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Nick's updated fantasy football waiver wire rankings before Week 1 of 2025. His top 75 free agents to consider as waiver wire pickups, stashes, streamers.
The fantasy football draft season is coming to an end, and Week 1 is finally here! With most fantasy football drafts completed by now, it's time to scour the waiver wire for players who help your team in 2025. Today we're back with our updated Week 1 fantasy football waiver wire rankings before Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. Nick Mariano has ranked the top 75 free agent options, to help you prioritize who to add off the waiver wire.
Several players still have low roster percentages and could have an immediate fantasy impact in 2025. Is Jerome Ford Cleveland's primary running back? Is Bhayhhul Tuten the Jaguars RB to stash for this season? Is rookie wideout Elic Ayomanor worth adding after being listed as a starter for the Titans? Is Quinshon Judkins worth rostering despite not signing his rookie contract with the Browns and the potential for a suspension down the road?
We have answers to these questions and will guide you with our top 75 waiver wire list for Week 1. Time to go make some moves, tweak your fantasy teams, and grab some waiver wire stashes before the season starts. Good luck RotoBallers!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) rankings
- Quarterback (QB) rankings
- Tight end (TE) rankings
- Defense (D/ST) rankings
- Kicker (K) rankings
- FLEX rankings
- Dynasty rankings
Who To Pickup for Fantasy Football Week 1?
Waiver wire pickup options, including how to prioritize them for your league - depending on the league size. Quarterbacks and Defenses (D/ST) are grouped together at the bottom of the list:
| Rank | Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| 1 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB | 59 | Add in All Leagues |
| 2 | Darnell Mooney | WR | 51 | Add in All Leagues |
| 3 | Chris Rodriguez Jr. | RB | 8 | Add in All Leagues |
| 4 | Hunter Henry | TE | 59 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 5 | Keenan Allen | WR | 49 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 6 | Christian Kirk | WR | 43 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 7 | Marvin Mims Jr. | WR | 40 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 8 | Cedric Tillman | WR | 24 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 9 | Dylan Sampson | RB | 48 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 10 | Adam Thielen | WR | 27 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 11 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | 37 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 12 | Jerome Ford | RB | 47 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 13 | Joshua Palmer | WR | 25 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 14 | Jaydon Blue | RB | 38 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 15 | Rashod Bateman | WR | 46 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 16 | Hollywood Brown | WR | 18 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 17 | Zach Ertz | TE | 53 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 18 | Xavier Legette | WR | 18 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 19 | Trey Benson | RB | 39 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 20 | Tyler Allgeier | RB | 34 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 21 | Luther Burden III | WR | 24 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 22 | Amari Cooper | WR | 15 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 23 | Romeo Doubs | WR | 14 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 24 | Elic Ayomanor | WR | 4 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 25 | Brenton Strange | TE | 22 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 26 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | 50 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 27 | Jayden Higgins | WR | 38 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 28 | Will Shipley | RB | 12 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 29 | Chig Okonkwo | TE | 33 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 30 | Keaton Mitchell | RB | 3 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 31 | Najee Harris | RB | 45 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 32 | Dont'e Thornton Jr. | WR | 9 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 33 | Wan'Dale Robinson | WR | 19 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 34 | DeMario Douglas | WR | 16 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 35 | Isaac TeSlaa | WR | 9 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 36 | Darren Waller | TE | 12 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 37 | Roschon Johnson | RB | 7 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 38 | Woody Marks | RB | 9 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 39 | Dameon Pierce | RB | 4 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 40 | DJ Giddens | RB | 3 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 41 | Jarquez Hunter | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 42 | Dyami Brown | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 43 | Pat Bryant | WR | 3 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 44 | Brashard Smith | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 45 | Cade Otton | TE | 7 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 46 | Tre' Harris | WR | 10 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 47 | Tory Horton | WR | 3 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 48 | Darius Slayton | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 49 | Mason Taylor | TE | 12 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 50 | Ray-Ray McCloud III | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 51 | Kyle Monangai | RB | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 52 | Troy Franklin | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 53 | Jordan Whittington | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 54 | Harold Fannin Jr. | TE | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 55 | Malik Washington | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 56 | Tutu Atwell | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 57 | Theo Johnson | TE | 7 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 58 | Tahj Brooks | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 59 | Trevor Etienne | RB | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 60 | Keandre Lambert-Smith | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 61 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | 50 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 62 | Michael Penix Jr. | QB | 33 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 63 | Cam Ward | QB | 26 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 64 | Bryce Young | QB | 26 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 65 | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | 25 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 66 | Matthew Stafford | QB | 27 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 67 | Geno Smith | QB | 22 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 68 | Joe Flacco | QB | 4 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 69 | Jaxson Dart | QB | 6 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 70 | San Francisco 49ers | DST | 32 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 71 | Arizona Cardinals | DST | 40 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 72 | Washington Commanders | DST | 33 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 73 | New England Patriots | DST | 14 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 74 | Cincinnati Bengals | DST | 9 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 75 | Miami Dolphins | DST | 3 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Latest News
Some of the top names include Bhayshul Tuten, Jerome Ford, Dont'e Thornton Jr., Ollie Gordon II, Quinshon Judkins, and Elic Ayomanor. We recap why these players rostered under 55% in Yahoo! leagues should be on your waiver wire radar for Week 1:
Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns
Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings: 12
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is expected to be in a workhorse role out of the backfield for the team's Week 1 divisional matchup on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Rookie Dylan Sampson should operate in a change-of-pace role behind him with second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins still unsigned following a domestic-violence incident in the offseason.
The 25-year-old Ford led Cleveland's backfield in 2024 with only 565 yards in 14 games, and he'll open this year as their primary back, which counts for something in fantasy. However, in a game in which the Browns could be forced to throw often to keep up with Cincy's high-powered offense, Ford may have limited opportunities. He figures to be a low-upside RB3/flex, at best, in Week 1 fantasy lineups.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns
Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings: 26
Cleveland Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi believes there is "zero chance" that rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (unsigned) suits up Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Judkins, a second-round pick, was accused of domestic violence in July. Although the charges were dropped, he has yet to sign his rookie contract. Grossi said on the ESPN Cleveland Radio that the deal will not be finalized until the NFL determines the length of his suspension. If Judkins doesn't play in Week 1, the Browns are expected to lean on Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson in the backfield. It's a favorable spot for the duo, as they face a Bengals defense that allowed the seventh-most points in the NFL last season.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans
Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings: 24
Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com writes that rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is listed alongside Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett as a starter on the team's unofficial depth chart entering the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the hosting Denver Broncos. Ayomanor flashed in training camp and the preseason for Tennessee and displayed some strong chemistry with fellow rookie quarterback Cameron Ward.
While the 22-year-old will probably go undrafted in all 12-team fantasy leagues, he's at least a young receiver to put on your watch list going into the 2025 campaign. Ayomanor played ahead of fellow rookie Chimere Dike in the preseason and has a leg up on the WR3 role already. Ridley is going to be the overwhelming favorite for the majority of targets, but don't rule out Ayomanor passing Lockett on the depth chart sooner than later.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings: 1
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten finished his preseason with 16 carries for 59 yards and two touchdowns. The fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, who missed some training camp time with a hamstring injury, has shown flashes of his dual-threat ability. Tuten, who had 1,159 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground and 23 catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns in his final year at Virginia Tech, will start the season behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. However, he is a late-round stash with massive upside if either of the starters gets hurt. He could carve out a significant pass-catching role for himself throughout the season.
Running Backs - Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name |
| Bhayshul Tuten |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. |
| Dylan Sampson |
| Ollie Gordon II |
| Jerome Ford |
| Jaydon Blue |
| Trey Benson |
| Tyler Allgeier |
| Quinshon Judkins |
| Will Shipley |
| Keaton Mitchell |
| Najee Harris |
| Roschon Johnson |
| Woody Marks |
| Dameon Pierce |
| DJ Giddens |
| Jarquez Hunter |
| Brashard Smith |
| Kyle Monangai |
| Tahj Brooks |
| Trevor Etienne |
Wide Receivers - Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name |
| Darnell Mooney |
| Keenan Allen |
| Christian Kirk |
| Marvin Mims Jr. |
| Cedric Tillman |
| Adam Thielen |
| Joshua Palmer |
| Rashod Bateman |
| Hollywood Brown |
| Xavier Legette |
| Luther Burden III |
| Amari Cooper |
| Romeo Doubs |
| Elic Ayomanor |
| Jayden Higgins |
| Dont'e Thornton Jr. |
| Wan'Dale Robinson |
| DeMario Douglas |
| Isaac TeSlaa |
| Dyami Brown |
| Pat Bryant |
| Tre' Harris |
| Tory Horton |
| Darius Slayton |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III |
| Troy Franklin |
| Jordan Whittington |
| Malik Washington |
| Tutu Atwell |
| KeAndre Lambert-Smith |
Tight Ends- Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name |
| Hunter Henry |
| Zach Ertz |
| Brenton Strange |
| Chig Okonkwo |
| Darren Waller |
| Cade Otton |
| Mason Taylor |
| Harold Fannin Jr. |
| Theo Johnson |
Quarterbacks - Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order, with emphasis on Week 1:
| Player Name |
| Trevor Lawrence |
| Michael Penix Jr. |
| Cameron Ward |
| Bryce Young |
| Tua Tagovailoa |
| Matthew Stafford |
| Geno Smith |
| Joe Flacco |
| Jaxson Dart |
Defenses (D/ST) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order, with emphasis on Week 1:
| Player Name |
| San Francisco 49ers D/ST |
| Arizona Cardinals D/ST |
| Washington Commanders D/ST |
| New England Patriots D/ST |
| Cincinnati Bengals D/ST |
| Miami Dolphins D/ST |
Week 1 Waiver Wire Articles
After diving into the Week 1 rankings, read about some other free waiver wire resources available at RotoBaller:
- Week 1 waiver wire pickups (all positions)
- Week 1 high-upside waiver wire stashes
- Week 1 deeper league waiver wire pickups
- Week 1 running back waiver wire pickups
- Week 1 tight end waiver wire pickups
- Week 1 quarterback waiver wire pickups
- Week 1 defense (D/ST) streamers and pickups
- Week 1 kicker streamers and pickups
Each week, our NFL team puts out a complete array of fantasy football waiver wire articles to compliment our slick Who Should I Pickup? Waiver wire player comparison tool. Bookmark it!
In addition, be on the lookout for our other waiver wire articles all season long. We will be releasing weekly waiver wire articles for each position, FAAB bidding recommendations, streamers and more throughout the week.
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