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Fantasy football: Waiver-wire players to watch in Week 1

By Jay Marsdale

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 19 yard touchdown against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 19 yard touchdown against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 27: Adoree’ Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans pursues Kendall Wright #13 of the Chicago Bears during the first half at Nissan Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 27: Adoree’ Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans pursues Kendall Wright #13 of the Chicago Bears during the first half at Nissan Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Kendall Wright (CHI)

The Chicago Bears offense isn’t going to offer much for fantasy football players this season. However, Kendall Wright might be the exception. The Bears aren’t going to put up huge numbers on offense, but even bad offenses play in fantasy.

The season-ending injury to Cameron Meredith  opens up a ton of opportunity in the Bears offense. Wright is a proven veteran who can step in and eat up those lost receptions that were going to go Meredith’s way in 2017.

Wright is only owned in 13.5 percent of ESPN leagues and could easily catch over 70 passes this season. We have already seen many big-name wide receivers go down to start 2017, and Wright is a great safety net to have on you bench for bye-week plays and in case of injury.

The Bears are going to want to run the ball this season to try to protect rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. When they do throw, it is going to be short passes, which are perfect for Wright’s game. The other wide receiver vying for targets in Chicago is Kevin White. He has barely played in his two seasons in the NFL so far, due to various injuries.

Wright isn’t going to be a stud fantasy contributor, but every fantasy football team needs a player like him. Consistent production out of a player off waivers is rare. Wright needs to be added in more leagues.