Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice for Preseason Sleepers Who May Be Available

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is underway, but there's still time to scour the waiver wire for value.

Finding said value in Week 1 can be tricky, since we simply don't know what roles await rookies and less-established veterans. However, this doesn't mean we can't identify possible Week 1 sleepers and/or players who will become popular targets in the coming weeks.

Sometimes, the best way to win the waiver game is to land a player before his breakout week.

Let's examine some of the top targets likely to be available ahead of Friday night's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Most managers have, presumably, settled on a starting quarterback they plan to trust throughout the season. However, those taking a streaming approach—or simply unhappy with their backup situation—should consider adding Trevor Lawrence now.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signal-caller hasn't played up to his status as a No. 1 overall pick yet. However, new head coach Liam Coen is expected to help the 25-year-old develop, while rookie receiver Travis Hunter is expected to aid him in production.

Lawrence has a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina ranked 30th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season and dead last in passing touchdowns allowed.

There's a good chance that Lawrence puts up strong numbers on Sunday. If so, he's likely to be a popular Week 2 waiver target. Currently, he's rostered in just 51 percent of Yahoo leagues and 36 percent of ESPN leagues.

Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson remains the backup to fantasy star James Conner. However, the second-year player could see a significantly increased role this season.

The Cardinals, at least, are hoping to see that Year 2 jump.

"I think Trey's gonna take a step, I do," head coach Jonathan Gannon said, per Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic.

Benson may have some low-end flex value in Week 1. Conner should get the bulk of the backfield work, but against a suspect New Orleans Saints defense, both backs could have highlight plays. New Orleans ranked 31st in both rushing yards and yards per carry allowed last season.

And if the Cardinals get out to an early lead, they may use Benson heavily to help close out the game. At worst, he's a high-end handcuff still available in nearly 50 percent of ESPN leagues and 60 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Joshua Palmer, WR, Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

There's no sugarcoating it. Week 1 is bringing a tough matchup for Buffalo Bills wide receivers. The Baltimore Ravens defense struggled last season but saw growth late in the year. It also added Jaire Alexander, Chidobe Awuzie and Malaki Starks.

This doesn't mean, however, that managers should take a long look at new Bills receiver Joshua Palmer. The former Los Angeles Chargers pass-catcher is set to start for Buffalo and could quickly become one of Josh Allen's favorite targets.

Many fans seem to expect a Year 2 breakout from Keon Coleman, but there's a non-zero chance that Palmer sees a massive jump instead. In any case, a starting receiver playing with the reigning MVP should probably be on more benches.

Palmer is rostered in just 26 percent of Yahoo leagues and 13 percent of ESPN leagues. He may not have big numbers against the Ravens, but a substantial target share will earn him waiver-wire attention in Week 2.

Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Managers are rarely looking to add a starting-caliber tight end this early in the season, but it never hurts to address depth. Jaguars pass-catcher Brenton Strange could prove to be a fine depth player in 2025—if not a starter himself.

Strange is taking over for the departed Evan Engram as Jacksonville's TE1. He caught 40 passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns last season and could conceivably double those numbers this season—if Lawrence stays healthy and Coen's offense is successful.

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator in 2024, Coen helped Cade Otton to a 59-catch, 600-yard season.

Strange should have a chance to shine early against a Panthers defense that surrendered the most (tied) fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2024. He's rostered in just 22 percent of Yahoo leagues and 19 percent of ESPN leagues.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.