FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: 5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 2 (Ep. 1706)
Host: Lucas Wentzel
Date: September 13, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the top five under-the-radar fantasy football players to stash before Week 2 of the NFL season. Host Lucas Wentzel gives actionable advice tailored to proactive managers looking to stay ahead of their competition on the waiver wire. The episode especially targets players rostered in under 30% of leagues, with an emphasis on rookies and late-bloomers who offer value and upside before their potential breakout games.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ellic IO Manor (Tennessee Titans, WR)
Timestamp: 02:20
- Rookie Profile:
IO Manor, a promising fourth-round pick out of Stanford, played 45 of 54 snaps in Week 1. He ran almost as many routes as Calvin Ridley and was targeted 7 times. - Usage & Potential:
“If you're just surfing the box score, nothing about his Week one performance is going to stand out. But from a utilization perspective, there's definitely reason to be optimistic...” (Lucas, 02:28) - Quarterback Rapport:
IO Manor has already become a clear favorite of rookie QB Cam Ward. Only Ridley and IO Manor saw more than one target among Titans receivers. - Recommendation:
Results may be inconsistent early, but when he breaks out, competition for him on waivers will be fierce. Stash now, especially anticipating a possible breakout around Week 3 vs. the Colts.
2. Isaac Tesla (Detroit Lions, WR)
Timestamp: 04:00
- Preseason Standout:
Tesla wowed during preseason (10 catches, 146 yards, 3 TDs) but saw little Week 1 action due to an illness, playing just 3 snaps. - Highlight Reel:
His only Week 1 catch was “an absolutely incredible one-handed catch in the end zone for six.” (Lucas, 04:20) - Coach Insight:
Dan Campbell praised Tesla and expects to involve him more moving forward. - Role in Offense:
Good chance to leap ahead of Khalif Raymond as WR3 alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. - Recommendation:
Despite Week 1 struggles for the Lions' offense, Tesla’s upside and coach’s confidence make him a viable stash.
3. DJ Giddens (Indianapolis Colts, RB)
Timestamp: 05:20
- Opportunity:
Giddens is the clear backup to workhorse Jonathan Taylor, proven when Taylor briefly left Week 1 with a neck injury. - Staff Comments:
“...it didn't take us long to get confirmation that Giddens is the next man up behind Jonathan Taylor.” (Lucas, 05:33) - Workload Realism:
Giddens won’t get double-digit carries unless game script breaks his way or Taylor misses time. Still, Colts won't likely run Taylor into the ground. - Depth Chart Clarity:
With Tyler Goodson banged up, Giddens’ ascension to immediate backup accelerated. - Recommendation:
Ideal bench stash, especially for Taylor managers as injury insurance and a possible flex if Taylor’s workload is scaled back.
4. Kyle Monungai (Chicago Bears, RB)
Timestamp: 06:30
- Limited Week 1 Role:
Only 1 touch (11-yard reception), as Ben Johnson abandoned his committee approach and gave all RB rush attempts to DeAndre Swift. - Offensive Issues:
Bears’ RB run success rate was a league-low 17.6%, signifying change is needed. - Coach’s Intent:
“I need to call more runs. I need to call more so we can get him in the game a little bit more.” — Ben Johnson (relayed by Lucas, 07:01) - Committee History:
Johnson was known for deploying committees during his Detroit tenure. Expect Menungai’s role to grow. - Recommendation:
Stash for potential committee involvement, especially if Roschon Johnson can’t return to full health.
5. Troy Franklin (Denver Broncos, WR)
Timestamp: 08:05
- Role & Opportunity:
Franklin, in his second year, played the second-most snaps and had the second-most targets among Broncos WRs (4 catches, 44 yards) behind alpha Cortland Sutton. - Competition:
Marvin Mims remains on the periphery, as his usage was limited and Franklin out-snapped him. - Passing Game Outlook:
QB Bo Nix struggled in Week 1, but as Sean Payton gains more trust in him, offensive improvement is expected. - Recommendation:
Franklin isn’t flashy, but his role has him positioned for increased involvement and weekly flex appeal as the offense develops.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“When he does have his first big game, your leaguemates will jump all over him. … Let's get I.O. manor stashed at the end of your bench right now.”
— Lucas, 03:15 -
“Dan Campbell offered some relief to that concern... Campbell also confirmed that Tesla will be more involved moving forward.”
— Lucas, 04:30 -
“If the Colts want to keep JT fresh and limit his injury risk, they have to take him off the field at some point. Otherwise, we may be looking at DJ Giddens as a week-to-week flex option.”
— Lucas, 05:58 -
“Ben Johnson has preferred to play a committee of running backs… I certainly don't think DeAndre Swift gets 100% of the running back touches for two straight weeks.”
— Lucas, 07:19 -
“While Franklin isn't an exciting stash, he could end up playing a meaningful role in Denver's passing attack as the season goes on.”
— Lucas, 08:40
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:06] – Episode intro and overall theme: staying ahead with key stashes
- [02:20] – Ellic IO Manor (Titans WR)
- [04:00] – Isaac Tesla (Lions WR)
- [05:20] – DJ Giddens (Colts RB)
- [06:30] – Kyle Monungai (Bears RB)
- [08:05] – Troy Franklin (Broncos WR)
- [09:05] – Sign-off and reminder to act fast on the waiver wire
Episode Takeaways
- All five targets are low-rostered (under 30%) and carry significant upside, most as rookies or young players with unclear depth chart competition.
- The episode emphasizes the value of proactive stashing—grabbing players before the rest of your league is even thinking of them, especially in the early season chaos.
- If you want the extra edge, stash these names now, rather than fighting for them after their breakout weeks.
FantasyPros delivers sharp, actionable advice with expert insight—this episode is a must-listen (or must-read) for managers striving to outmaneuver their competition in the waiver market early in the season.