So your fantasy drafts are in the books − perhaps some of them a long time ago − and you're noticing a few holes in your roster you didn't expect you'd have on draft day.
With the start of Week 1 close at hand, many fantasy leagues will have one last opportunity to pick up free agents before the season begins. So don't waste this opportunity!
There could be several useful players still available on the waiver wire who can step right into your starting lineup ... or give you much needed insurance for your questionable starters.
Let's dig in to some of the possibilities.
Week 1 fantasy football players to add
Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here include their availability rates in Yahoo leagues, which may or may not match rates on
other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)
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RB MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers (74%)
In the event your draft took place before running back Josh Jacobs was put on the Commissioner's Exempt List, Lloyd is probably not available to pick up. But he could have a lengthy run as a starter due to Jacobs' off-field issues. The only problem is that Lloyd has had major problems staying healthy, missing all but one game in the two seasons he's been in the league. Christopher Brooks could also be a possible pickup for depth purposes. (FAAB bid: $35)
RB Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals (48%)
The Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love third overall to be their do-everything back. Unfortunately, he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the middle of draft season and may not be ready for Week 1. Even if he does make it back, the veteran Allgeier is a capable fill-in whenever needed. He may even get goal-line work throughout the season like he did in Atlanta. (FAAB bid: $20)
RB Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders (56%)
A similar situation could be happening in Vegas, where Ashton Jeanty went down with an ankle injury a couple weeks ago. For those who drafted early, this could be your one last chance to grab your bellcow's handcuff (err ... hoofcuff?). Washington has the size and speed to be a useful contributor. (FAAB bid: $17)
WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers (59%)
Coker was one of the deep sleepers I touted during draft season. One reason is his late-season surge last year when he caught TD passes in four of his last six games. He's the clear No. 2 receiving target in the Panthers offense. (FAAB bid: $10)
WR Ja'Kobi Lane, Baltimore Ravens (19%)
An even deeper sleeper, Lane was taken in the third round of the 2026 draft to give the Ravens some more size on the outside. He could be an even more important part of the offense with No. 2 receiver Rashod Bateman facing charges from an alleged domestic violence incident over the summer. (FAAB bid: $7)
RB Najee Harris, New York Giants (9%)
The veteran signed with the Giants late in training camp as a hedge against starter Cam Skattebo's health questions following offseason ankle surgery. Although head coach John Harbaugh loves to establish the run, backup Tyrone Tracy seems to have fallen out of favor with the new coaching staff. That could open up playing time for Harris. (FAAB bid: $6)
WR Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants (3%)
This new coaching staff seems to have something for elder statesmen. The former Giants star is back on the team's roster after playing a season for Harbaugh in Baltimore in 2023. He sat out all of last season though, so it remains to be seen if the 33-year-old can rekindle the magic he once displayed in his prime. (FAAB bid: $3)
TE Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams (24%)
Another potential deep sleeper, Ferguson's ability to play many different roles earned his praise from coach Sean McVay earlier in the preseason. An athletic 6-5, 252-pounder, he averaged 21 yards per catch last season and scored three touchdowns. (FAAB bid: $3)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football waiver wire: 8 players to add for NFL Week 1
