Best Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups After Week 2

The fantasy football waiver wire is starting to take shape after two weeks of the 2026 NFL season.

While some Week 1 breakouts have already become difficult to acquire, Week 2 provided another group of players who saw their roles grow because of injuries, increased usage, or impressive production.

Fantasy managers should prioritize players whose opportunities appear sustainable rather than simply chasing the biggest Week 2 box scores. 

Here are the best fantasy football waiver wire pickups following Week 2.

Week 2 fantasy waiver wire: best pickups

Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos

Jonah Coleman is one of the biggest waiver-wire priorities following Week 2. The rookie stepped into a much larger role for Denver after injuries to J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey and responded with 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, along with three receptions for 19 yards. Coleman also led the Broncos' running backs in snaps. 

The biggest factor is his potential opportunity. If Dobbins and Harvey remain sidelined, Coleman could see a significant workload against the Rams in Week 3. He's worth adding in all leagues where he's available.

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens

Rashod Bateman turned in one of the most important performances for fantasy managers in Week 2, catching seven passes for 88 yards and a touchdown against the Saints. 

Bateman's opportunity is especially intriguing because Baltimore entered the game dealing with injuries at wide receiver. If Zay Flowers continues to miss time, Bateman could remain heavily involved in Lamar Jackson's passing attack. He's a priority addition for teams needing wide receiver help.

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers

Bryce Young is no longer just a one-week streaming option. After throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns against Atlanta in Week 2, Young now has six touchdown passes and just one interception through the first two games. 

The Panthers' offense has looked much more fantasy-friendly than expected, and Young has shown enough consistency to warrant consideration as a weekly starter in favorable matchups. He's particularly valuable for managers dealing with quarterback injuries.

Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Chargers

The tight end position remains difficult to navigate, making Oronde Gadsden II an interesting waiver target. Gadsden caught two passes for 18 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 after recording two catches for 32 yards in the opener. He now has four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown through two games. 

Gadsden isn't yet seeing enough volume to be considered a locked-in starter, but his receiving ability gives him upside if his role continues to grow.

Emmett Johnson, RB, Chiefs

Emmett Johnson is another running back worth stashing, particularly for managers looking for upside at the position. The rookie has 10 carries for 39 yards and four receptions for 64 yards through two games. His receiving ability gives him value even behind Kenneth Walker, while an injury to Walker would dramatically increase Johnson's workload.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also mentioned that he's looking to get Johnson more involved to take some of the workload off Walker.

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