Sneaky Starts, Pivot Plays, and Waiver Wire Stashes for Week 2 Fantasy Football (2025)

September 13, 2025

Michael Florio's fantasy football sneaky starts, pivot plays, and post-waiver waiver pickups for Week 2 of 2025. Start 'em as under-the-radar fantasy sleepers.

We are just one week into the NFL regular season, and already some fantasy teams are dealing with the injury bug. The good news is that byes do not start for a couple of weeks! You should have most of your lineup available to you.

For those who need to replace an injured player or if you went Zero RB and are struggling to plug someone in, there are options available.

Every week, I will give you under-the-radar starts and pivot options to get your fantasy lineups right!

Sneaky Starts and Pivot Options for Week 2

J.J. McCarthy won NFC Offensive Player of the Week. While it started rough for McCarthy, he turned it around in a big way in the second half of Week 1, finishing as the QB12 on the week. He showed he can add some value with his legs. And trusting him is trusting Kevin O’Connell’s fantasy-friendly system, as well as the Vikings' loaded collection of weapons. Plus, Atlanta allowed the second-most passing TDs last year and three in Week 1. McCarthy is a strong streaming option.

J.J. McCarthy is the first player since Cam Newton with 2+ passing TD and 1+ rushing TD in his NFL debut

All 3 of those touchdowns have come in the 4th quarter@jjmccarthy09 | #SKOL pic.twitter.com/8iVEbshCvn

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) September 9, 2025

Trevor Lawrence left a lot to be desired in Week 1. He does have great weapons, though, and this is a week he is likely going to need them. The Bengals allow a lot of production and gave up the fourth-most touchdown passes last season. And if their offense gets right, the Jags are going to be chasing points and have to throw a bunch. This is more about the matchup and volume than it is about being in love with Lawrence.

Michael Penix Jr. threw for nearly 300 yards last week while throwing and running for a touchdown. He finished the week as the QB10. He has great weapons around him, which is something I look for when streaming a QB. The Vikings are not a slam-dunk matchup, but they have struggled against receivers dating back to last season, which helps Penix as well.

Mac Jones is in play if you need a QB in Superflex leagues. He was solid in Jacksonville last year, but this is more about trusting Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers weapons. Plus, it is a good matchup against the Saints.

Javonte Williams played over 80 percent of the snaps, had 18 opportunities, and received the goal-line work. While I am a bit skeptical about believing in him moving forward, that type of volume cannot be ignored. Especially in a game where the Cowboys could have a lead and be grinding out the clock.

Dylan Sampson played more snaps, had more carries, and was nearly the Browns' leading receiver in Week 1. Eight targets can simply not be ignored. Joe Flacco is going to dump the ball off plenty, and this is a week where the Browns could actually be chasing points throughout. If Quinshon Judkins does not play this week, Sampson is very much in play.

Update - Judkins is slated to make his NFL debut this weekend. However, Sampson should remain the primary pass-catching back and should still be given ample workload on the ground in this contest, as Judkins could be eased into action.

Trey Benson played 34 percent of snaps with eight carries for 69 yards and a six-yard catch. I do think it was partially because of the opponent and the Cards not wanting to push James Conner unnecessarily early on. That could be the same case this week, though, against the Panthers, who allowed the most fantasy PPG to RBs last year and were top three the year prior. In Week 1, Travis Etienne Jr. ran all over them. Benson is in play this week.

Braelon Allen was not as involved as originally thought in Week 1, but he did score a touchdown. He is in play for those diving deeper this week due to the matchup. The Bills allowed the fifth-most fantasy PPG to RBs last season and were run all over in Week 1. It has been a weakness of this defense for the last couple of years. The matchup makes him an upside shot worth taking.

Marquise Brown saw 16 targets last week. Do I need to say any more? He is playing the Rashee Rice role that was previously played by Xavier Worthy. That is a very valuable fantasy role as it generates short, catch-and-run targets. Brown will also be utilized downfield. The volume has him as a strong start this week.

Keenan Allen had a team-high 10 targets last week and was the first read on 28 percent of pass plays, per Fantasy Points Data. He is a season removed from a WR3 finish in fantasy PPG with Justin Herbert. He is a strong pickup and start play for those lucky enough to nab him off the waiver wire. Quentin Johnston is also in play. He may not have two touchdowns each week, but the Chargers had a three-man passing attack. Volume will go his way.

Keenan Allen had 7 receptions last night

- 6 of them resulted in a first down or touchdown
- 3 of them were 3rd down conversions

The definition of a security blanket pic.twitter.com/3XzsOunjah

— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) September 6, 2025

Kayshon Boutte led the Patriots in routes and yards in Week 1, while tying for the team lead in targets and catches. All of his targets came at least 10 yards downfield as well, showing that he brings upside. Lastly, the Dolphins are a secondary that we are going to pick on often in fantasy this season. Boutte is very much in play.

Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte: "I think people fail to realize that at one point in time, I was a first round pick, just before my surgery. I think a lot of people doubt that I can do what I do, but, I mean, I always knew what I can do, but for some people it is a surprise. But to…

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 8, 2025

Joshua Palmer saw nine targets in Week 1. Granted, that was a bit situational as the Bills were trailing and had to air it out often. Still, though, Palmer is going to be on the field a ton and is tied to one of the best QBs and offenses in football. He brings some upside if you are diving deeper.

Juwan Johnson is the apple of Spencer Rattler’s eye. He saw 11 targets in Week 1, more than any tight end in the NFL. Rattler targeted Johnson 10 and seven times to end the season, so there really may be a connection brewing here. He’s topped double-digit fantasy points in each of those. In Week 1, he was the first read on 28 percent of passes, per Fantasy Points Data. Maybe it is nothing, but the volume is enough to get a tight end in play.

Hunter Henry was targeted eight times in Week 1, catching four for 66 yards. Henry averaged 9.5 fantasy PPG with Maye last season. He also had a 30 percent target share in the red zone last season with Maye, which was twice as high as any other Patriots player. Henry brings a safe floor and upside in a fantastic matchup.

Harold Fannin Jr. saw a team-high nine targets in Week 1 and finished with 63 yards and 13.6 fantasy points. What I really love is that he was the first read on 24 percent of pass plays, per Fantasy Points Data. The Browns played a lot of 12 personnel in Week 1, which is very encouraging. Ideally, you want to take a wait-and-see approach, but if you need an option, he brings a lot of upside.

Make sure to follow Michael on X, @MichaelFFlorio.

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