Week 1 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Waiver-Wire Pickups You Can Play Immediately

Even after the draft ends, there are plenty of quality players available on a fantasy football waiver wire who are worthy of weekly starts. There are even more capable of producing big numbers in Week 1 alone.

Obviously, you do not want to be in a position where you are forced into last-minute pickups in the first week of the season. However, poor matchups and injuries often make that a necessity.

Fortunately, these players have the ability to not only be legitimate fill-ins, but could end up thriving to start the year. Some of them could even become regulars on your roster for the remainder of the season.

Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (16.9 percent owned)

Before getting replaced by Colin Kaepernick in the middle of last season, Alex Smith was in the midst of the best season of his career with a quarterback rating of 104.1. This should continue on his new team.

While the Chiefs are clearly a step down from the 49ers, he enters a great situation offensively. He has a coach who loves to throw the ball in Andy Reid, a true No. 1 target at receiver in Dwayne Bowe and an elite option out of the backfield in Jamaal Charles.

In his first week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he will face a meager pass rush and should have plenty of time to sit back and throw the ball down the field.

After an up-and-down career in San Francisco, Smith can make a great first impression in Kansas City. 

Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets (33.2 percent owned)

It might be a decent rule to avoid the Jets in general this season when it comes to fantasy football, but Bilal Powell still represents a solid option at running back.

ESPNNewYork.com's Matt Ehalt reported on Thursday that the third-year player will get the start for the Jets over Chris Ivory. This could lead to a lot of carries as the team looks to protect rookie Geno Smith at quarterback.

Additionally, Powell was one of the best options the squad had in the preseason, averaging 3.6 yards per carry compared to Ivory at only two yards per carry.

With his explosiveness, he can take advantage of his first real opportunity to show what he can do in the NFL. 

Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins (26.5 percent owned)

The Dolphins were excited to sign Mike Wallace this offseason to give Ryan Tannehill a true No. 1 target at wide receiver. However, it is important to remember that Brian Hartline still managed over 1,000 receiving yards last season.

While Wallace will be the deep threat, Hartline should remain a solid safety net for the young quarterback and will get plenty of targets throughout the season.

This should especially be true in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. Wallace will be covered by elite cornerback Joe Haden. Meanwhile, Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported that No. 2 cornerback Buster Skrine is dealing with a shoulder injury.

Even if Skrine plays, Hartline will have the advantage and should be open throughout the game.

Zach Sudfeld, TE, New England Patriots (49.6 percent owned)

Tight ends have been a huge part of the Patriots offense over the past few seasons, as Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski became two of the best in the league at their position.

With Hernandez gone and the Boston Globe's Michael Whitmer reporting that Gronkowski is listed as doubtful for Week 1, the team will need someone else to step up.

That person is Zach Sudfeld.

The undrafted rookie was impressive in the preseason, totaling eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown while clearly developing chemistry with Tom Brady. He also has the size at 6'7" to be an elite target in the end zone.

New England will throw the ball a lot, and someone will need to be there to catch the ball. Sudfeld has a great chance to put together a strong week.

Note: Every player listed is owned in fewer than 50 percent of ESPN leagues.

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