Waiver Wire Gold is the name of the game as we emerge from an unpredictable Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. Fantasy football managers are already hitting the waiver wire hard, seeking to capitalize on breakout performances and shore up weaknesses exposed in their starting lineups. Among the top targets are Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, both presenting compelling cases for immediate roster additions.
Hollywood Brown: Seizing Opportunity
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s Week 1 explosion has made him the hottest waiver wire commodity at wide receiver. According to NFL.com’s initial waiver wire report on September 8, 2025, Brown saw an impressive 16 targets, hauling in 10 catches for 99 yards. This surge in production is directly attributable to injuries within the Chiefs receiving corps. Xavier Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder, and Rashee Rice remains suspended. This leaves Brown as the clear-cut top target for Patrick Mahomes, at least in the short term.
Fantasy Impact and Analysis
The absence of Worthy and Rice elevates Brown from a late-round flier to a potential WR3/Flex play in PPR formats. As noted by FantasyPros’ waiver wire rankings, Brown’s target share makes him a must-add for teams needing immediate help at wide receiver. The PressBox analysis highlights Brown as a valuable “short-term rental” with the potential to deliver consistent production while the Chiefs’ receiving room is depleted. Fantasy managers should aggressively pursue Brown, especially those who drafted Worthy or Rice and now need to fill those roster spots.
Trevor Lawrence: Poised for a Breakout
While Trevor Lawrence’s Week 1 performance wasn’t statistically overwhelming (19 of 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown, and one interception), there’s significant optimism surrounding his potential for the remainder of the season. A key factor driving this optimism is the arrival of new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. As Athlon Sports pointed out in their waiver wire recommendations, Coen’s previous success with quarterbacks, including helping Baker Mayfield achieve career-best fantasy numbers, bodes well for Lawrence’s development. The early returns in the first half of the game against the Panthers were promising, with Lawrence completing 14 of 19 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Favorable Matchup and Long-Term Potential
Lawrence’s Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals is a major reason for his inclusion on the must-add list. Sports Illustrated’s fantasy football experts describe the Bengals defense as “chronically leaky,” projecting a high-volume passing game for the Jaguars. This presents a golden opportunity for Lawrence to showcase his potential under Coen’s guidance. RotoBaller’s analysis emphasizes Lawrence’s long-term upside, suggesting that he could emerge as a reliable QB1 option as the season progresses. Michael Penix Jr. and Daniel Jones are mentioned as other potential QB pickups, but Lawrence’s situation gives him the edge.
Waiver Wire Strategy: Prioritization and FAAB Allocation
The competition for Brown and Lawrence will undoubtedly be fierce. Fantasy managers need to carefully consider their waiver wire strategy and allocate their Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) accordingly. PFF’s waiver wire breakdown advises prioritizing Brown, especially for teams lacking depth at wide receiver. Given the uncertainty surrounding Worthy’s injury and Rice’s suspension, Brown’s immediate value is undeniable. Lawrence, while not as urgent of an add, represents a valuable long-term investment at quarterback. Managers who are streaming quarterbacks or are dissatisfied with their current starter should strongly consider adding Lawrence, particularly if they have a high waiver priority. Dylan Sampson and Zach Charbonnet are also mentioned in articles, but are not as high a priority as Brown and Lawrence.
The Sporting News highlights the importance of understanding your league’s specific rules and scoring settings when making waiver wire decisions. Factors such as waiver wire order, FAAB bidding, and roster size can significantly impact the availability and cost of these players. Staying informed and acting quickly is crucial to securing these valuable assets and improving your team’s chances of success.
Conclusion
The Week 2 waiver wire is brimming with potential game-changers, with Hollywood Brown and Trevor Lawrence leading the charge. Brown’s immediate opportunity in the Chiefs’ offense makes him a must-add for teams needing wide receiver help, while Lawrence’s favorable matchup and long-term potential under Liam Coen make him a valuable quarterback investment. By strategically allocating waiver priority and FAAB, fantasy managers can significantly bolster their rosters and gain a competitive edge in the early stages of the season. The insights from various fantasy football analysis and news sources, including NFL.com, PressBox, Athlon Sports, Sports Illustrated, RotoBaller, FantasyPros, PFF, and Sporting News (all published around September 8, 2025), provide valuable guidance for making informed waiver wire decisions.
