Attacking the waiver wire aggressively after Week 1 is crucial. After spending months attempting to project how players will perform on fantasy rosters, we've finally seen them take the field. Taking a look at player production and usage are both key components of understanding how to approach the waiver wire this week.
Last season, aggressively pursuing Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Tank Dell on the waiver wire in the early weeks paid off handsomely. All three of these players went on to have very significant impacts on fantasy rosters.
With Week 1 (mostly) under our belts, let's take a look at some of the best waiver wire pickups that you can make heading into Week 2. There are about a dozen players who popped off the screen on Sunday, but who is actually worth your attention as you file waiver claims?
WEEK 2 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 2: Isaiah Likely, Jordan Mason, J.K. Dobbins top pickups
Unless otherwise noted, only players rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues are considered.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
After plenty of off-season speculation about the Ravens utilizing two tight end sets at a high rate, we saw Isaiah Likely deployed at the highest rate of his career while sharing the field with Mark Andrews. Likely was on the field for 68.9 percent of snaps, including a 74.5-percent snap share on passing plays. Not only did he get on the field, but he was also highly productive. Likely turned 12 targets into 111 receiving yards, finding the endzone in the process. Mark Andrews isn't going to just disappear, but it seems the Ravens have big plans for the young tight end, and he becomes a priority pickup in all leagues.
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers
Jordan Mason quickly became a top handcuff option in fantasy when he became the direct backup to Christian McCaffrey after Elijah Mitchell was placed on season-ending IR. Mason proved why he is a priority handcuff on Monday night, racking up over 150 yards from scrimmage and finding the endzone in the process. With the potential for McCaffrey to miss Week 2, Mason is a must-add in all leagues.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins barely makes the cut for this list, but he is rostered in just 48 percent of Yahoo leagues. The expectation was that Dobbins would be given a "tryout" of sorts to see if he was capable of performing at a high level after suffering two significant injuries in the last three years. Dobbins shined in his Chargers debut, finishing the afternoon with 135 yards on just 10 carries, highlighted by 61- and 46-yard scampers. The Chargers' coaching staff has indicated that they will utilize a "hot hand" approach in their running back room, and it sure seems like Dobbins is the one heating up after this week.
WEEK 2 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE
Waiver Wire Picks | Waivers FAAB Report | Trade Recommendations
Who are the top quarterback waiver wire targets?
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Maybe Baker Mayfield's resurgence wasn't entirely due to Dave Canales's presence in Tampa Bay. Even with Canales now in Carolina, Mayfield was able to slice up the Commanders' secondary on Sunday. The Buccaneers pummeled the Commanders, and Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four TDs in the process. It's worth noting that the Commanders have a truly awful secondary, so it shouldn't come as a shock to see Mayfield succeed, and he should still be treated as a quality backup who can be started in a favorable matchup.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr's first season in New Orleans was nothing short of a disaster. The Saints were hopeful that meaningful, positive improvements would be made to the offense after hiring Klint Kubiak as their offensive coordinator. The improvements were quite evident as the Saints rolled to a 47-10 victory over the Panthers. Carr looked at his best on Sunday, turning 23 attempts into 19 completions, 200 yards, and three scores. He can be picked up in deeper leagues on teams with a suspect starter.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Fields was asked to step up and start in the Steelers' regular-season opener after Russell Wilson was ruled out with a calf injury. It seemed that Wilson was nearly able to suit up this week, so it wouldn't be shocking if he's named the starter for Week 2. If Wilson is unable to go once again, Fields becomes a viable starter in deeper leagues due to his rushing ability. Fields didn't have eye-popping numbers, but his willingness to scramble remained intact as he finished with 14 carries. His rushing production makes Fields a high-ceiling player who can swing any matchup after one big scramble. He's an exciting option, but it all depends on Wilson's health.
Who are the other top running back waiver wire targets?
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After finishing the 2023 season as one of the most inefficient backs in the NFL, Rachaad White went out and ran for 2.1 yards per carry this week. Betting against White is a phenomenal idea, and stashing Bucky Irving on your bench is the best way to do that. Irving looked solid as a rusher and even ripped off a 31-yard rush in the 4th quarter. Irving is firmly behind White (for now), but he could continue to eat into his workload if White remains inefficient.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars attempted to utilize Tank Bigsby as a complementary back to Travis Etienne last year, failing miserably in the process. But the Jaguars didn't give up on Bigsby after an underwhelming rookie campaign. Jacksonville dipped right back into the well and utilized him as the secondary back in their offense on Sunday. He actually handled 50 percent of the running back carries and ended the game as Jacksonville's leading rusher. He won't be much of a fantasy asset while sharing the field with Etienne, but his quality performance is a positive sign for Bigsby being a high-end handcuff.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings may have brought in Aaron Jones in free agency, but it's quite clear that they want Ty Chandler to be involved in the offense. Chandler finished the Vikings' opener with 11 opportunities (eight carries, three targets) in a routing of the Giants. Chandler's 1B role behind Jones is intriguing as it could give him some standalone value. But if the oft-injured Jones is to miss time, Chandler will assume a role that will be quite strong for fantasy purposes. It was just the Giants, but it's also encouraging to see that Sam Darnold is capable of orchestrating a functional offense. Quality play from Darnold will be crucial for creating an environment conducive to scoring fantasy points.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders
After crushing the hopes and dreams of fantasy managers worldwide in 2023, Alexander Mattison resurfaced in Week 1 as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. Mattison's debut in Las Vegas was highlighted by a 31-yard reception that he took to the house. He finished the day with 16.2 PPR points, which may be enough to grab some attention as Week 2 waivers approach. However, his part-time role in an offense that seems like it will struggle throughout the year makes it hard to get too excited about Mattison's outlook going forward.
Jalen Wright and Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane briefly exited his Week 1 matchup against the Jaguars, but he did return as his fantasy managers breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Well, he's on the injury report and DNP Monday with an ankle injury. Raheem Mostert also was a DNP with a chest injury. It is a short week, so it's possible the Dolphins are being extra cautious. But if the ailments are more significant, they'll have less time to recover. That makes Jalen Wright, the exciting rookie, a speculative add for waivers this week. Jeff Wilson is another old reliable back who has had success with the Dolphins in the past. It's too early to tell what the usage would look like if both Achane and Mostert sit. And if neither sit, remember that neither of these players will hold much value.
Who are the other top wide receiver waiver wire targets?
Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua exited Week 1 at halftime with a non-contact knee injury and will hit the IR. Need we say more? Robinson is next-man-up for the Rams, and while he hasn't done much vs. the Lions, he's still a solid receiver who stepped up in a big way down the stretch in 2023 (21 catches, 34 targets, 319 yards, four TDs in Weeks 13-17). During that five-game span, he never scored fewer than 11.4 half-PPR points, and a similar outlook isn't out of the question as long as Nacua is out. He'll be a solid WR3/flex next week against a soft Arizona pass defense.
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants
All the talk surrounding the New York Giants revolved around how rookie receiver Malik Nabers would dominate the target share market. Nabers did have a quality debut (5 receptions, 66 yards), but it was Wan'Dale Robinson who led the team in targets. His 12 targets were the second-most of his career and resulted in 10.4 PPR points. His low-ADOT role makes it difficult to produce spike weeks in fantasy, but a high-volume role would provide a steady floor in PPR leagues.
Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings
There has been buzz throughout the offseason that Jalen Nailor would take over as the WR3 in Minnesota. It didn't look great for Nailor in the first half of the game as he was in a rotation with Brandon Powell. But Nailor's fantasy value will be lifted in upcoming weeks thanks to an ankle injury to Jordan Addison. Nailor immediately capitalized on Addison's absence from the lineup, scoring a 21-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. With T.J. Hockenson already out of the lineup, Nailor will be a value on waivers if Addison misses time.
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Hopefully, you didn't forget that Anthony Richardson has a cannon attached to his shoulder. Alec Pierce was the primary recipient of Richardson's cannonball shots on Sunday afternoon, hauling in three receptions for 125 yards and a score. It will be hard for Pierce to be a reliable option given the explosive nature of his production, but he is worth a stash in the deepest of leagues.
Allen Lazard, New York Jets
After starting his day out with a drop, Allen Lazard went on to have a strong fantasy performance on Monday night. He caught six passes for 89 yards an two scores. These two trips to the endzone may make him appealing on the waiver wire, but it's likely best to stay away from Lazard as his role will be diminished as Mike Williams works his way back from ACL surgery. However, Lazard can be used as a desperation, high-upside play in deep leagues while Williams is still ramping up.
Devaughn Vele, Denver Broncos
Through the completion of the late afternoon slate, no player had more receptions than Devaughn Vele. The Broncos' 7th-round pick from the 2024 draft caught all eight of his targets for 39 yards on Sunday. Vele may be a trendy pickup in deep leagues thanks to his lofty targets and reception numbers, but managers should take a "wait and see" approach with Vele. He is not a priority pickup this week.
Who are the other top tight end waiver wire targets?
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
Demarcus Robinson isn't the only player who stands to benefit from Nacua's injury. Former Seattle Seahawk Colby Parkinson is the TE1 in Los Angeles and is in line to play a meaningful role in the offense. He hauled in a four of his five targets in Week 1, resulting in 47 yards. His role should expand in coming weeks and he can be played over fringe TE starters like Pat Freiermuth, Dalton Schultz, and Cole Kmet.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Defense Streamers: Top defenses to pick up on waivers this week
Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers proved that not much changed this offseason. This is still an inept offense that should be targeted in fantasy football. The Chargers become a top-tier fantasy defense in this matchup.
Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
Two things can be true at once -- Caleb Williams won in his NFL debut, and Caleb Williams didn't look great in his NFL debut. The Bears took down the Titans without an offensive touchdown, and Williams threw for less than 100 yards. It seems that the No. 1 pick is still adjusting to the NFL, and we can take advantage of this by starting the Houston defense next week.
Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers
The Indianapolis Colts will have the pleasure of taking on either Sean Clifford or Malik Willis when they face the Green Bay Packers next week. This really should be all you need to read. Both of these quarterbacks are brutal options for the Packers and this offense will likely struggle to get anything going in Jordan Love's absence.
