Week 2 Post Waiver Panic. Waivers cleared, you opened your app and…….you missed out on your guy. If you’re dealing with a roster full of questionable and inactive players like Jordan Love, Tee Higgins, Kenneth Walker, Puka Nacua, Jake Ferguson, or David Njoku—along with others who went down in Week 1—you’re likely scrambling for replacements. When the waiver wire clears, and you find yourself without any of your top targets, here are some last-minute options to help you get through the week.
The percentages given here are taken from ESPN at the time of writing
These players could provide valuable points this weekend and prevent a zero at their respective positions:
Week 2 Post Waiver Panic: Plug-and-Play (Less than 40% rostered)
- Alexander Mattison (RB, LV 25.5% rostered) – Mattison is emerging as the clear RB2 for the Raiders. He saw more snaps, production, and passing-down work than Zamir White. If you’re dealing with RB injuries or lack depth, Mattison is a must-add.
- Allen Lazard (WR, NYJ 33.0% rostered) – Lazard is a high-risk, high-reward option. He has a strong rapport with Aaron Rodgers from their time in Green Bay, and Rodgers specifically wanted him in New York. If you need a risky flex play, Lazard could fill in for a week or two.
- Demarcus Robinson (WR,LAR 23.6% rostered) – A priority pick-up, especially for Tee Higgins or Puka Nacua managers. Robinson was heavily involved late last season with four touchdowns in the final four weeks. He also saw 86-95% of snaps. With LA investing in him, he’s worth a shot.
- Justin Fields (QB, PIT 21.7% Rostered) – Fields is currently the starting QB in Pittsburgh and offers strong rushing upside. He earned the highest PFF grade for QBs in Week 1 and is set to face a weak Denver defense. He’s a solid streaming option for Week 2.
- Colby Parkinson (TE, LAR 19.6% Rostered) – My top waiver-wire target for TE-needy teams. Parkinson was on the field for 88% of the snaps and saw five targets in a Puka-less offense. Think of him as a younger, faster version of Tyler Higbee.
Week 2 Post Waiver Panic: Deeper Plug-and-Play (Less than 15% rostered)
- Geno Smith (QB, SEA 15.5% rostered) – Smith offers a safe floor for fantasy managers. He’s tied to three elite weapons in the passing game and has versatile running backs. If you need a steady option, Smith is a reliable play.
- Bo Nix (QB, DEN 11.9% rostered) – Nix is a promising rookie with impressive playmaking ability, both as a passer and a runner. After a solid performance against the Seahawks, he’s worth stashing or streaming, especially if you need a high-upside QB.
- Tank Bigsby (RB, JAX 12.1% Rostered) – Bigsby is gaining momentum, rushing for over 70 yards on just 32% of the snaps. For comparison, Etienne had 12 attempts for 44 yards on 70% of snaps. Bigsby is worth holding in both deep and shallow leagues as a handcuff with upside.
- Justice Hill (RB, BAL 9.9% rostered) – A sleeper in the Ravens’ backfield, Hill was the primary pass-catching back in Week 1 with 8 targets and 6 receptions, playing over 50% of the snaps. The team has already come out and said they didn’t bring Derrick Henry in to be the workhorse. Justice Hill is a safe RB2 option in Baltimore and should get consistent work.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, NYG 12.8% rostered) – Despite the Giants’ offensive struggles, Robinson saw significant involvement last Sunday, catching 6 of his 12 targets. As the likely second option in this offense moving forward, Robinson could be a solid PPR play.
- Greg Dortch (WR, ARI 4.6% rostered) – The Cardinals are still finding their rhythm, but Dortch provides intriguing PPR upside. He led the team with 6 receptions against Buffalo, and with defenses focused on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, Dortch could see more targets in the right matchups.
- Hayden Hurst (TE, LAC 4.5% rostered) – Hurst played 61% of snaps in the Chargers’ offense and could see more opportunities, especially with favorable matchups against defenses like Carolina, which recently allowed touchdowns to both Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson.
- Zack Ertz (TE, ARI – 3.3% rostered) – Ertz is a dependable safety valve for Jayden Daniels and a big target in Arizona’s offense. While the deep game struggled, Ertz saw 3 targets and could be a key red-zone option moving forward.
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