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Fantasy football waiver wire after Week 1: Say hello to Puka Nacua

Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season is nearly over, with one game to go on Monday night.

And if you play fantasy football, you’re already planning ahead with waivers after a busy Sunday of games.

That’s what we’re here for, a roundup of some of the players you could be targeting ahead of Week 2.

Some of the names below might be taken already, but if not, there are a bunch of dudes who could change your fantasy fortunes this season. Let’s run through them, in no particular order, and we’ll update this after the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets play on Monday Night Football.

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1
WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The fifth-rounder out of BYU was a deep sleeper in fantasy draft season, and with Cooper Kupp out due to injury, he took on Kupp’s role in his first NFL game with 15 (!) targets, 10 catches and 119 yards. So much for Van Jefferson. He’s the Rams WR you want.

2
WR Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Another Rams wideout, only this one was a big-play threat — six catches for 119 yards on eight targets. Intriguing.

3
RB Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

With J.K. Dobbins’ Achilles tear, it looks like he’s the next up for the running backs in Baltimore. Or … is it the next name on this list?

4
RB Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

For what it’s worth: He did score twice and had the same number of carries as Edwards. I’d probably target Edwards first, but Hill could be the better back ultimately.

5
RB Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Ah, it’s our favorite soap opera: Is Cam Akers a RB1? Because while Akers had 22 carries, he only totaled 29 yards despite a touchdown. Williams, however, had 15 carries for 52 yards and two scores. [Hits organ to play a dramatic chord].

6
RB Kareem Hunt, Free Agent

Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

He’s going to sign somewhere, right? It would be a good idea to speculate before he does so.

7
QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

(AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

He justified the preseason, er, love and threw three touchdowns in the Packers’ first game of the season. Oh, and Christian Watson didn’t even play, and he’ll help when he’s back.

8
RB Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell, wearing a green jersey, falls just short of the goal line in Super Bowl 57

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I assume he’s taken in your league, but if not? Rashaad Penny was scratched, D’Andre Swift didn’t get much playing time … and here’s the guy who we heard all preseason about given his familiarity with the scheme.

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