Week 1 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups and Stashes - After The Draft (2025)

September 4, 2025

Rob's Week 1 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, stashes, sleepers for all positions ahead of Week 1 in 2025. His top fantasy free agent waiver wire adds.

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen to our Week 1 fantasy football waiver wire pickups and stashes for 2025! It’s officially NFL season. Sure, no games have been officially played yet, but fantasy football drafts are (almost) all in the rear-view window, and now, we are all patiently waiting for the season to get officially underway.

All the preseason games are done. The rosters are at 53 men. This is now merely a waiting game. While we may research and prepare for hours and hours for our fantasy football drafts, we are just mere mortals. Despite our exhaustive efforts, mistakes are made. We often leave our drafts with a pick or two we wish to do differently.

And so begins our love/hate relationship with the waiver wire. Constant scrolling of players. The agonizing decision of which players to let go of, which ones to add. The struggle is real, but to claim fantasy football glory, it is one we must endure. Remember, failing to admit your mistakes is often worse than making one in the first place. This is where the waiver wire comes in. This is my first fantasy football waiver wire article for the season, and I'll be publishing it weekly on Mondays. Be sure to also check out our free Who Should I Pickup? tool and compare up to four free agent players at once - we'll tell you who to pickup.

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 1

RB3's with Contingency Value

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 59.9% Rostered

White averaged 11.6 half-PPR PPG last year and finished as the RB21. From Weeks 9-17, White averaged 11.9 PPG and was the RB19 during that stretch. In Weeks 12-17, he was the RB21 and averaged 11.3 half-PPR PPG. What's the point of those splits? It's to show that White was an RB2 for the entire year; he remained an RB2 even after Bucky Irving started to breakout, and he was still an RB2 during Irving's complete takeover of the backfield.

He's recorded 50 receptions in three straight seasons. Even with Irving as the clear No. 1 back for Tampa, White should stay involved in the passing game, especially with the injuries to Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and now Cade Otton. He should maintain RB3 or flex value throughout the season, and he's an elite handcuff should Irving miss time.

White is dealing with a groin issue, but it's not reported to be serious. Reports indicate that White should be ready for Week 1.

Slow-Starters with League-Winning Potential

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 24.5% Rostered

There have been rumors that Travis Etienne Jr. or Tank Bigsby could be traded. Nothing happened before clubs were required to finalize their 53-man roster, but either one could be moved at the deadline. New general manager James Gladstone made a point to draft Tuten, and it sounds like they have a plan for him.

It’s August, and Bhayshul Tuten is a third-string RB.

He’s also one of the most talented RB in the NFL, drafted to a team with a clear vision for him.

Can you see the vision, beyond August? https://t.co/lDHeT8gNc4 pic.twitter.com/q1mew4fe5i

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 20, 2025

Tuten is an elite athlete, and it was just last season that Irving became a league-winner in Coen's offense. Other running backs on waivers will have more standalone value early in the season, but few have the kind of upside and league-winning potential that Tuten does.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 40.5% Rostered

The only other running backs Dallas has are Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Williams was one of the worst running backs last year in the NFL from an efficiency standpoint. Blue has elite speed, posting a 4.38 forty-yard dash at the combine. He's an excellent pass-catcher and has home run speed. Don't be surprised if he works himself into a regular role this season.

No clue if we'll see Jaydon Blue in 2025

If healthy, Blue brings an element that the rest of the Dallas backfield simply does not have https://t.co/Vz4HMEWsNN pic.twitter.com/EXSKzmkBVX

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 24, 2025

Given the state of the backfield in Dallas and how often the Cowboys should pass the ball, at worst, Blue feels like Jaylen Warren. At best, he could be a league-winner, such as De'Von Achane or Chase Brown.

Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 9.3% Rostered

Marks is part of an ambiguous backfield with highly questionable competition. As a rookie, that makes him very intriguing. Nick Chubb hasn't played good football since 2022. Last year, in eight games, he averaged 3.3 yards per carry and just 1.6 yards after contact per attempt. He'll also be 30 this year.

He broke his foot in 2024. In 2023, he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Back in 2015, he tore his MCL, PCL, and LCL. Throughout this stage of his career, Pierce has been a one-hit wonder, struggling ever since his rookie season in 2022.

Yards after contact per rush leaders among RBs drafted in 2025:

4.06 - Ollie Gordon
3.90 - Woody Marks
3.60 - Kalel Mullings
3.50 - RJ Harvey
3.21 - Kaleb Johnson
3.00 - DJ Giddens
2.92 - Jarquez Hunter
2.88 - Bhayshul Tuten
2.44 - Jacory Croskey-Merritt
2.35 - Damien Martinez…

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 20, 2025

In five collegiate seasons, Marks finished with 261 catches and 1,546 receiving yards. He played in 10 games in four out of five college seasons. In all four of those years, he had 45 or more catches. He's a weapon out of the backfield, and he should immediately find work as Houston's third-down and two-minute back.

If Chubb and Pierce struggle in their early-down roles, Marks' role could grow, and if he plays well, he could be a potential league-winner.

Ambiguous Backfields to Target With Upside

Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 17.9% Rostered

Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned. The only other running backs on Cleveland's roster, other than Sampson, are Jerome Ford and Raheim Sanders. It's unknown when Judkins will sign, and even once he does, he hasn't practiced with the team for the majority of training camp. Sampson is a rookie who had 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns last year for Tennessee.

He's an early-declare and has minimal competition for touches and playing time.

Dylan Sampson started over Jerome Ford in the final Browns preseason game. He also did this! pic.twitter.com/NbqSqIsuKU

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) August 24, 2025

Ford is solid enough, but at this stage of his career, fantasy managers know what he is. Sampson's unknown NFL pedigree makes him an intriguing prospect. Sampson could provide fantasy managers with RB3 value right away in Week 1, and if Judkins remains unsigned, and Sampson can distance himself from Ford, he could flirt with top-25 numbers at the running back position.

Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans - 1.2% Rostered

Pierce had 1,100 scrimmage yards in 13 games as a rookie. He struggled in his second season when Houston brought in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who utilized a zone-blocking scheme. During his rookie season, Houston employed a more man/gap blocking scheme, where Pierce excelled. Last season, his stats were non-existent, but he wasn't bad per se; he didn't play.

He averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and 5.4 yards after contact per carry. In Week 18, the lone game Pierce played more than 30% of the team's snaps, he had 19 carries, 176 rushing yards, and one touchdown. Pierce only needs to beat out the soon-to-be 30-year-old Chubb, who has two incredibly severe knee injuries.

New Texans OC Nick Caley helped McVay implement a man/gap run scheme.

Per @FantasyPtsData, the Texans were just 25th in man/gap usage in 2024.

Dameon Pierce had a breakout rookie season in Pep Hamilton's man/gap scheme, but disappeared when Slowik brought outside zone to HOU. https://t.co/wYqmhG9bY7

— Ryan Heath (@RyanJ_Heath) August 6, 2025

The new offensive coordinator, Nick Caley, is expected to bring back a man/gap run scheme, which is better suited for Pierce's talents. The best part about stashing Pierce is that fantasy managers don't need to hold him long to know what they have. He's someone you can hold onto for 3-4 weeks and then let go of if nothing happens. Whereas someone like Tuten or Marks, you need to hold longer.

If Pierce earns the early-down and short-yardage role in Houston, he could be a touchdown-dependent RB3.

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns - 57.4% Rostered

In 2023, Ford was Cleveland's primary running back and finished with 204 carries and 813 yards. He also had 63 targets, 44 receptions, and 319 receiving yards. He finished with 1,132 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. That season, he was the RB24 with an 11.6 half-PPR PPG.

Last year, he finished as the RB35 with an 8.5 half-PPR PPG. He's someone who has shown the ability to be an RB2/3 for fantasy managers. He has that opportunity again this year, for as long as Judkins stays out. He'll have to beat out Sampson, a fourth-round rookie, but that's all that stands in the way of Ford from providing RB3 value again.

RB4's with High Contingency Value

Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 16.2% Rostered

Gordon has significantly outplayed Jaylen Wright this preseason. Wright is also hurt with a leg injury and will miss Week 1. De'Von Achane is also dealing with a calf strain. There are a lot of unknowns right now with the Miami backfield.

Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright had a "small procedure" done that isn't season-ending but will take some time to recover from, per McDaniel

Miami has signed RBs Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty in response

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) August 28, 2025

Achane isn’t a bruiser, and he has struggled in short-yardage situations. Even with a healthy Achane, whoever Miami chooses as their No. 2 running back is likely going to get 8-10 carries per game, which could include some goal-line opportunities.

Given their preseason performances and health statuses, that should be viewed as a positive for Gordon. That makes him worth a stash, especially until we find out Achane is healthy.

If Achane is hampered or not 100%, Gordon could have RB3 value right out of the gate. We saw Raheem Mostert do incredibly well next to Achane in 2023, so Gordon is an excellent waiver wire add.

There’s an argument to be made that he has league-winning potential, but Achane’s role increased significantly from 2023 to 2024, so Gordon may be more of a bruiser, but he’s a priority add at this point.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 34.6% Rostered

New head coach Aaron Glenn comes from Detroit, where they utilized Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in tandem. Glenn also brought with him Tanner Engstrand from Detroit, who was their passing game coordinator last season.

Fantasy managers should expect a committee approach in New York this season with the new coaching staff. By all accounts, Allen has had a great offseason and could operate in the Montgomery role in New York.

Aaron Glenn on Breece Hall & Braelon Allen: #Jets

"You can do a lot with Breece. We're gonna open his game up quite a bit. He's the type of guy that you can split out wide & let him run a route tree, cause he can run it like a receiver, & I like that matchup with him against a… pic.twitter.com/5o1VVf3Fe5

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 2, 2025

He could very well be the Jets’ goal-line back, which should offer some standalone value, especially with how frequently New York is expected to run the football. Should Hall miss anytime, Allen would become a top-20 weekly start at running back.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 59.5% Rostered

Spears is currently on IR, but he's an excellent stash candidate. Throughout training camp, head coach Brian Callahan discussed increasing Spears' role so that Tony Pollard wouldn't have to carry the majority of the load. Spears is an excellent pass-catcher and, when healthy, and would provide fantasy managers with RB4 value in that role.

If Cameron Ward is better than expected, Spears could provide a touch more value than that. He could also earn more work than he did last year. Spears is out with a high-ankle sprain, which is a tough one for running backs. They can linger or be reinjured, but given his pass-catching profile and the high praise he earned throughout training camp, he's someone fantasy managers should want to add and stash on IR.

Once he's healthy, if Pollard were to miss time, he'd become a top-24 running back.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 47.1% Rostered

Benson is a former third-round pick in 2024 and primarily played a backup role as a rookie with James Conner, who played far better than fantasy managers are willing to give him credit for. Conner was one of the most efficient and effective backs last year. That said, Connor and head coach Jonathan Gannon have both stated that Benson will receive more work this season.

That doesn't mean much, considering he received virtually none last year as long as Conner was healthy. Conner has played through injuries throughout his career and is another year older, so it would make sense to take some of the weight off Conner's shoulders. That should be enough to give Benson RB4 value.

He won't be someone you want to start, but if he can flirt with seven-to-nine touches, he can be someone fantasy managers can desperately start in a pinch. His contingency is incredibly high and would flirt with top-15 value if Conner missed time.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 20.0% Rostered

Buffalo just extended James Cook this offseason, and he’ll once again reprise the role as the Bills’ No. 1 back. He has, however, had 520 touches over the past two seasons.

Davis averaged 7.7 touches per game last year as a rookie, and it wouldn’t be surprising if that number increases in year two. If that happens, Davis could flirt with RB4 numbers. However, his real value lies in being Cook’s handcuff. If Cook were to miss time, Davis would be a top-15 play at running back. His contingency value is what makes him intriguing.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 36.4% Rostered

From Weeks 1-6, Allgeier played 30% of the snaps and logged just under 10 touches per game. From Weeks 7-18, that decreased to 22% of the snaps and eight touches per game. Atlanta became more and more comfortable with Bijan Robinson as their bellcow, workhorse back. If that trend continues, Allgeier could lose his RB4 value and become a pure handcuff.

His RB4 value is minimal because he doesn't catch any passes. Allgeier has less standalone value than everyone in this category, but his upside if Robinson missed time is much higher than that of Allen if Breece Hall missed time.

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers - 40.4% Rostered

Fantasy managers should fully expect rookie Omarion Hampton to be the primary ball-carrier for the Chargers this season, especially after Harris’s offseason.

That said, this is a run-heavy offense, and if Harris is healthy, he’s going to be involved in some capacity. He has had three straight 1,200 scrimmage-yard seasons. He’s not a total slouch, even though the fantasy community often views him that way. Coaches like him, and they trust him. Harris, if healthy, will have a role in the Chargers’ offense, and if Hampton were to get hurt, Harris would become a priority add.

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 6.9% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.8% Rostered
• D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 1.8% Rostered
• Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles - 14.0% Rostered
• Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 21.0% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 1

High Upside Stashes

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 42.1% Rostered

He tore his MCL and ACL early last season and will need some time to shake off the rust. However, he’s an IR candidate and someone you can stash for free. From 2023-2024, he had 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished as the WR22 in 2022 and the WR12 in 2023.

Best single-season yards per route run (2017-24) if sacks, scrambles, and screens are removed

The 2023 Brandon Aiyuk season was special https://t.co/Ab9fb1LdHo pic.twitter.com/V1FDn22Qtk

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) July 28, 2025

He’s absolutely worth taking a shot on. He’s the receiver with the most chemistry with Brock Purdy and could be a second-half weekly WR2 starter.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears - 22.2% Rostered

Burden profiles as a slot receiver and was an elite tackle-breaking machine in college. Through two preseason appearances, Caleb Williams has targeted Olamide Zaccheaus the second-most, behind only Rome Odunze.

Targets from Caleb Williams this preseason:

6 - Rome Odunze (27%)
5 - Olamide Zaccheaus
3 - DJ Moore
3 - Colston Loveland
1 - Cole Kmet
4 - RBs

Route rate with Caleb:

100% - Odunze
96% - Moore
78% - Zaccheaus
63% - Loveland
48% - Kmet

Luther Burden ran one route with Caleb

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 23, 2025

The new head coach has a knack for getting the ball to his slot receiver. He did it all the time with Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit. Obviously, St. Brown is elite, and that certainly helps, but Burden was a highly regarded prospect. Should he eventually get that very fruitful role, he could be a late-season surge candidate and someone worth stashing.

Potential WR4s with Some Upside

Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 1.4% Rostered

Update - Coker has been placed on the injured reserve due to a quadriceps injury. As a result, he is only worth targeting in formats that have IR spots.

With Adam Thielen traded, the runway has been cleared for Coker’s breakout season. Tetairoa McMillan will be the team’s undisputed No. 1 receiver, but after that, the pecking order is highly questionable. We know it’ll be between Xavier Legette and Coker. Coker was the more efficient player in their rookie seasons last year, but Legette is a former first-round pick, while Coker was an undrafted free agent.

65% of Carolina’s targets last year went to wide receivers. Dave Canales’ offense has utilized the slot receiver heavily. This includes Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay and Adam Thielen in Carolina.

#Panthers GM Dan Morgan on WR room, specifically says Jalen Coker will play in the slot. pic.twitter.com/5T4f620Qjk

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 28, 2025

With Coker as Carolina’s slot receiver, he could have a Khalil Shakir-type of season. Think 76 catches, 850 yards, and a handful of touchdowns.

DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots - 14.5% Rostered

Reports out of training camp have indicated that Douglas has been the Patriots' best receiver and Drake Maye’s most targeted and trusted pass-catcher. He’s locked into the slot role for an offense run by Josh McDaniels, who has historically relied heavily on that position.

“DeMario Douglas has been the Patriots’ best pass-catcher, and it isn’t close,” per @tkyles39

“He looks more comfortable than ever under Josh McDaniels, consistently getting open, catching everything thrown his way, and quickly becoming Drake Maye’s top target.”

POP SZN 📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/cjTIVa5ODo

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) July 26, 2025

Given the offense’s woes last year, Douglas still managed to finish with 66 catches, 621 yards, and three touchdowns. That was despite playing only 62% of the team’s snaps. If his playing time increases and Maye is as good as we all think he could be, Douglas could become a highly valuable bench player for fantasy managers.

Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns - 33.5% Rostered

We have a very small sample with Tillman. He wasn’t a starter until Week 7, after the team traded Amari Cooper, and then he suffered a concussion early in Week 12 that ended his season.

However, from Weeks 7 through 11, Tillman had more targets and more touchdowns than Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. He was second only to Jeudy in yards (312 to 302) and was second to Njoku in receptions (29 to 24).

Cedric Tillman in 4 healthy games after Amari Cooper trade:
-Week 7: 82% snaps, 12 targets, 8 catches, 81 yards
-Week 8: 90% snaps, 9 targets, 7 catches, 99 yards, 2 TDs
-Week 9: 96% snaps, 11 targets, 6 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
-Week 11: 96% snaps, 8 targets, 3 catches, 47 yards

— Ben Cummins (@BenCumminsFF) May 27, 2025

In those four weeks, he averaged 15.6 half-PPR PPG, which was more than Jeudy and Njoku. Tillman also had the highest first-read target share on the team. Joe Flacco being named the starter gives him legit WR3 upside. In his last 17 starts, Flacco has thrown for 4,755 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Tillman just might be better than Jeudy, who, up until last year, had been mildly disappointing. Njoku’s team also came up at the trade deadline last year, and now he’s in the final year of his contract. Tillman is absolutely worth stashing.

WR5/6s with Minimal Upside

Christian Kirk, Houston Texans - 24.1% Rostered

Kirk looks to be the early leader for playing time opposite Collins. Kirk has consistently demonstrated his dependability as a receiver, even achieving a WR2 season as Lawrence’s primary target in 2023.

Kirk is more of a complementary player, but with Collins in the mix, he won’t need to be more than that. Reports indicate Kirk might also be the leader to be on the field in 2-WR sets, which would be big for his value.

Wouldn't get too worked up about current HOU WR depth chart. Talent will win out.

But do think it's notable that #Texans been willing to play Christian Kirk outside, and in 2-WR sets. Not just the "only in slot, only in 3-WR" role. https://t.co/kyB2PE3icB

— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 19, 2025

He's typically played in the slot, so when a team goes into two-WR sets, he often comes off the field, decreasing his snaps and routes.

He’ll have second-round and third-round rookies, Higgins and Noel chomping at the bit, so his staying power is unlikely to be long, but he could provide a Rashee Rice owner with a dependable option for the first few weeks.

Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings - 53.2% Rostered

With Jordan Addison suspended for three games, Thielen will immediately slot in as the team’s No. 2 or 3 target earner the first few weeks of the season.

Once Addison comes back, along with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, it may be hard for Thielen to maintain value. Still, the fantasy community has doubted him the past few years, and he continues to play well.

The upside for Thielen is minimal outside of the first three weeks of the season when fantasy managers should be at their strongest, but if you have Rashee Rice on your roster, Thielen isn’t a bad replacement for the first few weeks of his suspension.

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 25.2% Rostered

Bateman is a touchdown-dependent WR5/6 with some weekly upside by virtue of being connected to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore offense.

The strength of their run game with Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews will mean plenty of weeks where he busts, but he’s a good enough player to pop off on any given week with how explosive this offense can be.

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers - 14.3% Rostered

Doubs and Bateman are virtually the same kind of player. They’re both touchdown-dependent options. Doubs has yet to ever record 700 yards in a season, but he’s a full-time player on a potent offense.

On @WISCTV_News3 ~ Jayden Reed doesn't have much interest in the timeline doctors recommend for recovering from a Jones fracture. Overjoyed to be back at practice on Tuesday, the #Packers leading receiver the past two years plans to play through the pain.https://t.co/i007LxTWuI

— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) August 28, 2025

Reed is dealing with a Jones fracture in his foot. Watson is still recovering from a torn ACL, which leaves Doubs, Golden, and Dontayvion Wicks. He offers minimal upside, but he’s a decent backup receiver who can fill in for bye weeks and injuries.

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos - 35.6% Rostered

Mims has run with the starters all preseason. He just hasn’t taken advantage of those opportunities; however, he made a significant impact late last season. From Weeks 13 through 18, Mims was the WR15 in half-PPR PPG. He averaged 68 yards per game, an average that equates to 1,159 yards over 17 games.

He caught three or more passes in each of the final five games, and had more than 50 yards in four out of five, surpassing 100 in two of them.

If he continues to operate as Denver’s No. 2 receiver, he’ll have value, but I’m skeptical. I think they’ll rotate with him, Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant. However, he does seem that Mims will get first crack at the lion’s share of snaps, and that’s worth a dice roll on.

Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 42.5% Rostered

The No. 2 target-earner in Carolina will likely be Coker, whom we’ve already discussed, and Legette. They both may hinder each other enough that neither is irrelevant, but given how well Young played late last season, taking a dart-throw at either player makes sense.

I prefer Coker, but Legette has significantly more draft capital. Fantasy managers should have their answer early in the season, so stashing either one shouldn’t take up a roster spot long-term.

Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers - 0.3% Rostered

Doubs is who he is. He’s averaged between 3.2-to-3.5 catches and 33-to-46 yards per game. He’s consistently average. Reed has a Jones fracture, and Watson is on IR. Wicks was a sleeper last year and disappointed, but the appeal is back again. He’s a solid route-runner, but he struggled mightily catching the ball.

He’s more explosive than Doubs and could be healthier than Reed and Watson. He’s a deep sleeper, but given the state of the Packers’ receiver room, he very well might get another chance this season.

Dont'e Thornton Jr., Las Vegas Raiders - 6.4% Rostered

He’s been playing with the starters throughout training camp and the preseason. Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers will be Smith’s top targets, and there won’t be enough targets for a consistent No. 3 option. However, given Thornton’s skill set, athleticism, and role, he’s still someone worth keeping an eye on. He’ll be the team’s downfield threat, and he’s a freak athlete.

He’ll definitely be a boom or bust player, but profiles as Las Vegas’s only true X-receiver, so his snap and route share should be high.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 1

Safe TE2’s with Some Upside

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 37.4% Rostered

Maye targeted his tight ends on over 32% of his throws last season. Granted, his receivers were awful, but this is still notable.

Henry was TE17 last year on an abysmal New England offense. In 2021, when McDaniels was the New England offensive coordinator, Henry finished with eight touchdowns and an 8.5 half-PPR PPG average, finishing TE12. With McDaniels back in the fold and the excitement around Maye and this revamped offense, Henry could be a strong week-to-week streamer, and maybe more.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders - 35.3% Rostered

Ertz was the TE12 last year with an 8.2 half-PPR PPG average. Jayden Daniels returns and will likely be better in year two. Terry McLaurin has missed the entire offseason in a contract dispute. Ertz will maintain his role as Daniels’ safety valve.

His weekly ceiling leaves much to be desired, but he’s consistent.

Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 23.1% Rostered

Godwin could miss the first few games even though he’s not starting on the PUP list. White is banged up with a groin injury, and second-year wideout McMillan is on IR with a neck injury.

In seven games without Chris Godwin, Cade Otton saw an 18.9% target share (TE4), averaging 4.6 receptions (TE5) on 6.6 targets (TE5) for 48.1 receiving yards (TE6) in Weeks 8-15 https://t.co/lhfLnPekEy pic.twitter.com/sHCrT0p3gi

— FTN Fantasy (@FTNFantasy) August 21, 2025

Otton could have some early-season appeal with how banged-up the Tampa receivers are. The problem is that Otton is also hurt. He’s dealing with a leg injury and could miss a few weeks, so fantasy managers will need to track his progress before Week 1.

If he’s back and Godwin is out, he makes for a good streamer. Once Godwin is back, Otton can go back to the waiver wire, but until then, he could be a useful streamer.

Sleeper Picks for Deeper Leagues

Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans - 11.2% Rostered

If I don’t have a need for a tight end starter right now and I am looking to add one, I would prefer Okonkwo and Strange over Otton. They have more long-term upside in 2025.

In Okonkwo’s final three games of the 2024 season (not counting Week 18 when he left early, not even logging five-percent of the snaps), he had 28 targets, 22 receptions, and 60.7 yards per game. That’s a pace of 1,031 yards.

I'm somewhat optimistic about the Titans' offense with Cam Ward at the helm and that makes Chig Okonkwo a sneaky breakout candidate at TE after a strong finish to 2024. pic.twitter.com/7QJ7Wzk3Bj

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) August 14, 2025

He’s been a full-time player this preseason when Cameron Ward has been on the field. A committee-approach at tight end held him back last season, but if he’s the team’s No. 1 tight end, he’s back on the menu as a post-hype sleeper.

Ward should improve the scoring chances and passing offense in Tennessee compared to last year and there’s virtually no target competition behind Calvin Ridley. If Okonkwo’s route rate stays above 75% and Ward is decent, Okonkwo could end up being a top-end TE2, maybe even more.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 14.0% Rostered

Over the past three years, Evan Engram has averaged 7.1 targets, 5.4 receptions, and 48.7 yards per game. Over 17 games that equates to 121 targets, 93 receptions, and 828 yards.

QB Positional Target Tendencies: Tight Ends

- Drake Maye's best friend last year was Hunter Henry, who averaged 10.2 FPG (TE12) and 10.5 XFP/G (TE8) in his full games with Maye
- If Travis Hunter has snap limitations, Brenton Strange could see some 2024 Cade Otton usage

Full… pic.twitter.com/afeEDkZNAY

— Jake Tribbey (@JakeTribbey) August 4, 2025

Over the past three years, Lawrence has a top-five tight end target rate. Strange was a former second-round pick and he should be a full-time player in 2025.

Jacksonville should have a mediocre defense with a pass-centric offense. The target competition of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter will make things a bit more difficult, but there’s a path to him being a regular streamer with upside.

Deep, Deep Sleepers

• Mason Taylor, New York Jets - 5.3% Rostered
• Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 1.0% Rostered
• Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 2.1% Rostered
• Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns - 0.7% Rostered
• Juwan Johnson - New Orleans Saints - 0.9% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 1

Potential Top-12 QBs

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers - 61.2% Rostered

Love should be rostered in 12-team leagues, but there's a good argument he has a case to be rostered even in 10-team leagues, as well. In 2023, Love's first season as the starter, he finished as the QB6 with a 19.5 PPG average. From Weeks 10-17 that season, he increased his PPG average to 21.2. He finished that season with 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns.

However, his per-game averages from Weeks 10-18 would have equated to 4,607 yards and 38 touchdowns.

This past season, Love suffered a sprained MCL and missed the next two weeks. In Week 8, Love injured his groin. He was never healthy all year. It wasn't just him. Romeo Doubs missed four games, Christian Watson missed two games, Jayden Reed wasn't 100% in the second half of the season, and tight end Luke Musgrave missed 10. Even when they were healthy, they struggled to hang onto the football. Drops were a significant issue for this team.

In 2023, Green Bay threw 581 times compared to 479 last year. With the draft selection of Matthew Golden, fantasy managers should expect the Packer offense to look more like 2023 than 2024. With Love healthy, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he has a big bounce-back season.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 32.7% Rostered

Lawrence is one of the biggest offseason winners this season. Not only did the team hire offensive guru Liam Coen, but they also selected superstar prospect Travis Hunter. Coen worked wonders for Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. One of the best predictive stats for fantasy quarterbacks is fantasy points per dropback.

Before Coen coached Mayfield, he averaged 0.52 points per dropback with Dave Canales. Lawrence averaged 0.53 points per dropback last season despite being coached by Doug Pederson.

In 2023, Mayfield averaged 17.4 PPG. In 2024, with Coen calling plays, his PPG average increased to 22.5 PPG. Lawrence was at 16.8 PPG last year in nine full games. Don't be surprised if Lawrence has a career year under Coen, especially with Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter.

Liam Coen on Trevor Lawrence:

"Let's get used to using your legs as a weapon a little bit too. Like, you can run. So much of what made us successful last year with Baker was his ability to run, to make plays. So that's something that we've been working hard at."

Konami TLaw?

— Wolf of Roto Street (@RotoStreetWolf) August 5, 2025

Lawrence has been a capable runner throughout his NFL career, finishing with more than 290 rushing yards in three out of four seasons. From 2018 to 2023, Mayfield averaged 9.2 rushing yards per game, but that increased to 22.2 last year. If Coen can improve Lawrence's passing efficiency and increase his rushing, he could flirt with a top-12 season.

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans - 59.3% Rostered

Houston has one of the better defenses in the NFL, which isn't ideal for fantasy purposes when it comes to Stroud. However, their running back depth chart is working in his favor. Right now, Joe Mixon is on the PUP list, and he'll miss the first four games and, as it sounds right now, possibly the entire season. Their depth currently stands at Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and Woody Marks.

Given their offensive line issues from last season and the talent level (or rather lack thereof) in the running back room, don't be surprised if Houston is one of the more pass-heavy offenses in the NFL.

In 13 full games as a rookie, he averaged 19.7 PPG, but in his 14 starts, one in which he left very early, he finished with 18.5 PPG. That ranked QB11 for the year. Last year was rough, but Nico Collins missed five games, Stefon Diggs missed nine, and Tank Dell missed three. His offensive line was a wreck, and his offensive coordinator was fired.

He's incredibly young yet, and as a rookie, he's already shown himself to be plenty talented. He should get a pass for the 2024 season, considering the surrounding circumstances.

This offseason, the Texans drafted Jayden Higgins in the second round of the NFL Draft and Jaylin Noel in the third round. They also traded for Christian Kirk. They hired Nick Caley, the passing game coordinator of the Rams, a disciple of Sean McVay. They also added plenty of bodies to the offensive line. They took a quantity-over-quality approach, but there are plenty of reasons to buy into a bounce-back season from Stroud.

QB2 Options for Deeper or Superflex Leagues

• Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons - 18.5% Rostered
• Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers - 14.6% Rostered
• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 29.0% Rostered
• Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders - 8.3% Rostered
• Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams - 27.4% Rostered
• Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 9.1% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 1

• Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints - 44.9% Rostered
• New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - 25.9% Rostered
• Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants - 12.6% Rostered

Waiver Wire Parameters for This Article

A few rules and notes about this weekly waiver wire article. Every league is different - different roster formats, different roster sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different. Even the host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that differ from those of Yahoo!, which in turn differ from those of CBS or Sleeper, and all of this impacts which players are drafted and which are not.

We only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of less than 60%. For running backs and receivers, that number drops to 50%. We don’t delve too deeply into defenses, but I highlight a few streamers to target each week.

Positions are also broken up into different categories, such as RB3 or potential league-winner to stash. You’ll need to know your roster and what you should be looking for on the waiver. From there, each positional groups are arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. We use ESPN’s roster percentages for this article.

For example, if you roster Rashee Rice, Jordan Addison, and Chris Godwin, you might be more interested in someone like Adam Thielen or Christian Kirk rather than Luther Burden right now because Kirk and Thielen are more likely to score points the first few weeks. Know your team and your team’s needs. If you’re healthy and you’re starting roster is strong, shoot for upside.

As a reminder, please use promo code "BOOM" at checkout for a additional 10% off any NFL Premium package.

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