Fantasy football managers looking for a Week 2 advantage must act fast after an exhilarating NFL opening slate. The waiver wire has a wealth of intriguing pickups, headlined by breakout games and a few eyebrow-raising debuts. Here’s a fantasy expert’s full guide to the Top 10 Waiver Wire Pickups for NFL Week 2, with analysis of each player’s Week 1 performance and rest-of-season outlook.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers silenced doubters in his first start for the Steelers, tossing four touchdowns and zero interceptions to go with 244 passing yards on 22-of-30 completions. He finished with a stellar 136.7 passer rating, showing command and veteran savvy throughout a 34-32 shootout victory.
While he showed less mobility at age 41, Rodgers delivered for fantasy managers and now finds himself in a high-leverage AFC offense. For managers hunting a secure QB1 with big-game upside, he’s a top add.
Michael Penix Jr.
Michael Penix Jr. made franchise history in his first Week 1 start for Atlanta, throwing for 298 yards and one passing touchdown while rushing for another score on six carries. He handled 42 attempts, completing 27, with no interceptions and a passer rating over 90.
The rookie’s ability to deliver through the air and on the ground boosts his fantasy ceiling. With a top-20 fantasy QB profile and considerable volume in a close contest, Penix is a must-roster in most formats.
Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones turned in one of the best Week 1 showings of his career in his Colts debut, completing 22-of-29 for 272 yards and one passing TD while adding seven carries for 26 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He didn’t commit a turnover and engineered scoring drives on every possession for Indianapolis.
With his rushing floor and a Colts offense looking rejuvenated, Jones suddenly profiles as a legit weekly starter, especially for managers with question marks at quarterback.
Dylan Sampson
Rookie Dylan Sampson stood out in a crowded Cleveland backfield with 12 carries for 29 yards and an impressive 8-catch, 64-yard effort in the passing game. Sampson’s usage (eight targets and eight receptions) led all Browns backs, suggesting immediate PPR value.
Although he faces competition from rookie Quinshon Judkins down the line, Sampson produced 93 total yards, has deep league stand-alone flex value, and a high floor in PPR formats.
Trey Benson
Trey Benson took over in the second half for Arizona, racking up 69 rushing yards on just eight carries (including a highlight 52-yard scamper) and catching his lone target for six yards. He outperformed veteran James Conner and displayed breakaway speed, giving him clear stash appeal.
Benson’s role could continue to grow in a timeshare. Fantasy managers should move quick to lock in his upside.
Marquise Brown
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown exploded for 99 yards on 10 grabs (16 targets) in Week 1 for the Chiefs, particularly after Xavier Worthy exited early. His 40% target share was among the league’s elite, quickly building chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.
As Kansas City’s new WR1, Brown’s top-tier volume makes him an immediate starter in PPR leagues and a priority add while Worthy recovers.
Keenan Allen
Back with the Chargers, Keenan Allen caught 7-of-10 targets for 68 yards and a TD in a 27-21 win, stamping his return with classic reliability. His chemistry with Justin Herbert was clear, and he secured a healthy share of red-zone looks.
Allen won’t be available in all leagues but is a must pickup if he’s on waivers; he’s a weekly WR2 with sustained volume.
Quentin Johnston
Quentin Johnston had his long-awaited breakout, grabbing five catches on seven targets for 79 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His 20.6% target share and presence on nearly every offensive snap show he’s entrenched as a core part of the Chargers’ offense.
With Flex-worthy matchups ahead and clear upside, Johnston should be added in all formats for managers seeking a high-upside receiver.
Harold Fannin Jr.
Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. unexpectedly led the Browns in targets (nine), catching seven passes for 63 yards. Fannin commanded a strong snap share and looks ready to challenge for a weekly top-15 finish at tight end, especially in deeper or premium formats.
Cleveland’s evolving target tree gives Fannin stash appeal and potential for increased volume if teammates miss time or the coaching staff leans on him.
Juwan Johnson
Juwan Johnson started strong for the Saints, hauling in eight receptions on 11 targets for 76 yards. He was Spencer Rattler’s safety valve, finishing second only to Kamara in total looks.
With little target competition at tight end and a high route participation, Johnson is a reliable TE2 or streaming play for fantasy rosters badly needing tight end stability.
