Here’s a refined guide to fantasy football waiver-wire targets after Week 1—players likely undrafted or lightly rostered who made unexpected Week 1 impacts and look poised for key roles ahead.
Quarterbacks (QB)
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Daniel Jones (Colts)
Week 1 Stats: 22/29 for 272 yards, 1 passing TD + 2 rushing TDs. Set a unique NFL mark by leading his team to a scoring drive on every offensive possession.
Why Add: Jones delivered ~30 fantasy points and looks like a high-upside QB2 or a low-priced QB1 alternative.
Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons) and Aaron Rodgers (Steelers) also flashed fantasy value and are waiver-worthy if rostered.
Running Backs (RB)
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Dylan Sampson (Browns)
Week 1 Stats: 12 carries for 29 yards, 8 receptions for 64 yards—team leader in both rushing and receiving usage.
Why Add: Sampson emerged as the primary offensive backfield option and offers steady PPR value.
Ollie Gordon (Dolphins), Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Commanders), Dameon Pierce (Texans), Kendre Miller (Saints)—all earned Week 1 touches and upside as emerging RBs in uncertain rotations.
Wide Receivers (WR)
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Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (Chiefs)
Week 1 Stats: 10 receptions on 16 targets for 99 yards. Became KC’s #1 WR with other options unavailable.
Why Add: His extensive involvement in a Patrick Mahomes offense makes him WR2-ready in fantasy lineups.
Quentin Johnston (Chargers)—79 yards, 2 TDs, UNC’s No. 2 in route share. -
Romeo Doubs (Packers) and Keenan Allen also regained form with solid Week 1 usage. All should be prioritized in deeper leagues.
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Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte, Steelers’ Calvin Austin III, Browns’ Cedric Tillman, Dolphins’ Malik Washington, Bucs’ Sterling Shepard— each posted solid target or route share in Week 1 while still <30% rostered. Worth add/drop consideration.
Tight Ends (TE)
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Juwan Johnson (Saints)
Week 1 Usage: 11 targets in a single game—rare volume for a position where targets are precious.
Why Add: He’s a potential week-winning addition in a Saints offense scrambling for passing options.
Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns)
Week 1 Usage: A rookie — grabbed 9 targets, more than starter David Njoku. Immediate TE upside if it persists.
Hunter Henry (Patriots) and Zach Ertz (Commanders) also popped as reliable, trusted pass-catchers.
Summary
| Position | Player(s) | Week 1 Highlights | Why Add Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Daniel Jones, Penix Jr., Rodgers | Strong dual-threat stats, unexpected usage | Value streamer/high-ceiling QB2 |
| RB | Dylan Sampson, Gordon, Pierce, Rod Jr., Miller | Volume early in the offense | RB depth and breakout roles |
| WR | Hollywood Brown, Johnston, Doubs, Boutte, Austin III, Tillman, Washington, Shepard | High target share, route involvement | WR needs, upside in thin positions |
| TE | Juwan Johnson, Harold Fannin Jr., Henry, Ertz | Saturated targets in Week 1 | Positional advantage via volume |
Final Take
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Daniel Jones is a quarterback value pick with weekly starter potential.
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RBs Sampson, Gordon, and others are carving roles in uncertain backfields.
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Brown, Johnston, and several low-rostered WRs are emerging as valuable flex options.
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At TE, Johnson and Fannin Jr. offer rare usage-based upside early in the season.
