Welcome to Week 2 of the Exempt Wire Watch!
The 2025 NFL season is finally here, and with it comes the fantasy football season for managers across various formats. Many of you might have already started re-evaluating your tight end depth after Week 1, and we’re here to help.
Here are some standout performances from the first week you might want to consider as you check out the exemption wire ahead of Week 2. We define exemptions as players who are available in about 60% of leagues.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints (3.7%)
Johnson was the top fantasy wideout in a PPR league after Sunday’s games, and his stats could have been even better—he had some dropped touchdown opportunities. In the Saints’ opener, despite a tough 20-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he managed eight receptions for 76 yards. If you make a successful bid for him on the waiver wire this week, you might find him a reliable target as the season progresses.
Week 2 matchup: vs. San Francisco 49ers, 1pm
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots (48.2%)
The Patriots had a challenging game against the Las Vegas Raiders, losing 20-13 on Sunday. Henry was a significant contributor to the team, posting four receptions for 66 yards, totaling 10.6 points in PPR formats. Keep an eye on his rapport with quarterback Drake May as they develop their chemistry this season.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 10pm (Monday night)
Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders (46.9%)
Washington took a solid win over the Giants, 21-7, in their NFC East matchup. Ertz didn’t have overwhelming stats in his first appearance with the team, but he effectively utilized his opportunities, catching three passes for 26 yards and a touchdown. He could likely emerge as the go-to option for Jalen Daniels in the red zone, so keep that in mind if you need help at tight end.
Week 2 matchup: @ Green Bay Packers, 8:15pm (Thursday night)
Harold Fanin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns (2.7%)
The Browns faced a narrow defeat, 17-16, against the Bengals on Sunday, but they saw promising signs, especially with rookie Fanin. He made quite the debut with seven receptions for 63 yards, while starter David Ng-hyuk managed only three catches for 37 yards. It’s possible that this rookie will earn more playing time as the season progresses.
Week 2 matchup: @ Baltimore Ravens, 1pm
George Kittle alternatives
Head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that Kittle could miss 3 to 5 weeks due to hamstring injuries. In his absence, Luke Farrell (0%) and Jake Tonges (0%) might step up, though their contributions in the first week were limited—Farrell caught one pass for 4 yards, while Tonges registered three receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown. While tight ends don’t usually thrive without Kittle, it may be worthwhile to take a chance on Tonges given the 49ers’ current needs.
