Week 2 Waiver Wire: Top Pickups To Boost Your Fantasy Team

Alright, fantasy football fanatics! Week 1 is in the books, and whether you're celebrating a triumphant victory or licking your wounds after a tough loss, it's time to hit the waiver wire. This is where championships are won and lost, guys. Identifying and snagging those breakout players or capitalizing on early-season injuries can make all the difference. So, let's dive into the top waiver wire pickups for Week 2, giving you the edge you need to dominate your league.

Quarterbacks

Quarterback pickups are often overlooked in shallower leagues, but in deeper formats or Superflex leagues, finding a viable starter is crucial. After week one we already have a few players that could be worth a look.

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, Aaron Rodgers is gone. But guess what? Jordan Love looked pretty darn good in Week 1. He displayed poise, accuracy, and a connection with his receivers. With a favorable upcoming schedule, Love has the potential to be a sneaky good QB1/QB2 option, especially if you're streaming quarterbacks or dealing with an injury to your starter. Trust me, he is worth consideration. You want a quarterback with upside? Love’s got it, and he's readily available in many leagues.

Sam Howell, Washington Commanders: Sam Howell, coming into the season with a lot of question marks surrounding him, showcased surprising composure and arm talent in his first real test as the Commanders' starting quarterback. He wasn't perfect, of course; there were some rookie mistakes, but he demonstrated the willingness to push the ball downfield and the ability to make plays with his legs. While the Commanders' offense may not be a high-flying machine just yet, Howell's rushing ability gives him a solid floor for fantasy purposes. If you're in a deeper league or need a QB with dual-threat upside, Howell could be your guy. Keep an eye on his development – he could be a valuable asset as the season progresses.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Don't laugh! I know, I know, Baker has been a rollercoaster throughout his career. But in Week 1, he showed flashes of the Baker we saw in Cleveland. He has a good receiving corps and appears to have a decent grasp of the offense. If you are in deep leagues or have quarterback injuries, I would consider Mayfield.

Running Backs

Running back pickups are always a hot commodity on the waiver wire. The position is prone to injury, and a backup can quickly become a league-winner. Let's highlight a few RBs who could be valuable additions to your roster.

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams: The undisputed top running back pickup of the week! With Cam Akers struggling and eventually being phased out of the game, Williams exploded onto the scene, showcasing his versatility as a runner and receiver. He looks to have taken over the starting role. If he's still available in your league, stop reading this and go get him! Seriously, Williams has the potential to be a league-winning pickup. — Grammy Nominations 2025: Predictions & Insights

Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco appears to be the lead back in Kansas City. McKinnon is still valuable because of his pass-catching abilities. McKinnon is a great addition to any PPR leagues.

Deon Jackson, Indianapolis Colts: With Jonathan Taylor's situation still uncertain, Deon Jackson becomes an intriguing add. He's next in line for carries in the Colts' backfield. While the Colts' offense may not be explosive, opportunity is king in fantasy football. If Taylor misses extended time, Jackson could provide valuable production.

Wide Receivers

Wide receiver pickups can be a bit trickier, as opportunity and quarterback play heavily influence their value. However, there are always diamonds in the rough to be found. Here are a few WRs to consider adding:

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams: Another Ram? Absolutely! With Cooper Kupp sidelined, Nacua stepped up in a huge way, displaying impressive route-running and a clear connection with Matthew Stafford. Even when Kupp returns, Nacua has earned himself a significant role in the Rams' offense. He is a solid WR2 or WR3 with upside. Don't hesitate to snag him if he's still available. — Optimal Time To Find Motorsport Engineering Internships

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers: With Christian Watson out, Doubs saw plenty of targets and made some big plays. He has established himself as a key part of the Packers' passing game. If Watson is out for an extended period, Doubs could be a valuable fantasy asset.

Kendrick Bourne, New England Patriots: Bourne appears to have earned the trust of Mac Jones. He was targeted often and made some tough catches in week one. He could be worth a look in deeper leagues.

Tight Ends

Tight end pickups are often a wasteland on the waiver wire, but occasionally a player emerges who can provide consistent production. If you're streaming tight ends or need an upgrade, consider these options:

Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers: Musgrave displayed his athleticism and receiving ability in Week 1. While tight end production can be volatile, Musgrave has the potential to become a reliable target for Jordan Love. If you're looking for a tight end with upside, Musgrave is worth a look.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears: Kmet has a solid connection with Justin Fields. Look for Kmet to be a decent TE option throughout the season.

Defense/Special Teams (DST)

Defense pickups are often overlooked, but a good DST can provide a significant boost to your weekly score. Here's a DST to consider streaming in Week 2:

Washington Commanders: The Commanders' defense looked dominant in Week 1, racking up sacks and turnovers against a weak Arizona Cardinals team. While the competition will be tougher in the coming weeks, the Commanders' pass rush is legitimate, making them a solid streaming option, especially against favorable matchups.

Week 2 Waiver Wire Strategy

Before you go crazy and blow all your FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget), here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Assess your needs: What positions are you weak at? Don't just add players because they had a good week. Focus on filling holes in your roster.
• Consider your league format: Is it PPR, standard, or half-PPR? This will influence the value of certain players, especially running backs and wide receivers.
• Don't be afraid to drop players: If you have dead weight on your roster, don't hesitate to cut them loose to make room for potential breakouts.
• Be proactive: Don't wait until after the games to put in your waiver claims. Do your research and get your claims in early.
• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest news and injuries. This will help you identify potential waiver wire targets before your league mates do.

Final Thoughts

The waiver wire is a crucial part of fantasy football. By identifying and acquiring the right players, you can significantly improve your team's chances of success. So, do your homework, be proactive, and don't be afraid to take a risk. Good luck, and may the waiver wire gods be in your favor!

Disclaimer: Waiver wire recommendations are based on early-season observations and may change as the season progresses. Always consider your league's specific rules and scoring format when making decisions. — San Diego Weather: Your Ultimate Guide To Sunshine & Surf