After two weeks of football, fantasy football is officially in full swing with a wide assortment of booms and busts in many players. There have been some interesting storylines through the first few weeks regarding breakout stars and injured stars. As is the case with every NFL season, there is also plenty of drama. But beyond all of the fog, there are a few chances for you to strike gold in your fantasy leagues after Week 2. Five notable, high-performing players are rostered in 85% of leagues or less. These five’s stocks have skyrocketed over the past two weeks due to production and news surrounding them or their teammates. These players could be viable, long-term fantasy options in your league and you should pounce now if they’re still available.
*Disclaimer: The 85% roster percentage is from ESPN Fantasy Games. As always, there will be some variation in available players based on league format and number of teams.
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Pick Up These Five Long-Term Fantasy Football Options Before It’s Too Late
This list highlights one receiver and four running backs who now have year-round fantasy value. These five just broke onto the scene in either Week 1 or Week 2 with monster performances, but it’s important to grab them now. All of these options are available in 15-40% of leagues, so it’s wise to use waiver claims and free agency this week of all weeks.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
I know you probably heard all about the rookie receiver this past weekend. He set the record for the most targets in the first two games of a player’s career with 25. The Rams offense looks really good and he could be a great target for Matthew Stafford for awhile. Puka Nacua has 25 receptions on 35 targets through two games, which is an absolutely insane volume. Over that time, he has accumulated 263 yards (119 and 147, respectively) while being a consistent offensive option. At the close of Week 2, Nacua is available in 26.8% of leagues still. Even with Cooper Kupp coming back soon, Stafford will now have two established options to throw too which could honestly help Nacua in the long run. Take a chance on him now because he will not be available with all of the hype surrounding him following this Thursday.
Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Another Ram who has extremely high fantasy value following this weekend is Kyren Williams. The second-year back out of Notre Dame has officially assumed the RB1 role for Los Angeles. After a lower workload but higher production in Week 1, Williams was the featured back in Week 2 vs. San Francisco. Cam Akers has apparently been added to the trade block which gives Williams the clear-cut No. 1 role. Despite an early deficit in Week 2, Williams managed 20 touches for 100 total yards and two touchdowns. After scoring 17.4 PPR fantasy points in Week 1, he followed that up with an astounding 28 points in Week 2 against a better defense. Williams is the overall RB2 in fantasy football right now behind only Christian McCaffrey. Williams is still available in nearly 40% of leagues and you have a chance to strike gold with a waiver claim for him.
Brian Robinson, RB, Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson barely meets the qualifications of being available but he still sits at 15% unrostered. The Commanders are starting to figure out their offensive identity and it’s clear that Robinson fits in the scheme. A week after getting 20 touches, Robinson followed that up with another 20-touch performance this week. He made it count against the Broncos, scoring twice with 129 total yards. Robinson is the RB4 through two games and his role as the starter has begun to solidify. He’ll also reportedly be more involved in the passing game, so expect a decent volume for him in Washington. That 15% unrostered clip is concerning which means he’s barely available in most standard leagues though, so pounce now while you still can.
Still thinking about this Brian Robinson Jr. TD 😍#HTTC
— Commanders Nation (@CommandNationDC) September 18, 2023
Raheem Mostert, RB, Miami Dolphins
Another high-ranking running back, Raheem Mostert sits with 18% availability after two very productive weeks. Currently the RB6, Mostert has posted a 13-point game and a 28.7-point game to start the year. In games where the Dolphins’ explosive passing offense is limited, Mostert is primed to shine. He had 19 touches last night which gave him 127 total yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be very matchup-specific this year and will likely thrive against teams with better secondaries, however. But if Mostert, a fantasy-starting-caliber running back is still available, put in a claim now while you have a chance.
Zack Moss, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Wrapping up the list is Colts running back Zack Moss, who appears to be primed for the RB1 role in Indy. He made his season debut in Week 2 and posted a 20.7-point mark against the Texans. Deon Jackson entered the year as the starter but with a terrible Week 1 and no touches in Week 2 (yes, he’s healthy and he dressed too), it’s clear that Moss is the favorite in Indy. He ran 18 times for 88 yards and a score while adding four catches too. Jonathan Taylor is eligible to come off the PUP list for Week 5, but with his looming trade request, it’s unlikely he’ll suit up for the Colts this year. Moss gets to be the lead back next to rising rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. He is available in most leagues as he currently sits with a 68% unrostered clip following Week 2.
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Main Photo: Jenna Watson – USA Today Sports
