this season. But it's hard to expect consistent production with Odell Beckham (knee) back on a Browns team that will lean on the run. However, in deeper leagues, Hooper can be a low-end starter.
Anthony Firkser, Titans
ADP: None
Roster percentage: 17 percent
Firkser didn't stand out in the preseason, but there is the chance for him to still be a useful Fantasy option in deeper leagues. He's the likely replacement option in Tennessee for Jonnu Smith, and hopefully, Ryan Tannehill will lean on Firkser, especially as a red-zone threat. He's not expected to get many targets on a run-first team with A.J. Brown and Julio Jones on the roster, but Firkser is someone to monitor in deeper leagues.
Chris Herndon, Vikings
ADP: None
Roster percentage: 13 percent
The Vikings are going to be without one of my favorite breakout candidates this year after Irv Smith (knee) got hurt in late August. Minnesota traded for Herndon from the Jets, and we'll see if he can beat out Tyler Conklin for the starting job. Once upon a time as a rookie in 2018 with the Jets, Herndon looked like a rising star. But he's struggled since, and hopefully. a change of scenery can resurrect his career. He's worth stashing in deeper leagues to see what happens, and you can always pivot to Conklin if he's the tight end to roster in Minnesota.
Tyler Kroft, Jets
ADP: None
Roster percentage: 2 percent
Herndon's departure has opened the door for Kroft to be the lead tight end for the Jets. He had a strong training camp and preseason, and he could turn out to be a valuable weapon for Zach Wilson. In deeper leagues, Kroft is worth adding or drafting with a late-round pick to see what he does, and he could end up as a starting option. Kroft could end up surprising us this year given his expanded role with the Jets.