We’re approaching the halfway point of the 2025 NFL season, and with teams’ depth getting tested by injuries more than ever right as bye weeks come around, you might be competing with multiple other managers in your league to eke value out of the waiver wire.
While the dynasty waiver wire is as scarce as always, there are some injuries and potential benchings that may open up opportunities for spot starters and rookies in the near future.
Probably Gone, but Double Check
Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans
With Calvin Ridley missing the Titans’ matchup against the Patriots, the primary beneficiary was rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike. As a rookie with half-decent draft capital, he’s probably already owned in your leagues.
If he is available, he’s worth an add for most rosters, both rebuilders and competing teams with expendable fodder at the end of the bench. He’s a rookie who may be getting an extended look down the back stretch for a team that’s already looking towards next year.
Particularly with their head coach already fired, there is no reason for the Titans to continue giving playing time to the Calvin Ridley and Van Jefferson types. Their first order of business should be to evaluate the young players on the roster in order to figure out how to attack the offseason.
For his part, Dike paced the Titans’ pass-catching group in receiving yards last week, catching four balls for 70 yards and a touchdown. Perhaps he’s earned even more playing time going forward.
Any roster type should look to add Dike, but should be very willing to churn him off the roster at season’s end if he doesn’t perform.
Priority Adds
Andy Dalton, QB, Carolina Panthers
With Bryce Young picking up an ankle injury, Andy Dalton steps in as a streamer or emergency option at quarterback in Superflex leagues. As a veteran player operating Dave Canales’ offense, Dalton may come with more upside than your typical injury fill-in at the position.
Last year, Dalton started out hot, scoring 24.6 fantasy points in Week 3, before dropping down to 16.7, 4.7, 16.9, and 2.0 fantasy points.
Only competing teams in need of a spot starter should consider him.
Quinn Ewers, QB, Miami Dolphins
Mike McDaniels’ seat is presumably getting hotter and hotter in Miami. With Tua Tagovailoa playing some wretched football for most of this season, there could be an imminent benching coming soon.
While I hated Ewers’ tape coming out of college, all starting quarterbacks, especially rookie mystery boxes, should be rostered in Superflex dynasty leagues. Every roster type should consider stashing Ewers.
Waiver Adds
Kenny Pickett, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
In a similar vein to Quinn Ewers, there might imminently be a benching in Vegas soon. Geno Smith has been atrocious, neither putting up points nor taking care of the football. For a team that may have misread the state of their roster in the offseason, there may be some temptation to hand the keys to a former first round pick reclamation project. This approach has worked wonders for other teams in recent years, and it’s likely at the top of Pete Carroll’s mind.
Do I believe in Kenny Pickett? Not really. But I also never believed in Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones to turn their careers around. At some point, we have to embrace the uncertainty and work with the unknowability of player career arcs, rather than against it. Any roster type should look into stashing Pickett.
Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s currently unclear how much time Brian Thomas Jr. is expected to miss with a shoulder injury sustained against the Cleveland Browns, but Parker Washington is the most intriguing domino who might stand to benefit.
Running very hot and cold this year, with some productive games, some high-target yet unproductive games, and some downright stinkers, perhaps some vacated targets turn Washington into a more consistent asset over the next few weeks.
He’s easily the most intriguing spot starter available for teams whose depth is being strained. Really any roster type should kick the tires on Washington, but competing teams in need of spot starts should be most interested. Rebuilders should be prepared to churn Washington off their roster.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels might miss his Monday Night Football matchup with the Bills due to what’s being described as a minor hamstring injury. If he does miss, then Marcus Mariota is in line to start against a defense that’s been struggling in recent weeks.
Any non-rebuilding roster in need of a spot-start should add Mariota.
Tyrod Taylor, QB, New York Jets
With Justin Fields playing untenably awful football and earning, *really* earning, a benching in Week 7, there’s a chance Tyrod Taylor starts a bunch of games soon.
While he isn’t an exciting option, he at least can run the football to help you out with a spot start. Only teams trying to make the playoffs and needing a depth quarterback should be interested.
Deep League Options
Julian Hill, TE, Miami Dolphins
There’s not that much to be excited about with Julian Hill. However, he’ll be the nominal starter for however many games Darren Waller misses. Starters at the tight end position should be rostered in all dynasty leagues.
Only teams with an extremely expendable bench, particularly in TEP formats, should care.