The Top Waiver Wire Pickups of Week 2

The most valuable Week 2 waiver additions.

Sigmund Bloom's The Top Waiver Wire Pickups of Week 2 Sigmund Bloom Published 09/14/2026

Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images waiver wire

Week 1 is in the books, and that only means one thing: it's time for Week 2 waivers.

Here's a look at the big names you should be looking for this week.

This feature will be in your email every Monday night. Don't miss it or the other email features we'll be sending.

DON'T MISS OUT: Sign up for our free, daily newsletter here.

Deebo Samuel Sr. (WR-SF) 

Bid Recommendation: 20-40% of Annual FAAB Budget

Samuel might not have made as much of a Week 1 impact if wonder rookie De'Zhaun Stribling didn't go down in the first half, but once Samuel was called on to do more, he didn't look like a player in decline. He'll be a WR3/Flex play against Miami and for as long as Stribling is out - which should be at least 3-4 games. The quality of the 49ers offense only strengthens the case for picking him up.

Kalif Raymond (WR-CHI)

Bid Recommendation: 20-40% of Annual FAAB Budget

Let's not overthink this one. Yes, Rome Odunze's snaps were limited, and Raymond's role could shrink as Odunze gets healthier. Still, Raymond led the team in targets and catches, and this appears to be the #1 offense in fantasy football. We want to roster players attached to this offense. Bid a healthy chunk of your budget for Raymond, especially in PPR leagues.

Devaughn Vele (WR-NO)

Bid Recommendation: 15-30% of Annual FAAB Budget

Tyler Shough might not have that many more 400-yard games, and the Saints aren't going to have many overtime games. The Lions matchup is a good one for fantasy passing games too. Vele is still a priority pickup, given his chemistry with Shough and head coach Kellen Moore's endorsement of him this offseason. He should be considered a WR3/Flex play, especially in PPR leagues.

Kaelon Black (RB-SF)

Bid Recommendation: 10-20% of Annual FAAB Budget

Christian McCaffrey was battling cramps during Week 1, and the 49ers are going to be smart about his load, but it was still a very impressive showing for Black, who is the clear #2 back and might even have matchup flex value while McCaffrey is healthy. If McCaffrey goes down, Black could have at least the RB2 value that Jordan Mason had at the head of the 49ers' running game.

Tyler Shough (QB-NO)

Bid Recommendation: 7-15% of Annual FAAB Budget

Shough was having a rough afternoon until the second half, when he and the Saints offense came alive to almost pull off the biggest comeback in team history in overtime. The Lions defense overachieved for more than a half, and then fell apart. The Ravens defense will be a tougher matchup for Shough in Week 2, but home games against Las Vegas and Atlanta in Weeks 3 and 4 could be fantasy spot-start-worthy for Shough. The Saints schedule is favorable. As long as Chris Olave stays healthy, Shough could level off as a low-end QB1 in fantasy, so be aggressive if you are looking at Justin Herbert or otherwise a poor QB1 showing and want to bolster your bench.

Pat Freiermuth (TE-PIT)

Bid Recommendation: 7-15% of Annual FAAB Budget

Freiermuth caught all five of his targets for 46 yards and a score, and he got two red zone chances compared to zero for the Steelers wide receivers. Aaron Rodgers was gushing about Freiermuth's camp performance, and we know relationships matter more in Rodgers' offense than most others. If you need tight end help, Freiermuth is the best option that is likely available on your waiver wire.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

More by Sigmund Bloom

 

Cutdown Day News You Need to Know

Sigmund Bloom

Sigmund Bloom tells you all of the important news from the chaos of roster cutdown day and why it matters for fantasy football

08/27/25 Read More
 

Buy Low, Sell High: Week 1

Sigmund Bloom

Players to get in on and get out of before the Week 1 reveal.

09/10/26 Read More
 

Week 1 Offensive Sleepers

Sigmund Bloom

Providing you with the best under-the-radar picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end for when you have to dig deeper to set your lineup.

09/10/26 Read More
 

Week 1 Running Back Tiers

Sigmund Bloom

Breaking down this week's running back tiers to help guide your starting lineup decisions.

09/10/26 Read More
 

Week 1 Tight End Tiers

Sigmund Bloom

Breaking down this week's tight end tiers to help guide your starting lineup decisions.

09/10/26 Read More
 

Week 1 Wide Receiver Tiers

Sigmund Bloom

Breaking down this week's wide receiver tiers to help guide your starting lineup decisions.

09/10/26 Read More