Projecting Week 2 Breakout Fantasy Football Players: Elic Ayomanor, Trey Benson and More

It's easy to project the best fantasy football players on a weekly basis. What's difficult to do is to predict the surprising fantasy performances who turn into the following week's waiver wire options.

I wanted to take a stab at projecting waiver wire options in week 3, so let's give this a try.

Check out fantasy football waiver wire targets all season on FantasySP.

DeMario Douglas - Patriots

We'll start with a familiar name to most fantasy owners, but someone who is rostered in just 24% of leagues, and starting in 1% of those.

He was second on the team among wideouts in snaps played in week 1, and he was third in targets with seven. Douglas only caught two passes, which resulted in negative-two yards, but a touchdown - what a weird line.

Anyways, I think Douglas could fare better in week 2 against the Dolphins and be a waiver wire add going into week 3. 

Joshua Palmer - Bills

Keon Coleman stole the show amongst the Bills' wideouts in week 1, but Palmer was quietly really involved offensively.

He racked up nine targets, which tied Khalil Shakir for the second-most on the team. Palmer's 53 snaps trailed Shakir (60) and Coleman (75), but on five catches and 61 yards, Palmer was still a good fantasy asset.

Buffalo passed a ton in week 1, and likely won't need to pass that much against the Jets in week 2. Still, I could see Palmer putting together a second straight solid showing, and if he does, he has waiver wire target written on him.

Calvin Austin - Steelers

I was a bit surprised Austin wasn't a bigger waiver wire asset this past week. 

He had 70 yards and a score on four catches and six targets in week 1. He tied for second in targets, and was just one behind DK Metcalf. Austin played the second-most snaps, which I think will help him add fantasy value over time.

Look for Austin to deliver again this week, which would establish him as the team's No. 2 wideout, and a good waiver pickup going into week 3.

Elic Ayomanor - Titans

Ayomanor was heavily involved in week 1, but a lack of production led to no fantasy traction.

He got seven targets, but made just two catches for 13 yards. He played 45 snaps, which was third on the team and only behind wideout Calvin Ridley.

A little more production in week 2 could get Ayomanor on the fantasy radar heading into week 3. 

Brenton Strange - Jaguars

Here's another player who didn't gain as much fantasy traction as I expected after week 1.

He went for 59 yards on four catches and targets. Strange played 52 snaps, which was second on the team and only behind Brian Thomas.

If Strange delivers for a second straight week, you can bet he'll be a big pickup heading into week 3.

Troy Franklin or Marvin Mims - Broncos

Franklin and Mims are the most likely No. 2 wideouts to Courtland Sutton in Denver.

Franklin was better in week 1, turning six targets into four catches and 44 yards. Mims had 12 yards on three grabs and four targets. Franklin played 45 snaps, while Mims was on the field for 40 snaps.

Whichever guy establishes himself as the No. 2 wideout will be a waiver pickup, and if it comes this week against the Colts, then Franklin or Mims could be a decent waiver pickup after the week concludes.

Cade Otton - Buccaneers

I could see Otton turning in a good performance against the Texans and being a week 3 waiver wire option.

All eyes will be on Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka, but that could allow Otton to go off. He had three targets in week 1, but no catches.

What's more important is that he played the second-most snaps. After Houston allowed a TD in week 1, I see Otton putting together a decent showing and popping up as a waiver option after the week.

Xavier Legette - Panthers

Legette has a chance to get rolling in week 2. 

He only had 10 yards on three catches, but seven targets in week 1. He only trailed Tetairoa McMillan in snaps among the team's pass catchers in week 1.

With defenses focusing attention on McMillan, Legette will have the chance to turn into a consistent fantasy asset in his WR2 role. We'll see if he can put together a better game - or maybe I should say, we'll see if Bryce Young can get him there.

Trey Benson - Cardinals

I finally found a running back to highlight this week, and he'll be the one I close out talking about.

Now, Benson is already owned in 72% of leagues, but he's starting in just 6% of those. After going for 69 yards on eight rushing attempts and an additional six yards on a catch in week 1, I bet he backs that performance up with another good showing against the Panthers' defense.

If he does, Benson could be owned in nearly every league going into week 3. He could also be a flex-level option in standard leagues, while being a much more started player in deeper leagues.

Let's see who will prove me right in week 2!