Jayden Daniels Injury: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

With the injury to Jayden Daniels, fantasy football managers are left with a void on their roster. Let’s check out the extent of the injury and players you can target on your fantasy football waiver wire this week. And also be sure to check out all of our full fantasy football waiver wire advice for the week.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Injury Replacements

Injury Outlook

Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)

Daniels suffered the brutal injury late in a blowout loss on Sunday. It is uncertain whether his season is over or not. Marcus Mariota will return behind center for the Commanders, limiting the upside of the offense for the offensive weapons around him and for fantasy managers. Mariota can be a QB2 for those in 2-QB and superflex leagues.

Waiver Wire Replacements to Target: Quarterbacks

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Sam Darnold (QB – SEA): 37% Rostered

Next Opponents: ARI, @LAR, @TEN
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Sam Darnold is like rye bread. He’s not the best option (white bread) nor the healthiest (whole wheat), but he’s a solid choice that leaves you satisfied. With three top-10 fantasy finishes on the season and three finishes between QB18 and QB24, Darnold has upside with a relatively safe floor each week. In Week 10, the Seahawks face the Cardinals, who entered Week 9 surprisingly allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points to the quarterback position. On a team with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and two quality running backs, Darnold is a solid fantasy play each week.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL): 19% Rostered

Next Opponents: @IND, CAR, @NO
True Value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Sometimes, individual talent on offense is all you need. Despite a tough matchup against the Patriots in Week 9, Drake London was able to dominate the New England secondary for 118 yards and three scores. As a result, Michael Penix Jr. was able to end drives in touchdowns and finish without an interception in the Falcons’ 24-23 loss. The upcoming schedule for Penix is very appealing, starting with a Colts secondary that has been battling injuries all season. Penix has a limited ceiling due to his lack of rushing upside, but he is my favorite option on this week’s quarterback list.

J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN): 29% Rostered

Next Opponents: BAL, CHI, @GB
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: J.J. McCarthy could be the sort of young quarterback who struggles on the field early in his career but manages to produce for fantasy. With two touchdown runs in his three starts, McCarthy has rushing ability that provides a decent floor, as his passing has left something to be desired. With four interceptions in three games and with 158 or fewer passing yards in all three starts, McCarthy is touchdown-dependent. Thankfully, when you have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as your top two wide receivers, passing touchdowns aren’t too hard to come by. McCarthy is a risky fantasy start but has favorable matchups coming up against the Ravens and Bears.

Aaron Rodgers (QB – PIT): 40% Rostered

Next Opponents: @LAC, CIN, @CHI
True Value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Steelers’ defense played its best game of the year in Week 9, which hurt Aaron Rodgers from a fantasy perspective. Rodgers finished with 203 yards and one touchdown on Sunday against the Colts. He continues to be a low-upside, sturdy-floor quarterback option. With only two games of 20+ fantasy points this season, Rodgers’ greatest fantasy appeal is in Superflex leagues. Fortunately, the Steelers’ upcoming schedule is full of high-flying offenses that should keep Rodgers slinging the rock in potentially negative game scripts. Unless the Pittsburgh defense has truly turned a corner and can allow Rodgers to play at his usual slow, methodical pace, he is a fine streaming option for fantasy.