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In the wake of injuries affecting key players in the NFL, particularly Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice, fantasy managers are urged to explore free-agent pickups to bolster their rosters. This article highlights several players available in over 50% of ESPN leagues who have seen their fantasy value rise and could be beneficial for teams navigating the challenges of the season. The focus is on wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends who can help fill gaps left by injured starters.
- Injuries are reshaping fantasy football landscapes, making waiver wire pickups crucial.
- Wide receivers from the Jets and Giants are highlighted as potential replacements for injured players.
Rashee Rice | WR
Injury
24 receptions
32 targets
288 rec yards
- Feared to have torn his ACL, a significant loss for both the Chiefs and fantasy managers.
- Led the league with 24 receptions and was among the top in yards and targets before the injury.
Mike Williams | WR
Pickup
Week 4
4 receptions
5 targets
67 rec yards
- Slowly ramping up usage post-ACL injury, with a season-high performance against the Broncos.
- Could be a valuable pickup, but caution is advised for Week 5 against the Vikings.
Wan'Dale Robinson | WR
Pickup
Week 4
8 receptions
12 targets
- Underutilized in leagues, but heavily targeted by Daniel Jones.
- A strong flex option against the Seahawks in Week 5.
Xavier Legette | WR
Pickup
Week 4
6 receptions
10 targets
- Stepped up significantly after Adam Thielen's injury, scoring well against the Bengals.
- A solid flex option moving forward.
Dontayvion Wicks | WR
Pickup
Week 4
13 receptions
13 targets
- Stepped in as a starter after Christian Watson's injury, showing strong performance.
- High-end flex option if Watson remains out.
Josh Downs | WR
Pickup
Week 4
9 receptions
9 targets
- Showed breakout potential with a strong performance against the Steelers.
- Firmly on the flex radar for Week 5.
Sam Darnold | QB
Pickup
Week 4
- Has been performing well, scoring consistently over 19 fantasy points.
- On the QB1 radar for Week 5.
Justin Fields | QB
Pickup
Week 4
- Had a historic performance, scoring 31.9 fantasy points.
- High-end QB2 option against the Cowboys.
Bucky Irving | RB
Pickup
Week 4
- Should be a top RB target after showing promise despite injury concerns.
- Had a solid performance against the Eagles.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Facing a significant blow with Rashee Rice's potential injury, impacting their passing game.
New York Jets
- Mike Williams is a potential pickup as they navigate injuries in their receiving corps.
New York Giants
- Wan'Dale Robinson is a key player to watch as he continues to receive heavy targets.
Carolina Panthers
- Xavier Legette's rise in fantasy value is notable following Thielen's injury.
Green Bay Packers
- Dontayvion Wicks is stepping up, making him a player to monitor closely.
Indianapolis Colts
- Josh Downs is emerging as a reliable option, especially with Flacco at QB.
Minnesota Vikings
- Sam Darnold's resurgence is a positive sign for their offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Justin Fields' performance could signal a shift in their offensive capabilities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Bucky Irving's performance is crucial for their backfield depth.