Fantasy Football Week 1 WR2 Rankings: Drake London, Garrett Wilson Lead Hayden Winks' Projections

As the 2026 NFL season kicks off on September 10, fantasy football managers are scrambling to finalize their Week 1 lineups. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, analyst Hayden Winks has released his updated WR2 rankings (ranked 13-36), providing a detailed roadmap for the crucial second tier of wide receivers. With quarterback situations shifting, new coaching staffs implementing fresh schemes, and defenses evolving, these rankings offer a vital edge for die-hard fans looking to dominate their leagues.

Drake London and Garrett Wilson Headline the WR2 Tier

Leading the charge at No. 13 is Atlanta's Drake London, who projects for 65.5 receiving yards at Pittsburgh. London was the WR5 on WR5 usage from 2024 through Week 11 of 2025 before a PCL injury ended his season. Only Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase had a higher target share (29.6%) over that span, and the Falcons only added depth in the skill group this offseason. However, quarterback play remains a concern with Tua Tagovailoa winning the starting job just days before the season after Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) couldn't go. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's system should still feature London heavily, especially against a Steelers defense that was third-worst in pass yards allowed last year. Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes that Atlanta projects for only 19.5 points, but London's volume makes him a solid WR2.

At No. 14, Garrett Wilson of the Jets gets a massive upgrade with Geno Smith under center. Over the last three seasons, Smith averaged 1.2 fantasy points per dropback compared to Justin Fields' 1.0, and Smith's 64.0% dropback rate dwarfs Fields' 54.5%. New OC Frank Reich should finally unlock Wilson's potential, even against a revamped Titans defense under Robert Saleh. Tennessee added cornerbacks Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott but still lacks a quality third corner, making this a favorable spot for Wilson. Despite a low team total of 19.0 points, Wilson's talent and improved QB play make him a must-start.

Zay Flowers, Tetairoa McMillan, and Ladd McConkey Offer Upside

Zay Flowers (No. 15) faces a Colts defense that was third-worst against fantasy WRs last year. With Lamar Jackson throwing, Flowers has been a WR13 in yards but WR47 in touchdowns per game over the past two seasons, largely due to a red-zone target share of just 15.7%. New OC Declan Doyle could change that, and with the Ravens projected for 26.5 points, Flowers is a high-upside WR2. Meanwhile, Tetairoa McMillan (No. 16) enters his second year after a WR24 per-game finish as a rookie. The Panthers face a Bears defense missing safety Coby Bryant and slot corner Kyler Gordon, and with Chicago's pass rush still lackluster, McMillan could see plenty of targets. Carolina is a 3.0-point underdog, but McMillan's volume keeps him in the WR2 conversation.

Ladd McConkey (No. 17) is poised for a bounce-back under new OC Mike McDaniel. The Chargers' scheme will be more quick-hitting and play-action heavy, perfectly suiting McConkey's skill set. With the Chargers projected for a league-high 28.25 points, McConkey is an upside WR2 despite a tough matchup against a Cardinals secondary that was 18th against fantasy WRs last season. As highlighted on Vulius, McConkey's quickness and route-running should yield solid returns.

Jaylen Waddle, Malik Nabers, and Jameson Williams Round Out the Top 20

Jaylen Waddle (No. 18) hopes to exploit a Broncos defense that led the league in screens over the past two seasons. With Bo Nix under center, Waddle should see plenty of gimme looks, but a tough Chiefs secondary led by rookie CB Mansoor Delane makes this a difficult debut. Malik Nabers (No. 19) is set to play Week 1 despite a lingering injury, and with the Giants' thin WR corps, he'll see his usual eight-plus targets against a Cowboys defense that was historically bad against fantasy WRs last year. Jameson Williams (No. 20) benefits from a high-scoring affair against the Saints, though his target share dips when Sam LaPorta is active. The Lions' secondary issues could force a shootout, giving Williams boom-bust appeal.

Deep League Gems: Parker Washington to Jordan Addison

Parker Washington (No. 21) emerged as a WR18 in PPR from Week 7 onward last season, and the Jaguars' coaching staff has praised him all offseason. With a favorable matchup against a Browns defense missing Myles Garrett, Washington is a rising star. Emeka Egbuka (No. 22) flashed WR9 upside as a rookie before a hamstring injury derailed his season; new OC Zac Robinson's history with slot receivers bodes well. Davante Adams (No. 23) remains a red-zone monster, but his volatile role and a tough 49ers defense cap his ceiling. Rashee Rice (No. 24) struggles against man coverage, and the Broncos' elite secondary presents a nightmare matchup. Christian Watson (No. 25) is finally healthy and poised for a breakout with the Packers passing more without Josh Jacobs.

Further down, Rome Odunze (No. 26) is limited with a calf injury, while Luther Burden III (No. 27) could benefit if Odunze sits. Mike Evans (No. 28) faces a loaded Rams defense in Australia, but his red-zone prowess keeps him in the WR3 mix. DK Metcalf (No. 29) and DJ Moore (No. 30) have tough matchups but offer upside. Quentin Johnston (No. 31) is a boom-bust option on a high-scoring Chargers team. Terry McLaurin (No. 32) faces a brutal Eagles defense that has held him to 46 yards per game over the past two seasons. Brian Thomas Jr. (No. 33) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 34) have talent but difficult assignments. Matthew Golden (No. 35) and Jordan Addison (No. 36) are dart throws with upside in deeper leagues.

For fantasy managers, these rankings provide a clear guide to navigating Week 1. Whether you're streaming a WR2 or deciding between flex options, Hayden Winks' analysis on Vulius.com offers the edge you need to start the season strong. Stay tuned for updated rankings throughout the week, and dominate your league with Vulius.