Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Pickups to make before the 2026 season kicks off

Every Monday during the season, Justin Boone breaks down the recommended waiver-wire pickups. Roster percentages are generated from Yahoo leagues. Free-Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are based on a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.

1. Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos 2. Tyler Allgeier, RB, Cardinals 3. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Rams 4. Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Ravens 5. Keenan Allen, WR, Colts 6. Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers 7. Tank Bigsby, RB, Eagles 8. Emmett Johnson, RB, Chiefs 9. Malik Willis, QB, Dolphins 10. Dalton Schultz, TE, Texans

With so many great fantasy quarterback options available, Willis often goes undrafted. While you probably don't need to start him in Week 1, you might want to consider stashing the Dolphins dual-threat QB. Willis finished as a top-seven fantasy QB twice in his three relief appearances for the Packers over the last two seasons thanks to rushing totals of 41, 60 and 73 yards. There's also hope Miami's receiving corps is better than initially anticipated with third-round rookies Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas providing a spark.

If you stash Willis and he emerges as a quality fantasy option, you could then contemplate trading your original starting QB for an upgrade at another position.

J.K. Dobbins is healthy entering the season and we all hope this is the year he finally plays all 17 games. However, history has taught us otherwise as the veteran has missed time due to injuries in all six of his NFL campaigns. Though RJ Harvey is the No. 2 back on Denver's depth chart, it's Coleman who projects to benefit the most if Dobbins goes to the blue medical tent again. Sean Payton has raved about the rookie, even comparing his skill set to Dobbins'. In the event of another injury, Coleman is the most likely to step into the lead-back role, while Harvey maintains his change-of-pace, pass-catching back usage.

Don't wait until Dobbins gets hurt, scoop Coleman up now.

Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle sprain that could limit him early in the season and might even cause him to sit out Week 1. Allgeier is an overqualified backup who showed he can be an NFL starter while posting 1,174 scrimmage yards as a rookie. Even playing behind Bijan Robinson, Allgeier found a way to score eight touchdowns last season. He could occupy a similar role in Arizona, as a weekly TD-or-bust RB3/flex option. If Love can't suit up in the opener, Allgeier will be a fringe low-end fantasy RB2.

Mike Washington Jr. is 56% rostered but would be the No. 2 RB add behind Tyler Allgeier, if available.

Zach Charbonnet is 51% rostered but can be added as an IR stash, if available.

Best one-injury away backup RBs to stash

Lane is coming off an outstanding summer where he impressed everyone in and around the Ravens organization. Whether he can translate that into regular season value remains to be seen, but I want him on my bench while we find out. If Lane is as good as advertised, he could eventually challenge Rashod Bateman for the No. 2 receiver role in a Baltimore offense that's expected to throw more under new coordinator Declan Doyle. Lamar Jackson can certainly use more weapons other than Zay Flowers and a fading Mark Andrews, which is why Lane is occupying a spot on my benches in several leagues.

If you're looking for a more immediate option to slide into your lineup early in the season, Allen is a strong choice. Though Alec Pierce has returned to practice, he's still working his way back from ankle surgery and might start slow in the opening month. The 34-year-old Allen is well past his football prime, but he was the WR13 in fantasy points per game through the first seven weeks last season while playing for the Chargers.

Another hot start could be in the cards for Allen. Just keep in mind, he's also facing a potential suspension at some point due to his recent arrest for a DWI.

Rashid Shaheed is 51% rostered but would be the No. 1 WR add if available.

Jordyn Tyson is 57% rostered but can be added as an IR stash, if available.

Ferguson was the 46th overall pick in last year's draft and despite being buried on the depth chart for most of his rookie campaign, he managed to make a fantasy impact on several occasions. In the five games where he saw at least three targets, Ferguson posted 50 yards and/or a touchdown four times. Ferguson also finished the season with double-digit fantasy points in back to back contests, while Tyler Higbee was sidelined. Even with the crowded nature of the Rams' TE room, Ferguson's speed and pass-catching chops allow him to line up in the slot or out wide, making him a mismatch nightmare for defenses.

With Puka Nacua expected to play through a hip/groin injury in Week 1 and Davante Adams turning 34 in December, it's not out of the question that Ferguson becomes a key part of the passing game during his sophomore season. I'll be stashing him on my bench through the Rams' season opener on Thursday, just to see if he gets enough usage to be fantasy relevant.

Schultz is a more boring fantasy option, but also offers low-end TE1 potential following the season-ending injury to wideout Jayden Higgins. The veteran tight end is quietly coming off a strong fantasy campaign where he averaged the 11th-most points at his position over the final 13 weeks. That included finishing tied for third in receptions among tight ends (82) and sixth in receiving yards (777). Aside from Nico Collins, the Texans don't have any established pass-catchers in the offense, so Schultz has a chance to be C.J. Stroud's No. 2 target once again.

You're not going to impress your leaguemates by taking the 30-year-old Texans tight end, but Schultz is in the group of high-end TE2s who could easily end the year as a top-12 starter at the position.

Dart-throw streaming options (if starter is out)

Favorable upcoming schedules: Buccaneers (3% rostered), Packers (16% rostered), Cowboys (29% rostered), 49ers (10% rostered)

While you likely don't need to make many drops before Week 1, here are some of the players you can consider cutting from your roster already.

Running Backs: Alvin Kamara, Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Wide Receivers: Travis Hunter, Tank Dell