The fantasy football season is underway. As much as we all loved our rosters after the draft, things change quickly. It’s time to improve our teams. Let’s take a look at the top Week 2 waiver wire targets and pickups that fantasy managers should consider adding to their rosters.
As always, all players are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
I eliminated FAAB recommendations last year, as there are too many variables to account for. Instead, I replaced them with my opinion on how aggressive fantasy managers should pursue the player on a scale of 1-10.
Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Rostered: 5%
Daniel Jones dominated Sunday’s action against Miami, completing 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown while adding 26 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The veteran quarterback scored on every first-half drive for the Indianapolis Colts in a performance that marked the first time he’s led a team to that feat in his 70 career starts. His 197 first-half passing yards represented a personal best for any half of football.
Daniel Jones to Michael Pittman Jr. connection!#MIAvsIND on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/PYMcl8DT11
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The Colts’ coaching staff made the controversial decision to start Jones over Anthony Richardson, and it’s paying immediate dividends. With Richardson still developing and showing inconsistency, Jones has carved out a clear path to maintaining the starting role.
The Indianapolis offense looked rejuvenated with Jones commanding the huddle, and his dual-threat ability provides a solid floor for fantasy purposes. His mobility adds weekly rushing upside that most streamable quarterbacks lack. If you’re in desperate need of a starter, Jones has weekly upside, but the floor is low.
Aggressiveness Rating: 0.0
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rostered: 13%
Aaron Rodgers threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s season-opening victory over the New York Jets. The 41-year-old quarterback looked comfortable in Arthur Smith’s offensive system, finding multiple receivers and showing flashes of his vintage pocket presence. His four touchdown passes marked an encouraging start to his Pittsburgh Steelers tenure.
Playing against his former team provided extra motivation, but Rodgers appeared genuinely rejuvenated in his new environment. The Steelers’ commitment to an improved passing attack under Smith creates weekly upside potential. However, concerns remain about his mobility and the team’s run-first tendencies, which limit overall passing volume.
His advancing age and the Steelers’ defensive-minded approach could cap his ceiling, but Week 1 suggests he still has enough left for spot-start consideration in favorable matchups.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1.0
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns
Rostered: 46%
Jerome Ford was supposedly going to be the guy the Cleveland Browns leaned on in week 1 while Quinshon Judkins gets up to speed. Instead, we got PPR scan of Dylan Sampson earning a whopping 20 touches.
The rookie from Tennessee operated as the primary back and figures to see increased involvement as the season progresses. His collegiate production (1,455 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024) demonstrates clear upside potential.
The Browns drafted Sampson in the fourth round with plans to develop him throughout his rookie season. While Judkins signed his contract late and missed valuable practice time, Sampson has been present for all team activities. His versatility in both running and receiving situations makes him an intriguing option. Even with Judkins likely assuming the lead back role, Sampson sure looks like he will be the satellite back. He is worth rostering for sure.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.0
Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Rostered: 39%
Trey Benson operated in his expected change-of-pace role behind James Conner, but was way more involved than last season. The second-year back from Florida State has added muscle during the offseason and appears ready for increased responsibility.
At 30 years old with an injury history, Conner more likely to get hurt than your average running back. The Arizona Cardinals invested a third-round pick in Benson, indicating long-term plans for his development. His limited 2024 usage (69 touches) was partly due to Conner’s career-best season, but any injury or decline in performance could thrust Benson into a significant role. The upside is evident from his brief productive stretches last season.
2nd year RB Trey Benson for 52 yards
AZvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/0kWYCp0G2e
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
With Benson already showing increased involvement in Week 1 compared to last season, this could devolve into a full-blown timeshare. Benson handled 8 carries to Conner’s 12. He may not be startable on his own, but he absolutely must be rostered.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.0
Hollywood Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Rostered: 24%
Hollywood Brown dominated target share in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in 10 catches on 16 targets for 99 yards. The veteran receiver stepped seamlessly into the spotlight with Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy sidelined with a shoulder injury.
With Rice facing a six-game suspension and Worthy injured after just three plays, Brown commanded a massive 32% target share in the Chiefs’ pass-heavy attack. His 16 targets represented nearly half of Patrick Mahomes’ 34 passing attempts, indicating a clear role as the primary option in the short-to-intermediate passing game. The 5’9″ speedster saw consistent work across all three levels of the field.
Mahomes HEAVES it on 4th and 7 and finds Hollywood Brown!
KCvsLAC on YouTube https://t.co/JVXS9sMZhB pic.twitter.com/CjTzI4tffq
— NFL (@NFL) September 6, 2025
Brown’s target explosion isn’t a fluke. He’s positioned to maintain significant involvement throughout Rice’s suspension for as long as Worthy is sidelined. The Chiefs averaged 38 pass attempts per game last season, and with their top two receivers unavailable, Brown has emerged as Mahomes’ primary safety valve.
His veteran presence and route-running precision make him a reliable option in an offense that will need to lean heavily on the passing game.
Aggressiveness Rating: 6
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered: 49%
Keenan Allen returned to form in his Chargers reunion, catching 7 of 10 targets for 68 yards and one touchdown in the victory over Kansas City. The veteran receiver led the team in targets while operating primarily from his familiar slot position.
Allen commanded a team-high 10 targets on 40 offensive snaps, translating to a robust 25% target share in the Chargers’ balanced offensive approach. His touchdown came on a perfectly executed fade route in the red zone, showcasing the chemistry with Justin Herbert that made him a fantasy staple in previous seasons. The 33-year-old receiver ran routes from multiple alignments but found most of his success working the middle of the field.
back like he never left
📺 | @youtube pic.twitter.com/2Kvh0QUAaO
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 6, 2025
Allen’s Week 1 performance suggests his disappointing 2024 season in Chicago was more about context than decline. Reunited with Herbert and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Allen appears rejuvenated in a system that maximizes his route-running precision.
The Chargers threw 40 times in Week 1, a notable increase from their typically run-heavy approach. With Ladd McConkey drawing coverage as the X-receiver and Quentin Johnston operating on the perimeter, Allen’s slot role provides consistent target opportunities.
His red zone touchdown demonstrates that the goal line chemistry with Herbert remains intact. However, the Chargers’ commitment to running the ball could limit overall passing volume in positive game scripts.
Aggressiveness Rating: 8
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered: 7%
Quentin Johnston secured 4 catches on 7 targets for 51 yards in the Chargers’ Week 1 victory, operating as the team’s primary outside receiver alongside Allen and McConkey. The third-year player maintained his role despite Allen’s return to the lineup.
Johnston’s 17.5% target share represents solid involvement in a passing attack that supported three viable fantasy receivers, at least in Week 1. The TCU product’s targets came across all areas of the field, with Herbert looking his way on both intermediate routes and deeper developing patterns.
Quentin Johnston HAVE A NIGHT
⚡️ 5 receptions
⚡️ 79 yards
⚡️ 2 TDs
⚡️ 24.9 fantasy pointsTime to put in those waiver claims 👀pic.twitter.com/Z1NIoii0vt
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 6, 2025
Johnston’s ability to maintain a meaningful target share with Allen back in the fold is encouraging for his fantasy prospects. The 6’4″ receiver offers a different skill set than Allen and McConkey, providing Herbert with a reliable red zone and contested catch option. However, Johnston’s fantasy value remains touchdown-dependent, as evidenced by his eight scores last season despite modest yardage totals.
The Chargers’ run-first philosophy under Jim Harbaugh could limit overall passing volume, making Johnston more of a boom-or-bust weekly option. His 57% catch rate from 2024 raises efficiency concerns, and it’s unlikely the volume will be consistent every week. Consider Johnston more of a speculative add.
Aggressiveness Rating: 3
Calvin Austin III, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rostered: 2%
Calvin Austin III caught four passes for 70 yards in Pittsburgh’s victory. The diminutive receiver provides big-play ability with his 4.30 speed and should continue seeing targets in Pittsburgh’s revamped passing attack. His efficiency on limited targets suggests room for growth with increased opportunity.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade for DK Metcalf created questions about Austin’s role, but he maintained involvement in three-receiver sets. His slot usage provides consistent target opportunities, though the team’s run-first philosophy limits overall passing volume. Austin’s production will likely remain touchdown-dependent, but his speed creates weekly big-play potential that could make him a valuable bench stash in deeper leagues.
Aggressiveness Rating: 0.0
Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns
Rostered: 28%
Tillman caught five passes for 52 yards and one touchdown in Cleveland’s Week 1 contest. The third-year receiver operated as the Browns’ clear second receiving option behind Jerry Jeudy and appears primed for consistent target volume. His red zone touchdown demonstrates the scoring upside that makes him attractive for fantasy purposes.
Before a concussion ended his 2024 season early, Tillman was in the midst of a breakout. He was the WR12 from Weeks 7-12, earning a 19.7% target share. The Browns lost several receiving options from last season, creating a more straightforward path for Tillman to establish himself as a consistent weekly option.
Tillman matched Jeudy in snaps, routes run, and targets. The Browns are likely to find themselves in a negative game script on a fair number of occasions. At least as long as Joe Flacco is the quarterback, the volume should be there. He is worth rostering as a potential fantasy WR4.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.0
Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots
Rostered: 1%
Kayshon Boutte caught 6 of 8 targets for 103 yards in the New England Patriots’ season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The third-year receiver led New England in receiving yards while operating as Drake Maye’s primary target throughout the game. His 24-yard reception in the first quarter briefly left him shaken, but he returned to action and continued producing consistently.
Boutte commanded the highest target share among Patriots receivers with 8 targets on Maye’s 46 passing attempts. The former LSU standout benefited from playing alongside veteran Stefon Diggs, who drew coverage attention while catching 6 passes for 57 yards on his own 6 targets. Boutte’s efficiency on targets (75% catch rate) demonstrates the developing chemistry with Maye.
We have to act early, even though we don’t know how real this is.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.0
Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rostered: 22%
Brenton Strange stepped into the starting role following Evan Engram’s departure and appears positioned for consistent targets in Jacksonville’s passing attack. The third-year tight end from Penn State has shown flashes when given opportunities and should benefit from being the clear top option at the position. His route-running ability and red zone size make him an intriguing streaming candidate.
Strange caught all 4 of his targets for 59 yards in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ victory over the Carolina Panthers. The volume wasn’t quite there, but Trevor Lawrence only threw for 178 yards with the Jaguars leading throughout.
This is not a good defense. When the Jaguars face tougher opponents, we can expect to see a higher volume of passing. Strange looks to be a key facet of this passing attack and should be a stable high-end TE2 going forward.
Aggressiveness Rating: 3.0
Jonnu Smith, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rostered: 31%
Jonnu Smith caught 5 passes for 15 yards and a touchdown in his Pittsburgh debut, working alongside Pat Freiermuth in two-tight end sets. The veteran tight end brings receiving upside to an offense that has historically utilized the position effectively. His familiarity with coordinator Arthur Smith’s system, developed during their time in Atlanta, could lead to increased involvement.
Smith’s arrival in Pittsburgh creates an interesting dynamic with Freiermuth, as both players offer different skill sets. The Steelers’ commitment to running more two-tight end packages could benefit both players, though it may limit individual target volume. Smith’s athletic profile and red zone ability make him a viable streaming option when facing favorable matchups, particularly given the thin nature of the tight end position.
Jonnu Smith takes the jet touch pass for a @Steelers TD
PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/NKk2ReODKB
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
This one is only for deep leaguers, as Smith would have been quite unhelpful had he not scored. While he was the TE1, this was a three-man rotation with both Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Smith ran the same number of routes as Muth and only 10 more than Washington. He is not someone fantasy managers should add.
Aggressiveness Rating: 0.0
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints
Rostered: 1%
The New Orleans Saints are going to be a very bad team. They are going to see a ton of negative game script this season. That means a whole lot of passing volume.
Juwan Johnson caught 8 of 11 targets for 76 yards. He certainly benefited from Chris Olave being in and out of the game. However, it’s abundantly clear this is no longer any sort of rotation. This is Johnson’s job. He is absolutely worth a dart throw for tight end-needy fantasy managers.
Aggressiveness Rating: 4.0
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns
Rostered: 2%
Historically, Day 3 rookie tight ends don’t exactly matter for fantasy football. They certainly don’t matter when trapped behind legitimate starting-caliber players like David Njoku. However, we have no choice but to take Harold Fannin Jr. seriously.
The Browns’ supposed backup tight end played only nine fewer snaps than the starter and ran nine fewer routes. More importantly, Fannin commanded nine targets to Njoku’s five.
This won’t be the case every week. Njoku is still the TE1. But Fannin clearly has the talent and skill set to produce. Plus, there’s the chance the Browns trade Njoku at some point over the next month. In deeper leagues, grab Fannin now.
Aggressiveness Rating: 3.5
