Week 1 Waivers

Yes, you just finished your draft, and no your team isn’t perfect. You should always be aware of the waiver wire and the players available. They may even become key pieces of your lineup … in two minutes or less.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX), 33.7% owned on ESPN

Lawrence posted a career-best 7.2 yards per attempt last year. But he's never finished as a Top-12 fantasy QB and was shut down after 10 games. So the real bet is on Liam Coen, who just turned Baker Mayfield into a Top-10 QB while leading the NFL in EPA/play on screens. Now Coen inherits a healthier Lawrence with Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter as weapons. Jacksonville’s offense ranked 26th in scoring last year, but the system change is real, and Lawrence’s 3.2 rushing points per game gives him more ceiling than you think. So if you’re lacking at QB after your draft, Lawrence is an excellent addition.

Hollywood Brown (KC), 39.7% owned on ESPN

Brown missed most of last season, but he saw a 29% target rate and 28% air yards share when he returned in Week 16. Those would have ranked Top-10 usage across WRs. But he failed to score and totaled just 141 yards in that stretch, still recovering from his August shoulder injury. So with Rashee Rice about to miss games due ot suspension and Travis Kelce nearing 36, Brown enters 2025 as a potential WR2 in one of the highest red zone pass rate attacks in football. He’s streaky, but the usage is there. And early-season opportunity is wide open in KC. So he’s the most dangerous FLEX on waivers.

Bhayshul Tuten (JAX), 38.7% owned on ESPN

Bhayshul Tuten ran a 4.32 forty and posted a class-best 10.3 yards per carry after the line. But just 35% of his runs came between the tackles, and 22.4% gained nothing: both Bottom-3 rates in the class. So he’s not polished, and that’s why he’s available on waivers. But he is fast, and now he’s paired with Liam Coen, the screen-game architect who turned Bucky Irving into a playoff weapon. With Etienne in a contract year and Bigsby lacking a receiving profile, Tuten could carve out explosive touches fast. So he’s a perfect upside waiver dart in builds that could use some RB reinforcement.

Hunter Henry (NE), 40.7% owned on ESPN

Henry set career highs in targets, catches, and yards, and still finished as TE12 despite scoring just twice. But he led the team in red zone and end zone targets. So the TD regression is coming. So with a 21% target share in Drake Maye’s 10 healthy games, and Josh McDaniels back in a TE-friendly system, Henry becomes a locked-in streamer with real top-15 potential. So if you punted tight end, he’s the safest plug on waivers.

Adam Thielen (MIN), 47.4% owned on ESPN

Thielen ranked 12th in receptions and yards over the final 6 weeks of 2024. But he’s 35 now, and was just traded back to Minnesota, where he’ll open as the presumed third option. So with Jordan Addison suspended and Thielen averaging 15+ points in 4 of his last 7 games, he’s an instant FLEX option in an offense that’s shown Top-5 pass rate potential under Kevin O’Connell. So he’s your early-season patch if for Addison’s suspension.

So it’s never too early to improve your team. Look for these guys on waivers today… As promised, in two minutes or less.

Over 12,000 players used this to prep last season. My 2025 Draft Kit is open now, but only a few dozen spots are available this year. I’m keeping it limited so I can give members my full attention.

See you tomorrow,

-Joe