The farther we get into the 2026 NFL season, the more fantasy managers need Waiver Wire Wonders. Because the injuries this year have been injurious to our chances at fantasy glory.
Injuries happen every year, of course, but it certainly feels like this season is worse than most in that regard. Per ESPN's Bill Barnwell, there have been more starting quarterbacks felled to this point in the season than in any season in the 21st century. Saquon Barkley is the latest big-name running back to go down after injuring his hamstring just a couple of touches into last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
At wide receiver, the list of players who were either already injured or got hurt in Week 4 is equal parts long and depressing. The Cincinnati Bengals lost both Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (abductor) in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders pulled his hamstring in practice last week and was a scratch in London. DJ Moore of the Buffalo Bills (shoulder) and Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs (hamstring) both left their games early. So did Ladd McConkey of the Los Angeles Chargers (foot).
That's without even mentioning the wideouts who were already hurt. It's enough to make you want to hire a personal injury lawyer and sue…someone.
All those injuries have ravaged fantasy squads. Rosters have more holes in them than a block of Emmentaler. Fantasy managers are desperate to find productive players they can use to fill those holes—and that's where Waiver Wire Wonders here at Footballguys comes in.
Each week during the 2026 season, we will be building a "lineup" (1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX) consisting of players who are available in over 50 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. Will those players single-handedly win you a matchup? Probably not.
But right now, it's less about week-winners than warm bodies.
Week 2 Waiver Wire Wonders
QB Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh (6.5 Percent Rostered)
The good news for Rodgers and the Steelers is that the 42-year-old has thrown for at least 290 yards and three touchdowns in each of the past two games. The bad news is that his completion percentage of 57.5 is easily the worst of his career. Per Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, Rodgers' up-and-down play is a combination of age and a so-so supporting cast.
"Rodgers is trying to ride off into the sunset of a championship season," he said. "He can still get the job done, but he's an aging gunslinger who's not as quick or deadly as he once was. At the same time, his posse isn't helping matters. The Steelers' wide receiver struggle mightily to create separation and provide Rodgers with available targets. As a result, the Steelers are failing to build any consistency within their offense."
This week presents Rodgers and the Steelers with a golden get-right opportunity in the form of a home matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. The Indianapolis defense has struggled in a big way this season—the Colts are 29th in the league in pass defense and have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.