Fantasy Football: Top waiver wire targets for Week 2

The 2026 NFL season officially commenced, prompting fantasy football managers to begin searching for potential additions on the waiver wire. Following a thrilling Week 1 filled with high-scoring games and fantasy stars making an impact, there are several names worth monitoring on the waiver wire for Week 2. Since bye weeks don't begin until Week 2, managers don't have to worry about them at this time.

Any updates on changes will be provided throughout the day on Monday. The following are the top waiver wire pickups for Week 2 in fantasy football, in no particular order:

1. QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (14% rostered): Young started his campaign strongly despite a loss, registering 33.4 fantasy points. With a 23-of-37 completion rate, 361 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, Young is a strong QB3 option for managers in need of quarterback help.

2. QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (40% rostered): As one of the fastest-paced teams in the league, Shough enters Monday night as the QB4 after a solid performance in the opener. With a high volume of passing attempts, Shough has the potential to be a success story in fantasy.

3. RB Kaelon Black, San Francisco 49ers (27% rostered): Rookie third-round pick Black had an explosive debut, rushing for 65 yards on 14 carries. While McCaffrey remains the starter, Black is the clear backup and a valuable piece to add to the 49ers' bench.

4. RB George Holani, Seattle Seahawks (4% rostered): Holani, a first-round pick, had four fewer routes than the starter, Jadarian Price, but still managed to show up with six receptions on seven targets. He can be a valuable addition to the end of the bench while Zach Charbonnet recovers.

5. WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (49% rostered): Returning from injury, Samuel is expected to have a significant role in Kyle Shanahan's offense. With a high volume of routes run and targets, Samuel could be a WR3/Flex option for managers.

6. WR Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins (12% rostered): As one of the top rookies in the league, Douglas has a clear role in the Dolphins' offense. With five receptions for 94 yards on seven targets, he offers big-play potential and WR3/Flex appeal.

7. WR Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints (7% rostered): As the clear No. 2 wide receiver behind Chris Olave, Vele had seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown in the opener. With the Saints running plays at an extremely high rate, Vele should have strong WR12 potential.

8. TE Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders (26% rostered): If Brock Bowers misses Week 2 due to injury, Mayer could be a solid tight end option. With six receptions on seven targets and a high volume of routes run, Mayer provides a reliable floor for those in need of tight end help.