What is the Waiver Wire?

Think of the waiver wire as a pool of free agent NFL players who aren't currently on anyone's fantasy team.

When you draft your team, you only get 15-16 players. But there are hundreds of NFL players! All those undrafted players sit on the waiver wire, waiting to be picked up.

Throughout the season, you can drop players from your team and add players from the waiver wire. This is how you replace injured players, pick up breakout stars, and improve your team.

Why "Waiver" and Not Just "Free Agent"?

Good question! Most leagues use a waiver system to make player pickups fair.

Without waivers, whoever stays up latest on Sunday night could grab all the best players the second they have a big game. That's not fun.

The Waiver Period typically runs from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. During this time, you submit "waiver claims" for players you want.

On Wednesday morning (usually around 3-4 AM), all claims are processed based on waiver priority. Then remaining players become true "free agents" that anyone can grab instantly.

How Waiver Priority Works

There are a few common systems leagues use:

Rolling Waivers (Most Common)

You start with a waiver position (1-12 in a 12-team league)

If you claim a player, you move to the back of the line

If you don't claim anyone, you move up as others claim players

Example: You're #5, you claim someone, you drop to #12

FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget)

Everyone starts with $100 fake dollars for the season

You "bid" on waiver wire players

Highest bid wins the player

More strategic but requires more thought

Reverse Standings

Worst team gets #1 priority each week

Resets weekly based on standings

Helps bad teams improve

When to Use the Waiver Wire

Your Player Gets Injured

If your RB tears his ACL, you need a replacement ASAP. Hit the waiver wire.

A Backup Becomes a Starter

Injury to a starter means their backup could be gold. Grab them before everyone else does!

A Player Has a Breakout Game

Unknown rookie goes for 150 yards and 2 TDs? Everyone will want him. Get your claim in early.

Streaming Defenses/Kickers

Drop your defense for one with a better matchup next week. Do this every week!

Bye Week Replacements

Your QB has a bye week? Grab a streaming option from waivers.

How to Actually Add a Player

Step 1: Go to your fantasy app (ESPN, Yahoo, Sleeper, etc.)

Step 2: Find "Players" or "Waiver Wire"

Step 3: Filter by position you need (RB, WR, etc.)

Step 4: Sort by "% Rostered" or "Projections"

Step 5: Click on a player and select "Add"

Step 6: Choose which player to drop from your team

Step 7: Confirm the claim

Your claim will process Wednesday morning (or whenever your league's waiver period ends).

Waiver Wire Strategy Tips

1. Don't Waste #1 Priority on Nothing

If you have top waiver priority, save it for a league-winner. Don't use it on a mediocre player.

2. Submit Multiple Claims

You can claim multiple players with a priority order. If you don't get #1, you might get #2 or #3.

3. Tuesday Morning is Research Time

Check injury reports, snap counts, and expert advice. Make informed claims.

4. Target Volume, Not Just One Good Game

A player who got 20 touches is more valuable than one who got lucky on 5 touches.

5. Check Upcoming Schedules

Picking up a player who faces the worst defenses next 3 weeks? Smart move.

Common Beginner Mistakes

❌ Claiming players you don't need - Don't grab a 4th QB just because he had a good game.

❌ Dropping good players too quickly - One bad week doesn't mean you should drop your 3rd round pick.

❌ Forgetting to set claims - Tuesday is waiver claim day. Don't forget!

❌ Not checking waivers weekly - Even if your team is good, always look for improvements.

❌ Overvaluing Monday Night performances - Everyone sees it and will claim that player.

What is a Waiver Wire?