Top Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 2
Hey fantasy football fanatics! Week 1 is in the books, and if your roster already needs a shakeup, you're in the right place. Injuries, breakouts, and unexpected performances always make the waiver wire a goldmine. This week, we're diving into some must-add players who could be difference-makers for your team. So, let's not waste any time and jump right into the top waiver wire adds for Week 2!
Waiver Wire Strategy for Week 2
Before we dive into the specific players, let's talk strategy. The waiver wire is all about identifying opportunities. Were there any injuries to key players? Did a backup shine in their absence? Are there any rookies who finally got their chance and delivered? These are the questions you should be asking yourself. Don't be afraid to drop players who underperformed or are buried on the depth chart. This is especially true early in the season when player values are still fluctuating. Be aggressive, but also be smart. Prioritize players with the potential for consistent production, not just one-week wonders. Think about your team's needs. Are you desperate for a running back? Or is wide receiver your weak spot? Tailor your waiver wire bids to address your specific roster deficiencies. Lastly, pay attention to your league's rules and scoring settings. A player who is valuable in a PPR league might not be as appealing in a standard league, and vice versa. Make sure your waiver wire decisions align with your league's format.
Top Waiver Wire Adds for Week 2
Alright, let's get to the players you should be targeting this week. We've got a mix of running backs, wide receivers, and even a tight end who could be valuable additions to your fantasy squads.
1. Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Let's kick things off with a wide receiver who has immense upside: Quentin Johnston. Guys, this dude has the potential to be a league winner. Drafted in the first round by the Chargers, Johnston is stepping into a high-powered offense led by Justin Herbert. While he might have had a quiet Week 1, don't let that fool you. The talent and opportunity are there. Johnston is a big-bodied receiver with excellent speed and hands. He's the kind of player who can make contested catches and stretch the field. With Keenan Allen getting older and Mike Williams being inconsistent, Johnston has a real chance to become the Chargers' WR2, or even the WR1, as the season progresses. His potential is too high to ignore, especially in dynasty leagues. In Week 1, we saw glimpses of what he can do, even if the stat sheet didn't reflect it. He was targeted a few times in the red zone, which is a great sign for future touchdown potential. The Chargers' offense is known for spreading the ball around, but Johnston's skillset makes him a prime candidate for a significant target share. Think about it – defenses will be focused on Allen and Williams, which could leave Johnston with favorable matchups. So, don't hesitate to spend some FAAB or use a high waiver priority on Johnston. He's the kind of player who could pay off big time down the road.
2. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee Titans
Next up, we have a running back who exploded onto the scene in Week 1: Dylan Sampson. The rookie showed some serious flashes for the Titans. With the uncertainty surrounding Derrick Henry's workload and age, Sampson could be a valuable handcuff and potentially more. In Week 1, Sampson found the end zone multiple times, showcasing his nose for the goal line. He's a shifty runner with good hands, which makes him a threat in both the running and passing game. While Henry is still the clear lead back in Tennessee, the Titans have shown a willingness to use multiple running backs. If Henry were to miss any time due to injury, Sampson would instantly become a must-start in fantasy leagues. Even if Henry stays healthy, Sampson could carve out a role as a change-of-pace back and a red-zone threat. His performance in Week 1 was eye-opening, and it's clear that the Titans coaching staff believes in his potential. Plus, the Titans' offensive line is solid, which will only help Sampson's chances of success. So, if you're looking for a running back with upside, Sampson is definitely worth a look. He's a guy who could be a league winner if things break right. Remember, running back is a volatile position in fantasy football, so having a strong handcuff like Sampson on your roster is crucial.
3. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Alright, let's talk about a receiver who absolutely went off in Week 1: Puka Nacua. This guy was everywhere for the Rams. With Cooper Kupp sidelined, Nacua stepped up in a huge way, becoming Matthew Stafford's favorite target. He hauled in a ton of catches and showed incredible chemistry with Stafford. While Kupp's return will eventually impact Nacua's target share, there's no denying that he's earned a role in this offense. Even when Kupp is back, Nacua could still be a valuable flex option, especially in PPR leagues. He's a physical receiver who isn't afraid to go over the middle, and he has the size and strength to make contested catches. Plus, the Rams' offense is going to be throwing the ball a lot, which means there will be plenty of opportunities for Nacua to make plays. His performance in Week 1 was a statement, and it's clear that he has the talent to be a consistent contributor in fantasy football. The Rams clearly trust him, and that's huge in fantasy. So, don't hesitate to grab Nacua off the waiver wire. He's a guy who could be a weekly starter for your team.
4. Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Moving on to another running back, let's discuss Justice Hill of the Baltimore Ravens. With the Ravens' backfield situation in flux due to injuries, Hill is in line for a significant workload. He's a speedy and elusive runner who has shown flashes of potential in the past. In Week 1, Hill was the clear lead back for the Ravens, and he performed well. He ran hard, caught passes out of the backfield, and looked like a guy who could handle a full workload. The Ravens' offense is always a threat to score, and Hill should get plenty of opportunities to find the end zone. While the Ravens might add another running back at some point, Hill is the guy to own right now. He has the potential to be a valuable fantasy asset, especially in the short term. Plus, Hill has the benefit of playing in a run-heavy offense that features Lamar Jackson, which means defenses have to respect the run. This opens up running lanes for Hill and gives him more opportunities to make plays. So, if you need running back help, Justice Hill should be high on your waiver wire list.
5. Luke Musgrave, TE, Green Bay Packers
Now, let's talk about a tight end who could be a sleeper this season: Luke Musgrave. The Packers rookie has the potential to be a valuable fantasy asset in a position that is notoriously thin. Musgrave is a big, athletic tight end with good hands and the ability to stretch the field. He's already developing a good rapport with quarterback Jordan Love, and he could quickly become Love's favorite target. In Week 1, Musgrave was targeted a few times and showed some promise. As he gets more comfortable in the Packers' offense, his role should continue to grow. Tight end is a tough position to fill in fantasy football, so finding a guy with Musgrave's upside on the waiver wire is a huge win. He has the potential to be a weekly starter for your team, especially in deeper leagues. The Packers are clearly excited about Musgrave's potential, and he could be a key part of their offense for years to come. So, if you're looking for a tight end, give Luke Musgrave a serious look. He could be the answer to your tight end woes.
6. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Lastly, let's discuss Kenneth Gainwell of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles' backfield situation is always a bit of a mystery, but Gainwell has the potential to be a valuable fantasy asset. He's a versatile running back who can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and even line up as a receiver. In Week 1, Gainwell was the lead back for the Eagles, and he looked good. He ran hard, made some nice catches, and showed that he can handle a significant workload. While the Eagles might rotate their running backs, Gainwell has the talent to be the primary guy. He's a must-add in PPR leagues, where his pass-catching ability gives him a high floor. Plus, the Eagles have one of the best offenses in the league, which means Gainwell will have plenty of opportunities to score touchdowns. The Eagles' offensive line is also dominant, which will only help Gainwell's chances of success. So, if you're looking for a running back with upside, Kenneth Gainwell is definitely worth a look. He could be a weekly flex option, or even a starter, for your team.
Final Thoughts
The waiver wire is a crucial part of fantasy football, especially early in the season. These players have the potential to make a significant impact on your team, so don't hesitate to make a move. Be aggressive, be smart, and good luck in Week 2! Remember, staying active on the waiver wire is key to fantasy success. You never know when you might find the next league winner lurking out there. So, go out there and get those guys! These waiver wire adds for Week 2 could be the difference between a good season and a championship run. Keep an eye on these players, and good luck this week!