Football is back. Fantasy football is also back. There are many keys to having a successful season in fantasy football, one crucial aspect is taking advantage of the waiver wire. Every year, numerous players rise to fantasy football stardom from the depths of the waiver wire. Last year, we saw players like; Elijah Mitchell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and even Rashaad Penny, string together very impressive performances during the 2021 NFL season. These individual performances were crucial for fantasy owners on their way to successful seasons last year, and each of these guys were likely grabbed mid-season off of the waiver wire. This year, each of the players listed above were likely drafted in your league’s draft this past month. Now is your chance to grab this year’s waiver wire gems before your league mates get the chance. Here are some players to add to your roster before week one of the 2022 NFL season.
Kenneth Gainwell – RB Philadelphia Eagles
Kenneth Gainwell is a talented young running back entering his second season in the NFL. Gainwell’s first year as a pro is not one that would have fantasy owners salivating to draft him. However, he appears to have solidified his role as the Eagles’ Third down back and that alone should give him many opportunities to catch a handful of passes every week. With current RB1 for the Philadelphia Eagles Miles Sanders dealing with a slight hamstring injury. Gainwell could see an expanded role if Sanders were to miss time due to this nagging hamstring injury. Gainwell is currently on players’ fantasy rosters in 52% of Yahoo fantasy leagues and only 28% of ESPN fantasy leagues. Go grab Gainwell before it’s too late.
Isaiah Mckenzie – WR Buffalo Bills
Isaiah Mckenzie is one of my favorite players in fantasy football for the 2021 season. I have an article already posted here where I rave about Mckenzie as well as two rookie wide receivers you should keep an eye on. Nonetheless, Mckenzie should be on a roster in every fantasy league due to his incredible upside. Mckenzie is currently available in almost 50% of yahoo leagues and over 80% of ESPN leagues. Mckenzie’s speedy agility and incredible situation as the starting slot receiver in a Josh Allen led offense make him a no-brainer pickup for you in your fantasy football league.
Jameis Winston – QB New Orleans Saints
Jameis Winston is a sleeper candidate for MVP of the 2022 NFL season. The New Orleans Saints have an incredible roster from top to bottom of both offense and defense. Winston was averaging just under 17 fantasy points per game in the seven games he played in 2021. However, Winston now enters the 2022 season fully healthy, surrounded by talented receivers and running backs. Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Alvin Kamara all are ready to help Jameis Winston be one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy football for the 2022 NFL season. Available in about 60% of leagues on Yahoo and ESPN, Winston should be added to your roster immediately.
Each of these players has a chance to explode in fantasy football this season. If any of these players are available in your fantasy leagues, adding them to your roster now could set you up for a run at a fantasy championship. The longer you wait, the more time you’re giving your fellow league mates a chance to scoop up a potential league-winner.