Zero Dollar Bidding: Waiver Wire Look Ahead

Zero Dollar Bidding: Waiver Wire Look Ahead
by Alan Seslowsky

One of the best parts of fantasy football is the draft. As soon as our draft is over we admire our shiny new team and envision how our players will lead us to glory. Then Week 1 happens and we quickly realize that some of our key players have disappointed. This is when the fantasy season begins. The second draft, more commonly known as the waiver wire.

On RosterWatch podcast 282, our co-founders Byron Lambert and Alex Dunlap pointed out that the early season FAAB bidding will likely be aggressive. Since we did not have preseason games or reliable training camp news in 2020, it created a new dynamic that exacerbated just how “unknown” some situations were prior to kickoff. RosterWatch has longed advocated a strategy of looking ahead on the waiver wire: asking the questions, ‘what players are plausible to be the best waiver adds in two weeks from now? Who is one injury away from relevance?’

One of our signature in-season tools, The Ultimate Waiver Wire Cheat Sheet, not only provides you with the best pickups of the week; also a tier-based list of players that you can pick up for a $0 bid. Players that have a plausible path to being the top pickups in the coming weeks.

Each week this column will provide you with sneaky zero dollar pickups you can add to your roster that may land at the top of our Waiver Wire Cheat Sheet in the coming weeks.

Myles Gaskin (RB, Dolphins)

All draft season long you felt like you landed a value when you took either of the Miami RBs Jordan Howard or Matt Breida in the 8th round. In Week 1, it was second-year runner Myles Gaskin who had the most touches (9 carries, 4 receptions) in the Miami backfield. Gaskinswas drafted in the seventh round in 2019 but wasn’t much of a factor for fantasy in his rookie season. If you believe that Miami will be a team that is playing from behind, then the game scripts will favor Gaskin. While everyone is breaking the bank for Nyheim Hines, Malcolm Brown, Benny Snell and James Robinson this week, you may be able to steal Gaskin for $1 or even for free in free agency and hope he can produce again in Week 2.

Royce Freeman (RB, Broncos)

Denver wanted Freeman to be the RB to replace CJ Anderson a couple of years ago. Undrafted RB Philip Lindsay had other plans; performing better over the last two seasons. The Broncos added workhorse Melvin Gordon to split up the touches with Lindsay in 2020, rendering Freeman as an undraftable player. After Week 1, Philip Lindsay was diagnosed with a “slight case of turf toe.” Based on past NFL players who had turf toe, there is no “slight case.” When you have turf toe it is nearly impossible to play. It’s an innocent-sounding name for a debilitating condition for those who have to run, cut and change direction with any kind of force. The signs are pointing toward Lindsay being out for Week 2, and it could be longer. Royce Freeman is going to get another chance. He may not deliver – in fact, he probably won’t given a brutal matchup versus at Pittsburgh (ask Saquon Barkley) – but you can get him for a zero dollar bid. He is worth the gamble if you need an RB and have the roster room in deeper leagues. 

Jordan Wilkins (RB Colts)

On the RosterWatch waiver wire podcast, our co-founder Byron pointed out that If you drafted Jonathan Taylor in the third, you got lucky. You were right, but for the wrong reason. None of that matters right now. If your league drafted over today, Taylor would be a locked-in first-round pick. Your league mates will be spending their FAAB on Nyheim Hines this week. It makes sense since Hines profiles as a PPR satellite back with a locked-in role. The key to zero dollar bidding is to identify what players are “one injury away” from relevance. The Colts still have the best offensive line in the league, and Jordan Wilkins is now the clear backup to Taylor. Should something happen to Taylor, Wilkins would be a top waiver wire pickup the following week. If you have the roster spot, Wilkins makes a nice zero-dollar player you can easily cut when you need the space.

103 Comments

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  2. Post By woo.jonathanwoo

    I like this piece. Even more reason to begin consolidating our rosters earlier to free up slots for these kinds of adds.

    Y’all think my DJ Moore for Nyheim Hines is too rich? (I was a Marlon Mack owner)

    Sittin on Davante Adams, Calvin Ridley and Allen Robinson as my top 3 WRs. Deebo on IR. Could make an even richer offer and add Emmanuel Sanders. .5 PPR and need the RB bump after losing Mack.

    1. Hi Jonathan:

      Thanks for the nice words on the article and video. I would hold onto DJ Moore. I know it was a down game, but he should be fine. I’d advise waiting for DJM to have a big game then shop him for a bigger fish than Hines.

    2. I would consider selling high on Ridley for maybe a buy low RB that you think is a really good prospect (maybe somebody that was a RD2-3 RB pick that underperformed in WK1) – Ekeler or somebody of that ilk might be a decent option. Miles Sanders could be another type

  3. Thoughts on McKinnon? Think he’s in a similar situation should Mostert go down, just a couple years ago McKinnon was going high in drafts I think the talent is there

    1. I agree. He is is a value in this week’s waivers. He can do a lot with 4 or 5 catches. I’m not paying $60 (out of $200) for Malcolm Brown or Bennie Snell.

      1. Same, I got McKinnon for free this morning.

        1. Good job!!!

          The way I look at is Bennie Snell or Malcolm Brown can rush for 100 yards which is about the same result as McKinnon catching 5 for 50.

    2. Abner:

      Love J Mckinnon. I did not include him in this list bc I think he will garner a decent bid this week. For some reason, if he slips through waivers GET hIM. He has flex appeal right away,

      You are smart to bring him into this discussion

  4. Post By paulbwaiter@gmail.com

    10 team PPR redraft. End of bench. Hold Bryan Edwards or snag viska? Guys above viska on the WW Cheat sheet are gone. Thanks!

    1. Post By Baron VonIronCock

      Shennault has already produced, I’d go there.

    2. Paul: Viska is already a significant part of the game plan, I’d pick him up drop BE

  5. .5 ppr

    Hate rostering two TEs, have Jonnu and Hooper, is either one of them safe enough to drop the other?

    1. Post By Baron VonIronCock

      I dropped hooper today
      I mean I had a sick squad, but I figured Cleveland is just a train wreck :o(

      1. Post By Baron VonIronCock

        I should say, though my other TE was waller
        i’d imagine more of a sure thing than Jonnu

    2. Abner:

      I’m tempted to drop Hooper too. If you can hang on one more week, it would be ideal. Njoku caught the TD, and now he is injured. Hooper might come alive this week

  6. I started 0-1 and am feeling like I need to make a move. Injuries are hurting my WRs and drafted some potential busts at RB. Thoughts on my roster construction and if I should just ride out my team for the next few weeks?

    QB: Brees
    WR: Ty, CeDee
    RB: Mixon, Ekeler
    Flex: D Johnson

    Bench: C Sutton, Golladay, M Brown, A Miller, Rivers, Antonio Gibson

    1. You’re telling me your starting RBs and WRs are:

      Mixon, Ekeler, David Johnson?
      Golladay, Sutton, Hilton?

      And your flex players are: Hollywood, Lamb, Gibson, and AMiller

      LOL that’s a great team. You don’t need to do anything. If you are really worried- you could sell high on David Johnson and Hollywoood but those guys are not must sells and you don’t have anyone else to sell high on. You can always wait for the RBs you are worried about to have a good game or two and then try to sell them if you still feel the same way

      1. M Brown refers to Malcom Brown*

        Thanks for the input. I guess I’ll sit back and let the season come to me.

  7. Im looking to drop one WR for a RB that’s free on the WW. Scott miller or paris campbell? McKinnon, wilkins, murray, kelley, pollard?its a ppr

    thanks

    1. I’d drop Miller for McKinnon or Kelley

    2. uneedham

      do NOT drop Parris!!!

    3. Would drop Miller for Kelley– DO NOT DROP Parris Campbell!!!

  8. Would you drop Antonio Gibson for McKinnon? 0.5ppr

    1. Rusty:

      I totally get why you are asking that. I would try to hold Gibson. The nuclear upside is there. Is there anyone else you can drop for McKinnon?

    2. God no, absolutely not

  9. .5 PPR
    QB— Dak
    WR(2) — Michael Thomas, Golladay, DJ Moore, Hollywood, Parris, Kirk
    RB(2)Carson, Gordon, Hunt, Gibson, McKinnon
    TE (1)—Higbee
    RB/WR(1)

    0-1 and the injuries to Thomas and Golladay are killing me, with the WR depth I have, would you try shipping out Thomas and maybe Gordon for more of a RB1… Looking at possibly CEH, is that too rich?

    1. I would stay put now that Lindsay is down and out- only sell Thomas low if it’s going to help you win this week and for the foreseeable future. Your WR injuries also mean you need your excellent WR depth right now and your RBs are solid! Play Carson and Gordon for now- flex Hunt when you need to and wait for Gibson to develop.

  10. Choke Artist here. 1-0
    I have both Julio and Ridley in my 14 team cockamamie flex league. My best runner is Drake. I think I could get David Johnson for Ridley. Thoughts?
    Thanks fellas!

    1. Fair deal, I’d probably do it. I’d also see if I could get Jonathan Taylor. Other option- see who you can get for Julio and keep Ridley

      1. Thanks Byron!
        Good suggestions.

  11. 1 pt ppr, my bench consists of Goff, M. Davis (RB-Car), J. White, M.Williams (LAC), J. Doyle & Lazard. Someone dropped T. Coleman this morning and I see MVS on waivers as well. Thoughts on dropping M. Davis for Coleman and is it worth dropping lazard for MVS?…..thanks

    1. My apologies I do have CMC & Mostert as starters

  12. Would def drop Davis for Coleman if I didn’t own CMC. Lazard for MVS is close- double check the snap count % an targets in the snap count tool

  13. Bryon, how much FAAB would you spend for Coleman?…….thoughts on R. Gage for Lazard instead? Or just stand down and keep Lazard?….thanks you…..oh team name is Clown Posse @ 1-0

    1. Hi Flemdog: While you are waiting for Byron to jump in, I can offer my take. I would rather have Gage > Lazard. Both looked nice in week 1.

      Alan Lazard may end up being that nice number 2 for GB, but ATL is likely to lead the NFL in pass attempts. The WR3 on a team that passes 650+ times is going to be a nice starter for you in a PPR.

      FAAB suggestion for Coleman should be in the waiver wire sheet

      1. Good Afternoon Alan, thank you for your advice regarding Gage for Lazard…..Gage would be my potential #3 or flex (my RBS are CMC, J. Taylor, Mostert & J. White)….I’m going to submit a claim for $1 as no one else has submitted a claim for him……

  14. Would you drop Henderson for Myles Gaskin? Have Akers too in a deep competitive .5 ppr league

    1. JRCS:

      I think a 50/50 call. Gaskin cat least showed something, but I still think Henderson has a chance. Gaskin is likely the better play, but it is close

  15. Post By Nebraskan Assassins

    16 team ppr dynasty

    Was offered tyreek hill for hopkins.
    Not a fan of 1 for 1 positional swaps but thought I would get your opinion.

    1. Nebraskan:

      Hopkins was grossly undervalued by 95% of the fantasy community pre-draft season (self-included) I’d rather have Hopkins

  16. I’m in an 8 team standard league. play 3 RB’s. Have Kamara, Ekeler, David Johnson. Also Akers and Kareem Hunt on bench (both same bye week). Should I leave it alone? Or drop some one because free agents available include James Robinson, Fournette, ROJO, Lat Murray. Advise?

    1. I’d consider dropping Hunt and Akers for Rojo and Fournette

      1. Or for you Murray since you own AK

  17. Team name: Buck Nasties
    Need 2 of these 3 in full ppr:
    Jarvis
    Parris
    crowder

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Buck- we will update rankings a couple of times tomorrow on the site- please check there to see which 2/3 of your WR we like most this wk. Good options!!

  18. Looking to trade for Michael Thomas, his owner also has Leveon, who would you try to send his way?
    WR: OBJ, DJ Moore, Parris, CeeDee
    RB: Mark Ingram, Kareem, Dobbins, Akers, Snell, Mixon, A Gibson.
    You guys are the best!

    1. Can you get Thomas for OBJ or Parris? Don’t really see a deal I like for your team regarding Bell right now, I’d stay put there.

      1. I can try. I should have been clearer though, my thought was to pair a Wr and a Rb in a 2 for 1 deal.

  19. Great Job As Always Boys! I am in a 16 team half point ppr league where we are required to start 2 RBs, 2 WRs & a flex (W/R/T). I have anothe owner that is offering me Parris Campbell for James Robinson. Please see my current team configuration below and please let me know if I should pull the trigger on that deal (thank you gents)

    QB – Kyler Murray
    RB – Dalvin Cook, Aaron Jones, JK Dobbins, James Robinson, James White, Joshua Kelley
    WR – DJ Moore, DeVante Parker, Darius Slayton, Russell Gage. Scotty Miller
    TE – Darren Waller

    1. Dude, that’s a serious fucking squad for a 16 tm league. YES- you should run to the computer and click accept. It’s a good deal, and you need one more WR – you are fine at RB w/out Robinson.

  20. Checking to see if my avatar showed up lol

    1. Yup…the wolf!

  21. Thanks Byron I am accepting the deal now. That squad is a direct result of the magical Rosterwatch Cheatsheet. I have done millions of 12 team leagues before but this was my first shot at a 16 teamer. That magical piece of paper that is issued yearly by Rosterwatch can walk into any draft and own it if we follow the 3 simple rules. We appreciate you guys man and all of your products. We are a Nation!

  22. Post By jon9116@outlook.com

    Super happy to grab Parris off the waivers with 11 FAAB in my 12 man league.

    Team consists of:

    Qb- Kyler Murray, Tom B
    Wr- Juju, Chark, Marvin Jones, Ruggs, Parris
    Rb- Henry, Miles, Eckler, Hunt, Harris
    Te- Henry, cook
    Bills D and Succop K

    1. Could be a league titling move. Campbell could be that high end WR2 every week. I’m excited about him

  23. Not sure if it’s my phone but I’m looking at week 2 rankings and it won’t let me switch between ppr 1/2 ppr and standard. I know it worked for week 1 rankings. Just wondering since I have leagues in all 3 it’s nice to get the different rankings. Thanks fellas

    1. Try it on the laptop. It should work on your phone. Maybe a restart issue.

      1. Will do, thanks

  24. Should I drop Deebo for Parris?

    I start Theilen, Hopkins and either Beckham or McLaurin so I would be adding bench depth and I am ok waiting for Deebo to come back.

    I could drop Robinson or Moss as I have D Johnson, Saquan and Taylor.

    I hate to drop an RB when I have plenty of WR depth.

    1. 120,000% drop Deebo for Parris. We will have so many injuries in any season, why start out with one.

  25. PPR. Have both Chubb and Hunt. Better start tonight? Really don’t want to start both. Can start 4 RBS. Have CMC, Sanders and Ingram also.

    Thanks

    1. I have the same issue. I’m going with Chubb, but we know if the Browns fall behind, Hunt will likely have the better fantasy day. The Browns are favored so maybe we are in a Chubb game script. Fingers crossed

  26. Post By gurpindersdeol@gmail.com

    2 questions in full PPR.

    1. Do you like Parker or Preston ROS? Seems like half the league is dealing with some kind of hamstring issue
    2. Jeudy and Gibson were both dropped. Drop Edwards for one of them? Does someone take priority?

    Thanks RW

    1. Gurp:

      I prefer Preston over Parker. Parker has a long history of slow recovery. Last year was great but lets not ignore the past.

      I like Gibson more than Jeudy bc of RB positional upside. Jeudy better PPR bet to outscore Gibson, but AG is a nuclear option.

      1. Post By gurpindersdeol@gmail.com

        Thank you Allen! I had that feeling especially when Gilmore covered Preston over Parker. Whether that was bc of the injury or otherwise, idk

  27. Trade offered to me:
    I give up Robinson and receive Fournette.
    Robinson is deep on my bench

    1. It looks good on paper, but Robinson looked good. Ronald Jones looked pretty sturdy too. It could go either way, I’d hold Robinson, but it is totally defensible to do the trade

  28. I can try. I should have been clearer though, my thought was to pair a Wr and a Rb in a 2 for 1 deal..

  29. NON PPR, who do you like for the rest of the season, Brandin Cooks, Parris Campbell or Diontae Johnson, I can only have 1.

    1. Todd:

      Parris Campbell has the best outlook, especially if Rivers is the QB. Phill Rivers looks like he is going to pepper PC similar to what he did with Keenan Allen

      1. Thanks Alan, I really appreciate the feedback!

  30. STD scoring – 10 team league

    I was offered Barkley, C. Sutton and D. Parker for Aaron Jones, C. Ridley and Golladay. What are your thoughts?

    My team

    QB – J. Allen
    RB – McCaffrey, A. Jones, James Robinson, J. White, A. Gibson and J. McKinnon
    WR – Golladay, AJ Brown, Ridley, D. Jackson, W. Fuller, Gallup and Paris Campbell

    1. AliveAgain:

      Looks reasonably fair. A push. No clear winning side.

      1. I was offered J. Taylor and M. Sanders for MCcafrey. Also could probably ask for Dobbins? What are your thoughts on this trade?

  31. Good Morning Rosterwatch Nation.

    12 team league, .5 ppr

    I will need to drop one of the following players to make room for DST and Kicker.

    WR –B Cooks, Dionte Johnson or E. Sanders

    Whos should I drop?

    I am trying to package a 2-1 trade, but not having success.

    Thanks for your insight!!

    1. Gman:

      I would want to HOLD Sanders with MT out. See how that shakes out. Cooks likely the best drop of that group;

      1. Thanks Allen,

        You confirmed my thoughts.

        Best always!!

  32. Rb2: Snell, Gibson, Montgomery, or Michel this week?

    1. PPR

    2. If Connor out it is Snell for me. If you want to go a different direction you have 2 very different strategies facing you

      DMont floor or Gibson nuclear option

      I would not play Sony. He could have a big game at any time but Cam is likely to steal more GL touches and he doesn’t catch passes

      1. Also PPR FLEX: Ruggs, Watkins, Scotty Miller?

  33. RW Nation,

    Half PPR. Been offered a trade. Should I pull the trigger?

    Giving: Chris Carson, Will Fuller
    Receiving: Miles Sanders, Tyler Boyd

    My current roster is…

    QB – Mahomes
    RB – Carson, CMC, Gibson, Joshua Kelley
    WR – Golladay, Sutton, Ruggs III, Reagor, Fuller, Parris Campbell

    1. Sushi:

      I’m usually going to fall on any side of a trade that has Will Fuller. I think you should keep your players

      1. Thanks Alan. You’re an awesome addition to RW and I’ve been enjoying the content you put out. Very informative. I’ll be sticking with Carson and Fuller. Appreciate your insight.

  34. Post By rudymazzocca@yahoo.com

    PPR, Fuller or AJ Green?

    1. Your WRs have a string attached to the QB. You are really asking the question Baker or Watson. Now is the answer more clear?

    2. Sorry I misread your post, I was just answering an ODB vs Fuller question.

      The answer is still Fuller for me vs AJG. Its that league tilting upside I can not get away from

  35. Guys, I’m seeing that Brandon Aiyuk is still available in a lot of places. HE NEEDS TO BE OWNED……

    1. Would you give up Gio? Or Lat Murray in another league?

  36. PPR Trade

    Receiving; Kenny Golloday
    Giving: Claypool and Gurley

    RBs: Gurley, zeke, Moss, Kelley, ozigbo and Harris
    WRs: Robinson, Woods, Allen, Edelman, Ruggs, Ayiuk, Claypool and Hardman

    Thanks RW

  37. No, don’t think so. Maybe you could offer 1 or 2 of your WR for Golladay

  38. Ppr flex.
    Pick 2
    Gurley
    Snell
    Z moss
    D Montgomery
    Gibson

  39. PPR Play 1QB 3 WR 2 RB 1 TE 1 Flex
    Me:
    Tom Brady
    CGodwin, JSmith-Schuster, CRidley, RWoods, CD Lamb
    EElliot, Ekeler, NHines, AGibson, LFournette, TPollard
    DWaller

    Should I drop my HC TPollard (or any other) to pick up any of these Free Agents:
    James Robinson KJohnson (Detroit) on waiver (IF Robinson not available: CEdmunds CHyde)
    Mike Williams(but I own CGoodwin), Sammy Watkins H.Ruggs JJeudy

    1. You can drop him for any of those guys except Kerryon.

  40. Hey Alex, Byran & Trashman, I need some advice (.5 ppr league)

    Would you drop Antonio Gibson for De’Andre Swift for a bench spot. This would be my 3rd OR 4th rb. I also have Jk Dobbins & Zack Moss on the bench that i could drop for Swift!

    (CHUBB & MIXON are my starters for most weeks)

    1. I view those guys as very similar assets but would probably drop Gibson for Swift if you put a gun to my head.

  41. PPR FLEX: Ruggs, Watkins, Scotty Miller?

    1. Keep an eye on Ruggs’ availabilty for this, he was moved to Q today. if he can’t go then I’d go Watkins. This is a question better to be asked later in the week. We have Godwin and Ruggs situations to monitor.

  42. Standard
    Start McLaurin or Beckham ?

  43. need to play one RB and then any of the other 3 can flex (.5 PPR). which two should i play?

    Melvin Gordon – lindsey prob out but playing steelers
    Mark Ingram – could run on texans but Jk dobbins worries me
    Emanual Sanders – mike not playing
    Parris Campbell

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