Roster Revolution is underway as fantasy football managers dive headfirst into the waiver wire following an explosive Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. With breakout performances and unexpected injuries shaking up team dynamics, the scramble for top available talent across ESPN, Yahoo, and Sleeper leagues is more critical than ever. Smart moves now can define your season.
The Week 1 Landscape: Opportunity Knocks
Week 1 delivered a potent mix of excitement and unexpected challenges for fantasy managers. Key injuries, like that of Xavier Worthy of the Chiefs and George Kittle of the 49ers, created immediate voids and opportunities for other players to step up. Several under-the-radar players exceeded expectations, positioning themselves as prime waiver wire targets. According to FantasyPros’ Week 2 waiver wire analysis published September 8th, 2025, identifying and acquiring these breakout performers is crucial for sustained fantasy success.
Waiver Wire Strategy: Address Needs and Exploit Upside
The waiver wire frenzy is driven by several factors: addressing unforeseen injuries, capitalizing on players who demonstrated immediate upside, replacing underperforming draft picks, and strategically preparing for future bye weeks or favorable matchups. As noted by NFL.com’s waiver wire recommendations, successful waiver wire additions can be the difference between a championship contender and a struggling team. The waiver wire window typically opens after all Week 1 games conclude, usually Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
Top Waiver Wire Adds for Week 2
Based on Week 1 performances and expert analysis, here’s a breakdown of the top waiver wire targets across different positions:
Quarterbacks
- Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts): Jones delivered a standout performance in Week 1, throwing for 272 yards, rushing for 26 yards, and scoring three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing), totaling nearly 30 fantasy points. According to Dynasty Nerds, his dual-threat ability makes him a valuable asset.
- Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons): Penix Jr. impressed with a 24+ fantasy point outing against a strong defense, including a rushing touchdown. His dual-threat capabilities make him an intriguing option, particularly in deeper leagues.
- Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars): Despite a conservative second half in Week 1, Lawrence remains a strong streaming option with a favorable Week 2 matchup against the Bengals. TWSN Sports highlights his potential for a bounce-back performance.
- Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers): Rodgers demonstrated he’s back in form with 244 yards and four touchdowns, making him a viable fill-in or deeper league option.
Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson (Cleveland Browns): Sampson led the Browns’ backfield with 12 carries, eight catches, and 93 total yards for 17.3 fantasy points, making him a priority add, especially with potential uncertainty around Quinshon Judkins’ immediate role. OnFocus emphasizes Sampson’s immediate impact.
- Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals): Benson saw a significant snap share and handled third-down work, rushing for 69 yards on eight carries and adding a reception. His role in the Cardinals’ offense is expanding.
- Kareem Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs): Hunt played a near-identical snap share to Isiah Pacheco in Week 1, suggesting an intriguing timeshare and making him a stash candidate. FantasyLabs suggests monitoring this situation closely.
Wide Receivers
- Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers): Johnston exploded for 79 yards and two touchdowns on five catches from seven targets, making him a top waiver priority. Sports Illustrated notes his potential to become a key target in the Chargers’ offense.
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (Kansas City Chiefs): Brown became the clear top option for the Chiefs’ wideouts with 16 targets, 10 catches, and 99 yards after Xavier Worthy’s injury, making him a must-add.
- Cedric Tillman (Cleveland Browns): Tillman displayed strong chemistry with Joe Flacco, catching five of eight targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. His connection with Flacco could make him a reliable option.
- Kayshon Boutte (New England Patriots): Boutte emerged as Drake Maye’s favorite target, leading the team with 103 receiving yards on six catches from eight targets.
Tight Ends
- Harold Fannin Jr. (Cleveland Browns): Fannin Jr. led the Browns with nine targets, catching seven passes for 63 yards, making him a high-upside add, especially with David Njoku’s status uncertain.
- Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints): Johnson led the Saints with eight catches for 76 yards on 11 targets, positioning him as a valuable option in a position often short on depth.
- Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars): Strange led his team with 59 receiving yards on four catches and played 79% of snaps, indicating a significant role following Evan Engram’s departure.
Making the Right Moves
The Week 2 waiver wire presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen your fantasy football roster. By carefully evaluating player performances, injury situations, and expert recommendations, you can identify and acquire the talent needed to compete for a championship. Remember to prioritize players with clear roles, high upside, and favorable matchups. As r/DynastyFF users discussed on September 9th, 2025, proactive waiver wire management is a hallmark of successful dynasty and redraft leagues alike.
