Here's my top recommended waiver wire and streaming targets ahead of the coming week. Waiver Wire targets are designed to be multi-week roster-worthy options while streaming options are designed to be one-week lineup options based on matchup, injuries, and/or situation. To be eligible as a waiver wire or streaming option, the player must be available in over 60% in ESPN leagues.
Top Waiver Wire Targets of the Week:
Kenneth Gainwell (RB - Philadelphia Eagles) - Even within a likely committee, all signs point towards Gainwell being the technical "lead back" in the Eagles offense - a likely top 5 offense in the NFL. Even if you are worried about Jalen Hurts poaching carries and goal-line work, having the top piece of a backfield on one of the league's elite offenses is nothing to scoff over. The fact that he currently sits at approximately 23% ownership on ESPN is shocking.
Deon Jackson (RB - Indianapolis Colts) - With Jonathan Taylor's absence for (at least) the first four weeks, it appears Jackson will open up the season as the Colts' starting RB. He's somehow available in 72% of leagues on ESPN, which needs to change ASAP. Even if long-term uncertainty is there (even potentially as early as Week 2-3 with Zack Moss' pending return), having a likely workhorse RB for Week 1 (and likely Week 2) at a minimum is a solid investment. Worst-case scenario, you get a 14+ touch RB in Week 1, best-case scenario you are getting a potential season-long RB2 if everything aligns for Jackson.
Kenny Pickett (QB - Pittsburgh Steelers) - If the preseason is any indicator of the regular season, Pickett could be the next QB in line to take the massive leap in Year 2. With all the moves the Steelers made this offseason, both to the receiving corps (adding Allen Robinson, Darnell Washington, getting Calvin Austin back) and the O-Line, as well as a rather appealing season-long schedule, Pickett could be a worthwhile stash for those that aren't already locked into a top 5 QB.
Zack Moss (RB - Indianapolis Colts) - Moss is the other half of the Colts' RB coin. He won't be ready for Week 1 but reportedly will be aiming for a Week 2 or 3 return from a broken arm. Once he's back, nobody really knows who will be the "lead back" or what type of workload split there will be should Taylor not return after his minimum 4-week absence. If you have the capability, rolling the dice on a potential RB2 in Moss is worthwhile if you have an expendable roster player.
Rashee Rice (WR - Kansas City Chiefs) - The 2023 2nd-round pick had a very up-and-down preseason with exceptional production but also notable issues with drops. Someone (outside Kelce) will likely be productive in 2023 and Rice arguably may be the most talented player in the Chiefs' WR room. He's unlikely to be heavily involved in Week 1 and will likely see his involvement ramp up as the season progresses, but Rice is one of the few WRs available on the waiver wire with realistic long-term WR2 upside.
Marvin Mims Jr. (WR - Denver Broncos)
Sam LaPorta (TE - Detroit Lions)
Sam Howell (QB - Washington Commanders)
Jayden Reed (WR - Green Bay Packers)
Puka Nacua (WR - Los Angeles Rams)
Top Streaming Options of the Week:
Quarterbacks:
Sam Howell (vs Arizona Cardinals)
Kenny Pickett (vs San Francisco 49ers)
Baker Mayfield (at Minnesota Vikings)
Runningbacks:
Deon Jackson (vs Jacksonville Jaguars)
Kenneth Gainwell (at New England Patriots)
Tank Bigsby (at Indianapolis Colts)
Wide Receivers:
Van Jefferson (at Seattle Seahawks)
Marvin Mims Jr. (vs Las Vegas Raiders)
Jayden Reed (at Chicago Bears)
Tight Ends:
Sam LaPorta (at Kansas City Chiefs)
Juwan Johnson (vs Tennessee Titans)
Mike Gesicki (vs Philadelphia Eagles)
Kickers:
Brandon McManus (at Indianapolis Colts)
Greg Joseph (vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Jason Sanders (at Los Angeles Chargers)
Defense/Special Teams:
Jacksonville Jaguars (at Indianapolis Colts)
Denver Broncos (vs Las Vegas Raiders)
Atlanta Falcons (vs Carolina Panthers)