Using the Waiver Wire

Waiver Wire 101: Beyond the Basics

You already know what the waiver wire is. Now let's talk about actually USING it to win your league.

The waiver wire is where championships are won. Your draft gets you started, but waivers get you to the playoffs.

This guide will teach you the weekly waiver wire routine that winning fantasy managers follow.

The Tuesday Morning Routine

Every Tuesday after waivers clear, follow this process:

Step 1: Check Your Claims (6:00 AM)

Step 2: Scan for Leftover Value (6:15 AM)

Step 3: Look Ahead to Next Week (6:30 AM)

Who to Target on Waivers

Priority 1: Injury Replacements

If a starting RB gets injured, his backup instantly becomes valuable.

Example: If Derrick Henry gets hurt, his backup becomes a must-add.

Priority 2: Breakout Performances

Rookie WR just had 120 yards and 2 TDs? Everyone will want him.

Act fast on breakouts, but verify it wasn't a fluke.

Priority 3: Bye Week Fillers

Your QB is on bye next week? Grab a streaming option NOW.

Priority 4: Favorable Schedules

Player facing bottom-5 defenses for 3 straight weeks? Grab them.

Priority 5: Handcuffs

If you own an elite RB, consider handcuffing him with his backup.

Advanced Waiver Strategies

Strategy 1: Waiver Wire Blocking

If your opponent desperately needs a RB and you have room, claim the top RB options to prevent them from getting help.

Strategy 2: Speculative Adds

On Tuesday-Saturday, add players with potential. If they don't work out, drop them Sunday morning for a better option.

Strategy 3: Defense Streaming

Never hold a defense through their bye. Stream defenses based on matchups every single week.

Strategy 4: Stash IR Players

If a star player is injured but will return in 4-6 weeks, stash them on IR (if your league has IR spots).

Strategy 5: Monitor Target Share

Don't just look at points. Check how many targets WRs are getting. High targets = future production.

When to Use #1 Waiver Priority

If you have rolling waivers and you're #1, DON'T waste it! Save it for:

✅ A starter RB goes down and his backup is available

Example: Nick Chubb injured, Kareem Hunt becomes RB1

✅ A true breakout star emerges

Not just a good game, but a role change or injury creates long-term opportunity

✅ Playoffs are approaching and you need one piece

Week 10+: If you're playoff-bound and need one position filled, go for it

❌ Don't use #1 priority on:

FAAB Bidding Strategy

If your league uses FAAB ($100 budget), here's how to bid:

Week 1-4: Be Aggressive (Bid 15-25%)

Early season breakouts are worth it. You have time to recover budget.

Week 5-10: Be Moderate (Bid 8-15%)

Mid-season is about filling holes. Don't overspend.

Week 11-14: Save for Playoffs (Bid 5-10%)

Preserve budget for playoff-push emergencies.

Week 15-17: All In (Spend Everything)

Playoffs! Budget means nothing if you lose. Spend it all.

Bidding Tips:

Players to Avoid on Waivers

❌ One-Hit Wonders

Player scored 25 points but only got 4 touches? Probably a fluke.

❌ Players in Timeshares

RB who splits carries 50/50 with another RB? Too unpredictable.

❌ Injury-Prone Veterans

Old player coming back from injury? High risk of re-injury.

❌ Players on Bad Offenses

Being the #1 WR on a team that scores 10 points per game isn't valuable.

❌ Boom-or-Bust Deep Threats

WR who only runs deep routes? You'll start them the weeks they get 3 points.

Waiver Wire Mistakes Beginners Make

❌ Using #1 priority too early

Save it for a true league-winner, not a one-week streamer.

❌ Dropping players too quickly

Don't drop your 4th round pick after one bad week.

❌ Ignoring bye weeks

Adding players who are on bye this week? Now they're useless immediately.

❌ Not submitting claims early

Waiting until Tuesday night? Risk forgetting or missing out.

❌ Chasing last week's points

Just because a player scored 30 doesn't mean they'll do it again.