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With Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season nearly complete, here are the key players to target via trade or on the fantasy football waiver wire.
Below, we highlight top trade/waiver targets at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and quarterback based on their prior week's performances. I use Sleeper app ownership projections, so these numbers might vary. I do not have a hard threshold for ownership percentages because some of these potential league-winning plays need to be acquired via trade.
Top Waiver Wire and Trade Targets for Fantasy Football
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens (30%)
Likely was much more involved in Week 1 compared to last season when Mark Andrews was healthy. His increased playing time alongside Andrews points to a potential growing role in Baltimore’s offense.
Last season, Andrews played 74% of Baltimore’s offensive snaps when healthy, while Likely’s snap share ranged from 6% to 33%.
In Week 1, the Ravens made 12 personnel their base offense, allowing Likely and Andrews to play together for 32 snaps, the most they’ve ever shared in a game.
In 11 personnel, Andrews played 11 snaps to Likely's 9, with Likely seeing increased usage in the second half.
Even though Andrews is still the main tight end, Likely's increasing playing time in 11 and 12 personnel sets adds an element of interest as a fantasy choice. While maintaining a top-tier fantasy status may prove difficult with Andrews in good health, Likely possesses more potential than numerous starting tight ends in the NFL. Keeping an eye on Likely is advisable, particularly in deeper leagues or formats that prioritize tight ends.
Justin Fields, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (24%)
Fields came in for an injured Russell Wilson during Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons and impressed with his dual-threat ability, especially in the rushing game.
Rushed 14 times for 57 yards, 3rd among QBs in Week 1
Completed 17 of 23 passes with a 91.9 passer rating
Steelers scored on 6 of 10 drives under Fields’ leadership
Fields’ rushing ability provides a strong fantasy floor, and if Wilson remains sidelined, Fields could be a sneaky waiver wire addition for teams needing QB depth. Even if Wilson returns, Fields may retain starting duties due to the Steelers' success.
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions (78%) (Aggressively Trade For)
Williams exploded in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, leading the Lions in receiving yards and showing his big-play potential.
Caught 5 of 6 targets for 121 yards and a touchdown
Reached 21.03 mph on a 36-yard reception, his fastest play of the game
Recorded 14.8% of touches over 20 mph in 2023, the highest in the NFL
Williams' ability to create separation and his elite speed make him a valuable asset moving forward. With his expanded role in Week 1, he is worth adding in most leagues as a high-upside receiver.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (49%) (Waiver/Aggressively Trade For)
Just barely meeting the waiver threshold, Dobbins looked like the clear RB1 for the Chargers in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. His explosiveness on the ground provided a spark for the Chargers’ offense.
Ran for 135 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries
Out-snapped Gus Edwards 57% to 42%
The Chargers used 21 personnel on 17.6% of snaps, a major shift from last year
Dobbins' big plays, including runs of 46 and 61 yards, showed he's back from last year’s Achilles injury, even if not yet 100%. He’s a must-add, especially with the Chargers using heavier personnel sets under new OC Greg Roman, which benefits Dobbins' rushing workload.