• Week 1’s surprises make the fantasy football waiver wire a goldmine for savvy managers.
• Target players with breakout potential based on their Week 1 roles and team dynamics.
• Check your league’s roster availability to prioritize players who fit your needs.
• Use suggested FAAB bids (based on a $100 budget) to guide your fantasy football waiver wire strategy.

Week 1 of the NFL season always shakes things up, leaving fantasy managers scrambling to the fantasy football waiver wire for answers. As someone who’s been in the fantasy game for years, I know the first week’s chaos can spark big questions: Is Green Bay’s defense suddenly elite, or is Detroit’s offense struggling without its old play-caller? 

Read more: Week 2 Waiver Wire

Are Buffalo and Baltimore’s defenses in trouble, or were they just outplayed by top quarterbacks? With only one game’s worth of data, we’re making educated guesses. Here are 10 players worth adding on the fantasy football waiver wire for Week 2, based on their Week 1 performances and potential impact. Always verify availability in your league, as value varies by roster setup.

Wide Receivers to Target

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Kansas City Chiefs

With Kansas City’s receiving corps hit by injuries and suspensions, Hollywood Brown shined in Week 1, catching 10 of 16 targets for 99 yards. Patrick Mahomes loves a go-to guy, and Brown’s target volume makes him a top fantasy football waiver wire pickup. Even with Travis Kelce’s late touchdown, Brown’s role is secure. Suggested FAAB bid: $15

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert’s QB5 finish in Week 1 showed the Chargers’ passing game has pop. Johnston cashed in with two touchdown catches and five receptions for 79 yards. His big-play ability makes him a smart add, especially if the run game falters. Keenan Allen (7 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD) is a fallback option. Suggested FAAB bid: $9

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots

Boutte quietly led New England’s receivers with eight targets, turning six into 103 yards. A weak run game forced rookie QB Drake Maye to throw 46 times, and with Miami’s defense next, Boutte’s a sneaky grab for managers hunting value. Suggested FAAB bid: $8

Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns

Joe Flacco’s 45-pass attempt day in Week 1 keeps Cleveland’s passing game relevant. Tillman saw eight targets, catching five for 52 yards and a touchdown. While the Browns’ offense is still gelling, Tillman’s role makes him a solid stash. Suggested FAAB bid: $8

Running Backs to Consider

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

Second-round pick Judkins avoided an offseason legal issue and could see action soon. Jerome Ford’s lackluster start opens the door for Judkins and rookie Dylan Sampson (12 rushes for 29 yards, 8 catches for 64 yards). Judkins has lead-back potential but carries suspension risk. Suggested FAAB bid: $12

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Backup running backs often shine early, and Gainwell out-touched rookie Kaleb Johnson in Week 1 with seven carries and four targets. His 23 total yards weren’t dazzling, but his No. 2 role makes him a bench stash. Suggested FAAB bid: $3

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars

With Tank Bigsby traded, Jacksonville’s backfield is less crowded. Travis Etienne (156 total yards) dazzled in Week 1, but his injury history makes Tuten a smart insurance add for the fantasy football waiver wire. Suggested FAAB bid: $3

Tight Ends to Watch

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

Week 1 was rough for tight ends, with injuries to stars like Brock Bowers. Johnson, however, led the position with 11 targets, hauling in eight for 76 yards. New Orleans’ pass-heavy approach could make him a breakout. Suggested FAAB bid: $7

Jake Tonges, San Francisco 49ers

In deep leagues, Tonges is a name to watch. With George Kittle likely out a month and the 49ers’ receivers banged up, Tonges caught three passes in Week 1, including the game-winner. He’s a cheap flier with upside. Suggested FAAB bid: $1

Quarterback to Grab

Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

At 41, Rodgers stunned in his Steelers debut, throwing four touchdown passes to four receivers against a tough Jets defense. His connection with DK Metcalf and MVP-level play make him a steal. Suggested FAAB bid: $3

Why These Picks Matter

The fantasy football waiver wire is your chance to turn Week 1’s chaos into roster gold. These players offer immediate and long-term value, but tailor your bids to your league and team needs. Check NFL.com for the latest stats and schedules to stay ahead.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been hooked on fantasy football for over a decade, and the waiver wire remains my favorite part—it’s where you find the players who can change your season. Week 1’s surprises, like Hollywood Brown’s target share or Juwan Johnson’s breakout, remind us to stay proactive. Trust your instincts, snag these fantasy football waiver wire gems, and build a roster that dominates Week 2 and beyond!

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.