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

Top Quarterback Waiver Wire and Streaming Options for Week 1: Russell Wilson, Jordan Love, Sam Howell

Free Agency Check - Quarterback ADP Risers and Fallers

Dan's fantasy football quarterback waiver wire pickups for Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. His free agent QBs to add and QB streamers for 1QB and 2B leagues.

The NFL season has finally arrived. We have survived the long months of the offseason, tracking free agent and NFL draft moves while tracking ADP. Fantasy drafts have either wrapped up or will be taking place in the next 24 hours, meaning the game we know and love is finally back.

Just because games haven’t started yet doesn’t mean that you can’t secure an all-important Week 1 victory to set the tone for your fantasy season. One way to do that is by pre-emptively attacking the waiver wire to find the best possible quarterback in Week 1.

In this article, I will look at the fantasy football waiver wire for quarterback pickups and streamers, focusing on players under 65% rostered in fantasy leagues while adding a couple of deep sleepers for two-quarterback leagues (less than 25% rostered).

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

 

Single-QB League Waiver Wire Options

Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos

Yahoo: 55% rostered

Undoubtedly, the 2022 performance of Russell Wilson looms large in the memory of many fantasy football managers. Wilson completed just 60.5% of his passes last season for 3,524 yards and 16 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Many managers had high expectations after the Broncos sent a massive trade package to the Seahawks before the 2022 season and were burned.

However, there are reasons to be optimistic about Wilson’s prospects during the 2022 season. New head coach Sean Payton is seen as one of the best offensive play callers in the NFL and the team returns Courtland Sutton and Greg Dulcich in the passing attack. Denver will likely be without Jerry Jeudy in their first game, but 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims was one of the most explosive college receivers in this class.

Ultimately, a soft matchup against the Las Vegas secondary pushes Wilson over the edge for fantasy managers looking for a streaming option in Week 1. None of the Raiders' cornerback options finished within the top 40 in PFF grade in 2022 and their best player (Marcus Peters) has struggled with injuries the past few seasons.

Time will tell if Russ Wilson can bounce back in 2023, but at the very least he will have a chance to start this season off on the right foot against a bad divisional opponent.

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

Yahoo: 30% rostered

There is a risk in starting Jordan Love in his first game without Aaron Rodgers. Despite the occasional game action over his career, Love comes into 2023 as an inexperienced quarterback given his years in the league. Thankfully, he gets an easy matchup against the Bears in his first game.

The Bears made some additions to their defense this offseason, but they still aren’t very good. Chicago features just one pass rusher (Yannick Ngakoue) who can get to the quarterback. New starting middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds missed most of the preseason with an injury, although he is expected to play. Chicago also features a young secondary who is starting a slot corner who struggled in 2022 (Kyler Gordon) and a 2023 second-round pick (Tyrique Stevenson). Jaquon Brisker is also questionable after dealing with an injury of his own.

Love should have plenty of time to find explosive weapons like Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Luke Musgrave in the passing attack. Any of these receivers can turn a small reception into a big play, which could be problematic for Chicago’s inexperienced defense.

 

Two-QB League Waiver Wire Options

Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

Yahoo: 22% rostered

No quarterback will have an easier matchup than Sam Howell in his second career start. Howell put together a solid preseason in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense after a modest performance to end his rookie season. The potential loss of Terry McLaurin looms large, but it may not matter much against an Arizona Cardinals defense that is lacking any star power.

None of Arizona’s projected starting cornerbacks had a PFF grade over 69.0 in 2022. Only safety Budda Baker could even be labeled as an above-average starter in the secondary. Additionally, the Cardinals will have a wildly underwhelming pass rush after returning just 14.5 of their 36 sacks on defense from 2022.

Howell not only has the upside of mobility (he had over 1,000 career rushing yards at UNC), but he should have plenty of time to get the ball to weapons like Jahan Dotson, Antonio Gibson, and Curtis Samuel in the passing attack. He should have more than enough to put together a fast start in fantasy in 2023.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Yahoo: 19% rostered

There is always risk in starting a rookie quarterback in their first career start, but Bryce Young could be up to the challenge. Young was the first overall pick after a prolific career as a passer with Alabama and comes into his first season with high expectations.

Thankfully, those expectations should be easy to reach in a game against a good but not great Falcons defense. Atlanta did their best to revamp their defense this offseason, but still have plenty of questions when it comes to how their defense will fit together to begin the 2023 season.

Young has plenty of weapons in the passing attack in veterans Adam Theilen and D.J. Chark along with rookie Jonathan Mingo. He’s known to distribute the ball effectively and could provide a safe floor for fantasy managers looking for stability out of the quarterback position.



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

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF