X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Deeper League Waiver Wire - Take a Shot on Tyrod Taylor

Michael Florio's deeper fantasy football waiver wire pickups. His top Week 2 waiver wire options for those who play in 16-team fantasy leagues or deeper.

Are you someone who plays in a 16, 18 or even 20-team league? Are you sick of never having waiver wire articles geared towards your league? I know what you are thinking -- when you click on waiver wire articles, they are all naming players that are not available. Even when they say "deep league," they mean 14 teams. Well, do I have the article for you! 

Okay, the sales pitch is over. But I do fully get the struggle. I play in a 24-team league! Yes, 24 teams, we do not even mandate a QB spot. It’s a wild league. But there are never really any fantasy football waiver wire articles that ever help for a league that deep. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and write about those deep leagues here. 

Every player featured in this article will be rostered in less than 30 percent of leagues, with many likely much less than that. Let’s get to these deeper waiver wire adds! 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Quarterbacks

Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans

Tyrod Taylor was undrafted even in most really deep leagues. But, Taylor put up numbers in Week 1 throwing for 291 yards and two scores while adding in 40 rushing yards in vintage Taylor form. You can knock the fact that it was against the Jaguars, but the Texans get the Browns and Panthers in the next two weeks. He is not an option in 12-team leagues, but this is not for those players! Taylor will never be a must-start option, but due to what he gives you with his legs he will always be more valuable than perceived in fantasy. He is in play in 16-team leagues or deeper. 

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Goff was just a forgotten man all draft season after getting shipped out of LA and ending up in Detroit. Goff and the Lions offense played much better than expected against a tough 49ers defense in Week 1. Goff ended the day with 338 yards, three touchdowns, an interception and 14 rushing yards. The best part? He threw 57 times! Not only that, but the Lions are not afraid to abandon the run when they are trialing. Rather than try to run the ball, they dumped it off to their back as an extension of the run game. Both their RBs combined for 20 carries, but they also had 20 targets between them. With the Lions expected to trail frequently this season, Goff could throw a ton this season. Goff is certainly on the radar in deeper leagues. 

Taylor Heinicke, Washington Football Team 

Sadly, Ryan Fitzpatrick went down due to injury and will miss several weeks, which meant Heinicke had to take over. It's far from ideal, but Heinicke may just have a little Fitzpatrick in him (see below). He is not afraid to air the ball out and can add some value with his legs. Also, he has a nice cast of weapons around him such as Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas and Antonio Gibson that should help raise his weekly floor.

We do not have much on Heinicke as the starter to go by, but he did throw for 306 yards with a TD, while adding in 46 rushing yards and a TD on his way to nearly 25 fantasy points in his playoff start against the Bucs and their stout defense last postseason. There is some upside and in the coming weeks he faces the Giants, Bills, and Falcons in the next three weeks. 

 

Running Backs

Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers

This is kind of a cheat, but Mitchell was universally overlooked, meaning even in those real deep leagues he could still be out there. Trey Sermon was a healthy scratch in Week 1, while Mitchell went off for 104 yards and a TD on 19 carries, while playing 64 percent of the snaps. Raheem Mostert is expected to miss the next eight weeks with a knee injury, meaning the opportunity will be there for Mitchell to be the lead back on a Kyle Shanahan-led run attack. Moving forward you can expect a Mitchell and Sermon backfield. Sermon was a healthy scratch and JaMycal Hasty was active over him, but that largely has to do with special teams. The fact that Shanahan felt comfortable with Mitchell being the primary backup, despite having an often injured starter, does indicate how they view Mitchell. He is not going away anytime soon. Hasty is also a flier in these deep formats. 

Mark Ingram II, Houston Texans

This is another name that you will see recommended in 12-team leagues, but I prefer him in deeper formats. Ingram looked washed at times last year, but then came out in Week 1 and carried the ball a whopping 26 times. He turned them into 85 yards and a touchdown. He also led the Texans with 45 percent of the snaps and had all three of their carries inside the five-yard line. That led all RBs in Week 1. That sort of usage means he needs to be added, particularly in deep formats. 

 

Wide Receivers

Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals

Christian Kirk is going to get a lot of the attention after going off for 70 yards and two touchdowns, but Moore had the same number of targets as Kirk. He caught four of his for 68 yards, showing off his explosiveness. Moore was only out there for 30 percent of the snaps, being used as the fourth receiver, but the Cardinals did run the second-most four-wide receiver sets in the NFL in Week 1 (17 percent). Four wide receiver sets have been a staple of this offense the past two seasons. Moore may be behind Kirk and AJ Green right now, but he showcased that he can play at this level and he is an explosive option. Grab him now before people take notice of him. 

Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles 

After a failed rookie season, there was not much hype on Reagor this summer. He had six targets, the second most on the Eagles, catching all six for 49 yards and a score. In all, he scored 16.9 PPR points, which is not only his best as a pro, but he had only topped double-digits twice last season. He played 69 percent of the snaps, the second most on the Eagles. His strength is his speed and his downfield abilities, which is a good pair for Jalen Hurts, who averaged the second-most air yards per throw last season. Reagor is a nice post-hype sleeper that should be grabbed in deeper formats if he is still out there. 

Cedrick Wilson, Dallas Cowboys

With Michael Gallup out, Wilson will be asked to step up more for the Cowboys. In Week 1, he ran 66 percent of his snaps from the slot, catching all three of his targets for 24 yards. Wilson has shown that he can be an explosive option at times out of the slot. He is not going to be a league winner, but he can be a useful piece in deeper leagues as the third wideout in a pass-happy Cowboys offense. Also, if Dalton Schultz is still out there in your league, grab him as well.

Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts

Pascal found the endzone not once, but twice. While fantasy managers everywhere (myself included) were excited for Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell, but it was the stable veteran Pascal that got the job done for the colts. He saw five targets and finished with four catches for 43 yards and those two touchdowns. In fact, those five targets were the most among any Colts receiver, as their top two targets were their running backs. Pascal has value in three-wide receiver sets with T.Y. Hilton sidelined for a while. 

Trent Sherfield, San Francisco 49ers

So, after being perceived as a breakout star all preseason, Brandon Aiyuk struggled to consistently see the field in Week 1. Shanahan referenced a hamstring injury, but then threw in that Sherfield played well enough all summer to be out there over him. That is the notable part. Sherfield played 49 percent of the snaps (Aiyuk: 47 percent) and had three targets (Aiyuk: zero). Aiyuk is likely to be more involved moving forward, but take note of Sherfield, who the coaching staff is clearly high on. 

 

Tight Ends

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

This is another player that will be grabbed in shallower formats, but still needs to be included here. Johnson saw just three targets in Week 1, but when two of them are end zone targets, you won’t complain. Johnson is a huge target standing at 6’4, 231 pounds and could be the Saints' top red/end zone target this season. Last year, that title was held by Jared Cook, and we know Sean Payton is not afraid to get his tight end involved there.

Johnson could legitimately score double-digit touchdowns this season. Now, if only they used him more in between the 20s... Also, if Adam Trautman is available in your league, he is worth an add as well. He had a team-high six targets, catching three for 18 yards. He also played 83 percent of the snaps, to Johnson’s 18 percent. Trautman’s numbers won’t blow anyone away, but the usage is what matters most.

Tyler Kroft and Ryan Griffin, New York Jets

Tyler Kroft played 63 percent of the snaps and had five targets, catching three of them for 26 yards. Ryan Griffin played 50 percent of the snaps, seeing six targets, three receptions for 22 yards. It would be better for everyone if they opted to only use one tight end, and it is worth noting that the Jets were without Jamison Crowder, but Zach Wilson threw 11 passes to his tight ends and that should not be overlooked. Kroft is the preferred add of the two, but if you are in need of a tight end in a deep format, anyone with a pulse (and some consistent targets) is worth taking a shot on. 

These players are likely rostered in deep formats, but check just in case: Kenneth Gainwell, Nelson Agholor, David Johnson, Tim Patrick, K.J. Hamler.

Keep an eye on these players: Van Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, Anthony Schwartz, Danny Amendola.

Follow Michael Florio on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Carolina Panthers

Jaycee Horn Misses Wednesday's Practice
Marcus Mariota

Dealing with Leg Injury
Jimmy Garoppolo

Looking Good in Camp
Kyle Monangai

Working with The Second-Team Offense
Mack Hollins

Getting First-Team Reps in New England
Ricky Pearsall

Dominating Training Camp Practices
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

the RB1 in New York?
Emeka Egbuka

Standing Out In Training Camp
Tetairoa McMillan

has "Shown Flashes of Greatness"
Michael Wilson

Wearing Non-Contact Jersey
Jonnu Smith

Back at Practice on Wednesday
Marquise Brown

Not Expected to Need Ankle Surgery
Jordan Addison

Won't Appeal Three-Game Suspension
MarShawn Lloyd

the RB3 on First Unofficial Depth Chart
Jordan Love

Talks Up Rookie Matthew Golden
Romeo Doubs

' Top-End Speed Reaching New Level, Creating More Separation
Aaron Jones

Listed as RB1 on First Depth Chart
T.J. Hockenson

Practices on Wednesday
Justin Jefferson

Still Not Practicing
Malik Nabers

"Part of the Plan" for Malik Nabers to Miss Practice Time
J.K. Dobbins

First on Depth Chart, RJ Harvey Listed as No. 5
Zack Wheeler

Pushed Back to Sunday With Shoulder Stiffness
Roman Anthony

Agrees to Eight-Year Extension
NBA

Richaun Holmes Moves to Panathinaikos on Two-Year Deal
Maverick McNealy

Attempts to Bounce Back at Memphis
Bennedict Mathurin

to Become Regular Starter for Pacers
Darius Garland

Cavaliers Not Rushing Darius Garland Back
Kurt Kitayama

Could Get Hot at Memphis
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Risk at FedEx St. Jude
Riley Minix

Signs New Two-Way Deal with Spurs
Harry Hall

Playing Well as Playoffs Approach
Chris Boucher

Signs One-Year, $3.3 Million Deal with Celtics
PGA

Chris Gotterup on Impressive Run Heading to Memphis
Georges Niang

Returns to Utah
Harris English

Ready for the Playoffs
Bud Cauley

Trying to Reverse Course at Memphis
Daniel Berger

Hoping to Contend at FedEx St. Jude
Luke Keaschall

Launches First Career Home Run
Scottie Scheffler

Continues Dominance Ahead of TPC Southwind
Collin Morikawa

Eyes Major Bounce Back at TPC Southwind
Michael Kim

Looking to Find Rhythm at TPC Southwind
PGA

Victor Hovland Eyeing Another Strong Finish at TPC Southwind
Ben Griffin

Brings High-Upside Value to TPC Southwind
Shea Langeliers

Has Three-Homer Evening Tuesday
Matt Fitzpatrick

Staying Red-Hot Entering TPC Southwind
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another Strong Finish at TPC Southwind
Ludvig Aberg

Needs a Complete Week at TPC Southwind
Roman Anthony

to Return on Wednesday
Gleyber Torres

Scratched from Tuesday's Lineup
DAL

Anton Khudobin Announces Retirement
Miro Heiskanen

Back at 100 Percent Ahead of New Season
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Miss Start of Season
Nick Lodolo

Reds Place Nick Lodolo on Injured List With Finger Blister
NHL

Jimmy Vesey Moves Abroad
ANA

Sam Colangelo Signs Two-Year Extension
NYI

Matthew Schaefer Signs Entry-Level Contract with Islanders
NBA

Brandon Boston Jr. Inks Deal with Fenerbahce
NBA

Jeff Dowtin Jr. Joins Six-Time EuroLeague Champions
NBA

Lonnie Walker IV Agrees to Three-Year Contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv
Neemias Queta

Working Back From Knee Surgery
Johnny Juzang

Links Up with Timberwolves
Ricky Council IV

Joins Nets on One-Year Contract
Aaron Judge

To Return To Yankees On Tuesday
Michael King

Could Make Next Start With Padres
Michael Soroka

To Go On Injured List
Nick Lodolo

Exits Early With Blister
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Back Tightness
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Not a "Buyout Candidate"
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Still Undecided About Future in Milwaukee
Max Muncy

Activated and Starting on Monday
Grayson Rodriguez

to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Isaac Paredes

Won't Have Surgery, Hoping to Return This Year
Daniss Jenkins

Agrees to Two-Way Deal Wth Detroit
Washington Wizards

Jaylen Martin Waived by Wizards
De'Aaron Fox

Inks Extension With Spurs on Monday
Tatsuro Taira

Gets Submission Win
HyunSung Park

Undefeated No More
Mateusz Rębecki

Mateusz Rebecki Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 108
Chris Duncan

Wins Three In A Row
Elves Brener

Loses Three In A Row
Esteban Ribovics

Returns To The Win Column
Nora Cornolle

Gets Dominated At UFC Vegas 108
Karol Rosa

Outclasses Nora Cornolle
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 23rd at Open Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for 34th at Open Championship
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied for 19th at Wyndham Championship
Si Woo Kim

Misses The Cut at Wyndham Championship
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Suffers TKO Loss
Austin Riley

Braves Place Austin Riley Back on Injured List
Neil Magny

Gets Back In The Win Column
Danny Silva

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Charges Back to Sixth at Iowa
Chase Briscoe

Finished Second Despite Being Trapped a Lap Down and Causing Two Wrecks
Brad Keselowski

Arguably Had the Best Drive at Iowa but Finished Third
Austin Dillon

Earns a Quiet Top Ten at Iowa
Kyle Larson

Poor Pit Strategy and Clash with Teammate Foil Kyle Larson at Iowa
William Byron

Stretches His Fuel to His Second Victory of 2025 At Iowa
Ryan Blaney

Continues A Strong Run of Success At Iowa
Ryan Preece

Eventful Race at Iowa Results In A Top-5 Finish
Denny Hamlin

Struggled Massively At Iowa
Tommy Edman

Likely Going on 10-Day Injured List
Austin Riley

Leaves With Abdominal Pain
Aaron Judge

on Track to Return Tuesday
Max Muncy

Could Return as Early as Monday
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Play for Iowa Lineups?
Denny Hamlin

Is A Top Driver to Consider for DFS At Iowa
Ryan Blaney

Is A Favorite to Go Back-To-Back With Iowa Victories
Tyler Reddick

has Plenty of Upside for Sunday's Race at Iowa
Carson Hocevar

What Should Fantasy Players do with Carson Hocevar at Iowa?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Iowa DFS Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Could Be A Solid DFS Option for Iowa
Logan Henderson

Recalled, Starting Sunday
Ryan Preece

Offers Plenty of Upside For DFS Lineups At Iowa On Sunday
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger Will Start in the Top 10 for the Second Week In A Row at Iowa
Austin Dillon

Could Austin Dillon Be A Decent DFS Option for Iowa?
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell Worth Rostering for Iowa DFS Lineups?
Zane Smith

Should DFS Players Roster Zane Smith At Iowa?
NHL

Jakub Lauko Returns to Czechia
Nicholas Robertson

Signs One-Year Contract with Maple Leafs
Alex Laferriere

Kings Re-Sign Alex Laferriere to Three-Year Deal
Duop Reath

Has Salary Guaranteed by Portland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Agrees to Contract Extension with the Lakers
Jaden Springer

Signs Exhibit-9 Deal with New Orleans
Julian Champagnie

has Salary Guaranteed by San Antonio
Conor McGregor

Enters UFC Testing Pool
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF