Fantasy football waiver wire FAAB Week 2: Tyler Shough, Bryce Young lead QB adds

Rookie backfield splits in San Francisco, a Saints passing attack that threw 56 times, and a Patriots receiver room missing its best player shape the first in-season waiver run of the 2026 fantasy football season as we head into NFL Week 2.

Week 1 is in the books outside of the Monday night game in Kansas City, and the first major waiver wire of the season is open for business. Here’s a position-by-position look at who’s worth adding.

Before we get to names, a word of caution. One game is not enough information to blow up a roster. Add a player or two, maybe three if injuries forced your hand, and leave the rest alone.

The players you drafted in the first 10 or 11 rounds earned that draft capital over a full season of work. One quiet afternoon doesn’t undo that. Cutting a fourth-round pick in September because he caught three passes is how you end up watching someone else start him in November. Give those guys a couple more weeks at least before you decide.

The same restraint applies in the other direction in fantasy football. A receiver who put up 30 points in Week 1 is not automatically a weekly starter. Most of the names below are bench stashes and bye-week patches, not lineup locks. They might become that, but assuming they will is foolish. Bid accordingly, and remember that your best waiver claim of the season is probably still weeks away.

A few bookkeeping notes: recommendations are limited to players rostered in 60% or fewer of Yahoo fantasy football leagues. FAAB recommendations are out of a $100 budget. My bids are conservative, so if you want to be aggressive in pursuing a player, keep that in mind.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) looks for a receiver during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.

• Opponent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: at Detroit Lions, 35-of-56 for 410 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 1 FL

• Rostered percentage: 40%

• FAAB recommendation: $6 (1QB), $11 (2QB)

Opponent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: at Detroit Lions, 35-of-56 for 410 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 1 FL

FAAB recommendation: $6 (1QB), $11 (2QB)

Shough will be the most recommended quarterback across every major waiver column this week, and the volume explains why. New Orleans ran 86 plays and asked its second-year passer to throw on two-thirds of them. Neither number holds up over 17 games, so temper the expectation. Kellen Moore’s offense plays fast, and the Saints will trail often, which keeps the attempts coming. Baltimore is a poor Week 2 draw, so the Louisiana-bound reason to add the former Louisville and Texas Tech quarterback now is that he won’t be available later.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs on the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

• Opponent: at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears, 361 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 TD, 10 rush yards, 1 rush TD

• Rostered percentage: 14%

• FAAB recommendation: $5 (1QB), $10 (2QB)

Opponent: at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears, 361 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 TD, 10 rush yards, 1 rush TD

FAAB recommendation: $5 (1QB), $10 (2QB)

Young finished third among all quarterbacks in fantasy scoring in Week 1, and not all of it came in garbage time. Only one of his scoring throws arrived with Carolina down more than a possession in the second half. The catch is that the Panthers defense gave up 59 points to produce that game script. Atlanta and Cleveland are the next two opponents for the former Heisman winner, both on the road, and both are matchups where he can stay useful as a streamer.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) takes a snap during a preseason opening game. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers, 133 yards, 3 TD

• Rostered percentage: 0%

• FAAB recommendation: $1 (1QB), $1 (2QB)

Opponent: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers, 133 yards, 3 TD

FAAB recommendation: $1 (1QB), $1 (2QB)

Wentz replaced Kyler Murray after a first-quarter concussion and threw three touchdown passes without a turnover. Murray’s timetable is unknown, which is the whole case here. If the starter misses time, the 11th-year veteran inherits Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. That’s a strong supporting cast for a streamer. The expectation is Murray will be back soon enough, so this is a speculative add only.

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San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black (26) runs with the ball. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: vs. Miami Dolphins, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, 15 touches for 70 total yards

• Rostered percentage: 26%

• FAAB recommendation: $2

Opponent: vs. Miami Dolphins, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, 15 touches for 70 total yards

Every waiver wire column you read this week will list Black. Believe what teams tell you via their actions, but maintain a healthy skepticism that this is likely a one-off. The third-round rookie out of Indiana handled 14 of San Francisco’s 24 backfield carries, out-touching Christian McCaffrey while playing 43.8% of the snaps. Kyle Shanahan has talked for years about lightening McCaffrey’s load, and this looked deliberate, not situational. Black is the clear handcuff either way, and the Dolphins matchup at home sets up well. If you roster McCaffrey, this is not optional.

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Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) works out during training camp. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: at Los Angeles Chargers, 17 carries for 61 yards, two catches for nine yards

• Rostered percentage: 51%

• FAAB recommendation: $2

Opponent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: at Los Angeles Chargers, 17 carries for 61 yards, two catches for nine yards

Allgeier opened as Arizona’s starter and out-carried rookie Jeremiyah Love by six. The efficiency wasn’t there, but 17 carries is 17 carries, and the former BYU back has cleared 1,000 rushing yards in a season before. Love is coming off a high ankle sprain and will take this job over at some point. Until he does, Allgeier has standalone value in a two-man backfield. Seattle’s defense is a rough Week 2 matchup, so treat this as a roster add rather than a start.
, New Orleans Saints

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New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) runs against Detroit during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: at Detroit Lions, nine carries for 30 yards, 1 TD

• Rostered percentage: 1%

• FAAB recommendation: $1

Opponent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: at Detroit Lions, nine carries for 30 yards, 1 TD

Miller scored the Saints’ first touchdown of the season and split carries almost evenly with Travis Etienne Jr. But Alvin Kamara sat out Week 1 with a knee issue and is expected to make his season debut in Baltimore. That pushes the fourth-year back down the depth chart quickly. This one is for deep leagues and Etienne managers only.

, New Orleans Saints

• Opponent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: at Detroit Lions, seven catches on nine targets for 69 yards, 1 TD

• Rostered percentage: 7%

• FAAB recommendation: $2

Opponent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: at Detroit Lions, seven catches on nine targets for 69 yards, 1 TD

Vele ran a route on 92% of Shough’s dropbacks, which matters more than the box score. Jordyn Tyson is on injured reserve, and Chris Olave was in and out of the medical tent with cramps and a back issue, so the 6-foot-5 former Utah receiver has a clear path to the WR2 role for at least the next few weeks. Nine targets in a high-volume offense is worth a look. He’s one of the top receiver adds available heading into Week 2.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: at Las Vegas Raiders, five catches on seven targets for 94 yards

• Rostered percentage: 12%

• FAAB recommendation: $3

Opponent: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: at Las Vegas Raiders, five catches on seven targets for 94 yards

Douglas led Miami in receiving in his NFL debut and ran 86.5% of the routes. The offense is bad and will stay bad, but that’s part of the appeal because the Dolphins should trail constantly and Malik Willis will have to throw. The rookie from Texas Tech was Willis’s preferred target from the opening drive. San Francisco is a difficult Week 2 matchup, so buy the role over immediate production.
, Carolina Panthers

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) celebrates his score with fans during the second half of the NFC Wild Card Round game. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears, eight catches on nine targets for 138 yards, 2 TD

• Rostered percentage: 61%

• FAAB recommendation: $6

Opponent: at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears, eight catches on nine targets for 138 yards, 2 TD

Coker led Carolina in targets, catches, yards and touchdowns while Tetairoa McMillan stayed quiet until late. The Holy Cross product also went for 134 yards against the Rams in January’s divisional round, so this is the second time in three games he’s carried this passing attack. Availability has been his issue across two shortened seasons. He’s above the usual rostership threshold in many leagues, but grab him anywhere he’s available heading into Week 2.

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) catches a pass against Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross (25). Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Washington Commanders, two catches on four targets for 73 yards, 1 TD

• Rostered percentage: 16%

• FAAB recommendation: $2

Opponent: at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Washington Commanders, two catches on four targets for 73 yards, 1 TD

Philadelphia traded A.J. Brown to New England in June, and Makai Lemon was the popular pick to absorb those targets. Instead, Wicks worked as the WR2 opposite DeVonta Smith and finished third on the team in targets. New coordinator Sean Mannion has Jalen Hurts throwing deeper than he did a year ago, which fits what the former Virginia receiver does best. Tennessee is a soft Week 2 draw.
, New England Patriots

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New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (3) getting tackled during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: at Seattle Seahawks, five catches on seven targets for 20 yards

• Rostered percentage: 1%

• FAAB recommendation: $1

Opponent: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: at Seattle Seahawks, five catches on seven targets for 20 yards

Brown is on injured reserve, and NFL Network reported he’s expected to miss six weeks. Douglas led New England in routes run and drew seven targets, more than Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins. The yardage was ugly at four yards per catch because Douglas works almost entirely from the slot at a shallow depth. That profile plays in point-per-reception formats and does very little in standard scoring. Add him as a bench piece, not a starter.

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

• Opponent: at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, five catches on seven targets for 78 yards, 1 TD

• Rostered percentage: 2%

• FAAB recommendation: $2

Opponent: at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, five catches on seven targets for 78 yards, 1 TD

Gesicki led Cincinnati in targets and receiving yards while catching Joe Burrow‘s only touchdown pass. Here’s the reason to be careful: he ran just 17 routes on Burrow’s 37 dropbacks. Tampa Bay took away Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which forced the ball underneath, and that isn’t a weekly condition. If your tight end spot is a disaster, he’s a fine streamer. Otherwise, pass.
, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) stares down a section of Bengals fans.

• Opponent: at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons, five catches on five targets for 46 yards, 1 TD

• Rostered percentage: 6%

• FAAB recommendation: $2

Opponent: at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons, five catches on five targets for 46 yards, 1 TD

Freiermuth caught everything thrown his way and found the end zone. Aaron Rodgers still prefers to work within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, which is exactly where the Penn State product lives. He saw only 54 targets a year ago while splitting snaps, and the coaching staff appears more willing to make him the primary tight end now. He needs a touchdown most weeks to pay off, same as every other streamer at the position.

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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium – Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

• Opponent: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

• Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers, four catches for 36 yards, 1 TD

• Rostered percentage: 22%

• FAAB recommendation: $6

Opponent: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 20

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers, four catches for 36 yards, 1 TD

Hockenson caught one of Wentz’s three touchdown passes and looks like Minnesota’s clear No. 2 pass catcher behind Justin Jefferson. The former Iowa tight end is rostered in more leagues than most names here, so check availability first. If he’s sitting on your wire because of a slow finish to last season, the role hasn’t changed, and the target volume should hold regardless of who plays quarterback.

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