Week 2 fantasy football waiver wire must-adds

There were plenty of letdowns and injuries to go around in Week 1 of the NFL season. Every Tuesday, we will dive into a handful of the top fantasy football pickups available that week and why they could be of value for fantasy owners looking to give their teams an extra boost.

Here are the top waiver wire adds for Week 2:

1. Gus Edwards, RB, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have already made it known they’re going to replace J.K. Dobbins from within the organization, and Edwards, who’s rostered in just 21.4% of ESPN fantasy leagues, is a prime candidate to see his workload drastically surge. 

Edwards has averaged 5.2 yards per carry over his career, so he if approaches the 200-carry mark, he should also be close to reaching 1,000 yards. Justice Hill, who had two touchdowns last week, may take away some scoring opportunities in the red zone, but Edwards has upside as an RB2 or a flex for owners looking for a boost in the backfield.

2. Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Rostered in 43.6% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Allgeier would be a steal of an add, especially if the Falcons split the touches between him and Bijan Robinson like they did in Week 1. Robinson’s explosiveness and game-breaking ability give him a higher upside as a receiver out of the backfield, and the bulk of Allgeier’s touches could come from handoffs. 

It’s clear Atlanta is a run-first team, which means Allgeier should still be a big factor in the Falcons offense, regardless of his role. He’s definitely worthy of adding as a possible flex starter from here on out.

3. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers

Many were likely shocked to see Love had a more efficient debut start than both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers did. He threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns without Christian Watson in the lineup, and one would think he’ll only get better when he has his full complement of weapons, which also include Aaron Jones, Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave and Romeo Doubs.

Rostered in just 15.8% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Love could make an excellent option off the bench during a bye week or he could be worth a gamble as a QB1, depending on how bad your QB situation is.

4. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Based on head coach Sean McVay’s post-game comments, it sure sounds like Nacua will be featured prominently in the Rams passing attack this year, especially with Cooper Kupp out until at least Week 5. 

Rostered in 2.3% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Nacua is worth taking a flier on for anyone waiting on Kupp, Jerry Jeudy, Christian Watson, Jakobi Meyers or Diontae Johnson to come back from their respective injuries.

5. Hayden Hurst, TE, Carolina Panthers

Hurst was Carolina’s most-targeted pass catcher in Week 1 (seven), and he led the team in receptions (five) and yards (51) and caught the Panthers' only touchdown of the game. Rookie QB Bryce Young is still getting his legs under him in a new offense, and Hurst appears to be his security blanket. Rostered in 4.8% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Hurst is a strong add as a TE2 or a possible flex starter.

6. Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rice caught three passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, and he was tied with Kadarius Toney and Noah Gray for the team lead in targets. Rostered in 30% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Rice might be worth adding to stash on your bench for later in the season if Toney and Skyy Moore can’t work through their case of the drops.

Honorable mention: Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers; Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams; Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams; Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers; Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions; Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots