We hit on Week 1’s fantasy football last-minute waiver adds to start, so let’s continue that streak going into Week 2. While the first waiver period ran, there were always shocking drops, so make sure to check the transactions. Even in the deepest of leagues, there’s always a potential hidden gem or two hiding in plain sight that you could theoretically start in a pinch.
With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 1.
Running Backs to Add
Kenneth Gainwell- Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Seattle Seahawks): ESPN- 7%, Sleeper- 16%, Yahoo- 3%
For PPR, Kenneth Gainwell might be the waiver starter you could flex. He was in an almost 50-50 timeshare with Jaylen Warren, with rookie Kaleb Johnson barely seeing time. Gainwell had 7 carries for 19 yards and 3 receptions. While he doesn’t have the greatest upside, the Steelers back could have a decent ceiling of 10 fantasy points a week.
Honorable Mention: Bhayshul Tuten (if available)- Jacksonville Jaguars: ESPN- 40%, Sleeper- 43%, Yahoo- 55%
Wide Receivers to Add
Kayshon Boutte- New England Patriots (@ Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 19%, Sleeper- 32%, Yahoo- 22%
While it is unclear how stable this role is, it’s clear Kayshon Boutte has chemistry with Drake Maye. He had 6 catches for 103 yards on 8 targets and led the Pats receivers in targets. Keep in mind, Boutte is questionable with a shoulder injury against the Miami Dolphins, but we saw this type of target share to end the year last season and could continue his hot streak (even with Stefon Diggs in the mix).
Honorable Mention: Calvin Austin III– Pittsburgh Steelers: ESPN- 9%, Sleeper- 36%, Yahoo- 14%
Tight Ends to Stream
Cade Otton- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ Houston Texans): ESPN- 15%, Sleeper- 14%, Yahoo- 7%
The Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton didn’t grab any of the 3 targets in Week 1, but when fully healthy, he can be that reliable third option in this offense with Chris Godwin out and rookie Emeka Egbuka in. While there are many streamable options at the position, Otton is part of a high-powered offense that took a bit to get going last week. He at least has a shot to score a touchdown against the Houston Texans and have a bounce-back game.
Honorable Mention: Harold Fannin Jr.– Cleveland Browns: ESPN- 18%, Sleeper- 51%, Yahoo- 36%
Quarterbacks to Stream
Geno Smith- Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Los Angeles Chargers): ESPN- 10%, Sleeper- 20%, Yahoo- 24%
Although the Los Angeles Chargers will be a tougher test vs. the Pats’ defense, Geno Smith could be a viable streaming option to end Week 2 on the Monday Night Football double-header. Around 17 points isn’t anything to brag about, but Smith carved up New England’s secondary without Christian Gonzalez.
The veteran quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders is the 15th-ranked QB in fantasy, so he won’t cost you your week. Sometimes a stable option is all that is needed, and if he throws for a few more touchdowns, Smith could reach that 20+ mark as a potential starter for fantasy.
Honorable Mention: Michael Penix Jr.- Atlanta Falcons: ESPN- 26%, Sleeper- 40%, Yahoo- 39%
Defenses to Stream
Dallas Cowboys Defense (vs. New York Giants): ESPN- 9%, Sleeper- 18%, Yahoo- 22%
Although the Cowboys’ defense lost another cornerback in Daron Bland due to injury for a few weeks, this is still a great matchup against a Giants’ offense that sputtered in Week 1. Historically, Dallas has had their way against the G-Men, and with a struggling offensive line and Russell Wilson, even without Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ pass rush should get home a few times. They beat New York in the last eight divisional matchups, making the Giants’ last win over the Boys back in 2021.
