Week 2: Pickups of the Week

Week 1 is in the books and the waiver wires are hopping. Try to balance your long and short-term needs as you consider this cast of potential pickups. And don't make the mistake of dropping a fantasy stud for a one week wonder.

QB Christian Ponder, MIN

Ponder had his most accurate game as a pro last week, dissecting the Jacksonville Jaguars for 270 yards on 20 of 27 passing. Embattled and often hamstrung as a rookie, the strong-armed QB looks to have earned a longer leash in his second year. And where he lacked a reliable supporting cast in 2011, he now benefits from an apparently healthy Adrian Peterson and an apparently healthy Kyle Rudolph. He's still a work in progress, but early returns are positive and the Vikings pivot could be a sneaky good play against the miserable Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.

RB Jonathan Dwyer, PIT

With an excellent preseason showing, Dwyer propelled himself into a time share with Isaac Redman in Week 1. Given what Dwyer was able to accomplish against Denver -- 43 yards on nine carries versus just 20 yards on 11 carries for Redman -- we expect him to get the lion's share of work next week. Rashard Mendenhall was originally projected to miss all of September with a knee injury, though he did practice fully leading up to Sunday's game. The Steelers would do well to give last year's workhorse time to recover. Dwyer's tough running and effective work in the passing game should convince coaches and fantasy owners alike to keep rolling with the second year back when they take on the Jets this week and the Raiders next.

RB Alfred Morris, WAS

Morris drew the start and (somewhat unexpectedly) carried the load for the Redskins on Sunday, tallying 96 yards and two TDs on 28 carries. Because the Redskins held the lead, their rookie back benefitted from 11 clock-burning fourth quarter carries. That won't always be the case, as we suspect the better rounded Roy Helu will get the call when his team is playing from behind. There are no guarantees in Mike Shanahan's backfield, but with the lowly Rams next on tap, Morris owners should breathe easy for at least one more week.

WR Randall Cobb, GB

Cobb, a converted college quarerback, barely factored into Green Bay's offensive plans in 2011, though he did turn heads as a dynamic return man. A remarkable athlete, Cobb looks to have earned a feature role on offense this year. In addition to his punt and kick return duties, he lined up at both running back and receiver versus the 49ers. The athletic multi-threat didn't record a carry, but caught all nine passes thrown his way and scored on a punt return while netting 230 combined total yards. He has all the makings of a bona fide fantasy superstar and should be scooped off any unplundered waiver wires immediately.