Fantasy football leagues and won on the waiver wire. Our waiver wire tools at Footballguys make it easy.
Every week, our Sigmund Bloom writes about every trending player in the NFL, moving players up and down based on what we’ve seen. For players who are mostly available in fantasy football leagues, he’ll provide an estimated amount of FAAB to bid on the waiver wire.
These waiver wire tips are essential in winning your fantasy football league. In this article, we’ll highlight a handful of noteworthy players. But for deeper leagues and more waiver wire additions, check out our full Upgrade and Downgrades feature.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
QB Derek Carr, New Orleans (bid 20-40%)
Carr's emergence in Klint Kubiak's offense is one of the biggest stories of the first two weeks of the season. We don't know his true fantasy ceiling because both games have basically been over at halftime. The Week 2 performance is even more telling because unlike Carolina, the Cowboys defense wasn't demoralized. Carr is a high floor QB1 heading into a matchup with the Eagles.
QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota (bid 5-10%)
Darnold was very good for the second straight week, and this time against one of the NFL's better defenses. It doesn't look like Justin Jefferson will miss time, so Darnold has spot start potential against the Texans this week in 1QB leagues, and strong QB2 value in superflex leagues.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
RB Braelon Allen, NY Jets (bid 15-30%)
Allen looks good enough to start but will have to toil behind Breece Hall for now. The good news is that his heavy red zone usage makes him flex-worthy going forward to go along with maybe league-winner upside if Hall goes down.
RB Ty Chandler, Minnesota (bid 10-20%)
Chandler had a much better Week 2 and Aaron Jones fumbled at the goal line, so the 1A has some momentum in this committee. The Vikings offense also looks very strong and resilient, which makes Chandler an essential bench stash with Jones injury upside.
RB Carson Steele, Kansas City (10-20%)
Steele should get a good share of the backfield with Isiah Pacheco out, but he'll share with Samaje Perine, and the Chiefs should add another back soon (Kareem Hunt?), if not before the Week 3 game at Atlanta. He is more likely to bye/injury depth than a season changer.
RB Samaje Perine, Kansas City (bid 7-15%)
Perine should get passing-down work and could be startable as an RB2/Flex if he gets goal-line work over Carson Steele. But Perine is new to the team, and the Chiefs should add another back (Kareem Hunt?) soon, so his value is likely limited.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
WR Jalen Tolbert, Dallas (bid 12-25%)
Tolbert was the second leading receiver on the team, and he had a great hustle fumble recovery in the red zone to endear himself to coaches. Someone has to step up to help Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and this offense will be pass-heavy all year, so Tolbert is a priority pickup this week.
WR Quentin Johnston, LAs Chargers (bid 7-15%)
Johnston roasted a good cornerback for a vertical score, and was able to shake free on an extended play for a second score in the blowout win. The Chargers are a low passing volume team, but Johnston showed confidence and his role is growing.
WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta (bid 7-15%)
Mooney was getting open downfield, and Kirk Cousins was able to put enough mustard on the ball to get it to him this week. Mooney scored and put up a strong WR2 week for fantasy in the win over Philadelphia He's at least upside bye/injury depth and could become more if he does it again vs. Kansas City.
Waiver Wire Tight Ends
TE Hunter Henry, New England (bid 12-25%)
Henry was most of the pass offense for the Patriots in Week 2, and he clearly has the best chemistry with Jacoby Brissett. He is a TE1 against the Jets this week and should be played over some tight ends drafted well ahead of him.
TE Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati (bid 5-10%)
Gesicki's top-end athleticism is showing in the Bengals offense, which mainly went after the Chiefs pass defense by throwing to tight ends. The Washington matchup is a good one for pass offenses, so consider Gesicki a TE1 option in Week 3.
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And check out some in-depth explanations on these waiver wire pickups, courtesy of Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey on a new episode of The Audible.