The fantasy football season is finally here, and with it comes the excitement, the anticipation, and the anxiety of managing your roster. Whether you drafted a perfect team or not, you can always improve your chances of winning by staying on top of the waiver wire. The waiver wire is where you can find hidden gems, breakout stars, and injury replacements that can make a difference in your fantasy league. But who should you target in week 1? Here are the top 10 fantasy football pickups for week 1 of the 2023 season, based on their availability, opportunity, and upside.
1. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers (55% Rostered)
If you’re looking for a quarterback with a high floor and a high ceiling, look no further than Brock Purdy. The rookie out of Iowa State has been impressive in the preseason, showing poise, accuracy, and mobility in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He has also been surrounded by elite weapons, such as Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. Purdy has a favorable matchup in week 1 against the Detroit Lions, who ranked 31st in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks in 2022. Purdy could easily finish as a QB1 in week 1 and beyond, so grab him before he becomes a hot commodity.
2. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills (46% Rostered)
The Buffalo Bills have been searching for a reliable running back for years, and they may have finally found one in James Cook. The second-round pick out of Georgia is the younger brother of Dalvin Cook, and he has a similar skill set. He is a fast, elusive, and versatile back who can catch passes and break big plays. He has been impressive in the preseason, earning praise from his coaches and teammates. He has also climbed the depth chart, surpassing Devin Singletary and Zack Moss as the starter. Cook has a chance to be a PPR monster in a high-powered offense led by MVP candidate Josh Allen. He has a tough matchup in week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who ranked third in fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2022, but he has the talent and the opportunity to overcome it.
Also Read: The Power of Choice: Steering Your Path Towards Success
3. Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns (35% Rostered)
The Cleveland Browns have one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the NFL, and Marvin Mims Jr. is poised to be a big part of it. The rookie out of Oklahoma is a speedy and dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and score touchdowns. He has been developing a rapport with Baker Mayfield in the preseason, and he has earned the starting role opposite Odell Beckham Jr. Mims has a favorable matchup in week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, who ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2022. Mims could be a boom-or-bust option in week 1, but he has the potential to be a consistent WR3 or flex option in fantasy.
4. Noah Gray, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (3% Rostered)
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Travis Kelce, but they also have one of the best tight end prospects in Noah Gray. The rookie out of Duke is a smooth and athletic pass-catcher who can line up all over the formation. He has been impressing his coaches and teammates in the preseason, and he has earned the backup role behind Kelce. Gray has a chance to be a valuable fantasy asset in a high-octane offense led by Patrick Mahomes. He has a tough matchup in week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, who ranked fourth in fantasy points allowed to tight ends in 2022, but he has the talent and the opportunity to make an impact.
5. Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears (3% Rostered)
The Chicago Bears have a solid running back in David Montgomery, but they also have a solid backup in Khalil Herbert. The rookie out of Virginia Tech is a tough and productive runner who can handle a heavy workload. He has been impressive in the preseason, showing good vision, balance, and power. He has also secured the backup role behind Montgomery, ahead of Damien Williams and Tarik Cohen. Herbert has a chance to be a valuable fantasy handcuff in a run-heavy offense led by Matt Nagy. He has a decent matchup in week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, who ranked 14th in fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2022, but he has the potential to be a RB2 or flex option in fantasy if Montgomery misses time.
6. Tank Bigsby, RB, Atlanta Falcons (0.6% Rostered)
The Atlanta Falcons have a veteran running back in Mike Davis, but they also have a rookie running back in Tank Bigsby. The fourth-round pick out of Auburn is a big and powerful runner who can break tackles and move the chains. He has been impressive in the preseason, showing good burst, agility, and toughness. He has also earned the backup role behind Davis, ahead of Cordarrelle Patterson and Qadree Ollison. Bigsby has a chance to be a valuable fantasy sleeper in a pass-happy offense led by Matt Ryan. He has a great matchup in week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, who ranked 28th in fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2022, but he has the potential to be a RB3 or flex option in fantasy if Davis struggles or gets injured.
7. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets (0.4% Rostered)
The New York Jets have a new quarterback in Zach Wilson, and they also have a new wide receiver in Garrett Wilson. The rookie out of Ohio State is a smooth and explosive playmaker who can make defenders miss and rack up yards after the catch. He has been developing a chemistry with Zach Wilson in the preseason, and he has earned the starting role in the slot. Wilson has a chance to be a valuable fantasy asset in a young and improving offense led by Robert Saleh. He has a decent matchup in week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, who ranked 15th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2022, but he has the potential to be a WR3 or flex option in fantasy, especially in PPR formats.
8. Jaylen Warren, RB, Detroit Lions (0.4% Rostered)
The Detroit Lions have a new head coach in Dan Campbell, and they also have a new running back in Jaylen Warren. The rookie out of Oklahoma State is a quick and elusive runner who can catch passes and create big plays. He has been impressive in the preseason, showing good acceleration, vision, and versatility. He has also earned the backup role behind D’Andre Swift, ahead of Jamaal Williams and Jermar Jefferson. Warren has a chance to be a valuable fantasy asset in a rebuilding offense led by Jared Goff. He has a tough matchup in week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, who ranked second in fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2022, but he has the potential to be a RB3 or flex option in fantasy, especially in PPR formats.
9. Jalen Reagor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (35% Rostered)
The Philadelphia Eagles have a new head coach in Nick Sirianni, and they also have a second-year wide receiver in Jalen Reagor. The former first-round pick out of TCU is a fast and athletic playmaker who can stretch the field and score touchdowns. He has been impressive in the preseason, showing improved route running, hands, and confidence. He has also earned the starting role opposite DeVonta Smith, ahead of Quez Watkins and Greg Ward. Reagor has a chance to be a valuable fantasy asset in a revamped offense led by Jalen Hurts. He has a great matchup in week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, who ranked 32nd in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2022, but he has the potential to be a WR3 or flex option in fantasy, especially in standard formats.
10. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (3% Rostered)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a veteran quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, and they also have a rookie tight end in Pat Freiermuth. The second-round pick out of Penn State is a big and strong pass-catcher who can make contested catches and red-zone touchdowns. He has been impressive in the preseason, showing good chemistry with Roethlisberger, especially in the end zone. He has also earned the backup role behind Eric Ebron, ahead of Zach Gentry and Kevin Rader. Freiermuth has a chance to be a valuable fantasy asset in a pass-heavy offense led by Mike Tomlin. He has a decent matchup in week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, who ranked 13th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends in 2022, but he has the potential to be a TE2 or flex option in fantasy, especially in touchdown-heavy formats.
Conclusion
Waiver wire week 1 is one of the most important and exciting weeks of the fantasy football season. It is where you can find players who can boost your roster and help you win your league. Whether you need a quarterback, a running back, a wide receiver, or a tight end, there are plenty of options available on the waiver wire. The top 10 fantasy football pickups for week 1 of the 2023 season are:
- Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
- James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
- Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns
- Noah Gray, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
- Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears
- Tank Bigsby, RB, Atlanta Falcons
- Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
- Jaylen Warren, RB, Detroit Lions
- Jalen Reagor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
- Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
These players have the availability, opportunity, and upside to make a difference in your fantasy league. They are worth adding, dropping, or trading for, depending on your roster needs and league settings. Don’t miss out on these waiver wire gems, and get ready for a thrilling week 1 of fantasy football. Good luck! 🏈
