Welcome to the Week 2 Waiver Wire. In this article, I will highlight the players you should prioritize on waivers as we head into Week 2. I have broken down my targets into shallow, standard, and deeper league options. However, I will list more options under the standard column, as that will be the most popular range of targets.
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Week 2 Waiver Wire Deep League Targets
Note: This range will apply to leagues with deeper benches and more experienced managers, with players available in at least 75% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with Half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (19% Rostered) | $3-5
Perhaps the most surprising thing to happen in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season was an appearance by vintage Aaron Rodgers. Well, maybe not exactly vintage, but 244 yards passing and four touchdowns is encouraging. The Steelers vs. Jets game was expected to be a low-scoring matchup, but it quickly turned into a shootout. I don’t expect Rodgers to score like this every week, but it’s nice to see he still has some ceiling left for fantasy.
Daniel Jones, Colts (10% Rostered) | $3-5
An appearance by Danny Dimes should further illustrate how chaotic Week 1 was. Daniel Jones led the Colts to a rout over the Miami Dolphins and put up just under 300 total yards to go with three total touchdowns (two rushing). The Colts appear to be a viable offence, and Jones should have streamer appeal, but don’t get too carried away. It’s entirely possible that this result was more a reflection of how bad the Dolphins are than how good the Giants are.
Other Options: Geno Smith, LV (10% Rostered); Joe Flacco, CLE (11% Rostered)
Running Backs
Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (5% Rostered) | $2-4
The deep league running back options aren’t great. There were no significant injuries that produced viable handcuff targets. Kenneth Gainwell, however, was consistently involved in the Steelers’ attack with four targets and seven rushing attempts behind Jaylen Warren. He only managed to turn those touches into 24 total yards, but by adding in a touchdown, he demonstrated that he had some standalone appeal for a desperate fantasy manager. Don’t put much money on him, though; if he fumbles again, he may play his way off the field entirely.
Raheim Sanders, Browns (0% Rostered) | $1-2
The Browns’ backfield is a total mess, and rookie Quinshon Judkins could be back in the lineup at any moment. But for Week 2 at least, Raheim Sanders could be a decent streaming option. He had only three carries in Week 1, but all three were in the red zone. This allowed him to hit the end zone and become a blip on the fantasy radar. This is a desperation play.
Other Options: Will Shipley, PHI (18% Rostered); Kendre Miller, NO (7% Rostered)
Wide Receivers
Quentin Johnston, Chargers (9% Rostered) | $10-15
After Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, Quentin Johnston is the WR1 overall. I’m sure we all predicted that. There is absolutely no chance that he is going to produce consistently, as he was out-targeted by both Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey. He is the WR2/3 on the Chargers, but his deep-threat potential gives him a similar appeal to that of Devonta Smith, who is going to be a boom or bust receiver, dependent on touchdowns. Johnston is worth adding, but this was likely his best game of the year.
Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (4% Rostered) | $15-20
In a messy Patriots receiving corps, Boutte put in his claim to be the WR1. It’s unclear who the guy to have in this passing game is, if there is one, but Kayshon Boutte’s production was a nice surprise. Against Las Vegas in Week 1, he totaled six catches for 103 receiving yards. If he can keep up similar production and eventually find his way into a few touchdowns, he could be a massive sleeper.
Other Options: Tre Tucker, LV (4% Rostered); JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC (2% Rostered)
Tight Ends
Tyler Conklin, Chargers (3% Rostered) | $1-3
In Week 1, Tyler Conklin totaled two catches for 50 yards. This is where we are at for the tight end position. A tight end with 50 yards of potential is a viable waiver claim. What can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you are desperate for a tight end, perhaps due to a George Kittle injury, Conklin is a decent streamer. He is going to be boring and in the 50-yard range every week, but he is a touchdown away from being solid.
Juwan Johnson, Saints (5% Rostered) | $2-4
If you thought Conklin was impressively mediocre, meet Juwan Johnson. The poster child for tight end mediocrity. Johnson put up eight catches for 76 yards in Week 1, which is likely to have him as a top-six overall tight end by week’s end. The New Orleans offence is bad, but passable. If Johnson is going to continue to see double-digit targets every week, consider him a must-add tight end. Ugh! Just saying that made me cringe.
Other Options: Harold Fannin Jr., CLE (3% Rostered); Noah Fant, CIN (3% Rostered).
Week 2 Waiver Wire Standard League Targets
Note: This range will primarily apply to most leagues with standard benches, with players available in at least 50% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with Half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterbacks
Michael Penix Jr., Falcons (35% Rostered) | $3-5
Penix Jr. finished the 2024 season strong and looked to build off that with a solid start to the 2025 season. In Week 1, he faced the Buccaneers and lit them up to the tune of 298 passing yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). While Michael Penix Jr. only totaled 21 yards on the ground, the rushing score was a welcome sign for fantasy managers who hoped he would regain his early collegiate-career rushing prowess. This rushing ability seemed to be limited after multiple season-ending injuries to end his collegiate career, but the six rushing attempts and a touchdown are a positive indication.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (47% Rostered) | $2-3
I was all-in on Trevor Lawrence heading into this season as I thought a rebound was in store. Unfortunately, in Week 1, he was a massive disappointment against the Carolina Panthers. He threw for only 197 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he passed the eye test. This Jaguars offence has a lot of new pieces, including Travis Hunter and Liam Coen calling the plays. It may take them a few games to get in rhythm together, but when they do, it will be wheels up on this offence.
Other Options: Bryce Young, CAR (26% Rostered); Matthew Stafford, LAR (29% Rostered)
Running Backs
Trey Benson, Cardinals (34% Rostered) | $1-3
Benson was considered an elite handcuff due to his status as the immediate backup to veteran James Conner. Conner’s age and injury history make Trey Benson a likely breakout candidate. In Week 1, Benson showed that in addition to his handcuff value, he offers some standalone value. Benson rushed eight times for 69 yards. If Bensons continue with this level of production, he is a must-own. If Conner goes down to injury, he could be a league-winner.
Miles Sanders, Cowboys (6% Rostered) | $0-1
Sanders is a mixed bag of a pick-up. He was the backup to Javonte Williams in Week 1, with Jaydon Blue a healthy scratch. If he remains the backup in Dallas, he has some standalone and handcuff value, but buyer beware, a late-game fumble may have Miles Sanders as the healthy scratch this week. This Dallas backup situation is one to monitor. Whether it’s Sanders or Blue, the backup could be a solid flex option.
Other Options: Rico Dowdle, CAR (26% Rostered)
Wide Receivers
Cedric Tillman, Browns (34% Rostered) | $20-25
I’ve been driving the Cedric Tillman Hype Train all offseason. He is a solid WR2 behind Browns WR1, Jerry Jeudy. In Week 1, Tillman continued his solid play with a stat line of five catches for 52 yards and one touchdown. Joe Flacco is Cleveland’s starting quarterback for the time being, and as long as he is the quarterback, Tillman is a worthy starter. He may be my favorite waiver target of the entire week. He should be rostered in all leagues and formats.
Hollywood Brown, Chiefs (31% Rostered) | $5-7
It needs to be said that this pickup hinges on the availability of Xavier Worthy. If Worthy is healthy, Hollywood Brown is downgraded significantly. If Worthy is going to miss any length of time, Brown instantly becomes a worthwhile WR2/3 option. After Worthy went out in Week 1, Brown put up 10 catches for 99 yards. That’s a solid stat line that could make him a week-winner if he finds the end zone, and if Worthy misses time.
Other Options: Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG (26% Rostered); Romeo Doubs, GB (25% Rostered)
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry, Patriots (37% Rostered) | $1-3
This is the boring section of the column. Yawn! Hunter Henry is your run-of-the-mill boring tight end streamer. He isn’t sexy and isn’t going to win you a week, but if you need a tight end, he is reliable. If you punted the position or lost Kittle to injury, stream Henry and expect a consistent 10 fantasy points. Boring, but reliable.
Zach Ertz, Commanders (49% Rostered) | $1-3
This is the boring section of the column. Yawn! Zach Ertz is your run-of-the-mill boring tight end streamer. He isn’t sexy and isn’t going to win you a week, but if you need a tight end, he is reliable. If you punted the position or lost Kittle to injury, stream Ertz and expect a consistent 10 fantasy points. Boring, but reliable.
No, you didn’t just lose your mind. That is the same paragraph with the player names changed. They are the same guy! They are the Spiderman meme.
Other Options: Jonnu Smith, PIT (53% Rostered); Brenton Strange, JAC (29% Rostered)
Week 2 Waiver Wire Shallow League Targets
Note: This range will primarily apply to home leagues and those with shorter benches, with players available in at least 25% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with Half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Justin Fields, Jets (60% Rostered) | $5-7
In a tough Week 1 matchup against his old team, the Steelers, Justin Fields lit it up for fantasy managers. He came just shy of the 30-point mark in fantasy and looked outstanding. Fields is easily the best option if you need to pick up a quarterback, but be careful. He passed for only 218 yards, and his 48 rushing yards weren’t anything special. A large portion of his production this week came from touchdowns (one passing and two rushing). When his touchdown luck regresses, he will be a far more volatile fantasy asset. Buy in, but leave yourself an out.
Jordan Love, Packers (68% Rostered) | $5-7
The Packers dismantled their division rival Detroit Lions, in Week 1, and yet Jordan Love was less than inspiring for fantasy. He posted 15.9 fantasy points on only 188 passing yards, being saved by two touchdowns. The Green Bay offense looked solid and is likely to continue to produce at this clip. Love is going to be inconsistent in an offense that looks to rely on running back Josh Jacobs first, but he is a solid high-end QB2 in all matchups.
Other Options: Drake Maye NE (74% Rostered)
Running Backs
Javonte Williams, Cowboys (72% Rostered) | $15-20
Williams would be the most-added player in fantasy if it weren’t for the fact that he is already 72% rostered. For those who got in on his relatively cheap draft cost, congratulations. For those looking to buy in now, beware! Javonte Williams could be a case of Fool’s Gold. He was the main ball carrier for Dallas, but with only 54 rushing yards, he won’t be a weekly stud. Williams is going to finish Week 1 as a top-five running back, but that’s due to his two touchdowns. He is worth adding, but don’t blow your FAAB budget on him. You could be chasing dead money.
Dylan Sampson, Browns (52% Rostered) | $5-10
Sampson received 12 carries in his NFL debut and rushed for 2.42 yards per carry with them. His value as a fantasy asset came in the receiving game, where he totaled eight receptions for 64 yards. Dylan Sampson is worthy of being added because who knows what is going to happen in this backfield, but this could be a nightmare. Quinshon Judkins could be the Cleveland starter, or he might not play in 2025. Jerome Ford could lead the team in touches, or be useless, and everything in between. This is the definition of an ambiguous backfield. High risk, but medium reward at best.
Other Options: Braelon Allen, NYJ (54% Rostered)
Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman, Colts (74% Rostered) | $15-20
If Michael Pittman is on your waiver wire, you need to change that. Both Pittman and Rashid Shaheed were likely drafted in your league, but double-check anyway. Pittman put up six catches for 80 yards and one touchdown and showed that Daniel Jones can indeed support a fantasy wide receiver. Pittman will never be a high-end producer, but you can expect him in this 50-100 yard range with touchdown upside every week.
Rashid Shaheed, Saints (70% Rostered) | $10-15
Shaheed is the dollar store version of Pittman and is far more volatile. Spencer Rattler is worse than Daniel Jones, a scary thought for sure, which means New Orleans is going to struggle heavily. Shaheed has similar yardage upside to Pittman, but with far less touchdown upside. The lone reason to take Shaheed over Pittman is his added ability as a deep threat that could break one off at any moment. Add Shaheed, and hope he catches a long bomb when you have him in your lineup.
Other Options: Jayden Reed, GB (70% Rostered)
Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert, Eagles (68% Rostered) | $4-8
Compared to Ertz and Henry, Dallas Goedert and Jake Ferguson may seem exciting, but they aren’t really. Goedert has slightly more yardage upside and slightly more touchdown upside in a potent Philadelphia offense, but he is still a low-end TE1 even when he hits. He is reliable, but far from sexy. When you consider that there are only three or four tight ends in the “sexy” category, you will see he is worth adding.
Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (70% Rostered) | $5-10
The same thing applies to Ferguson, except in a slightly more unreliable offence. Dak Prescott is known for hyper-targeting his tight ends, but with George Pickens on the team, Ferguson is unlikely to see adequate volume. In Week 1, he put up five catches for 23 yards, which shows you exactly why you can’t trust him consistently. Still, he is worthy of adding; in a pinch, you can run into a big game with him.
Other Options: None, it’s the tight end position.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Defenses
(Available in at least 50% of leagues)
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants (5% Rostered) | $0-1
The Dallas D/ST put up only one fantasy point in their Week 1 matchup with the Eagles, but it’s the Eagles. The Philadelphia offence is an elite one, and even in an off week, they score a ton. The Cowboys will bounce back in Week 2 against a Giants team that scored only six points in Week 1 against Washington.
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots (4% Rostered) | $0-1
This matchup is going to be a messy, boring, disaster of a game. Both Miami and New England looked less than ideal on offense in Week 1. This game figures to be low scoring, and even with the Dolphins D/ST scoring negative fantasy points in Week 1, I feel confident in streaming them against a Patriots offense that isn’t what you would consider a juggernaut.
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (27% Rostered) | $0-1
In Week 1, the Patriots D/ST tallied only seven fantasy points against the Las Vegas Raiders. Let’s make this clear: The Raiders are a much better offense than the Dolphins. Miami would have been shut out by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 had it not been for a late fourth-down touchdown. The Dolphins are bad, and this game is going to be sluggish. Load up on the defenses.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Kickers
(Available in at least 50% of leagues)
Ka’imi Fairbairn, HOU vs. TB (43% Rostered) | $0-1
Fairbairn continued to be Mr. Consistent in Week 1, finishing as a top-six kicker. That isn’t going to change. Fairbairn is rostered in less than 50% of leagues, and that needs to change. If you are streaming a kicker every week and he is available, stop streaming and just play Fairbairn every week.
Will Reichard, MIN vs. ATL (9% Rostered) | $0-1
Fresh off a Week 1 matchup that was less than ideal for fantasy, sophomore kicker Will Reichard gets a much more appealing matchup in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. The sky is the limit for Reichard, and with Atlanta still struggling on defense, he will have ample opportunity to produce for fantasy.
Daniel Carlson, LV vs. LAC (18% Rostered) | $0-1
Carlson struggled in 2024, but showed signs of life in Week 1 this year. The Raiders’ offence is now good enough to support a fantasy-relevant kicker, and Carlson should challenge for top-12 status. He is another solid streaming option in a solid matchup who should eventually be a weekly starter. So, add him now.
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