As the NFL season enters its second week, fantasy football managers face a rapidly shifting landscape that requires urgent roster adjustments. Several key players from Week 1 have underperformed or suffered injuries, prompting fantasy owners to explore waiver wire options to stabilize their teams and prepare for future uncertainties.
Among the most promising additions is San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who participated in roughly half of the team’s routes in the season opener. Samuel caught six of seven targets for 48 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 12 yards on a rushing attempt. With teammate De’Zhaun Stribling sidelined by an ankle injury, Samuel’s opportunity to see increased usage appears set to grow. His versatility and ability to complement star running back Christian McCaffrey could prove valuable for fantasy owners seeking consistent points.
Another notable option is the New York Jets’ rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who impressed by catching all three targets in his debut game and scoring on a short end-around play. Given the scarcity of productive tight ends in fantasy leagues, his athleticism and early involvement offer a potentially rewarding addition.
Quarterback Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers also emerges as a key waiver target. After throwing for 387 yards and two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, Love benefits from a more pass-oriented offense following the departure of running back Josh Jacobs. If the Packers maintain this approach, Love could become a reliable weekly starter.
Defensively, the 49ers’ unit stands out as a relatively underowned asset. Despite a challenging opener, San Francisco’s defense limited the Los Angeles Rams to seven points, showcasing the scheme adjustments under new coordinator Raheem Morris. With three consecutive home games on the schedule, beginning against Miami, the 49ers’ defense presents an attractive pickup for streaming purposes.
Among running backs, rookie Kaelon Black of the 49ers may offer value as both a handcuff and a potential standalone contributor. Black led the team in carries during Week 1, surpassing McCaffrey’s touches amid the latter’s cramps, which suggests an expanded role.
Other players worth monitoring include Jets quarterback Geno Smith, whose upcoming favorable schedule features matchups against defenses that struggled in Week 1, making him a viable short-term starter. Similarly, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young produced a strong Week 1 performance with multiple touchdowns both passing and rushing and faces a manageable opponent in Week 2.
Wide receiver Jalen Coker of the Panthers made a strong case for consistent fantasy relevance after hauling in eight receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while New Orleans Saints wideout Devaughn Vele earned significant playing time and may continue to see opportunity in the absence of key receivers.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson demonstrated his value as the primary handcuff to Kenneth Walker III, contributing 68 total yards on eight carries and receptions. At tight end, Las Vegas Raider Michael Mayer led his team in targets, although the potential return of Brock Bowers could impact Mayer’s future involvement.
Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense is a recommended streaming target for Week 2 due to a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
With rosters fragile after just one week, fantasy managers are advised to act decisively on these waiver targets to shore up their squads ahead of the unpredictable weeks to come.