The waiver wire can be a goldmine for fantasy football managers willing to dig deep and take calculated risks. As injuries mount and bye weeks approach, savvy players know that streaming options and under-the-radar pickups can make or break a season.
Finding the right quarterback off waivers requires balancing immediate need with long-term upside potential. Whether you’re looking for a one-week fill-in or a potential league-winner, the key is identifying players in favorable situations before the competition catches on.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Rostered: 21%
It’s tough sledding on the QB waiver wire. Sam Darnold has yet to reach his 20 fantasy points this season. But we have several QBs banged up, and bye weeks are starting. Fantasy managers may need a streamer, and Darnold can be that guy.
The former Vikings quarterback has consistently scored 16-18 fantasy points over his last three contests. On Thursday night, he threw for 242 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals.
Next week, Darnold gets a Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass funnel defense. Baker Mayfield & Co. should do plenty to force the Seahawks to throw, which is good news for anyone who may need Darnold.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1.0
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Rostered: 23%
It was an impressive debut for Jaxson Dart. Making his first career start, the New York Giants’ first-round pick led his team to its first win of the season. Dart didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, but that’s kind of the point with him from a fantasy perspective.
Dart threw for a mere 111 yards and a touchdown. But he’s sneaky mobile, adding 54 yards and another score on the ground.
There will be more negative game script games than positive game script games for the Giants. There will also be easier matchups than the Los Angeles Chargers. Dart should feast on weaker opponents if he can do this against a good defense. Given all the QB injuries we’ve had this season, Dart is absolutely worth adding.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.0
Streaming Quarterback Options Provide Fantasy Football Roster Relief
The quarterback waiver wire landscape remains challenging, but opportunities exist for managers willing to act decisively. Both Darnold and Dart represent different paths to fantasy success this season.
Darnold offers the safer floor with his consistent 16-18 point production over recent weeks. His matchup against Tampa Bay’s pass-friendly defense makes him an appealing streaming option for managers facing bye week challenges. The Buccaneers typically allow plenty of passing volume, which should benefit Darnold’s fantasy output.
Dart presents the higher ceiling play despite a limited sample size. His dual-threat ability showed promise in his debut, combining passing efficiency with rushing production against a tough Chargers defense. If he can replicate this performance against weaker opponents, Dart could emerge as a legitimate season-long option rather than just a stopgap solution.
With quarterback injuries mounting league-wide, both players deserve serious waiver consideration based on your roster construction and risk tolerance.
