Week 2 Waiver Wire: Best Pickups & Sleepers for FAAB

The second week of the NFL season opens new waiver wire opportunities. This guide highlights four high‑upside players—Malik Willis, Kendre Miller, Alvin Kamara, and Mack Hollins—providing FAAB budgets, PPR projections, and strategic context for fantasy managers.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:06:21 GMT

The 2026 NFL season’s second week brings fresh drama to the waiver wire, especially for leagues that employ a free‑agent acquisition budget (FAAB). While many managers clear their waivers after the first week, competitive squads are still hunting for value, and the latest data shows several players who slipped past the initial wave yet carry significant upside. Below we break down four standout options, explain why they’re worth a low‑budget bid, and give Week 2 PPR projections to help you decide where to allocate your dollars.

Malik Willis – Miami Dolphins Quarterback

Malik Willis stepped into the Dolphins’ starting role after a Week 1 loss, delivering a solid performance that included 220 passing yards, 39 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. His dual‑threat ability provides a reliable floor for fantasy managers who need a flexible option. The matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, a defense that excelled in Week 1, does temper expectations, but Willis remains a low‑budget play. He is currently rostered in only 31% of leagues and is available for under 5% of FAAB budgets. A bid in the 2‑3% range is advisable for those looking to secure a speculative starter.

Week 2 Prediction (PPR): 198 passing yards, 49 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD.

Kendre Miller – New Orleans Saints Running Back

Travis Etienne Jr. has yet to establish himself as a workhorse for the Saints, and Kendre Miller emerged as the primary goal‑line back in Week 1, finishing with 30 rushing yards and a touchdown. With the Saints’ running back depth still thin, Miller’s role could expand, especially if the team leans on a short‑yardage approach. He is only on the rosters of 3% of managers and can be added for almost zero FAAB. Managers should keep an eye on his usage as the Saints’ offensive scheme evolves.

Week 2 Prediction (PPR): Miller – 32 rushing yards, 1 TD; Kamara – 22 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 41 receiving yards.

Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints Running Back

Alvin Kamara is expected to return from an MCL injury in Week 2. The 31‑year‑old has long been a PPR engine, and his role as a receiving back is likely to increase once healthy. Although his rostered percentage is higher than Miller’s at 35%, it remains low enough that a modest FAAB bid—no more than 10% of the budget—can secure him. Kamara’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in deeper leagues where a single back can contribute both rushing and receiving yards.

Mack Hollins – New England Patriots Wide Receiver

With A.J. Brown on injured reserve, the Patriots need a new top target for quarterback Drake Maye. Mack Hollins, who joined the team last season, has already shown his playmaking ability, recording four catches for 51 yards in the opener. The Patriots face a tough Steelers defense that allowed only 118 passing yards in Week 1, but Hollins could benefit from a favorable schedule starting in October, including matchups against the Bills, Raiders, Jets, Bears, and Dolphins. He is currently rostered in just 3% of leagues and can be added for a 3‑4% FAAB bid.

Week 2 Projection (PPR): 5 receptions, 59 yards, 1 TD.

Strategic Takeaways for FAAB Managers

Target players with low rostered percentages; they often come at a bargain price.
Balance speculative picks like Malik Willis with more reliable options such as Mack Hollins.
Use the Week 2 predictions to gauge upside versus floor for each player.
Keep an eye on injury reports—Kamara’s return could shift his value dramatically.
Consider the schedule; a player’s upcoming opponents can affect projected production.

Next Steps for Your Team

As the waiver wire continues to evolve, stay alert for emerging trends. If you’re operating under a FAAB system, prioritize low‑budget bids on high‑potential sleepers like Willis and Hollins. For deeper leagues, adding Miller and Kamara can provide a solid backfield foundation. Finally, monitor the Dolphins’ and Saints’ injury updates; a sudden change in depth charts can turn a speculative pick into a breakout performer.

Key facts

Malik Willis offers a low‑budget, high‑upside option in a PPR format.
Kendre Miller’s emerging role as a goal‑line back makes him a valuable deep‑league asset.
Alvin Kamara’s return adds PPR potential, but managers should budget carefully.
Mack Hollins is poised to become the Patriots’ top target after A.J. Brown’s injury.
Strategic FAAB bidding can secure these sleepers before they climb in value.

Why it matters

In a competitive fantasy landscape, securing undervalued players early can create a significant advantage over rivals who wait for the obvious picks. Understanding FAAB dynamics and player projections is essential for building a resilient roster.

Frequently asked questions

What is FAAB and how does it work?

FAAB stands for Free Agent Acquisition Budget. Each manager is given a set amount of virtual money to bid on players. The highest bidder wins the player, and the bid amount is deducted from their budget.