Waiver Wire Week 1: Examining Top Fantasy Pickups and Drops on Yahoo

Second-guessing is an integral part of playing fantasy football.

So, too, is reading and reacting to the latest NFL chatter.

That's why the waiver wire is already in full swing even though the 2022 season hasn't kicked off yet.

Utilizing the latest data from Yahoo Sports, we're laying out the top 10 most added and dropped players ahead of Week 1 before recommending action on two players from those groups.

Top Pickups, Drops on Yahoo

Justin Ford/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 27: Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans during the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Nissan Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Cardinals 26-23. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

10 Most Added

1. Tennessee Titans defense (19,236 adds)

2. Mike Davis, RB, Baltimore Ravens (13,189)

3. Devin Duvernay, WR, Baltimore Ravens (10,277)

4. Cincinnati Bengals defense (9,061)

5. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders (8,605)

6. Jameson Williams WR, Detroit Lions (7,632)

7. Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys (7,214)

8. Dustin Hopkins, K, Los Angeles Chargers (6,182)

9. Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers (5,646)

10. Baltimore Ravens defense (5,019)

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10 Most Dropped

1. Green Bay Packers defense (5,710 drops)

2. Los Angeles Chargers defense (5,375)

3. Russell Gage, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4,929)

4. Dallas Cowboys defense (4,717)

5. Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins (4,363)

6. Marlon Mack, RB, Houston Texans (2,589)

7. Kenyon Drake, RB, Baltimore Ravens (2,452)

8. New England Patriots defense (2,441)

9. Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (2,269)

10. James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (2,133)

Consider Adding: Mike Davis, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Mike Davis #28 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Washington Commanders during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

If you're looking for a long-term addition, then Mike Davis may not be the right target for you. However, if you're simply looking for an early-season boost, then rush to the person who could be Baltimore's RB1 to kick off the campaign.

The Ravens are without Gus Edwards and might also be missing J.K. Dobbins, as both running backs are still recovering from ACL tears that erased their 2021 seasons. That alone could grease the runway for Davis to take flight.

What's even more encouraging, though, is the matchup. The Ravens open with the New York Jets, or the defense that allowed more fantasy points to the running back position than anyone last season, per Yahoo.

Again, there's no telling how big of a role Davis might handle going forward, but he has a chance to absolutely feast in the season-opener.

You Can Drop: Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 25: Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) waves to fans after an NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs on August 25, 2022 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers, Pacheco had some head-turning moments this preseason.

However, it's possible those will be remembered as the brightest spots from his freshman campaign, unless he makes noise as Kansas City's kick returner.

As a fantasy football running back, though, he might have one too many hurdles in front of him to make any kind of impact.

The Chiefs have their starter in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and their third-down back in Jerick McKinnon. That likely leaves Pacheco fighting with veteran Ronald Jones for the remaining scraps, and while Pacheco's special teams role could give him an edge over Jones, there just won't be enough carries to matter.

Throw in a tricky Week 1 matchup against a stingy Arizona Cardinals rush defense—seventh-fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs last season—and all arrows point to a quiet debut for Pacheco.