Many of last year’s “Free Guys” were also in last year’s Week 1 fantasy football waivers: Chuba Hubbard, J.K. Dobbins, Bucky Irving, Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason, Darnell Mooney and Jerry Jeudy — even Khalil Shakir, Jakobi Meyers and more.
This isn’t a “muwhahaha, I’m the smartest man alive” boast. There were plenty of waiver stashes who didn’t hit, as well. I’m merely pointing out that you shouldn’t ignore potential value sitting on the waiver wire just because it’s Week 1. Maximize your bench! Yes, you need a potential immediate starter or two, but you should be thinking about upside and breakouts.
Do you have goose pimples? Are you having sleepless nights? The NFL is back!
HEADS UP
Players must be under 60% rostered on Yahoo.
Listed in order of preference: I’ll regularly prioritize potential upside over immediate replacement production.
RB backups have a separate secondary list based only on the lead option getting hurt.
No FAB suggestions: It varies wildly by league tendencies and is always relative (if you lost your RB1 to injury and there is a clear backup taking his role, you’ll be more aggressive)
Streaming QBs and TEs are grouped. Once projections and ranks run, the weekly rankings can change, and DSTs could shift a bit, too.
Emojis for brevity:
😏 = mentioned multiple times, multiple weeks — either you want him, or don’t
🫡 = “Next Man Up,” but with deeper startability
WORRY REPORT
(Scale 1-5: more ducks = more worry)
Every week, starting in Week 2, I’ll break down the biggest player concerns and determine whether the worry is warranted.
POWER UP PLAYERS
(Scale 1-5: more Mario mushrooms = more excitement)
And every week, I’ll touch on some of the biggest surprises and let you know if you should buy into the fun.
STREAMING QUARTERBACKS
Trevor Lawrence, JAX — The Panthers have a weak defense, and the Jaguars might not be better, meaning this could be a surprise shootout.
Bryce Young, CAR — QB1 potential… if he runs near the goal line as much as he did late last year.
Joe Flacco, CLE — Over 4,400 yards in his past 17 starts. Sneakiest gamble for a Top 10 finish.
Matthew Stafford, LAR — Always a threat for multiple touchdowns.
Tua Tagovailoa, MIA — As long as everyone is healthy, weekly Top 10 ceiling, albeit with a so-so floor.
Daniel Jones, IND — Rushing floor will always make Jones half-decent — even if that’s what his passing ability is.
Michael Penix, ATL — If the Falcons can’t stop Baker Mayfield and play aggressively to keep pace, Penix could be sneaky.
Geno Smith, LV — Solid, but likely better weeks to take a chance with Smith than against New England.
Cam Ward, TEN — Big arm. Big matchup problem.
Aaron Rodgers, PIT — Revenge? Meh. Still watching Rodgers feels like Montezuma’s revenge.
Russell Wilson, NYG — Wilson has Nabers but limited fantasy appeal.
Sam Darnold, SEA — With how Darnold finished 2024, I’d rather not risk him in Week 1.
Spencer Rattler, NO — Has yet to score 15 fantasy points.
WAIVER WIRE RUNNING BACK RANKS
NOTE: Everyone through Woody Marks has the potential for standalone value — even if in a timeshare. If you don’t need that kind of value, my cutoff would be Bhayshul Tuten, and then I’d dip into the pure handcuff options.
Ollie Gordon, MIA — Jaylen Wright is sidelined and looked awful this preseason. Gordon can be the Dolphins’ version of David Montgomery.
Dylan Sampson, CLE — Quinshon Judkins still hasn’t signed; Jerome Ford is quality but limited; and Sampson’s role can remain productive no matter the situation. Sampson is like the Browns’ version of Austin Ekeler. Until Judkins plays, Sampson is a timeshare piece with a nice burst and receiving upside. When Judkins is active, that won’t change. In fact, Sampson has a chance to take the early lead and carry RB2 value.
Quinshon Judkins, CLE — I have no idea when he might play, but once Judkins is on the field, he’ll have RB2 upside. He checks in before several timeshare pieces with potential immediate value. He’s a longer-play gamble, but with one of the highest ceilings on the list.
Jerome Ford, CLE — Ford is solid, if not replaceable, but until Judkins is acclimated, Ford is a potential RB2/3. He’s a solid grab for those needing early-season value. Just understand it could be limited value.
Najee Harris, LAC — Greg Roman loves using a second running back, and if Harris is 100%, he could have touchdown-reliant RB3 value. Plus, if Omarion Hampton gets hurt, Harris would be a rock-solid RB2.
Kyle Monangai, CHI — Monangai is another player with the potential to be another team’s version of David Montgomery.
Rachaad White, TB — Just because Bucky Irving is amazing doesn’t mean we ignore a potential RB3 in half- and full-PPR leagues, or worst case, a nice backup who would be an RB2 if Irving got hurt.
Chris Rodriguez, WSH — Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the favorite to lead, but don’t forget that Ekeler will be consistently involved, and Rodriguez has upside and could surprise as the timeshare lead.
Jaydon Blue, DAL — Explosive. Receiving threat. Already banged up a few times, Blue has the ability for RB2 value if Javonte Williams is (still) toast.
Bhayshul Tuten, JAX — Also explosive. Upside to be the Jaguars’ best fantasy option — albeit still in a timeshare.
Kareem Hunt, KC — Hunt could be the passing down option, an RB2/3 if Isiah Pacheco gets hurt again or one of your first drops.
Roschon Johnson, CHI — If it’s not Monangai, maybe Johnson will finally play to expectations.
Kendre Miller, NO — Devin Neal may take the spot in time, but Miller is currently the No. 2 to Alvin Kamara.
Brashard Smith, KC — Potential for Jerick McKinnon-like role and value.
Kalel Mullings, TEN — With Tyjae Spears out, Mullings can use his power to be the next option behind Tony Pollard.
Woody Marks, HOU — Joe Mixon’s season is a mystery. Nick Chubb is solid but not what he was years ago. Dameon Pierce has done little since his rookie year. Marks is a deep flier, but he has the burst and potential to be an RB2 and climb the ranks (like Tuten).
Tyjae Spears, TEN — The Titans got him involved late last year. Tony Pollard is good but not amazing, and Spears can be stashed in your IR as a “bonus” lotto ticket. He’s only above the clear handcuffs because he should have a chance for standalone value once he’s back.
Trey Benson, ARI — Benson has RB2+ value if James Conner misses time, and there is a chance the Cardinals could timeshare their backfield at this point in Conner’s career.
Tyler Allgeier, ATL — Was a top-end RB2 before Bijan Robinson arrived and would be again if he’s needed to replace Robinson.
Ray Davis, BUF — Davis has RB2 value if James Cook gets hurt.
DJ Giddens, IND — Jonathan Taylor has missed time each of the past three seasons, and Giddens would step in with RB2+ value.
Rico Dowdle, CAR — Limited ceiling but can be a mid-low RB2 if Chuba Hubbard is hurt.
Tahj Brooks, CIN — Chase Brown’s replacement if anything happens.
Will Shipley, PHI — The Saquon Barkley backup. Enough said.
Dameon Pierce, HOU — Currently next up behind Chubb, and maybe he looks something like his rookie year. But there’s also a good chance he’s waiver fodder.
Blake Corum, LAR — I believe the Rams could timeshare Corum and Jarquez Hunter if Kyren Williams missed time, but it sounds like Corum would lead the way.
Chris Brooks, GB — Atop the backup depth chart behind Josh Jacobs, for now.
Jarquez Hunter, LAR — As mentioned, he could timeshare with Corum if Williams is out. Given Hunter’s ability, it also wouldn’t be a surprise if he led and not Corum.
PURELY NEXT MAN UP RANKS
(if an injury ahead of them)
Brian Robinson, SF (don’t normally include over 60% but several asked)
Trey Benson, ARI
Tyler Allgeier, ATL
Najee Harris, LAC
Ollie Gordon, MIA
Tyjae Spears, TEN
Rachaad White, TB
Ray Davis, BUF
DJ Giddens, IND
Chris Rodriguez, WSH
Rico Dowdle, CAR
Tahj Brooks, CIN
Jaydon Blue, DAL
Will Shipley, PHI
Blake Corum, LAR
Kendre Miller, NO
Chris Brooks, GB
WAIVER WIRE WIDE RECEIVER RANKS
NOTE: Once you’re through Legette, if you don’t need potential early-season value, I’d drop down to Jayden Higgins and others after him for a few pure-upside, lottery-ticket stashes.
Brandon Aiyuk, SF — I’m assuming the only leagues where Aiyuk isn’t stashed are ones without IR spots. Otherwise, Aiyuk’s Top 20 potential needs to be on rosters.
Cedric Tillman, CLE — Terrific four-game stretch last year, and with Joe Flacco at quarterback, Tillman is in the WR4 boom/bust group.
Darnell Mooney, ATL — This one is weird. Raheem Morris said they hope to have Mooney … this year. And that was just a few weeks ago. Now, it sounds as though Mooney is a possibility for Week 1. If Mooney is healthy, he’s a weekly boom/bust WR4 and a near must-start in 3-WR leagues.
Marvin Mims, DEN — Mims is one of many here in the “Free Guys” piece. Mims is the No. 2 and his upside brings WR4 potential similar to Mooney.
Joshua Palmer, BUF — Palmer is more than worth a roster stash if he’s a top-two option over Keon Coleman.
Romeo Doubs, GB — Jayden Reed has a Jones fracture in his foot, which opens the doors for Doubs and his downfield upside to be a top-two option with Matthew Golden … hopefully, more consistently than in 2024.
Xavier Legette, CAR — Jalen Coker has a severe quad strain, which has him on the IR, clearing up the uncertainty around the No. 2 option alongside Tetairoa McMillan.
Christian Kirk, HOU — I believe in Jayden Higgins — more on him shortly — but if you have Aiyuk or Chris Godwin and need more immediate production than ceiling, Kirk is the pickup.
Keenan Allen, LAC — He might be one of the first waiver cuts, but Allen could rebound back in L.A. as Justin Herbert’s No. 2.
DeMario Douglas, NE — With Stefon Diggs’ health a question and the other wideouts failing to force their way into a starting role, Douglas has a shot to be a WR3/4 in half- and full-PPR.
Adam Thielen, MIN — Just like Kirk, Thielen is an early-season option, but he has a much more definitive “end date” with Jordan Addison back in Week 4.
Roman Wilson, PIT — Another “Free Guys” mention, as Wilson has every chance to be the No. 2 for the Steelers. Although there is risk, as I’ll mention with his teammate below.
Amari Cooper, LV — Raiders’ version of Keenan Allen.
Hollywood Brown, KC — With Rashee Rice suspended, Brown has the chance for boom/bust value, and you know managers will overreact if he has a huge Week 1.
Tyler Lockett, TEN — Sure, he looked donezo last year, but Cam Ward is talented enough to make more than Calvin Ridley useful.
Rashod Bateman, BAL — I hear people say that Bateman is a great WR5. I disagree. You never, ever, evvvverrrrr know when to play Bateman unless DeAndre Hopkins is a non-factor and Lamar Jackson throws 41 touchdowns again. Truthfully, Mooney and Bateman were a Spider-Man-pointing GIF last year. However, Hopkins just adds another possibility to Bateman hitting those 2-to-4-point floors more often.
Jayden Higgins, HOU — If he’s Marvin Jones, who is my comp, Higgins can be a WR3 in fantasy. It may take a few weeks, but I’d stash that potential anywhere I could.
Isaac TeSlaa, DET — In my “Free Guys” column and more than worth your attention if something happened to Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams.
Calvin Austin, PIT — Austin averaged over 15 YPR last year and has some intrigue, but Wilson has the higher ceiling and more complete wideout profile. However, if Wilson doesn’t lock in the No. 2 role and Austin has it, there would be WR5 value here.
Elic Ayomanor, TEN — Lots of “Free Guys” here. Back to Lockett. If he is done, then Ayomanor can step up as the No. 2 and be a surprise WR4 in his rookie year.
Tory Horton, SEA — If Cooper Kupp doesn’t return to form or misses time (again), Horton has WR4 potential as the No. 2 for Sam Darnold.
Tre Harris, LAC — Harris is a long-term stash. If Allen doesn’t rebound, Harris can step into the No. 2 role.
Dont’e Thornton, LV — Big play waiting to happen (over 25 YPR final year in college). Stash where you can in case he gets a top-two role either via his play and Cooper being washed or a Jakobi Meyers trade during the season.
Luther Burden, CHI — Long-term stash, and he may not hit until 2026 — like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rome Odunze in their rookie seasons.
Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG — Even in full-PPR, I don’t value Robinson too highly unless you want a floor WR4. After all, he was just WR46 in FPPG on 140 targets.
Alec Pierce, IND — You know he has downfield ability, but Pierce is a stash while Michael Pittman is healthy and until Anthony Richardson is the quarterback.
Darius Slayton, NYG — Never know when to start him — well, basically never given his two double-digit games last year — but if Slayton ends up the No. 2 and pushes Robinson into obscurity, there is deeper league value.
Pat Bryant, DEN — Fits the big slot role for Sean Payton’s offense, but needs to develop to move up the depth chart.
STREAMING TIGHT ENDS
Hunter Henry, NE — With the Patriots’ receiving corps still in flux, Henry is a decent half- and full-PPR play.
Zach Ertz, WSH — If you want to make sure you don’t get skunked.
Brenton Strange, JAX — In a Henry-type situation, especially if Travis Hunter doesn’t come out of the gate strong.
Darren Waller, MIA — The week’s biggest boom/bust play.
Mason Taylor, NYJ — Upside and the ability to be the second-best receiving option for the Jets.
Jonnu Smith, PIT — Who knows if Smith will see enough work to be startable, but similar to Henry and Taylor, he could be the second option.
Theo Johnson, NYG — Athletic matchup problem… if the Giants utilize him.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR — Another major matchup problem, and with Thielen gone and Coker out, Sanders could see decent work.
STREAMING DSTs
(first team is streamer)Week 1
ARI at NO
CIN at CLE
LAR vs HOU
SF at SEA
CHI vs MIN
NYJ vs PIT
WSH vs NYG
GB vs DET
NE vs LV
Week 2
SF at NO
ARI vs CAR
LAR at TEN
SEA at PIT
LAC at LV
GB vs WSH
(Photo of Cedric Tillman: Jason Miller / Getty Images)
Sep 2, 2025
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