Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers
Rostered: 51%
Coker has been on the radar since he left Holy Cross, and 2025 showed a clear uptick in his NFL involvement. In Week 1, he delivered a standout performance with eight receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns. That game highlighted Coker as the Panthers’ clear second option in the passing game behind the primary target. While it’s unlikely he repeats a 138-yard, multi-touchdown effort every week, Coker’s current role could support consistent fantasy production, especially if the top option misses time. He’s currently dealing with an ankle injury but the Panthers have indicated it won’t sideline him. If he’s healthy, Coker should be at the top of your waiver priorities, offering upside as a weekly target in a Panthers offense that can generate big plays.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints
Rostered: 52%
Tight end remains a scarce scarcity in fantasy, and Johnson may be the best available option on waivers this week. He delivered a strong 2025 performance with solid receiving efficiency when Tyler Shough was under center, and his Week 1 box score—three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown on seven targets—continues to illustrate his potential as a reliable TE option. In a position often lacking depth, Johnson’s combination of target volume and red-zone opportunity makes him a highly valuable add, particularly for teams in need of stabilization at tight end. If you use a FAAB budget, consider allocating a meaningful portion to secure him, as he has top-10 upside if he stays healthy and consistently involved in the Saints’ passing game.
Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
Rostered: 47%
Shough remains a compelling streamer or even a solid roster safety net for managers seeking a quarterback with top-12 upside. Despite a rough start, he finished Week 1 with an impressive stat line: 410 passing yards and three touchdowns. A notable note is that his second-half output was historically strong—he outpaced most quarterbacks in that span. The Saints’ offense, under favorable scheduling and with more time to gel, has shown it can hum at a high level. If you’re hunting for a quarterback upgrade on waivers, Shough represents a strong buy-low/hold target who could anchor your team as the season progresses.
Kaelon Black, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Rostered: 15%
Black is one of the most valuable handcuffs in fantasy football this season. As Christian McCaffrey’s primary backup, he provides essential depth and an obvious path to meaningful touches if McCaffrey were to miss time. In Week 1, Black logged 14 rushing attempts for 65 yards and even out-carried McCaffrey (14 to 10) in that game. While it’s unlikely he maintains a higher carry count than McCaffrey on a regular basis, Black’s role in a potent 49ers offense makes him a high-upside asset. Targeting him now, even with modest FAAB, can pay off big if the injury bug hits the backfield.
Devaughn Vele, WR, New Orleans Saints
Rostered: 13%
Vele is best viewed as a short-term option but one with clear upside in the near term. With Jordyn Tyson sidelined for multiple weeks, Vele operates as the Saints’ WR2 behind Chris Olave and is a frequent target in a pass-happy system. In Week 1, he saw nine targets, catching seven for 69 yards and a touchdown. He was decisive in big moments, showing trust with quarterback Tyler Shough in the red zone. While Tyson’s return will cap his long-term value, Vele is a viable plug-and-play for managers needing immediate help at receiver or for those who own Olave and want a piece of the Saints’ prolific aerial attack in the short term.
Caleb Douglas, WR, Miami Dolphins
Rostered: 16%
Douglas impressed in his NFL debut, leading the Dolphins with five receptions for 94 yards. Drafted in the third round, alongside Chris Bell, Douglas is starting to carve out a role in a changing Dolphins offense. Although the overall offensive production is expected to be inconsistent, adding a WR1-caliber talent on a team can yield weekly upside through volume and big-play potential. Douglas is a differentiator stash who could become a productive contributor during the season if the offense clicks.
Mack Hollins, WR, New England Patriots
Rostered: 1%
Hollins stepped up when A.J. Brown was sidelined and emerged as a reliable target, catching four passes for 51 yards in Week 1. He could continue to see a solid target share with Drake Maye at quarterback, offering a dependable floor as a weekly role player. If Brown remains out or struggles early, Hollins could seize the opportunity and hold significant value for managers needing a steady producer at receiver.
Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders
Rostered: 2%
Williams showed promise in Week 1 as a slot option who could secure a meaningful role in Washington’s offense. The Clemson product led Commanders receivers with four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, including a notable acrobatic catch. He flashed the ability to contribute as a primary slot option, and with continued opportunities, could become a relevant weekly contributor. For managers seeking a low-cost, high-upside waiver pickup at receiver, Williams is a compelling target.
Bottom line
Week 1 produced several surprise standouts who can be viable contributors moving forward. When evaluating these waiver options, consider each player’s health status, role clarity, and the remaining schedule. Prioritize players with clear roles and a path to increased targets, especially in offenses that have shown willingness to throw the ball or deploy multiple receiving options. Those eight players—Jalen Coker, Juwan Johnson, Tyler Shough, Kaelon Black, Devaughn Vele, Caleb Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Antonio Williams—represent strong upside adds for fantasy rosters needing a lift after Week 1.
Note: This summary focuses on players who were under 60% rostered and who flashed potential in Week 1. Always verify current injuries and depth chart changes before making a waiver claim.
