Fantasy Football 2014: Early Week 2 Waiver-Wire Pickups, Add/Drop

Only in fantasy football could a player as obscure as Jacksonville Jaguars reserve receiver Allen Herns become relevant. After the first batch of games in Week One, Herns produced the biggest surprise performance as the Jags, 11-point underdogs, nearly stunned the Philadelphia Eagles.

For the most part though, very few players came out of nowhere to really fire up the waiver wire before the start of Week Two.

Several players could emerge in the five games remaining in Week One , but let’s take a look at a few of the players owners may consider for next week. Remember, always drop and add at your own discretion. Hurns was great this week, but we haven’t seen enough of each team to really know who they will go to long-term.

Allen Hurns, WR Jacksonville Jaguars

With Cecil Shorts down, Hurns stepped up big time with 4 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. In the first half. Considering Shorts has now missed 12 games since entering the league in 2011, Hurns will be one of the most added players for Week Two. Though once the Eagles defense focused on Hurns, he was quiet for the second half. The Jags are at Washington, host the Colts and at Chargers (all teams with questionable secondarys) the next three weeks, so Hurns could prove dangerous through Week Four.

Chad Henne, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

In a two-quarterback league, Henne could be picked up as your No. 2 option. He took advantage of a struggling Philadelphia secondary, and three turnovers by the Eagles. With Toby Gerhart struggling to break out of the backfield (2.3 yards per carry), and rookie Blake Bortles breathing down his back, the pressure is all on Henne to produce if he wants to keep his job. Henne’s had several good stretches in his career, but Miami’s Ryan Tannehill could be a better option.

Rod Streater, WR, Oakland Raiders

Another first half wonder, Streater came up with 5 catches for 46 yards and Oakland’s only touchdown of the game against the Jets. At times it looked like he and rookie QB Derek Carr had been playing together for years, but even though Streater looks like Carr’s best option going forward, Oakland’s next few matchups (vs. Houston, at New England, vs. Dolphins) aren’t favorable. Only pick up if you are desparate for receiver production.

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Tyler Eifert’s nasty elbow injury, means Gresham is once again Andy Dalton’s top tight end. Last year he regressed by nearly 20 catches and 300 yards, but Eifert’s likely absence means Gresham has the opportunity to return to his 2012 form of 64 receptions for 737 yards and 5 TDs. Cincinnati plays a still-suspect Atlanta defense in Week Two, and Gresham might be worth a gamble.

Greg Jennings, WR, Minnesota Vikings

We thought Jennings was washed up after his injury-plagued 2012, and average 2013. Not to mention the questions surrounding Vikings quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater. But Jennings looked like an every-down, No. 1 receiver against St. Louis. It also helps that Adrian Peterson and Cordarrelle Patterson will always distract opposing defenses. In a PPR league Jennings could be an excellent No. 2 or No. 3 receiver on your squad.

Isaiah Crowell, RB Cleveland Browns

The rookie out of Alabama State helped Cleveland stage a second-half comeback against rival Pittsburgh with two, third-quarter touchdown runs. He won’t be an every down back, but if you're in need of a new flex player, Crowell looks to be the Browns top back inside 20 yards.

Others to watch: New Orleans RB Khiry Robinson; Washington WR Niles Paul; Atlanta RB Antone Smith; Baltimore RB Justin Forsett