Waiver Wire Gems: Top Week 1 Pickups to Supercharge Your Fantasy Football Team

Waiver Wire Gems: Top Week 1 Pickups to Supercharge Your Fantasy Football Team

The 2025 NFL season is upon us, and for fantasy football enthusiasts, that means it’s time to fine-tune those rosters and set your sights on a championship. While the draft is crucial, the waiver wire is where savvy managers can truly make a difference. Injuries, unexpected breakouts, and shifting team dynamics can all create opportunities to snag valuable players who can propel your team to the top.

Remember last year when De’Von Achane and Puka Nacua emerged as Week 1 waiver wire stars? Identifying those hidden gems can be the difference between a good season and a great one. So, let’s dive into some potential waiver wire heroes who could be available in your league and ready to make an impact in Week 1.

Quarterbacks: Finding a Diamond in the Rough

  • Bo Nix (QB, Denver Broncos): Landing with Sean Payton in Denver is a dream scenario for the rookie. While dominant stats might not be immediate, Nix has the potential to be a reliable QB2 in deeper leagues. His accuracy and decision-making could make him a sneaky pickup, especially if you’re looking for a solid backup or streaming option. Some analysts believe Nix is being slept on and could be a special player.

  • Drake Maye (QB, New England Patriots): Maye possesses the potential to become a top fantasy quarterback in his second year. If the Patriots bolster their offensive line and add more weapons in the passing game, keep a close watch on Maye’s progress. In 10 healthy starts last year, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, showcasing his ability to score over 21 fantasy points in five games. His rushing ability further enhances his fantasy value.

Running Backs: The Key to a Championship

  • Jaleel McLaughlin (RB, Denver Broncos): Even with Javonte Williams still in the picture, McLaughlin could carve out a significant role. Last season, he averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry, exceeding both Williams and the now-departed Samaje Perine. With Perine gone, McLaughlin could see increased usage in passing situations, boosting his PPR value.

  • Jordan Mason (RB, San Francisco 49ers): With Elijah Mitchell out for the season, Mason becomes the clear No. 2 behind Christian McCaffrey. Given McCaffrey’s heavy workload and injury history, Mason is a must-add lottery ticket. If McCaffrey were to miss time, Mason could become a league-winning pickup.

  • Ray Davis (RB, Buffalo Bills): The Bills’ offense may be shifting towards a more run-heavy approach, and Davis could be a key part of that. He’s a talented pass-catcher and could either supplement James Cook or take over the lead role if Cook were to get injured.

Wide Receivers: Unearthing a Breakout Star

  • Jalen McMillan (WR, Los Angeles Rams): With the Rams potentially trading Cooper Kupp in the offseason and other receivers like DeMarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell becoming free agents, McMillan could see a significant boost in targets. He’s got a good rapport with the quarterback and could emerge as a valuable fantasy asset.

  • Marvin Mims Jr. (WR, Denver Broncos): Mims started showing promise towards the end of last season, and he could be poised for a breakout year in 2025. He’s a speed threat that the Broncos desperately need, and he could become a reliable target for Bo Nix.

  • Jayden Reed (WR, Green Bay Packers): Despite the hype surrounding the Packers’ offense, Reed seems to be flying under the radar. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns as a rookie in 2023. Over the second half of the season, he was a top-25 fantasy wideout, making him a potential steal on the waiver wire.

  • Jordan Whittington (WR, Los Angeles Rams): With Cooper Kupp potentially on the move, Whittington could find himself in a prime position to contribute. Keep an eye on his development during training camp.

Tight Ends: Finding a Reliable Target

  • Greg Dulcich (TE, Denver Broncos): Dulcich has been generating buzz in training camp and could emerge as a key target for Bo Nix. He’s got the potential for a breakout performance, especially against teams that struggle to cover tight ends.

Waiver Wire Strategy: Be Proactive and Informed

The waiver wire is a dynamic environment, and success requires a proactive and informed approach. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay on top of the news: Monitor injuries, depth chart changes, and team strategies to identify potential opportunities.
  • Know your league’s rules: Understand your league’s waiver wire process, including the order and how often it resets.
  • Don’t be afraid to drop players: Be willing to cut underperforming players to make room for potential upgrades.
  • Prioritize upside: Focus on players with the potential to become starters or key contributors, even if they’re unproven.

By staying informed and acting decisively, you can use the waiver wire to transform your fantasy football team into a true contender. Good luck, and may your waiver wire pickups lead you to a championship!