Welcome to the Week 2 waiver wire watch!
The 2025 NFL season is finally underway and so too are the fantasy football campaigns for managers across all kinds of different formats. Some of you are probably already looking for ways to add receiver depth to your rosters following Week 1 and we’ve got you covered.
We’ll go over some Week 1 WR performers that you should consider scooping off the waiver wire ahead of Week 2. We’ll classify a waiver add as someone who is rostered in roughly 60% of leagues at maximum.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (8.7%)
Johnston has officially arrived…at least for one week. The third-year wideout started the season off with a bang in Brazil on Friday night, catching five passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 27-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He consistently made big plays with an average of 15.8 yards per reception and was still the top fantasy receiver with 24.9 points in PPR leagues by the time Sunday’s late afternoon window ended.
After two disappointing seasons, Johnston could be on the cusp of a breakthrough season. He’s ripe for the taking off the waiver wire with him being available in nearly every league.
Week 2 matchup: @ Las Vegas Raiders, 10 p.m. ET (Monday night)
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (62.3%)
Johnston didn’t hog all of the spotlight in Brazil as Allen had a nice performance in his first game back with the Chargers. The veteran hauled in seven of his targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in the opener, once again proving himself as Mr. Reliable for the Bolts. This is probably the last week some of you can find Allen on the waiver wire and I suggest putting in a bid before it’s too late.
Week 2 matchup: @ Las Vegas Raiders, 10 p.m. ET (Monday night)
Hollywood Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (36.6%)
Brown was certainly Patrick Mahomes’ go-to option in their 27-21 loss to the Chargers on Friday night, catching 10 receptions for 99 yards in Brazil. The veteran was the most targeted Chiefs pass-catcher in the opener with 16 passes being thrown his way and that can be attributed to Xavier Worthy leaving the game with a dislocated shoulder. KC’s receiver situation is now in dire straits with Worthy set to miss time and Rashee Rice still suspended, so we can expect to see plenty of Brown moving forward.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers (17.9%)
Green Bay made a statement with a 27-13 trashing of the Detroit Lions and it was a game defined by the defense dominating throughout the afternoon. Offensively, they didn’t get a breakout day from any one of their skill position players, but Doubs did show off his explosiveness with two receptions for 68 yards. He has boom-or-bust potential within the Packers offense and it wouldn’t be a bad idea for a manager to stash him on the bench until the right matchup comes along.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Washington Commanders, 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday night)
Calvin Austin III, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (4.4%)
Pittsburgh downed the New York Jets in a 34-32 victory on Sunday in what ended up being a successful debut for Aaron Rodgers against his former team. The four-time NFL MVP threw four touchdowns to four different pass-catchers in the win and Austin was one of those recipients. Four receptions for 70 yards and the score was his stat line in the opener and if Rodgers can play like his prime Green Bay self throughout the season, then there’s a chance for the fourth-year wideout to have a breakout season.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1 p.m. ET
Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots (2.0%)
New England fell to the Las Vegas Raiders 20-13 on Sunday, but there were a few positives to take away from the game. Namely the play of Boutte, who led the team in receiving by catching six of eight targets for 103 yards. That was good enough for 16.3 fantasy points in PPR leagues and he could end up establishing a strong connection with Drake Maye as the season rolls on. There’s a world where the third-year wideout ends up being a waiver wire steal.
Week 2 matchup: @ Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET
