Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 2: Quentin Johnston, Hollywood Brown, and More Must-Adds

Fantasy football is back, and after a wild Week 1, the waiver wire is heating up. Early breakouts, injuries, and surprising usage shifts have created opportunities for savvy fantasy managers. Whether you play in a 1QB, Superflex, or TE Premium league, this week offers intriguing pickups at every position.

As always, don’t overreact to one week — but when usage + talent align, that’s where league winners are born.

Quarterbacks – Streamers & Stashes

Michael Penix Jr. – Falcons (20% rostered)

Penix threw for 298 yards and a TD in his debut while adding a surprising rushing score. The legs may not be a weekly weapon given his injury history, but Atlanta trusts him with the game on the line. With better matchups in Weeks 3–4 (Panthers, Commanders), Penix is the best long-term stash among QBs on waivers.

Daniel Jones – Colts (15% rostered)

Jones reminded everyone of his 2022 top-10 fantasy season, piling up 29.5 points with two rushing TDs and 279 passing yards. His rushing floor makes him valuable, but Week 2 brings a brutal matchup vs. Denver. Consider him a stash/QB2 in Superflex.

Aaron Rodgers – Steelers (9% rostered)

Rodgers posted four passing TDs in his Pittsburgh debut. PFF wasn’t as kind to his efficiency, but volume + weapons make him worth an add in deeper leagues. The ceiling isn’t what it used to be, but the short-term floor is playable.

Geno Smith – Raiders (9% rostered)

362 passing yards in Week 1 was no fluke. While his schedule is tough early, his weekly floor is safer than Jones/Rodgers. More of a deep-league stabilizer than a true ceiling play.

Running Backs – Stashes, Handcuffs & Pass-Catchers

Must Add

Dylan Sampson – Browns (33% rostered)

Led Cleveland in carries (12) and receptions (8 for 64). With Judkins working back in, Sampson may not own early-down work, but his pass-catching role looks sticky. Especially valuable in PPR.

Quinshon Judkins – Browns (56% rostered)

If available, he’s the top add. Rookie drama aside, he was drafted to be Cleveland’s workhorse. Even if it takes a few weeks, stash him before he takes over this backfield.

Bhayshul Tuten – Jaguars (42% rostered)

Tank Bigsby trade opens a path. Etienne is still the guy, but Tuten slides into RB2 duties with upside if Etienne misses time.

Braelon Allen – Jets (43% rostered)

Scored in Week 1 but usage was limited (6 carries). Strictly a Breece Hall handcuff with TD-dependent RB4 value.

Trey Benson – Cardinals (52% rostered)

Carved out a 40% share behind James Conner. Already an elite handcuff; if his touches grow, he could be flex-worthy weekly.

Deep Handcuffs Worth Stashing

Tyjae Spears (Titans), Tyler Allgeier (Falcons), Najee Harris (Chargers), Blake Corum (Rams), Tahj Brooks (Bengals).

Wide Receivers – Target Hogs & High-Upside Breakouts

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown – Chiefs (50% rostered)

With Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy sidelined, Brown is Mahomes’ WR1 (42% target share in Week 1). Short-term WR2 with weekly top-15 upside.

Quentin Johnston – Chargers (4% rostered)

Two TDs and 79 yards in Week 1. Still volatile with Allen + McConkey in the mix, but the role + Herbert’s arm make him a high-upside flex.

Kayshon Boutte – Patriots (0.5% rostered)

Ran a route on 83% of dropbacks, saw 8 targets, and hit 100+ yards. Boutte looks like Maye’s early WR1. Priority add in all formats.

Calvin Austin – Steelers (2% rostered)

Clear WR2 role (83% routes, 23% target rate) and produced 70 yards + a score. Add now before his role locks in with Rodgers.

Cedric Tillman – Browns (43% rostered)

Ran as many routes as Jeudy, scored a TD, and should thrive in a pass-heavy Browns attack. Strong WR4 with WR3 upside.

Upside Bench Stashes

Luther Burden III (Bears), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers, stash off IR), Troy Franklin (Broncos).

Tight Ends – TE Premium Winners

Harold Fannin Jr. – Browns (1% rostered)

Historic college producer, now flashing right away (7 catches, 63 yards in debut). Commanded 21% first-read targets. In TE premium, this is the spot to spend big FAAB — the path to TE1 is real, especially if Njoku gets moved.

Juwan Johnson – Saints (1% rostered)

Ran 51 of 53 routes in Week 1, caught 11 passes. On a bad team, but usage is elite. Strong TE2 with upside.

Brenton Strange – Jaguars (20% rostered)

Full-time role (4/59) in Jacksonville’s pass-friendly offense. Could emerge as Lawrence’s No. 3 option.

Hunter Henry – Patriots (44% rostered)

Old reliable. 92% snaps, 66 yards. Doesn’t offer a high ceiling, but safe weekly TE2.

Deep Stash: Mason Taylor (Jets rookie) – dominated snaps, usage should grow.

Final Word

Week 1 always delivers chaos. Don’t burn all your FAAB chasing box-score outliers, but when talent, usage, and opportunity converge, that’s when league winners emerge. This week, Harold Fannin at TE and Hollywood Brown at WR headline the priority adds. Dylan Sampson gives RB-needy managers a short-term flex, while Penix offers long-term upside at QB.

Play the long game — but don’t miss the chance to grab this year’s breakout before it’s too late.