Week 2 fantasy football waiver wire pickups
See which players are worth adding to your fantasy football roster ahead of Week 2's action.
Hopefully, you’re not scrambling for too many replacements already, but there’s always a reason to consider making waiver wire moves early in the season. Stashing upside, capitalizing on early-season breakouts, and streaming smart matchups can give you the edge once injuries and bye weeks start piling up.
Here are some players worth a look, should they be available in your league, including suggested FAAB bid ranges (based on consensus 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 2 waiver wire quarterbacks
“It's not bad to add Jones in deeper leagues for 1 percent of your remaining FAB if you're looking for a No. 2 quarterback with upside.”
— Jamey Eisenberg, CBS Sports
Daniel Jones, Colts (6% owned) — Upside Stash
Jones’ Colts debut could hardly have gone better: he completed 75% of his throws, topped 270 passing yards, and found the end zone three times—including two scores on the ground. That kind of dual-threat profile will always play in fantasy, though it’s worth noting the Dolphins’ defense may be among the league’s weakest. His Week 2 trip to Denver isn’t ideal, but Jones’ rushing upside makes him a viable QB2 stash who could trend toward starter territory if he sustains this level. Suggested FAAB: $1–$3
Other quarterbacks to consider: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (51%); Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (14%); Michael Penix Jr., Falcons (33%)
Week 2 waiver wire running backs
Dylan Sampson, Browns (47% owned) — Top Priority
Sampson wasted no time proving he belongs in Cleveland’s backfield rotation. He piled up 93 total yards in the opener, fueled by an eye-popping eight receptions on as many targets. Quinshon Judkins is expected to join the mix soon, but Sampson’s role as a passing-down weapon looks secure. For fantasy managers in PPR formats, that’s the kind of usage that can lock in flex value all year. He should be rostered in nearly every league. Suggested FAAB: $8–$12
Trey Benson, Cardinals (39% owned) — Upside Stash
The rookie split touches more evenly with James Conner than most expected, and he showed off his big-play ability with a 52-yard run. Conner remains the starter, but at 30 with a long injury history, it’s easy to see Benson’s role expanding quickly. He already has RB3 appeal in deeper formats and could be a league-winner if Conner misses time. Stash him now before his stock climbs. Suggested FAAB: $5–$8
Other running backs to consider: Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (1%); D.J. Giddens, Colts (3%)
Week 2 waiver wire wide receivers
Hollywood Brown, Chiefs (26% owned) — Top Priority
Kansas City’s passing game is thin at the moment, and Brown stepped right into the void with 16 targets in Week 1. He turned those into 10 receptions for 99 yards, establishing himself as Patrick Mahomes’ top wideout until Rashee Rice returns from suspension and Xavier Worthy is healthy. Even if the volume dips a little, Brown is locked in as a weekly starter and the top receiver pickup of the week. Suggested FAAB: $10–$15
Quentin Johnston, Chargers (10% owned) — Upside Stash
After a disappointing rookie campaign, Johnston looked like a different player in the opener, scoring twice while operating as an every-down receiver. The talent that made him a first-round pick was on display, and with Justin Herbert pushing the ball all over the field, Johnston has the chance to carve out steady WR3 value. He’ll still be inconsistent, but the ceiling is too high to ignore. Suggested FAAB: $8–$12
Cedric Tillman, Browns (28% owned) — Streamer
Tillman was a favorite deep sleeper pick of many experts this summer, and in Week 1, he rewarded that faith by hauling in five passes for 52 yards and a score. He tied Jerry Jeudy in targets, showing he’ll be part of Joe Flacco’s weekly plans. With the Browns expected to lean on the pass often, Tillman should be in the WR3 conversation as long as he maintains this involvement. Suggested FAAB: $5–$8
Other wide receivers to consider: Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (2%); Calvin Austin III, Steelers (2%)
Week 2 waiver wire tight ends
“At a position that is short on depth anyway, I would not want to miss out on some shares of Fannin if I can afford them.”
— Dan Parr, NFL.com
Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (3% owned) — Upside Stash
Fannin immediately showed why the Browns drafted him, tying for the team lead in targets and turning nine looks into seven catches for 63 yards. He was heavily involved despite David Njoku’s presence, which suggests the Browns want both on the field together. Given his college pedigree as one of the most productive tight ends in the nation, Fannin has real TE1 potential if this usage continues. In a shallow position, he’s a priority add. Suggested FAAB: $4–$7
Other tight ends to consider: Brenton Strange, Jaguars (22%); Juwan Johnson, Saints (3%)
Week 2 waiver wire defense/special Teams
Rams (29% owned) — Streamer
The Rams looked sharp in their opener, holding the Texans to 265 yards and no touchdowns while forcing multiple turnovers. Now they face Tennessee, where rookie quarterback Cam Ward struggled to get anything going in his debut. With a talented young front led by Jared Verse and Byron Young, this defense is set up for another productive week. Stream them with confidence. Suggested FAAB: $1–$3
Other D/STs to stream: Cowboys (8%); Packers (46%)