Introduction
Fantasy managers know the tight end position is often a make-or-break spot. In the fluid Week 2 waiver wire landscape, three tight ends—Juwan Johnson, Harold Fannin Jr., and Brenton Strange—have emerged as top waiver targets or streaming options. Mastering FAAB deployment and matchup analysis can transform a waiver claim into league-winning potential. Here’s a deep dive into their profiles, roles, and how to optimize FAAB bidding strategy.
1. Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints)
a. Player Profile & Usage
Undrafted in 2020, Juwan Johnson has become a reliable, versatile tight end for the Saints, with consistent production over multiple seasons.
b. Week 1 Blow-up & Advanced Metrics
Johnson had a breakout Week 1 performance:
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11 targets — most among tight ends.
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8 receptions for 76 yards, playing nearly every offensive snap, with 86% route participation and a 26.8% target share.
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Ranked among the tight end leaders in fantasy points, trailing only a few stud pass-catchers.
FantasyPros named him the top waiver wire target among Week 2 tight ends. Underdog’s fantasy usage model also highlighted his volume-driven appeal.
c. FAAB Guidance
FantasyPros assigned a “True Value” of $4, “Desperate Need” $6, and “Budget-Minded” $2.
d. Outlook & Considerations
Johnson’s value lies in pure volume—even with Spencer Rattler’s inconsistent quarterback play, he remains a safety valve with red-zone looks. He’s a strong TE1 streamer in Week 2, especially in high-volume or tight end premium leagues.
2. Harold Fannin Jr. (Cleveland Browns)
a. College Dominance & Draft Status
Fresh off a record-breaking college season where he recorded 117 receptions for 1,555 yards, Fannin declared early for the 2025 draft and was selected in the third round (67th overall) by Cleveland Wikipedia.
b. Week 1 NFL Debut Highlights
Fannin wasted no time impacting the Browns’ offense:
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Played 72% of snaps
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Ran routes on 63% of dropbacks
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Led the Browns with a 21.4% target share, catching 7 of 9 targets for 63 yards.
FantasyPros flagged him as a high-upside rookie worth watching and a strong FAAB target.
c. Matchup & Streaming Context
Week 2 brings a tough road test against the Ravens defense, historically stingy versus tight ends. Still, Fannin’s immediate volume—especially in red-zone packages—makes him a compelling “add and stash” in most formats.
d. FAAB Insights
FantasyPros suggests a $4 true value, rising to $6 if desperate, or $2 if budget-conscious. NBC Sports echoed this: if Fannin is still available, he’s the high-upside claim; otherwise, Johnson is a solid consolation.
3. Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars)
a. Background & Career Overview
Drafted in 2023 (2nd round, 61st overall) from Penn State, Strange has steadily climbed the tight end depth chart for the Jaguars. By 2024, he posted 40 receptions, 411 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
b. Week 1 Production
With Evan Engram released, Strange stepped into the starting role and caught 4 of 4 targets for 59 yards, while logging 82% snap rate and 58% route participation.
c. Streaming Appeal & FAAB Value
FanDuel and other analysts list him among top Week 2 streamers. He was ranked 10th by Fantrax’s tight end rankings, just ahead of Johnson at 12.
d. Matchup Outlook
Facing the Bengals in Week 2—who surrendered 15 targets and 100 yards to tight ends in Week 1—Strange could benefit from favorable matchup dynamics.
4. FAAB Strategy for Tight Ends
Understanding when to wield FAAB dollars can elevate your roster:
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Set Budget Templates
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$4 – Good value tier
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$6 – Aggressive claim for high-upside additions
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$2 – Conservative play for league-average upside
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Matchup & Volume Focus
Target players who saw superb Week 1 volume or land favorable matchups. -
League Format Consideration
In TE-premium or thin-tight-end leagues, spend more aggressively on high-volume performers. -
Roster Depth & Upside
If you have a solid starter, stashing Fannin for future reward is wise. In need now? Johnson’s dependable usage makes him the pragmatic call. -
Prioritize Opportunities Over Past Pedigree
Fannin’s rookie ceiling isn’t graded on past hype—he’s earning targets, runway, and will likely be integrated into RZ plays. Johnson’s track record and week-to-week snap excellence offer a steadier TE1 outlook. Strange offers upside based on role but less consistency initially.
5. Comparison at a Glance
| Player | Opportunity/Usage | Week 1 Production | Week 2 Matchup Outlook | FAAB “True Value” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juwan Johnson | Volume king, nearly full snaps | 11 targets, 8 rec, 76 yds | Tough vs. 49ers, but volume holds value | $4 |
| Harold Fannin Jr. | Rookie standout, immediate RZ role | 21.4% target share, 7 rec | Difficult vs. Ravens; upside remains | $4 |
| Brenton Strange | Starting role, good snap share | 4 rec, 59 yds | Great matchup vs. Bengals | Not explicitly listed, likely moderate |
6. Fantasy Manager Scenarios
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Need Immediate TE1 Start:
Pick Juwan Johnson — he delivers consistent volume and fantasy relevance regardless of matchup. -
Play Long-Term Upside or Dynasty Formats:
Target Harold Fannin Jr. — early role in high-leverage situations, throws a high ceiling if he continues gaining volume. -
Balanced Approach with Matchup Play:
Brenton Strange is a promising week-to-week streamer, especially with a favorable Week 2 matchup and defined role.
7. What the Experts & Community Are Saying
On Reddit, some managers weighed the choices bluntly:
“Fannin is the high upside bet & definitely the better choice between the two. Juwan has done this plenty of times… I’m not buying he’ll see anywhere near 11 targets most games moving forward.”
FantasyPros, RotoStreetJournal, RotoBaller, NBC, and FanDuel consistently list all three names—Johnson, Fannin, and Strange—as top-tier waiver wire tight end pickups for Week 2.
Conclusion
For Week 2’s tight end waiver wire:
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Juwan Johnson offers immediate fantasy value — high snap count, target volume, and trustworthy production.
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Harold Fannin Jr. is a high-upside rookie whose early usage and red-zone duty make him a compelling stash.
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Brenton Strange shines under certain matchups and a defined role, making him a potential stream-worthy option depending on roster needs.