Week 2 Waiver Wire Watch
Are week 1 performances signals or noise?
First, let me start by saying that we've all spent the better part of the summer preparing for our drafts, scouting players, projecting depth charts and new offensive schemes. We've seen players go to new teams, for better or worse, and injuries are already mounting (sorry Brock Bowers owners), but week 1 gave us our first taste of real football, and what a week it was. That said, I am always cautious about waiver wire adds after week 1.
Generally, I always try to give my team at least 4 weeks to take shape. Remember when Keon Coleman was WR1 after week 1 in 2025? Justin Fields QB1? How did they turn out? Exactly.
I'm going to keep it somewhat short this week. As we get more data points over the coming weeks, we'll have a better idea how things will shake out with each team, but there are some performances that are hard to ignore, and fantasy football is about finding the edge where you can - zig when others zag - but also be smart. I am not giving up on guys like Justin Herbert or Colston Loveland (or Kyle Pitts) after Week 1, and you shouldn't either unless you have incredibly capable starters already on your bench.
So let's get started...
Priority Adds
Player | Pos | FAAB % | Why | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | 10-15% | Tyler Shough went the hell off to the tune of 410 yards passing, 3 TDs, and 2 INTS. While Chris Olave was the clear WR1 in terms of yards and points, Vele ran the most routes of any player on offense, and hauled in 7 catches on 9 targets. Until Jordyn Tyson returns from injury, Vele should be the clear WR2 in New Orleans, and if he's available in your league, he could provide a nice boost for the next few weeks and maybe beyond. | |
| WR | 10-15% | While the Foundry boys are no fans of Jalen Hurts, and Wicks may have been a bit of an afterthought in your drafts, but Makai Lemon's rookie debut left much to be desired. I still think Lemon has a chance to impress as the season goes on, Wicks has established himself as the WR2 in Philly, unless you count Dallas Goedert, who led all Eagles pass catchers in receptions. I don't, but it's Jalen Hurts we're talking about, so you kinda gotta. Like Vele, this may be a short term boost for your team, but why not take advantage while you can. Not available in your league? Congrats, you play with Eagles fans. | |
| RB | 10-15% | Christian McCaffrey looked much like his old self (heh), leading all 49ers in targets, but it was the rookie Black who led the team in rush attempts, collecting 65 yards on the ground on 14 carries. Not many of his other week 1 stats pop out on paper when compared to CMC, but the volume alone should be encouraging, especially with the volatility at running back. Black is a guy I would add and stash - even if CMC stays healthy, he looks like he will have a role, which will only be bolstered if his elderly running mate ends up injured. | |
| WR | 5-10% | I know, I know, it's Miami. What are we doing? Miami looks primed to lose a lot of games, maybe on purpose, and that could be the perfect environment for the rookie wideout. Douglas led the Dolphins in receptions and yards, and was second only to Malik Washington in routes run and targets. If you have that spot on your roster, take a shot on Douglas, especially if you're in a keeper league. | |
| WR | 5-10% | Be careful with this one for now. I think Williams is worth an add, but after leading the Commanders in yards, your leaguemates might throw more budget at Williams than I'm suggesting. That's fine, let them, and then when they drop him again, you can try again. Williams was 7th overall in Yards Per Route Run in week 1 - out of everyone, including guys who ran only 1 route. Minimum 10 routes run? 3rd overall. I know the sample size is small, but Williams hauled in all 4 of his targets, compared to old man Stefon Diggs who hauled in 4 of 9. That trust could go a long way for Jayden Daniels, who looked shaky coming back after a rough sophomore campaign. |
Handcuff chains & deep stashes
DeMario Douglas - NE - WR
Drake Maye didn't look like himself, but Douglas led the Patriots in routes run, targets, and receptions. Yes, it was for 20 yards total, but that type of usage means he isn't going away, and could be a safety blanket for Maye, especially with AJ Brown sidelined for at least 4 more games. Especially in PPR leagues, "Pop" Douglas could be a nice weekly FLEX.
Kendre Miller - NO - RB
New man Travis Etienne was the lead back in New Orleans, but his performance was mostly bolstered by his receiving in Tyler Shough's 410 yard performance. Miller and Etienne split backfield carries at 9 a piece, and Miller came in for Etienne when the Saints were inside the 10. Touchdown vulture scenes? Injury away upside? You be the judge, but I won't begrudge anyone for stashing a backup RB.
Drop candidates:
I'm not confident enough reading into week 1 performances to tell you who to drop. Maybe you have an injury and an open roster spot, or maybe your late round dart throw just needs a change of scenery (hello Cyrus Allen), but remember, don't overreact to week 1. If you're looking to make a roster decision and want real time advice, reach out to us on Twitter at @FFFoundry and we will help!
Oh, but you can drop Charlie Kolar. Blocking ass.
That's it for this week...good luck in Week 2, and we'll see you in the Blast Furnace.