Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Football Free Agent Adds and Stashes (2025)

September 11, 2025

Rob's Week 2 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds, stashes and sleepers to target for 2025. His top waiver wire adds for Week 2 at RB, WR, TE, QB, K, D/ST.

What an amazing start to the NFL season. Between the Chargers and Chiefs game on Friday, and that epic Sunday Night game with the Bills and the Ravens! As you watch highlights and coaches talk about week one, you'll often hear "it's a marathon, not a sprint." That same holds true for our fantasy season. There are 14-15 weeks in the regular season. This was just Week 1.

When you're dealing with a sample size of one, you will often find outliers and strange outcomes. That's the nature of the beast. It's important to try not to be too reactionary to one week of football. Take this new information, digest it, and take it with a grain of salt.

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 pick up. Please use the promo code "BOOM" to get 10% off our premium subscription tools. Now, let's get to the best waiver wire adds for Week 2.

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2

Must-Add 

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns - 55.7% Rostered

It took a long time for Judkins to sign his rookie deal due to off-the-field circumstances, but he's now back in the fold. That doesn't mean the drama surrounding Judkins is in the rear-view mirror, but it is a step in the right direction for him getting on the football field.

Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week about its investigation, but there is a real possibility, and even likelihood according to one source, that he will make his NFL debut next Sunday at Baltimore.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2025

He could face a suspension yet, but it sounds as though Judkins could make his NFL debut next week. He was drafted early in the second round by the Browns, ahead of fellow Ohio State teammate TreVeyon Henderson. They drafted him with the intention of him being their workhorse running back. That won't happen immediately, but that upside is worth putting him on your bench in all leagues. He's a must-add player.

Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 17.9% Rostered

Sampson was a big winner, although Judkins' eventual return is a huge impending variable to consider. Sampson led Cleveland in pass receptions with eight and finished second with 64 yards, second only to Jerry Jeudy, who had 66. That should give fantasy managers hope that Sampson's fantasy value will survive even after Judkins returns.

#Browns Week 1 RB Usage

- Jerome Ford: 52% snaps, 6 carries, 24 routes, 1 target
- Dylan Sampson: 45% snaps, 12 carries, 16 routes, 8 targets - 17.3 fantasy points

Quinshon Judkins looms, but great start for Sampson

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 7, 2025

Sampson had 12 carries, leading the team, compared to Jerome Ford, who had just six. Once Judkins returns, he's surely going to be the Browns' early-down and primary ball-carrier. Still, Sampson's role in the passing game will likely continue, which should continue to give him RB3 value for as long as Joe Flacco returns under center. We also don't know what Judkins' role will be or when he'll be prioritized in the offense, so he's well worth adding to your roster.

Slow-Starters to Stash with Late-Season Potential

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 42.3% Rostered

Travis Etienne Jr. looked good in Week 1, so it looked as though Tuten may need to wait longer than we'd like, but then the Jaguars traded Tank Bigsby to the Eagles.

This immediately raises Tuten’s value and makes him someone fantasy managers need to prioritize adding to their rosters. He now has immense contingency value if Etienne gets hurt and could find himself with more work now moving forward.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 43.7% Rostered

Blue was inactive in Week 1, so he's likely off fantasy football radars. However, Miles Sanders struggled and had a lost fumble in a crucial spot. Javonte Williams found the end zone twice but was otherwise unimpressive. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. He did his job, but he didn't excel at it. Sanders was a big reason they lost that football game.

Over the course of the season, fantasy managers should expect Blue to get a shot to give Dallas's running game a spark.

Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 13.3% Rostered

Nick Chubb played well enough in his first appearance with the Texans. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry over 13 carries. However, Houston didn't get anything from the rest of their running back depth chart. Marks was an elite pass-catcher in college. Fantasy managers should expect Marks to eventually become Houston's primary pass-catching back, which should give him RB4 value.

There's also the possibility he plays himself into a bigger role if Chubb struggles or misses time.

Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 0.7% Rostered

Isiah Pacheco averaged five yards per carry, but had just five attempts. Kareem Hunt had just over three yards per carry. Hunt averaged just five yards per reception, and Pacheco's yards per reception average was less than one. Patrick Mahomes was the Chiefs' most effective runner.

Hunt was incredibly ineffective, and Pacheco was an afterthought in the offensive game plan. The Chiefs used a full-fledged committee in Week 1, a potential sign that Andy Reid isn't thrilled with his running back depth chart. If Hunt continues to struggle, don't be surprised if Smith's role increases over the course of the season.

He's not a big-bodied running back who is going to handle 12+ carries, but he can be a weapon in the passing game. Think Jerick McKinnon.

RB4's with High Contingency Value

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 51.5% Rostered

Last year, James Conner was Arizona's workhorse back. In Week 1, however, Benson handled 40% of the running back carries for the team. He had eight rushing attempts to James Conner's 12. While Conner had four receptions and is still the No. 1 running back for the Cardinals, Benson handled himself well. He had a 52-yard carry and finished with one target. He ran 11 routes to Conner's 22.

This offseason, Jonathan Gannon and Conner both mentioned Benson would be more involved, and through one week, they weren't lying. If Benson continues to handle 8-12 touches per game, Benson will have RB4 standalone value. If he continues to play well, maybe he could force a 50/5o committee. He's also an elite handcuff and would be a top-15 running back if Conner missed any time.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 32.2% 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 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.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 55.0% Rostered

White was strictly a change-of-pace back in Week 1. He played just 14 snaps to Bucky Irving's 44. No one questioned Irving's leadback role; however, you wouldn't have been at fault if you thought White would maintain a role in the passing game. He has three straight seasons with 50 or more receptions. In Week 1, White had just nine routes run, and Irving had 23.

Given the work distribution and role utilization, White is nothing more than an RB5 with high contingency value if Irving misses time.

RB5's with High Contingency Value

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 42.7% Rostered

This was a high-scoring affair for the Jets. A game where they scored 32 points and ran 61 plays. That will not be the norm for this New York offense. Despite the more-than-ideal conditions for Allen, he finished with just six rushing attempts, three routes, and zero targets. He managed to find the end zone, which salvaged his day, but this was nothing like the committee Aaron Glenn talked about all offseason.

Many fantasy managers expected a Jahmyr Gibbs-David Montgomery type of backfield, and we got nothing of the sort. Allen is nothing more than a touchdown-dependent RB5. His fantasy appeal comes almost entirely from being Breece Hall's handcuff. Hall had 19 carries, and Justin Fields had 12. There simply won't be enough to go around for Allen to have any weekly value.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 12.3% Rostered

Hunt had the same number of rush attempts, targets, and receptions that Pacheco had. They're in a 45-40-15 timeshare. He's an RB4/5, and if Xavier Worthy misses any time, the target share for the running backs could increase. There's little upside here, but if you're in a deep league, he might be worth a look.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 38.9% Rostered

One could argue that Allgeier should be in the RB4 category because he had 10 carries in Week 1, but the touches he gets rarely have much value. He did have a red-zone carry, but most often, Allgeier's touches are low-value. They're in between the tackle carries between the 20-yard lines.

He's someone fantasy managers can count on for 2-5 points with a chance for a touchdown, but the appeal isn't much more than that. His contingency value if Bijan Robinson misses time is very high, however.

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers - 45.9% Rostered

His role will likely increase as the season rolls along. I doubt Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want rookie Omarion Hampton to play over 80% of the snaps, so Harris's role will likely get bigger than it was in Week 1. However, his role in Week 1 was virtually nothing. He finished with just two touches.

So, even if his role increases, he has a long way to go before being someone worth our time. At this stage, he's nothing more than Hampton's handcuff.

Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 53.2% Rostered

In his first game with the 49ers, Robinson handled the ball 10 times, including one reception. He finished with just 37 yards, but the overall touch number gives him some standalone value, albeit very minimal. Christian McCaffrey will continue to be the team's pass-catching back, and he handled 100% of the team's red-zone plays.

That means Robinson's touchdown chances are virtually non-existent. He's a desperation RB5 who has top-20 appeal if McCaffrey misses time.

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 5.9% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.8% Rostered
• D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 2.0% Rostered
• Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 22.8% Rostered
• Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers - 8.0% Rostered
• Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 43.7% Rostered
• Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 2.5% Rostered
• Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 7.1% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2

Must-Add

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers - 3.6% Rostered

Johnston is the butt of a lot of jokes because of his drops, but he had 711 yards and eight touchdowns last year in just 15 games. That may not be what we've come to expect from first-round receivers, but it's far from terrible. He's also a big-play receiver who had several explosive performances last season. Considering his quarterback is Justin Herbert, his 3.6% rostership percentage is criminal.

He was a full-time player even with the Allen acquisition. Johnston has his faults and limitations as a receiver, but the Chargers prioritize his strengths, and we saw that in Week 1. This is not your typical Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh offense.

They're putting the ball in Herbert's hands and letting it rip. This offense doesn't target the running back position, and they have no tight end of note. These three receivers are going to be the focal point of their offense, and that includes Johnston. He's a WR4 with weekly WR2 upside.

Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs - 50.1% Rostered

Xavier Worthy dislocated his shoulder, and they're still running additional tests to determine the severity. He might be able to play with a brace, but he may also require surgery. Even if he's able to play with a brace, he'll likely miss some time. Rashee Rice is suspended for another five games.

With Worthy and Rice out of the lineup, Brown should be viewed as a high-end WR3 in PPR-scoring leagues. Travis Kelce has clearly lost a step, and fantasy managers should expect Brown to be Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 receiver until Rice or Worthy return. That'll be enough to give Brown starting consideration.

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots - 0.5% Rostered

Many thought Stefon Diggs or DeMario Douglas, or maybe even rookie Kyle Williams, would be the No. 1 receiver for the Patriots. In Week 1, it was none of them. Boutte led New England in snaps, routes, and targets. That utilization led to excellent production. He was tied with Diggs and TreVeyon Henderson with six receptions and led the team with 103 yards.

New England played from behind in this one, but that might be a common theme for the season. Drake Maye attempted 46 passes, and if that continues, there will be plenty of volume to go around. Boutte has established himself as the Patriots' X-receiver. Maye has a strong arm and was clearly comfortable targeting Boutte downfield.

Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns - 42.7% Rostered

Tillman 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).

Tillman played a significant role in Week 1. He played the same number of snaps and ran as many routes as Jeudy did. He finished with eight targets, five receptions, 52 yards, and one touchdown. He's a must-add player.

High Upside Stashes

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 39.9% 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.

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 - 17.3% Rostered

Burden profiles as a slot receiver and was a tackle-breaking machine in college. He won't provide much value early in the year, as he's surely going to play behind D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and the veteran Olamide Zaccheaus. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Zaccheaus to be able to hold Burden off for long.

If Burden can commandeer the slot position in Ben Johnson's offense and Caleb Williams takes a step forward, Burden could be a second-half breakout candidate.

Potential WR4s with Some Upside

Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos - 1.6% Rostered

Franklin ended up playing more plays and running more routes than Marvin Mims Jr., despite preseason storylines of Mims being the team's No. 2. Franklin ended up with six targets, which was second only to Courtland Sutton. He was productive on those opportunities too, finishing with four catches and 44 yards.

If you're betting on a Denver receiver not named Sutton, it's clear that player should be Franklin. While many expected Evan Engram to be Bo Nix's No. 2 target-earner, Franklin did out-target him by two. It's only one week, but that's a positive development for Franklin's season-long fantasy value.

Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers - 2.3% Rostered

Austin was Pittsburgh's clear No. 2 receiver behind D.K. Metcalf. Austin played 45 snaps; the next closest receiver was at 10. He ran 29 routes; the next closest was at seven. Austin was tied for second on the team in targets with six, just one behind Metcalf.

Aaron Rodgers back shoulder throw to Calvin Austin

PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/z7EE8u5B1m

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

Austin finished with four receptions, the same number as Metcalf. He also had 70 yards and one score.

Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 10.1% Rostered

Coker is currently on the IR with a "significant" quad injury and will miss between four and six weeks. However, with Adam Thielen traded, the runway has been cleared for Coker’s breakout season if he can get healthy. Tetairoa McMillan will be the team’s undisputed No. 1 receiver, but after that, the pecking order is highly questionable.

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. Bryce Young will need to be better than he was in Week 1, but he's worth a stash if you have an IR spot.

WR5/6s with Minimal Upside

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans - 4.6% Rostered

Ayomanor played 45 of the team's 57 snaps and ran 28 routes on 34 pass attempts. He was a full-time player in Week 1 and was Tennessee's clear No. 2 receiver opposite Calvin Ridley. He only finished with two receptions for 13 yards, but they won't play against Denver's elite secondary every week.

He was an effective player at Stanford, and the Titans are desperate for a dependable No. 2 pass-catcher. That could easily end up being Ayomanor.

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants - 31.5% Rostered

Robinson had 140 targets and 93 receptions last year, but just 699 yards. The target volume and reception total are valuable in PPR scoring leagues, but he doesn't have much upside. He continued that trend in Week 1, catching six balls for 55 yards. He's not a downfield option, and he won't score many touchdowns, but Robinson has a good floor.

He's a dependable bench option for bye weeks and injuries.

Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings - 44.3% 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 - 32.2% 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.

Last night against Buffalo, he struggled, but he remains a full-time player who will have better days ahead in this explosive offense. In deeper leagues, Bateman is worth stashing because he can provide WR2 upside.

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers - 19.8% 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.

Doubs finished first in snaps and routes run among Packer receivers. He also tied for second on the team with four receptions. The Packers had four receivers finish between two and five targets. They spread the ball around, which will lead to Doubs disappearing at times. However, this offense is going to be very good, and Doubs has generally been involved near the end zone.

DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots - 20.6% Rostered

Douglas didn't have much to show for himself in the box score, finishing with -2 receiving yards; however, he did manage to find the end zone. He finished with the second-most snaps and routes run. He also finished with five targets; however, it should be noted that Maye finished with 45 attempts, a number he is unlikely to replicate most weeks.

Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Henderson, and Hunter Henry were all more efficient and amassed more targets. Douglas can be considered a low-end WR5/6 in full-PPR scoring leagues, but there isn't much upside here.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2

Must Adds

Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns - 0.8% Rostered

Fannin had a big first game despite his rookie status and despite the presence of Njoku. He finished second on the team in receptions and third in yards with 63 (Jeudy led the way with 66).

Fannin may be Isaiah Likely 2.0, and there are a number of mouths to keep fed in Cleveland with Jeudy, Tillman, and Njoku. However, it's clear that Cleveland wants to involve Fannin in their offense. It should also be noted that Njoku was a name that came up at the trade deadline last year.

If Njoku were to be moved at any time this season, Fannin could truly break out and become a must-start top-10 tight end, and this is what makes him a must-add. As it stands with Njoku, Fannin should be viewed as a TE2 with weekly upside.

Safe TE2's with Some Upside

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 43.6% Rostered

Henry had a near 100% snap count in Week 1. He also tied the Patriots in targets with eight. He caught four of them for 66 yards. Henry had 117 air yards, a sign that he wasn't just some kind of dink and dunk tight end. Henry's route share was at just under 75%. His utilization was incredibly encouraging.

However, at this stage of Henry's career, we need to be realistic about what Henry can do with this workload; he's a safe TE2.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders - 40.7% Rostered

Ertz isn't spectacular. He isn't sexy. He's not particularly enjoyable to roster, but he is dependable. He's frequently on the field, Jayden Daniels trusts him, and he's routinely used in the red zone.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 20.2% Rostered

Strange was also a full-time player who registered four targets and caught all of them for 59 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter are going to lead this team in targets, but Strange seems well-positioned to be No. 3.

Deep, Deep Sleepers

• Juwan Johnson - New Orleans Saints - 1.2% Rostered
• Mason Taylor, New York Jets - 6.3% Rostered
• Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 1.2% Rostered
• Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 2.8% Rostered
• Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 19.8% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2

High-End QB2's

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 39.5% Rostered

It wasn't the greatest of starts for Lawrence, but I'm still a believer in this offense with Liam Coen, Thomas, and Hunter. There's a lot of offensive talent in Jacksonville, and that will help raise Lawrence's ceiling. He's a capable runner, as well.

Carolina didn't put up much of a fight in Week 1, but as the Jaguars are pushed more and the offense gets more comfortable in Coen's system, I think we'll see Lawrence get better and better.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts - 4.9% Rostered

Could we be looking at a Sam Darnold in Minnesota situation? Jones was a highly regarded draft prospect who endured and survived New York. He had terrible coaching, horrendous offensive line play, and minimal talent at the receiver position. It's not so dissimilar to Darnold.

Darnold got to Minnesota with good coaching, a strong offensive line, and high-end offensive talent around him, and he broke out.

Indy has a great offensive line. While they may not have an elite WR1, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren are an excellent group of pass-catchers. Jonathan Taylor is a great running back, and Shane Steichen is a good coach. Jones has, historically, shown that he can score points on the ground, and he did that in Week 1.

QB2 Options for Deeper or Superflex Leagues

• Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons - 20.1% Rostered
• Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders - 9.7% Rostered
• Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams - 32.4% Rostered
• Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 9.2% Rostered
• Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers - 8.7% Rostered

Stash in Superflex or 2-QB Leagues

• Jaxson Dart, New York Giants - 4.5% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 2

• Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers - 61.1% Rostered
• San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints - 19.0% Rostered
• Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans - 7.2% Rostered
• Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants - 3.7% 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 a 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 Rice, Addison, and Godwin, you might be more interested in someone like Thielen rather than Burden right now because Thielen is more likely to score points in 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 an additional 10% off any NFL Premium package.

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