Dennis Pitta has returned to fantasy relevance in Baltimore

After a relatively quiet waiver wire last week, this week looks to be a big one for picking up players, mainly due to an outbreak of RB injuries. Here are my waiver wire pickups of the week. Using current ESPN percentages, players must be less than 40% owned to be considered. I’ll give a pick-up of the week for each position, a runner-up candidate, and one player to leave on the wire.

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Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill (MIA) – Owned in 20.2% of ESPN leagues

The opening schedule was not kind to Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins as they started at Seattle and New England to kick off the season. He struggled through Week 1 against the Seahawks but found his groove after a cold start in New England, finishing just shy of 400 yards passing on the day along with a couple touchdowns. Miami now gets to play host to Cleveland in Week 3.

The Dolphins struggling running game means Tannehill will be relied upon to throw the ball early and often. RB Arian Foster is dealing with an injury that may cost him some time, and the options behind him on the depth chart don’t appear to be capable of getting the rushing attack on track.

The return of WR Devante Parker gives Tannehill a pretty deep receiving corps to throw to, and while throwing for 350+ yards might not be the norm, 300 and 2-to-3 TDs is an attainable target and worth the pickup for anyone in need of QB help.

Also Consider

Jay Cutler (CHI)
Betting on Cutler is not usually a wise investment, but in looking at the Bears schedule there are big games to be had over the next five weeks. Of course, this is a moot point if his thumb injury winds up being signficant.

Editor’s Note: The Bears are reportedly expecting a long absence for Cutler, so he’s no longer a viable target considering the injury.

Leave on the Wire

Sam Bradford (MIN)
He had an unexpectedly impressive debut for the Vikings. But an injured Adrian Peterson means defenses can now focus their attention on the passing attack, starting with a tough matchup with Carolina.

Running Back

Jerick McKinnon (MIN) – Owned in 24.1% of ESPN leagues

McKinnon could be thrust into a lead role depending on the length of Peterson’s recovery from a knee injury, and even when Peterson returns, look for McKinnon to stay involved. The situation could get muddied a bit by Matt Asiata, who will likely take short yardage and goal-line situations.

McKinnon seems to be a great fit in this offense. He has proven to be a capable back whenever called upon, and while Peterson struggled at the end of last season, McKinnon averaged 6.3 YPC over the final three games.

Also Consider

Kenneth Dixon (BAL)
He may still be a week or two away, but when he returns it should be as a major contributor since the current Ravens’ backfield duo has done nothing with their opportunities.

Leave on the Wire

Fozzy Whittaker (CAR)
He will be sharing carries with Cameron Artis-Payne, Mike Tolbert, as well as the usual production from Cam Newton in the absence of Jonathan Stewart, so don’t expect a repeat of his Week 2 output.

Wide Receiver

Josh Doctson (WAS) – Owned in 7.2% of ESPN leagues

While it’s true that he has just two catches through the first two games, it feels like Doctson is on the verge of a breakout performance.  He has certainly landed in the right offense for a pass catcher, as Washington is averaging 44.5 pass attempts per game.

Doctson saw very limited action in Week 1, but then an increased role in Week 2 that included three end-zone targets. While none were successful it was worth noting the fact that the coaching staff has made a concerted effort to get him the ball in key situations, and those opportunities should continue to increase.

Doctson has the size to be a red-zone force, and also has big-play ability, as displayed in his 57-yard catch in Week 2 that would have gone for a TD if not for QB Kirk Cousins severely underthrowing the pass.  While he may not be worth a start right away in Week 3, it’s only a matter of time before he routinely sees double-digit targets each week.

Also Consider

Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)
He proved Week 1 was no fluke by hauling in all six targets thrown his way in Week 2, and he makes up for the Jets shortcomings at TE and should continue to routinely see 5-to-9 targets each week.

Leave on the Wire

Cole Beasley (DAL)
Has emerged as a safety valve for QB Dak Prescott, but he’s only worth considering in deep PPR leagues.

Tight End

Dennis Pitta (BAL) – Owned in 10.5% of ESPN leagues

Pitta appears to be fully recovered from injury, as he caught nine passes for 102 yards in Week 2 against Cleveland. The Ravens entered the season with a deep stable of TE’s, but an injury to Ben Watson cleared the way for a healthy Pitta to take control as the starter for Baltimore.

The upcoming schedule looks promising as well, with matchups against JAC, OAK, and WAS in the next three weeks. QB Joe Flacco has used Pitta as a safety valve in the past, and now that he is back to full health he has once again returned as a top option for Flacco in the passing game.

Also Consider

Jacob Tamme (ATL)
Tamme has been a big part of Matt Ryan’s huge start to the season, a role that should continue going forward.

Leave on the Wire

Vernon Davis (WAS)
Only an injury to starting TE Jordan Reed will return Davis to fantasy relevance.

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Micah Cedergren is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Micah, check out his archive and follow him @mcffinsights.