Week 2 Fantasy Football Rankings, Projections and Waiver-Wire Tips

Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season has already brought about monster performances, colossal disappointments and everything in between.

We aren't here to reflect on what's happened, though. Because in the world of fantasy football, it's all about looking forward.

To help you do exactly that, we'll lay out our Week 2 rankings at the marquee positions, along with waiver-wire targets (and projections for them) at each spot.

Quarterback

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Top 10

1. Josh Allen, BUF (vs. DET)
2. Lamar Jackson, BAL (vs. NO)
3. Jayden Daniels, WAS (at DAL)
4. Joe Burrow, CIN (at HOU)
5. Drake Maye, NE (vs. PIT)
6. Caleb Williams, CHI (vs. MIN)
7. Brock Purdy, SF (vs. MIA)
8. Jalen Hurts, PHI (vs. WAS)
9. Trevor Lawrence, JAX (at DEN)
10. Dake Prescott, DAL (vs. WAS)

Waiver-wire target: Tyler Shough, NO (at BAL)

Volume is a coveted commodity on the waiver wire, and few passers will exit Week 1 offering more than Shough. He was active early and often in New Orleans' overtime loss to Detroit, hoisting 56 throws and connecting on 35 of them for 410 yards and three touchdowns. He wasn't super efficient (two interceptions and five sacks), but with volume like this, he may not have to be.

Projected stats: 27-of-40 for 278 yards, two touchdowns, one interception

Running Back

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Top 10

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (at BUF)
2. Bijan Robinson, ATL (vs. CAR)
3. Christian McCaffrey, SF (vs. MIA)
4. Jonathan Taylor, IND (at KC)
5. James Cook III, BUF (vs. DET)
6. Saquon Barkley, PHI (at TEN)
7. Derrick Henry, BAL (vs. NO)
8. De'Von Achane, MIA (at SF)
9. Omarion Hampton, LAC (vs. LVR)
10. Kenneth Walker III, KC (vs. IND)

Waiver-wire target: Kaelon Black, SF (vs. MIA)

Black might be optimized as a McCaffrey handcuff, but given San Francisco's apparent intent to lighten the veteran's workload, Black might have legitimate standalone value. Especially in a favorable matchup that could have the Niners up big early. The rookie third-rounder had 14 carries for 65 yards and a five-yard reception in San Francisco's season-opener.

Projected stats: 13 carries for 71 yards and one touchdown, two receptions for 13 yards

Wide Receiver

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Top 10

1. Puka Nacua, LAR (vs. NYG)
2. Ja'Marr Chase, CIN (at HOU)
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (at ARI)
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (at BUF)
5. Justin Jefferson, MIN (at CHI)
6. CeeDee Lamb, DAL (vs. WAS)
7. Drake London, ATL (vs. CAR)
8. Nico Collins, HOU (vs. CIN)
9. Zay Flowers, BAL (vs. NO)
10. Chris Olave, NO (at BAL)

Waiver-wire target: Devaughn Vele, NO (at BAL)

This Saints' passing offense looks like one you'll want exposure to, and it should make Vele a priority target this week. He saw nine targets on Sunday and turned them into seven receptions for 69 yards and a score. With Jordyn Tyson on injured reserve, Vele is positioned to make some early noise as the No. 2 receiver.

Projected stats: Six receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown