The first Sunday of the NFL season is in the books. Truthfully, it can be said that this was one of the whackiest season openers in memory. There were stunning results, furious comebacks and already, the injury bug has reared its ugly head. Without doubt, there will be many managers looking to the waiver wire to help fix a few holes in their rosters. Of course, that is where this fantasy football top waivers week one edition comes into play. Because waiver claims are processed by most platforms by Wednesday morning, there is no time to waste. Let’s take a deep breath and dive right in! For reference’s sake, all ownership percentages are taken from ESPN.

Top running backs waiver pickups

Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders, 38.9% Owned

Of course, this recommendation to add Brian Robinson is for future playing time. After being the unfortunate victim of a shooting during a robbery attempt, Robinson will not be suiting up for the Commanders through at least their first four games. However, it has also been reported that he is making a quick recovery. Before this incident happened, Robinson saw very significant playing time in the preseason for Washington and was playing with their first-string offense.

In fact, there was talk of Robinson beginning the season as Washington’s starter at running back. The incident puts the brakes on that for a bit. However, Antonio Gibson‘s hold on the number one position is tenuous at best. He will have to continue to produce as he did Sunday with 72 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Of course, there is no guarantee of that. With that in mind, fantasy managers can add Robinson and stash him on the injured list until he is ready to play. After moving him to that slot, simply add another player (see below).

Zach Moss, Buffalo Bills, 0.9% Owned

One of the more surprising elements to come out of Thursday’s opening game was how Buffalo used their running backs. Quite a few fantasy managers were high on James Cook and sent Zack Moss to the outer regions of the universe. His less than one percent ownership rate proves that. However, the Bills flipped the scrip, as Cook was absent from the game plan.

In fact, Cook had just one rush in the game and zero catches. Meanwhile, Moss ran the ball six times for 15 yards. No question, that is nothing to get excited about. Much more relevant, though, was Moss’s place in the passing game, as he caught six passes for an additional 21 yards.

Certainly, it is far too early to make any assumptions about what Buffalo will do with their running backs. Even so, any player this available in the Bills’ offense needs fantasy attention. If there is a running back that already disappoints, adding Moss before he comes much less available could be a very smart play on this fantasy football top waivers edition.

Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans, 17.4% Owned

Without question, the fantasy world was focused on rookie Dameon Pierce this Sunday as the new leader of Houston’s backfield. However, it was veteran Rex Burkhead that led the way in the Texans’ surprising 20-20 tie with Indianapolis. Burkhead easily outpaced Pierce and the rest of the backfield in carries with 14. The biggest eye opener of the game, though, was that Burkhead was second on the team in targets.

For the game, Burkhead turned the carries into 40 yards and caught five of the targets for another 30. Obviously, the YPC (2.9) won’t blow anyone’s socks off. Even so, his usage by Houston gives fantasy managers ever reason to look his way going into game two against Denver. Burkhead scored 12 points on the afternoon.

There simply aren’t many running backs owned in less than 20 percent of leagues that can say that. If running back is already a roster need, Burkhead demands attention and has earned his place on this fantasy football top waivers week one edition.

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears, 24.8% Owned

Can be there be any doubt that the Bears 19-10 win over San Fransisco was one of the more surprising results of the day? The performance of Khalil Herbert was a chief contributing factor in the victory. Starter David Montgomery had more touches, but Herbert was by far the more productive player. Herbert averaged 5.0 YPC on nine rushes for 45 yards.

More importantly, Herbert scored a touchdown and picked up 11 fantasy points on the day. In 2021, Herbert never had more than five carries when both he and Montgomery were healthy. He has already checked that box in 2022. If that pattern holds moving forward, Herbert can be a top 40 RB.

If Montgomery should lose his hold on the starting spot, Herbert’s fantasy value will surely spike. If available, Herbert would be a smart roster add.

Other consideration: Darrell Henderson probably isn’t available in a lot of leagues, but managers need to check his availability. Henderson outrushed his backfield mate Cam Akers by a wide 18-3 margin. That fact has to have those that drafted Akers in a funk. If available, he could be the leading RB for the Rams going forward. It is worth a shot.

Top wide receiver waiver pickups

Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns, 1.7% Owed

Of all the players that came out of the darkness to the light Sunday, one of the most surprising was Donovan Peoples-Jones. Raise your hand if you predicted that he would receive 11 targets against the Panthers. There aren’t many hands I see. Yet, that is exactly what Peoples-Jones received on the day, while fellow wideout Amari Cooper came away with seven. It certainly seems that both of these players can thrive on the same field.

Most importantly, quarterback Jacoby Brissett certainly trusts Peoples-Jones. Seeing as how Brissett will be taking snaps for the next ten weeks, there is no more vital consideration. For the game, Peoples-Jones turned those targets into six receptions from 60 yards. A little better on field chemistry between QB and WR and there could be major fantasy value here.

The Browns have the Jets up next. New York continues to look like one of the worst teams in the NFL, meaning the Browns’ offense will be full speed ahead. Adding Peoples-Jones, at least for this week if not further, makes sense for needy wide receiver managers.

Sterling Shepard, New York Giants, 2.4% Owned

One of the most shocking results from Sunday was the Giants 21-20 upset of Tennessee on the road. The biggest play that helped produce that result was a 65-yard touchdown catch from Sterling Shepard. Remember him? It seems that we have been waiting for any signs of life from Shepard. That play was the only sign of breathing from him as he only caught one other pass on the day and was targeted only four times.

Even so, Shepard outshined his fellow receivers with that performance, who all completely vanished during the game. Without doubt, this is lukewarm recommendation. However, while looking over the receivers currently on waivers coming out of week one, there isn’t a lot to excite at the moment. There are a few exceptions (see below).

Playing in Tennessee is never easy, and the ride should be smoother for the Giants going forward. If Shepard becomes the focus of the New York passing game, bigger things could be in store. At the very least, keep Shepard on the radar as the season unfolds.

Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders, 8.4% Owned

As mentioned above, Shepard probably won’t cause much celebration among managers. That being the case, perhaps Curtis Samuel will stir some waiver wire action. After all, how many receivers less than 10 percent owned had 11 targets Sunday? Even further, how many of them also had four carries? There is no need to spend time researching that. The answer is zero.

Samuel turned the targets into eight catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. The carries resulted in another 17 yards. Even more eye opening is the fact that Samuel checked in with 18 fantasy points. With a game up next with the Lions, who allowed 38 points to Philadelphia, the entire Washington offense looks to hum next Sunday. Adding Samuel is an easy addition on this fantasy football top waivers week one edition.

Other Recommendation: DJ Chark was targeted eight times in the Lions 38-35 loss to Philadelphia. He is right at the 50% owned mark, meaning he may not be widely available. If he is on the waiver wire, he immediately shots to the top of the recommended list. After a slow start along with a few drops from Chark, Detroit’s offense came on strong. Chark made up for the early miscues with a solid performance in the second half. If he can be claimed, doing so is highly recommended.

Top Tight End Waiver Pickup

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints, 3.8% Owned

Without question, there couldn’t be many players that would come with a higher recommendation than Taysom Hill. No one knew exactly what to expect out of the Saints with a new coaching staff in place. However, using Hill in creative ways is still a go-to play for New Orleans. Hill qualifies as a tight end, but he was used as a runner for the most part in the game against the Falcons.

Best of all, Hill produced big time as the Saints came from behind to post a 27-26 win over Atlanta. Hill scored on an 11-yard run to get the New Orleans offense going. He finished with 81 yards on the ground and also caught a pass. How Hill is used will most likely change from game to game. He might receive ten targets against Tampa Bay.

However, it is clear that Hill will play a big role for the Saints. In a position as thin as tight end, Hill can clearly help a fantasy team. If the starter failed to excite in week one, making the move to Hill could pay off big.

Other Consideration: Coming in near the 50 percent owned mark, Tyler Higbee may well be out of reach. However, he is worth the effort to check after coming away from Thursday’s game with Buffalo with 11 targets. With the Rams looking to pass the ball as much as ever, Higbee will have fantasy value going forward, especially in the next game with Atlanta on tap.

Top Quarterback Waiver Pickup

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints, 36.4% Owned

The quarterback passing the ball to Hill and others for New Orleans, of course, is Jameis Winston. The question surrounding Winston coming into the season was whether or not he could keep from throwing the ball to the other team. For one week at least, mission accomplished. Winston completed 23 of 34 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Of the utmost importance, however, is the fact that he did not throw an interception. Perhaps he has left that part of his game behind in Tampa.

With the Cowboys losing Dak Prescott for multiple games due to a hand injury, Winston goes to the head of the class to replace him. There are more than a few managers that will need to make an adjustment to the roster while Prescott is out. No doubt, the Buccaneers will be a tough opponent Sunday.

Even so, Winston has now shown he can keep the ball from the other team. He has offensive weapons at his disposal. With options at the position most likely limited, especially in two QB leagues, Winston has to be the top selection long term on this fantasy football top waivers week one edition.

Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders, 16.6% Owned

If Winston is not available, Carson Wentz almost certainly is. There are few players that made as big a splash for their new teams as Wentz did against Jacksonville. He really went wild on the Jaguars, completed 27 of 41 passes for 313 yards. Bigger still, Wentz threw for four touchdowns. Additionally, he carried the ball six times for 12 more yards. His play was certainly instrumental in the Commanders 28-22-win Sunday.

Wentz did throw two interceptions, which was the only negative on his day. Even so, he wound up with a mind boggling 52.5 fantasy points. Perhaps, the best news remains as he faces a Lions team with an inept defense in week two.

There weren’t many fantasy managers in Wentz’ corner, as evidenced by his 16.6 percent ownership rate. However, there isn’t a better quarterback to stream this week than him. Whether he is a long-term answer remains to be seen and is a question for another day. At least for this week, Wentz can be counted on to fill the huge hole left by Prescott.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy football top waivers week one edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Tune in for the Belly Up Fantasy Live Preview Show every Sunday morning at 11 AM EST. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!