10 Week-2 Waiver Wire Stashes to Target (2025)

On September 6, 2025, fantasy managers should consider adding these 10 low-rostered players to their benches ahead of Week 2 to exploit favorable matchups and roster turnover.

Key Takeaways

• Target players with low rostership who face soft Week 2 defenses or have clearer roles after preseason — examples include Trevor Lawrence (51%) and Brenton Strange (21%).
• Quarterbacks with favorable early schedules (Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa) can pay off in short‑term streaming leagues.
• Rookie and depth running backs (Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Trey Benson) are worth stashing for increased usage down the line.
• Hands‑heavy pass catchers (Woody Marks, Rashod Bateman, Adam Thielen) offer weekly floor in PPR formats.
• Tight ends with emerging roles (Chig Okonkwo, Brenton Strange) merit pickup when rostership is under 40%.
• Use Yahoo rostership as a guide (large sample) but verify availability in your specific league.

Verified Facts

This list highlights 10 players who, as of the Week 1/Week 2 transition in the 2025 NFL season, were rostered in a relatively small share of Yahoo leagues but present short‑term or upside value. Roster percentages cited below are Yahoo rostership figures referenced in the original analysis.

Trevor Lawrence opens against Carolina in Week 1 and then the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2; the Panthers were among the worst teams in pass‑defense DVOA last season. The article notes Lawrence has yet to throw 25 touchdowns in a single NFL season but now operates under offensive coach Liam Coen, whose recent work with Baker Mayfield was credited for a late‑career uptick.

Tua Tagovailoa ranked third in pass attempts per game (36.3) in games he played last season; Miami’s early slate (Colts Week 1, Patriots Week 2) suggests volume opportunities, and the Dolphins showed higher fantasy outputs from players like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane when Tua was on the field.

Cleveland’s running back room includes Quinshon Judkins (48% rostered) and Dylan Sampson (47%); both are mentioned as potential long‑term assets behind Jerome Ford depending on how the Browns deploy their backfield. Trey Benson (39%) could see an increased role against Carolina, a team that allowed the most fantasy points to RBs in 2024.

Context & Impact

Matchup context drives most of these recommendations: several targets face defenses that were among the league’s weaker units against the pass or run last year. Managers can gain an edge by adding players before they clear waivers rather than competing after a breakout Week 1 performance.

Coaching and role clarity also matter — Jacksonville’s offensive staff turnover and Houston’s offensive‑line changes are highlighted as factors that could change a player’s usage and fantasy value quickly.

For veteran receivers, the piece stresses stability and floor. Rashod Bateman had a career‑high receiving yardage in 2024 within a top offense and should provide reliable volume; Adam Thielen’s short‑term value is boosted by Jordan Addison’s three‑game suspension and his consistent target profile.

Official Statements

“If I’m Baltimore, I actually go pretty heavy 11 personnel and you’re attacking them through the air with Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers.”

NFL on ESPN (paraphrased from broadcast)

Unconfirmed

• Reports that Quinshon Judkins remained unsigned after legal matters disrupted his training camp are reported in some coverage but not uniformly verified; treat that as unconfirmed.
• Training‑camp depth charts (e.g., Elic Ayomanor beating out Van Jefferson) were reported in camp notes but may change once the regular season progresses.

Bottom Line

If you need upside or a safe PPR floor for Week 2, these 10 players offer a mix of immediate matchup value and longer‑term upside. Use rostership figures to prioritize likely available players and consider your league’s scoring and roster needs before adding.

Sources

• FantasyPros — Week 2 waiver wire roundup
• Yahoo Fantasy rostership data
• ESPN / NFL coverage (broadcast reference)