As a fantasy football fan who’s spent years hunting for the perfect Week 2 waiver wire pickup, I know the excitement of finding a roster game-changer. Whether you need a quick fix or a high-upside stash, the Week 2 waiver wire is your chance to shine in the 2025 NFL season. 

This guide highlights players to drop, add, and stream, plus injury beneficiaries to consider, based on performances and trends as of September 10, 2025. From my experience, a smart waiver move now can turn your season around—let’s dive into the best options.

• Drop List: Joe Mixon and Brian Robinson Jr. are no longer must-roster due to injuries or reduced roles.
• Top Adds: Kayshon Boutte, Cedric Tillman, and Hollywood Brown top the Week 2 waiver wire.
• Injury Beneficiaries: Adam Thielen and Michael Mayer could step up if starters are out.
• Streaming Options: Geno Smith, Dylan Sampson, and Juwan Johnson are great one-week plays.
• Deep League Targets: Mac Jones and Elic Ayomanor are worth stashing in 14-team formats.

Players to Drop Before Week 2

If your roster is weighed down by underperforming or injured players, it’s time to make room for new talent. Here’s who to consider dropping:

• Quarterbacks: None currently—hold your QBs unless in a shallow league.
• Running Backs:
  • Joe Mixon: A foot injury and fading role make him a bench clogger. Don’t waste your IR spot.
  • Brian Robinson Jr.: Rostered in 69% of Yahoo leagues, he’s outshined by healthier RBs like Christian McCaffrey, who led with 30 touches in Week 1.
• Wide Receivers:
  • Marvin Mims Jr.: Denver’s crowded receiver room, with Courtland Sutton running routes on all 48 dropbacks, dims his upside.
• Tight Ends: None for now—tight end depth is scarce, so keep your starters.

I’ve learned the hard way that holding onto injured players like Mixon can cost you a championship. Clear space for the Week 2 waiver wire gems below.

Top 10 Waiver Wire Adds for Week 2

For managers eyeing the Week 2 waiver wire, these players are available in over 50% of ESPN, Sleeper, or Yahoo leagues and offer immediate or future value. Prioritize based on your roster needs—starters or high-ceiling stashes.

1. Kayshon Boutte (WR): A breakout star with big-play potential.
2. Cedric Tillman (WR): Emerging as a go-to target in a thin receiver group.
3. Hollywood Brown (WR): High-upside if cleared to play.
4. Juwan Johnson (TE): A touchdown threat at a thin position.
5. Harold Fannin Jr. (TE): Rising option for deeper leagues.
6. Quentin Johnston (WR): Showing breakout potential.
7. Dylan Sampson (RB): Rookie with a growing backfield role.
8. Elic Ayomanor (WR): Sleeper with explosive ability.
9. Tyler Allgeier (RB): Reliable flex with consistent touches.
10. Olamide Zaccheaus (WR): Sneaky target hog for shallow benches.

Grabbing a player like Tyler Allgeier off waivers a few years ago saved my season. Check your league’s available players and act fast on these targets.

Injury Beneficiaries to Watch

Injuries create opportunities, and Week 2 has several backups who could shine if starters are sidelined, per September 2025 injury reports:

• Jordan Addison (suspension) → Adam Thielen: Veteran ready to soak up targets.
• Drake London → Casey Washington: Deep-league dart throw.
• Darnell Mooney → Ray-Ray McCloud: Potential slot role increase.
• Jonathan Taylor → DJ Giddens: Rookie with upside if Taylor’s out.
• Brock Bowers → Michael Mayer: Streamable tight end option.
• Xavier Worthy → Marquise Brown: Speedy receiver with breakout potential.
• Jauan Jennings → Kendrick Bourne: Veteran ready to step up.
• George Kittle → Jake Tonges: Deep-league tight end stash.
• Joe Mixon → Woody Marks: Backup RB to consider.
• Brock Purdy → Mac Jones: Viable in 2-QB leagues.
• Evan Engram → Adam Trautman: Sneaky tight end add.
• Jalen Coker → Xavier Legette: Rookie with growing opportunities.

Monitor injury updates on ESPN or NFL.com as Week 2 nears to confirm these players’ roles.

Streaming Options for Week 2

Need a one-week starter? These players offer value in standard leagues based on matchups and recent trends:

• Quarterbacks:
  • Geno Smith (vs. Raiders, 21% rostered, 2-4% FAAB): Consistent and undervalued.
  • Daniel Jones (vs. Colts, 6% rostered, 2-4% FAAB): Showing revival signs.
  • Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons, 33% rostered, 1-2% FAAB): High-upside backup.
  • Mac Jones (vs. 49ers, 1% rostered, 1% FAAB): Deep-league streamer.
  • Joe Flacco (vs. Browns, 5% rostered, 1% FAAB): Reliable veteran.
• Running Backs:
  • Dylan Sampson: Emerging rookie with flex appeal.
  • Tyler Allgeier: Steady touches for a safe play.
  • Kenneth Gainwell: Backup with upside in good matchups.
• Wide Receivers:
  • Kayshon Boutte, Cedric Tillman, Hollywood Brown, Quentin Johnston, Elic Ayomanor, Olamide Zaccheaus, Xavier Legette, Calvin Austin III, Ray-Ray McCloud, Dyami Brown: WR3 or flex options.
• Tight Ends:
  • Juwan Johnson, Harold Fannin Jr., Brenton Strange, Chig Okonkwo, Jonnu Smith, Theo Johnson, Cole Kmet: Touchdown-dependent but solid.
• Defenses: Patriots, 49ers, Rams, Cowboys—strong Week 2 matchups.
• Kickers: Tyler Loop, Cam Little, Will Reichard, Brandon McManus—consistent options.

For 2-QB or SuperFlex leagues, stash Sam Darnold, Jaxson Dart, or Spencer Rattler for depth.

Deep League and One Injury Away Considerations

In 14-team or deeper leagues, target players like Mac Jones, Epic Ayomanor, or Woody Marks, who could emerge with one injury. The “One Injury Away” list is crucial for top-heavy rosters needing backups. Christian McCaffrey’s 30-touch Week 1 performance highlights why stashing players like DJ Giddens is smart if Jonathan Taylor is sidelined.

Final Thoughts: Seize the Waiver Wire Edge

The Week 2 waiver wire is your chance to find the next breakout star, like when I snagged Tyler Allgeier years ago and turned my season around. Whether you need a streamer like Geno Smith or a stash like Kayshon Boutte, act fast. Stay on top of injury reports and use platforms like X to catch buzz on emerging players. With smart moves, your fantasy roster can be championship-bound. Go dominate those waiver claims!

Read also; NFL Week 1 Quarterback Performance

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.