The 2025 NFL season is finally here, and as we all know, fantasy championships aren’t won on draft day—they’re won on the waiver wire. Injuries, unexpected busts, and surprise breakouts are all part of the game. Whether you’re contending for a title or rebuilding for the future, smart waiver pickups can shape your roster for years to come. In this Week 2 waiver wire article, we will break down waiver players that could make an immediate impact or become valuable assets down the stretch.
All roster ownerships will be based on 12-Team SF PPR dynasty leagues.
Please note: At the time of this publication, all free agents were at or under 50% rostered in Sleeper dynasty leagues.
FAAB Budgeting Advice
Budgeting your FAAB money requires a balanced approach. You want to be aggressive enough to get productive players early, but wise enough not to blow your budget before bye weeks and injuries pile up later in the season. Look for players who have an opportunity and players who see an increase in usage (snaps, routes, targets).
Waiver Players to Add | Week 2
Wide Receiver Free Agents
| Player | Team | % Rostered | FAAB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ray McCloud | Atlanta Falcons | 35% | 2% | Stepping into bigger role due to injuries. Targeted in Week 1, could see consistent snaps. |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Kansas City Chiefs | 23% | 5% | Second in targets behind Hollywood Brown. Useful in PPR formats while Rashee Rice suspended. |
| Tre Tucker | Las Vegas Raiders | 50% | 2% | Beneficiary of Amari Cooper retirement. Saw usage in Week 1 with 54 yards and 1 TD. |
| KaVontae Turpin | Dallas Cowboys | 20% | 2% | Expanded role as WR3. Efficient in routes run, valuable PPR target. |
Ray-Ray McCloud | Atlanta Falcons | 35% Ownership | 2% FAAB
While already listed as a starter on the Atlanta Falcons depth chart, Ray Ray McCloud was given a bigger role Sunday against the Buccaneers with Darnell Mooney inactive with an injury. In 2024, the journeyman had his best season of his 8-year career, setting career highs in targets (87), receptions (62), and receiving yards (686). Drake London’s health is also a situation to monitor, as he left the game with a shoulder injury and did not return. If Moody and London are out, McCloud will be thrust into an even bigger role against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
JuJu Smith-Schuster | Kansas City Chiefs | 23% Ownership | 5% FAAB
While Hollywood Brown was the primary beneficiary of the Xavier Worthy injury, JuJu Smith-Schuster was second on the team in targets (5), receptions (5), and receiving yards (55). JuJu will continue to be involved in the Chiefs’ offense while Rashee Rice serves his suspension and Worthy recovers from his dislocated shoulder.
Tre Tucker | Las Vegas Raiders | 50% Ownership | 2% FAAB
Last Thursday, Amari Cooper shocked fantasy owners with the news of his abrupt retirement. The obvious beneficiaries of this news are Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, but this is a waiver wire article, so let’s add a name to the mix: Tre Tucker. Against the Patriots, Tucker recorded 54 receiving yards on two receptions while also finding the endzone.
KaVontae Turpin | Dallas Cowboys | 20% Ownership | 2% FAAB
Seen mostly as a return man during his first two seasons in Dallas, KaVontae Turpin appears to have his role expanded under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Per Fantasy Points Data, both KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert had a 48% of routes run per team drop-backs during their Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Turpin appeared to be the more efficient pass catcher while also being utilized in the backfield. Currently, Turpin is the frontrunner as the WR3 in Dallas.
Tight End Free Agents
| Player | Team | % Rostered | FAAB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noah Fant | Denver Broncos | 42% | 5% | Split snaps but outproduced Gesicki. Any TE receiving targets is waiver-worthy. |
| Juwan Johnson | New Orleans Saints | 48% | 8% | Led team in receptions Week 1. High-value TE add, especially in negative game scripts. |
Noah Fant | Denver Broncos | 42% Ownership | 5% FAAB
It did not take long for Noah Fant to make an impact with the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 1, Fant split snaps with Mike Gesicki while outproducing him. Fant caught four receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown. Fant is still down the pecking order for targets in the Bengals’ passing offense. However, any tight end that is receiving targets is worth a waiver add.
Juwan Johnson | New Orleans Saints | 48% Ownership | 10% FAAB
Juwan Johnson was a crucial piece of the Saints’ offense in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Johnson led the team in receptions (8) and receiving yards (76) while finishing second in targets (11). The Saints will be a team forced to throw a lot as they will be in negative game scripts, and I do not expect that to change in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson is my priority add for Week 2
A couple quick names to mention include Jake Tonges and Michael Mayer. Other players who are great waiver wire additions but have over 50% ownership include: Calvin Austin, Kayshon Boutee, Hollywood Brown, Quentin Johnston, and Kendre Miller.
Thank you, Nerds, and make sure you check back next week for more under-the-radar gems and difference-makers to keep your roster sharp, your season alive, and your dynasty rosters thriving.
