Even after your fantasy drafts, regardless of what platform or format, there are always options on the waiver wire that you could potentially start. Week 1 has the most uncertainty, as you can use this to your advantage, either through stashes or potentially start to beat your opponent to start your season.
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
Dylan Sampson- Cleveland Browns (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Although Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon is a popular late-round draft pick or pickup on waivers, rookie Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson could outright become the starter in a few weeks. Sampson brings explosiveness to the backfield, as Jerome Ford was an okay starter but not a game-changer like the rookie could turn into.
He just has veteran Ford ahead of him (with rookie Quinshon Judkins remaining unsigned so far). De’Von Achane (despite recovering from a calf injury) says he’s 100%, so in terms of standalone value, Sampson is your guy against a weak Bengals run defense. The young back gives the Browns fresh legs and has pass-catching upside, despite not doing it in college due to Tennessee‘s offense.
Wide Receivers to Add
Marquise Brown- Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil)
With no Rashee Rice to start the year, Xavier Worthy and Juju Smith-Schuster are the starters, along with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (who is returning from an injury-riddled 2024). If the Kansas City Chiefs want to start the year off hot, throwing deep balls with Patrick Mahomes, someone else will have to be involved alongside Worthy and Travis Kelce.
While there is a risk of reinjury from his minor foot/ankle injury that kept him out most of the preseason/ training camp, he is set to go against the Chargers on Friday Night in Brazil, according to Andy Reid. If there was any game that Hollywood could boom, it would be when he is at his healthiest as a starting receiver with the least amount of competition.
Tight End to Stream
Zach Ertz- Washington Commanders (vs. New York Giants)
Somehow under 50% rostered in most leagues, Jayden Daniel’s top tight end can be a streamable start at the position. While he wasn’t a factor in their game last year in November, Zach Ertz was to start last season with four catches and 62 yards. In PPR, the veteran finished as a top ten tight end the last two weeks of the year and will look to continue that heading into 2025.
Terry McLaurin is back with a new deal, but with new pieces like Deebo Samuel and a revamped Giants pass rush, a new Washington offensive line could go with the tight end check-down more often as a safety valve for this offense.
Quarterbacks to Stream
Tua Tagovailoa- Miami Dolphins (@ Indianapolis Colts)
Miami cooks in September and especially indoors, as this is a prime spot for the Dolphins to dispel any negative narrative against an even worse Colts team that somehow has worse vibes than them this offseason.
When Tua has been healthy, the Fins have been able to torch weaker secondaries like Indianapolis in the past with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If you need a spot start after going late-round QB in fantasy, this could be the move to start off the year, as he is under 40% rostered in most formats.
Defenses to Stream
San Francisco 49ers Defense (@ Seattle Seahawks)
Heading into enemy territory with Robert Saleh and some guys back from injury, the 49ers defense could be one to pick up, as they boast one of the easiest NFL schedules on paper. You could pick them up now to stream or to stash for the upcoming weeks. After their matchup with a Seattle team with moving parts, they play the Saints in New Orleans and the Arizona Cardinals back at home in San Francisco.
