How many injuries has your fantasy team gone through in the first two weeks? A lot? My teams look like the infirmary from a movie. Benches full of early-round draft picks, all of which are labeled questionable (but you know they aren’t playing) or out. The pain is real for the players and fantasy football managers alike. You know what that means? It means you should try to get ahead of the curve in waivers. I am here to help you get through that. Let’s try to snag the guys everyone else will be clamoring for Tuesday, today. Say that five times fast.
After you finish saying that five times fast read the article below.
Week 3 Weekend Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, New Orleans Saints
I know you just cringed reading that name, didn’t you? Sam Darnold, there I made you do it again. But Darnold has passed for over 200 yards and multiple touchdowns in each of the first 2 games this season. He is facing a team this week that has the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks so far this season. If you need help at quarterback, Sam Darnold may be the answer no matter how dirty it makes you feel. Sometimes getting dirty is just oh-so good.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Miami might be tough on Geno in Week 3, but the schedule is nice for four straight weeks after that. Geno has passed for either multiple touchdowns or over 300 yards in each of the first 2 games. Yo Geno! Get in my lineup!
Other quarterbacks to consider if you are desperate:
- Gardner Minshew – Raiders, 276 yards, touchdown in Week 2
- Skylar Thompson – Incredible wide receivers and running backs. If you are in a deep league or a multiple quarterback league I would pay attention to what happens Week 3.
Check out all of our Week 3 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Running Backs
Brealon Allen, New York Jets
In Week 2 Allen had 9 total touches and scored 2 touchdowns. His volume of total touches increased to 14 and he totaled a combined 68 yards. It appears Allen will be involved in the Jets offense in his own right as the season progresses.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders
Mattison has scored a touchdown in each of the first two games this season. He is the clear second man in this committee but has given some production against two teams that are hard on running backs. In Week 3 the Raiders play the Panthers. The Panthers give up the second most fantasy points to running backs. Mattison will be a hot commodity on Tuesday prior to Week 4.
Other running backs to consider:
- Cam Akers – Houston Texans, could be the starting Texans running back in Week 3.
- Bucky Irving – Tampa Bay Buccaneers,
Wide Receivers
Quinton Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers
Johnson led the team in targets in Week 2. That was a 30% target share. Six targets which he turned into five receptions, 51 yards, and two touchdowns. At the very least put a watch on Johnson.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
Tolbert saw nine targets in Week 2. He turned that into 6 receptions and 82 yards. His 22% target share led the Cowboys in Week 2. He looks like he might become the secondary passing option for Dak Prescott for this Cowboys team. Or he could be a one-week splash in the pan. He did lead all Cowboys wide receivers in snaps in Week 2.
NOTE: This is where I need the hype man to start getting you guys excited isn’t it?
Other wide receivers to consider:
- Alec Pierce – Indianapolis Colts, 7 Targets, 5 receptions, 56 yards, touchdown
- Jalen Nailor – Minnesota Vikings. 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 54 yards, touchdown
- Josh Reynolds – Denver Broncos, 5 targets, 4 receptions, 93 yards
Tight Ends
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
In Week 2 Gesicki had nine targets, seven receptions, and 91 yards. He has a tougher matchup in Week 3. He was targeted on almost of third of the snaps he played. Tight end is such a mess you could do worse and you most likely will.
Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins
A backup quarterback’s best friend is typically his tight end. In Week 2 Jonnu saw 7 targets, which he turned into 6 receptions for 53 yards. Most of this production came after Tua Tagovailoa left the game. He tied De’Von Achane for the team lead in targets in Week 2. Production is coming.
Other tight ends to consider:
- Zach Ertz – Washington Commanders, 4 targets, 4 receptions, 62 yards
Make sure to check out all of our Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!