X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

High-Upside Bench Stashes: Preseason Waiver Wire for Week 1 Includes Jaylen Wright, Noah Brown, Isaiah Likely, Will Levis and more

Will Levis - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Mastering the waiver wire is a crucial skill that can lead you to a fantasy football championship. It's not just about strategically placing your FAAB budget on specific players but also about knowing when to stash players. This dual strategy keeps you engaged and focused on your ultimate goal of winning a fantasy championship.

As the season progresses, injuries occur or rookies begin to break out. Many of these NFL players are often drafted but dropped after the first handful of weeks due to impatient league managers. This article will pinpoint which players we’d want to stash on our bench as fantasy football waiver-wire pickups to power us down the stretch.

Last week, we examined some must-have handcuffs, such as MarShawn Lloyd, Jordan Mason, and Ray Davis. This week, we will discuss some more rookies and a few veteran players who could eventually grow into starting roles and who you should consider stashing before Week 1 kicks off. All players will be below a 25% Yahoo! roster percentage.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Jaylen Wright, RB, Miami Dolphins

20% rostered

The former fourth-round pick from this year’s draft got some positive news this week as head coach Mike McDaniel said he plans to involve all three of his running backs. He stressed that “at a certain point, he says he may feel like leaning on a guy in the game because he senses it’s his day.”

While the Tennessee product may be ranked No. 3 on the depth chart today, he could eventually become a weekly flex play and potentially an RB2 with upside even in a timeshare.

However, if Raheem Mostert or De'Von Achane were to miss any extended period, Wright could enjoy huge spike weeks with his elite breakaway speed.

 

Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

17% rostered

The other rookie running back on this list currently sits as the clear No. 2 option in Tampa Bay. While Rachaad White is poised for another high-volume season, Irving will likely only be deployed as a change-of-pace running back early on.

However, even though White was one of the most valuable running backs in fantasy last season, his production was dependent on volume as he was statistically not a good runner. He averaged a poor 2.3 yards after contact and saw -2.4 air yards per game.

While he will still see double-digit touches every week, fantasy managers should not be confident that White could remain in that role as the season progresses. If Irving can shine in his few opportunities, he could eventually become a flex option in most leagues.

 

Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina Panthers

3% rostered

With rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) on the PUP list, the Panthers will turn to Chuba Hubbard to lead the backfield and Miles Sanders as the No. 2.

While Hubbard may have been pushed up your draft board, Sanders could be an interesting stash candidate in deeper formats. He was not impressive last season, as he ran for just 432 yards and caught an additional 154 through the air with just one total score.

However, when it comes to depth running backs on your fantasy roster, finding a player with a path to volume could make them a viable flex play in desperation scenarios.

If Hubbard does not look impressive early on and struggles in the passing game, Sanders could easily see a handful of games as the starting running back as Brooks gets eased into NFL action.

 

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Indianapolis Colts

25% rostered

The Texas product was a touchdown machine in his final season at college, scoring 11 on just 55 receptions. With Josh Downs (knee) in questionable status, the former second-round pick could see a heavier-than-expected workload through the early part of the season.

During the preseason, he already showed strong chemistry with his quarterback, Anthony Richardson, as he caught both targets from him, one of them in the end zone in the final game.

His ability to play both a slot and outside role could provide him with every-down opportunities in a Colts offense that is ready to take off.

 

Noah Brown, WR, Washington Commanders

1% rostered

Last week, I wrote about Commanders receiver Dyami Brown, who is currently positioned as the No. 2 wideout opposite Terry McLaurin

However, earlier last week, the Commanders signed recently cut Houston receiver Noah Brown, who could now enter the competition for the open role.

Brown was stuck in a depth role on a high-powered Houston offense last season, but he still performed despite his limited playing time. He totaled 567 yards and scored two points on 33 catches, and he held a strong 6.8 average yards after the catch.

The No. 2 pass-catcher in Washington could have plenty of targets this season and should be a viable WR3 in most leagues once someone rises to the top.

 

Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens

20% rostered

If you faded the tight-end position in your draft, you may want to consider adding Isaiah Likely. The 24-year-old has been a popular waiver-wire target whenever Mark Andrews has to miss time and usually performs quite well.

Likely provides the highest amount of upside of any tight end that is universally on the waiver wire as he could immediately see a high target share as soon as he moves to the top of the depth chart.

Once Mark Andrews went down last season, Likely averaged an excellent 15.0 PPR points from Weeks 14-18, which was the third most among tight ends in that span. If you want that upside at your tight-end position, grab Likely on waivers this weekend.

 

Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans

17% rostered

Lastly, our QB stash comes in the form of former second-round pick Will Levis.

Levis took over the starting job in Tennessee in Week 8 of last season and had a few impressive showings (including a four-touchdown NFL debut) but also several duds along the way.

However, despite the inconsistent performances, Levis was not afraid to launch the ball downfield. He finished his rookie season with an impressive average target depth of 10.8 yards, which placed him in the top 99% of all quarterbacks last season.

With DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley lined up on the outside, Levis should see plenty of spike weeks and is worth keeping on your roster as a QB2 with upside.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Rodgers43 mins ago

Jets Owner Suggested Benching Aaron Rodgers
Mike Evans2 hours ago

Practicing Again On Thursday
Chandler Stephenson3 hours ago

Registers Three Assists Versus Predators
Jason Robertson3 hours ago

Totals Three Points In Wednesday's Win
Nils Lundkvist4 hours ago

Exits Early With A Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Knies4 hours ago

Sustains An Upper-Body Injury
Mikael Granlund4 hours ago

Exits Late With Injury Wednesday
Patrik Laine4 hours ago

Returns To Practice
Ausar Thompson4 hours ago

Listed As Doubtful For Thursday
Walker Kessler4 hours ago

Still Missing For Jazz
Jordan Clarkson4 hours ago

Questionable To Face Spurs
Devin Vassell5 hours ago

To Miss Third Consecutive Game
Chris Paul5 hours ago

Considered Probable For Thursday's Game
Khris Middleton5 hours ago

Medically Cleared To Play
Chris Sale15 hours ago

Wins National League Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal15 hours ago

Wins 2024 American League Cy Young Award
Paul George16 hours ago

Exits Game On Wednesday, Hyperextends Left Knee Again
Scoot Henderson16 hours ago

Leaves Game On Wednesday, Won't Return
Jalen Johnson17 hours ago

Active On Wednesday Night
Zach Collins17 hours ago

Uncertain To Play On Thursday
Austin Eckroat17 hours ago

Heads To The RSM Classic After Win
Harris English17 hours ago

Finding Form Heading To The RSM Classic
Ben Griffin17 hours ago

Continues Playing Well Heading To The RSM Classic
Denny McCarthy17 hours ago

Returns to The RSM Classic
Patrick Williams17 hours ago

Likely To Miss At Least One Week
Kyle Anderson17 hours ago

Available For Matchup With Hawks
Victor Wembanyama17 hours ago

Out Again On Thursday
Jusuf Nurkic17 hours ago

Available On Wednesday
Stephen Curry18 hours ago

Will Play Against Atlanta
De'Anthony Melton18 hours ago

To Undergo Season-Ending ACL Surgery
Tre Mann18 hours ago

Probable For Thursday Night Matchup Against Detroit
Mike Conley18 hours ago

Appears On Injury Report For Thursday With Toe Injury
Donte DiVincenzo18 hours ago

Questionable Heading Into Thursday
Josh Jacobs18 hours ago

Limited With Multiple Injuries
DeVonta Smith18 hours ago

Misses Practice On Wednesday
Isaiah Hartenstein18 hours ago

To Make Season Debut On Wednesday
Tyrese Maxey18 hours ago

Active On Wednesday
Seth Jones20 hours ago

Expected To Miss Four Weeks
Sam Darnold20 hours ago

Limited With Foot Injury
Max Domi20 hours ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jalen Hurts20 hours ago

Limited On Wednesday
Connor Ingram20 hours ago

Out Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Jake Ferguson21 hours ago

Picks Up A DNP On Wednesday
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen21 hours ago

Returns To Action Versus Kings
CeeDee Lamb21 hours ago

Listed As Limited, Dealing With Two Injuries
Alex Tuch21 hours ago

Available Wednesday
Tage Thompson21 hours ago

Remains Out On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta21 hours ago

Practicing In Full
Jordan Eberle21 hours ago

To Remain Out On Wednesday
George Kittle21 hours ago

Will Play In Week 12
Ludvig Aberg21 hours ago

Looks To Defend RSM Classic Title
Ladd McConkey21 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Si Woo Kim21 hours ago

An Intriguing Option At RSM Classic
Maverick McNealy21 hours ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of RSM Classic
Eric Cole21 hours ago

Chasing First Tour Victory At RSM Classic
San Francisco 49ers22 hours ago

Nick Bosa Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Christian McCaffrey22 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
George Kittle22 hours ago

Limited During Wednesday's Practice
Brock Purdy22 hours ago

Limited On Wednesday
Alexander Mattison23 hours ago

Zamir White Not Practicing On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta23 hours ago

Trending Towards Playing In Week 12
Calvin Ridley1 day ago

Out Wednesday With Illness
Isiah Pacheco1 day ago

To Practice On Wednesday
D'Andre Swift1 day ago

Won't Practice On Wednesday
Brandin Cooks1 day ago

Cowboys Open Brandin Cooks' Practice Window
Connor Bedard1 day ago

Ends Drought With Two Assists
Sam Reinhart1 day ago

Pushes Point Streak To 11 Games
Mark Scheifele1 day ago

Celebrates Ninth Career Hat Trick
Evan Bouchard1 day ago

Rocks Senators With Three-Point Period
Connor McDavid1 day ago

Nets Two Goals During Three-Point Night
TB1 day ago

Nicholas Paul Exits Early With Injury Tuesday
Zach Hyman1 day ago

Sits Out Third Period Versus Senators
2 days ago

Guardians' Stephen Vogt Named AL Manager Of The Year
Milwaukee Brewers2 days ago

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager Of The Year
Jonas Brodin2 days ago

Returns To Action
2 days ago

Nick Pivetta Declines Boston's Qualifying Offer
Jose Siri2 days ago

Mets Acquire Jose Siri From The Rays
2 days ago

Phillies To Meet With Juan Soto
2 days ago

Luis Severino Rejects Qualifying Offer From Mets
2 days ago

Willy Adames Declines Brewers Qualifying Offer
2 days ago

Teoscar Hernandez Declines Qualifying Offer From Dodgers
2 days ago

Juan Soto Declines Yankees' Qualifying Offer
Luis Gil3 days ago

Wins AL Rookie Of The Year Award
Paul Skenes3 days ago

Named 2024 NL Rookie Of The Year
Brady Singer3 days ago

Reds, Royals Discussing Jonathan India, Brady Singer
3 days ago

Sean Manaea To Reject Mets' Qualifying Offer
3 days ago

Braves Have Interest In Walker Buehler
3 days ago

Astros Interested In Willy Adames
Charles Oliveira3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler3 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva3 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy3 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six
Nick Martinez4 days ago

Signs Qualifying Offer With Reds
4 days ago

Luis Severino Likely To Decline Qualifying Offer From Mets
James Llontop4 days ago

Loses Clear-Cut Decision In Thrilling Fight At UFC 309
Paul Craig4 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC 309
Bo Nickal4 days ago

Remains Undefeated With Lackluster Performance At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic4 days ago

Retires After UFC 309 Loss
Jon Jones4 days ago

Gets TKO Win At UFC 309 To Defend Heavyweight Title
Grayson Rodriguez6 days ago

Orioles Optimistic Grayson Rodriguez Will Have A Full Spring Training

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
DJ Moore - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 12 - Thursday Updates for Deebo Samuel, D.J. Moore, Jerry Jeudy, Jonathon Brooks, Jauan Jennings, Tank Dell

Many fantasy managers are in must-win situations down the stretch, so it's never been more important to ace your start-or-sit calls. Our Week 12 TNF fantasy football overall rankings for 2024 are here to help. Ahead of the critical Week 12 slate of action, let's find out where players on the start-sit bubble such as […]


Calvin Ridley - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings (RB, WR, TE) - Week 12 Thursday Updates for Chuba Hubbard, Calvin Ridley, Cedric Tillman, Jonnu Smith, Austin Ekeler

It's always tough to compare two flex options at different positions, but bye weeks and key injuries have made those start-sit decisions even tougher. We're here to help guide you with your lineup calls with our Week 12 TNF fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024. Navigate the rankings below to find out where top flex […]


Tua Tagovailoa - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Fantasy Football Superflex 2QB Rankings for Week 12 - Thursday Updates for Tua Tagovailoa, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Austin Ekeler, Jayden Reed

Time is running out to collect "Ws" before the fantasy football playoffs begin, and if you need assistance, our Week 12 fantasy football Superflex rankings (2QB) for fantasy football can assist your start-or-sit efforts. Let's get to it! To begin Week 12 preparation, let's dig into the rankings to find out where key Superflex options […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday RB Updates for Jonathon Brooks, J.K. Dobbins, Bucky Irving, Najee Harris, Kareem Hunt

We're onto Week 12 of the NFL campaign, which can only mean the fantasy football playoffs are just ahead. Whether you're at the top of your league standings, fighting for a playoff spot, or are just trying to play spoiler, our Week 12 TNF fantasy football running back rankings for 2024 are here to help you […]


TNF Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday WR Updates for Cedric Tillman, Jauan Jennings, Josh Downs, Jerry Jeudy, DJ Moore

At the wide receiver spot especially, bye weeks and injuries are major factors in Week 12. If you don't have an excess of must-start WRs and need help identifying the top available options, we're here to help with our Week 12 TNF fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2024. Let's dive in below to see […]


Jonnu Smith - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

TNF Tight End Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday TE Updates for George Kittle, David Njoku, Will Dissly, Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry

In most leagues, only three weeks of the fantasy football regular season remain. If you desperately need a win to clinch a first-round bye or quality for the playoffs, use our Week 12 TNF fantasy football tight end rankings to help you with tough start-or-sit calls at the challenging TE spot. Ahead of the critical Week […]


Tommy DeVito- Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Not All Heroes...Play On Good Teams - Giants, Patriots, and Cowboys Fantasy Football Outlooks

It's well-known at this point that good offenses can help their players light up the scoreboards in fantasy football leagues. The mantra "trust in good players on good offenses" rings true, and some of the best seasons in fantasy football history have been aided by things like good playcalling and a good supporting cast. The […]


Baker Mayfield - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

TNF Quarterback Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 12 Thursday QB Updates for Anthony Richardson, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, C.J. Stroud

It's a critical week for fantasy football, as the playoffs are just around the corner. If you need help to nail your optimal lineups this week, our Week 12 TNF fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2024 are here to assist. Ahead of the all-important Week 12 slate, let's navigate the rankings below and find out […]


Jaylen Waddle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Football Outlook - What's Wrong With Waddle?

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was widely pushed as a potential league-winner in fantasy football in 2024 due to a variety of factors. The explosiveness and big-play ability of the Dolphins offense, the good play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and his talent were a few of them. It's not worked out that way. It's […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Running Backs

Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 12 Updates for Isiah Pacheco, Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Jalen Hurts, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Hurts, George Kittle, Calvin Ridley, more

Week 12 of the NFL's 2024 slate is coming up, and as the fantasy football playoffs draw closer, it's becoming more important than ever to stay ahead of injury news for key players. Leaving a hurt player in your lineup can result in disaster. The author of this article missed out on the fantasy playoffs […]


Jauan Jennings - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Wide Receiver Sleepers, Risers, Breakouts for Fantasy Football - Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends for Week 12 (2024)

Wide Receiver Sleepers, Risers, Fantasy Football Breakouts - Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends Analysis For Week 12 by Kevin Tompkins Targets are paramount when it comes to evaluating pass-catchers for fantasy football. There are no air yards, receiving yards, receptions, or touchdowns without first earning a target. There’s a reason the biggest and most consistent […]


Video: Week 12 Must-Start Wide Receivers - 2024 Fantasy Football Streamers, Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Analysis

As we head into Week 12 we're dealing with multiple teams on byes. Be prepared to navigate those challenges by checking out our favorite 2024 fantasy football must-start wide receivers for Week 12! RotoBaller's Matt Donnelly discusses his top "Must Start" WRs that will have a fantasy football impact in Week 12, as well as […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

Steelers vs. Browns TNF Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Jameis Winston, Nick Chubb, David Njoku, Jerry Jeudy, Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens

The Week 12 TNF game between two bitter AFC North rivals (Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers) is not likely to end up like the Thursday night game from two weeks ago when two different AFC North teams (Bengals and Ravens) battled to a 35-34 shootout. Somewhere deep in the charter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, I […]