Week 1 fantasy football waiver wire pickups
Whether you're dealing with an unexpected Week 1 injury, or looking for some high-upside stashes, there are plenty of players likely available worth considering.
Week 1 isn’t usually when fantasy managers have glaring roster holes — you just drafted, afterall, and bye weeks aren’t yet an issue.
But as many of you already understand, the early waiver wire isn’t really about panic moves, unless you really had a bad draft day. It’s more about positioning — stashing upside, capitalizing on short-term opportunities, and planning ahead can pay off big once injuries and bye weeks pile up.
Here are some players worth a look should they be available in your league, including suggested FAAB bid ranges (based largely on consensus data and analysis from trusted sources, including Sharp Football Analysis, FTN Fantasy, and RotoBaller).
Current ownership percentage based on Yahoo fantasy football leagues at the time of publishing.
Week 1 waiver wire quarterbacks
Bryce Young, Panthers (27% owned) — Streamer
Young ended 2024 on a tear with 10 total touchdowns over his final three games. After a rocky start that included a benching, he looked far more confident and twice finished as a top-two fantasy QB down the stretch. The Panthers open against Jacksonville in a potential shootout, making him a sneaky Week 1 streaming option and stash in deeper leagues. Suggested FAAB: $2–$5
Other quarterbacks to consider: Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (25%), Geno Smith, Raiders (22%)
Week 1 waiver wire running backs
“With Jaylen Wright set to miss multiple games after leg surgery, Gordon is about to parlay his strong preseason into a Week 1 role.”
— Justin Boone, Yahoo Sports
Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins (36% owned) — Top Priority
Few rookies rose faster than Gordon this preseason. With Jaylen Wright sidelined and De’Von Achane managing a calf issue, the sixth-round pick suddenly finds himself in line for meaningful touches. Even if Achane suits up, which he seems to be trending toward doing, Gordon profiles as Miami’s goal-line and short-yardage option. Unless all signs point to Achane being 100% by the weekend, Gordon should be immediately useful. Suggested FAAB: $3–$7
Jerome Ford, Browns (47% owned) — Streamer / Depth Add
Ford is emerging as the safer play in Cleveland’s unsettled backfield to start the season. With rookie Quinshon Judkins unsigned and Dylan Sampson expected to play a “change-of-pace role,” ord should start Week 1 and handle most passing-down work. The Browns’ offense isn’t inspiring, but volume and versatility matter, and Ford offers both. Suggested FAAB: $2–$5
Other running backs to consider: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders (7%), Rico Dowdle, Cowboys (21%)
Week 1 waiver wire wide receivers
Christian Kirk, Texans (43% owned) — Top Priority
Kirk is still being overlooked despite proving productive whenever healthy. Before injuries derailed 2023, he was a reliable top-30 fantasy WR, and now he’s locked into a starting role in Houston’s revamped passing attack. His “slot magician” label fits—he should rack up steady volume with WR3 value if he stays on the field. Suggested FAAB: $3–$6
Adam Thielen, Vikings (27% owned) — Streamer
Back in Minnesota, Thielen benefits from Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension and should see plenty of targets early. He quietly finished WR13 over the final six weeks of last season and still brings reliable hands in the red zone. He’s unlikely to sustain long-term value once Addison returns, but for September, he’s a strong plug-and-play option. Suggested FAAB: $2–$4
Amari Cooper, Raiders (15% owned) — Upside Stash
Cooper’s 2024 season was derailed by a midseason trade and injuries, but from 2018 to 2023 he topped 1,000 yards in five of six years. Now back with the Raiders, he could benefit if Jakobi Meyers gets traded, giving him a larger target share alongside rookie TE Brock Bowers. He’s best viewed as a WR3 with upside if Las Vegas’ offense surprises. Suggested FAAB: $2–$5
Other wide receivers to consider: Darnell Mooney, Falcons (51%); Keenan Allen, Chargers (49%); Troy Franklin, Broncos (2%) — Upside Stash
Week 1 waiver wire tight ends
“Strange is one of my favorite sleeper tight ends, yet he’s still available in 70 percent of Sleeper leagues.”
— Michael Fabiano, Sports Illustrated
Brenton Strange, Jaguars (22% owned) — Streamer / Upside Stash
With Evan Engram gone, Strange steps into Jacksonville’s starting tight end role. Trevor Lawrence has consistently fed the position, and Strange drew plenty of praise in camp. While target competition exists, the role alone makes him a strong streaming candidate with touchdown upside. Suggested FAAB: $3–$5
Other tight ends to consider: Chig Okonkwo, Titans (33%)
Defense/Special Teams
Cardinals (38% owned) — Streamer
Streaming defenses is a weekly game, and the Cardinals open with a juicy matchup against rookie Spencer Rattler and the Saints. Arizona’s front seven is aggressive enough to force mistakes, and Rattler has much to prove. That makes this a prime one-week rental with potential for more if early-season matchups play in their favor. Suggested FAAB: $1–$2
Other D/STs to stream: Bengals (9%); Rams (21%)