Sunday, bloody Sunday… We had some amazing games in Week 2, but they were mired by the insane number of devastating injuries. However, they all pale in comparison to the horrendous accident responsible for the death of James White’s father, while his mother remains in critical condition. Sunday served as a somber caution of the fragility of the human condition. It’s also a good reminder to cherish your loved ones before it’s too late.
In any case, this is a Fantasy Football article so let’s discuss the fallout left behind from Week 2’s chaos. This weekly Fantrax FAAB Guide will do just that, serving as a helpful resource to manage your FAAB, i.e. Free Agent Acquisition Budget.
Each week, I’ll outline available players (<70% Fantrax availability) that should be picked up and my recommendations on how much of your FAAB should be used on your bids for them. If your league utilizes standard waiver claims instead of the FAAB system, then you can still use these recommendations to prioritize your waiver claims. Also, make sure to catch the weekly Waiver Wire report by Corbin Young.
Since each Fantasy Football league’s format is different, I will suggest bid amounts by percentage rather than dollar amount. Also, since each league is different, use this guide as general advice but apply it with your knowledge of your own league-mates. For example, if you want to bid on Jerick McKinnon but your league is full of 49ers fans, then you should probably bid higher than suggested below.
Week 3 FAAB Guide
QUARTERBACKS
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (38% in Fantrax Leagues)
In a surprise move, the Chargers started their divisional showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with Justin Herbert as their QB. Turns out Tyrod Taylor had suffered a scary chest injury moments before kickoff and thus, the rookie made his National Football League debut. And what a debut! Herbert showed composure, accuracy, mobility, and most notably–strength:
Damien Wilson lays a huuuuge hit on Justin Herbert. He came up slow, but seems to be up and going. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/JE0d91mrK6
— Mitchel Summers (@WIBWMitchel) September 20, 2020
Finishing as the QB13, Herbert has reawakened a sleeping Chargers offense. However, head coach Anthony Lynn has already promised the starting role for Taylor once he’s ready to play. But Herbert’s emergence cannot be ignored, and once he’s given the reins again, he’ll be an excellent streaming option and a potential league winner in 2QB or SF formats.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5% in regular leagues, 20-25% in 2QB or SF leagues.
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears (40%)
He can’t keep getting away with it! Yet, we have now seen Trubisky pull off consecutive weeks of decent Fantasy scores. He went from the overall QB8 in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, to the QB21 in Week 2 against the New York Giants. He now gets another mint matchup against the charitable Atlanta Falcons’ defense. And boy, are they generous, allowing Dallas Cowboys’ QB Dak Prescott to pass for 450 yards and a TD while rushing for THREE more. This was all accomplished in an astonishing comeback for the ages, one that could only be rivaled by Atlanta’s painful Super Bowl loss against the New England Patriots. For presumably the last time this year, Trubisky is the best QB streamer available for practically nothing.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5% in regular leagues, 15% in 2QB or SF leagues.
Jeff Driskel, Denver Broncos (4%)
Starting QB Drew Lock suffered a shoulder injury during a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and is expected out for the next 2-6 weeks. Now, Jeff Driskel finds himself with an opportunity to lead the Denver Broncos. While not a big name, Driskel has shown flashes. He was among the Detroit Lions backup QB carousel last year after Matthew Stafford went down. In three games with Detroit, Driskel averaged 19 fantasy points and 50 rushing yards per game. As Lock’s backup in 3.5 quarters against Pittsburgh, Driskel completed a promising 18 of 34 passes for 256 yards, two TDs, and one INT. He finished as the QB14 without even playing the whole game! Keep in mind, this was against a tough, ironclad defense. While his next matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is one to avoid, he gets the vulnerable New York Jets in Week 4 and the Miami Dolphins in Week 6. He’ll be a sneaky, desperate play for those weeks and a great, cheap option in DFS.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 2% in regular leagues, 5-10% in 2QB or SF leagues.
RUNNING BACKS
Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers (54%)
Despite only having three carries, “Jet” gained 77 yards and a TD against the sinking New York Jets. Talk about making Fantasy lemonade out of lemons! RBs Raheem Mostert AND Tevin Coleman–both above McKinnon on the depth chart–suffered knee injuries that are expected to sideline them for the coming weeks. McKinnon is now poised for more touches and could quickly become a fantasy asset as the 49ers new lead back. Their next matchup against the New York Giants is nothing to fear. Head coach Kyle Shanahan might finally have his chance to unleash McKinnon as he originally intended back in 2018. They may still limit his workload due to past injury concerns, but his incredible efficiency and the lack of options in the backfield easily makes him the highest waiver target this week.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 25%
Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers (11%)
One of the blockbuster injuries that wreaked havoc on Sunday was to Fantasy cheat code, Christian McCaffrey. “CMC” suffered a high-ankle sprain late in a losing effort against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is expected to miss four to six weeks. The Panthers offense is not a coveted one, but they have been producing. Journeyman RB Mike Davis is expected to replace McCaffrey. It’s encouraging that he quickly received eight targets and a rush attempt when called up in the fourth quarter. However, I’m sure he won’t see quite the same usage as McCaffrey normally would. In fact, I anticipate we’ll all be surprised at just how many carries were siphoned to hybrid WR Curtis Samuel instead. But there’s room for Davis to return fantasy value while McCaffrey is out, though it won’t be pretty. The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense is no joke (just ask Clyde Edwards-Helaire). But I think Davis will have enough involvement in the passing game to maintain a safe RB2 floor in PPR while McCaffrey is out, and should be grabbed by fallen CMC managers or RB-needy teams.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 20%
Dion Lewis, New York Giants (19%)
With Saquon Barkley out for the season after an ill-fated play led to an ACL tear against the Chicago Bears, scatback Dion Lewis will have immediate RB2 value as the newly anointed lead back for the Giants. However, lower your expectations as even Barkley was unable to produce under their horrific o-line. Plus, they will definitely incorporate fellow rusher Wayne Gallman as they previously have during Barkley’s absence last year (more on that below). There are also rumblings of a free agent signing (more details also below), so while you should still bid on Lewis, don’t break the bank…though you may need to in order to secure him away from dejected Barkley managers.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 10% (but 20% likely needed)
Wayne Gallman Jr., New York Giants (9%)
Speaking of Gallman, though Dion Lewis will presumably eat most of Barkley’s vacated touches, there is a chance that Gallman is the one who benefits most. When Barkley was injured last year, Gallman stepped up valiantly:
https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1178374488343248896
In his lone full game played as the lead back, he produced 18 carries for 63 yards and one TD, plus caught six of seven targets for 55 yards and another score. If you miss out on Lewis (or want to save FAAB), throw a few bucks on Gallman in case he’s the surprise benefactor of this committee.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5%
Devonta Freeman, Free Agent (51%)
And speaking of surprises, there’s a chance that free agent Devonta Freeman will be snatched by New York to replace Barkley. Though he has yet to sign, he would become an immediate contender for the lead role if he does. Coming off an average 12 fantasy points per game (half PPR) last year, Freeman is rested, experienced, and ready to perform. The former overall RB1, Freeman has the most experience as a lead rusher and there is potential for him to experience Fantasy greatness again with a new team. While other GMs are focusing on Dion Lewis, I’d suggest spending a few FAAB bucks on Gallman and/or Freeman lottery tickets.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5%
WIDE RECEIVERS
Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons (64%)
It’s time we start taking Russell Gage seriously. The third-year receiver has now seen 21 targets in two games, producing a combined 15 catches for 160 yards and one TD. That’s insane, especially when you consider he has to compete with the legendary Julio Jones, breakout stud Calvin Ridley, and heavily hyped Hayden Hurst. It seems as though someone in the quartet has to falter in order for the remaining trio to succeed. In Week 1, it was Hurst. In Week 2, it was Jones. It’s certainly possible that Gage is up next, but he’ll consistently see softer coverage thanks to his star-studded colleagues, as well as positive game-scripts thanks to his team’s lackluster defense. He even threw a would-be TD last Sunday had Jones not dropped it. For those that need WR help, make sure to place a bid on Gage before it’s too late.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 12-15%
Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars (24%)
Cole has shown flashes of Fantasy greatness during his four-year tenure with Jacksonville. However, he’s been far too inconsistent for serious consideration. But this is 2020, the year of surprises (to put it mildly), and Cole now finds himself as the target leader in Jacksonville with TDs in both outings. In Week 2, he caught all five targets for 47 yards and a score in a win against Indianapolis. He followed that with six catches from seven targets for 58 yards and a TD in a loss against Tennessee. With a TNF matchup against Miami’s Swiss cheese defense up next, Cole should continue to see decent looks from Gardner Minshew and maintain his consistent WR2 status.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 10%
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (66%)
Colts’ wideout and breakout candidate Parris Campbell suffered an MCL injury in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. With Pittman out, TEs Trey Burton and likely Jack Doyle out, and team captain T.Y. Hilton unable to produce after dropping multiple passes, Pittman is in line to receive a healthy increase in targets. The talented second-round draft pick will also benefit from an ideal matchup against the inadequate New York Jets secondary. His low target share has gradually increased as he gains comfort with the offense and recovers from his own toe injury. Pittman will likely be a popular DFS play this week and can demand a consistent full-time role if he impresses this Sunday.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 7-10%
KJ Hamler, Denver Broncos (32%)
With lead receiver Courtland Sutton unfortunately out for the season after tearing his knee, there are suddenly a large number of vacant targets for the Broncos receivers to benefit from. One is obviously first-round draft pick Jerry Jeudy. The other could be second-round pick, KJ Hamler. Both wideouts led the team with seven targets each in a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, this was Hamler’s first game, making the target share all the more impressive. With Sutton gone and Jeudy possibly still banged up after a brutal hit by Devin Bush, Hamler’s role should only increase against a tough Tampa Bay defense. But buyer beware, as he’ll have to perform with a risky Jeff Driskel as his QB for the near future.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5-7%
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers (59%)
He didn’t have a great game, but with Davante Adams possibly out after suffering a hamstring injury late against the Lions, there are suddenly a ton of targets available at Green Bay. MVS could certainly benefit after already receiving 13 combined targets for seven receptions, 160 yards, and a TD. The Packers have a tough upcoming matchup against the Saints, so Valdes-Scantling would be a very risky play. But he could catch a deep pass(es) from Aaron Rodgers as he would become the primary outside receiver in Adams’ absence. All it takes is one.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5%
Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers (44%)
This kid is something special. Though he only saw three targets in a win against the Broncos, he caught them all for 88 yards and a TD. Most of which came in a highlight play from a spectacular pass by QB Ben Roethlisberger:
84. Yards. To. The. House.@_BigBen7 | @ChaseClaypool
📺 #DENvsPIT on CBS https://t.co/joAKC0p7cz
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2020
He’ll need more touches to become a reliable Fantasy asset, but the talent and connection with Big Ben is there. Claypool has boom-bust potential since he only needs one bomb to take it to the house. But without that bomb, he could easily goose-egg your lineup so I wouldn’t count on him for now. If injuries or the right matchup comes along, he’ll be a fun Flex option for thrill-seekers. Speaking of which, he does face a charitable Texans defense this Sunday…
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 3-5%
TIGHT ENDS
Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys (9%)
It’s sad to see just how much the Cowboys planned to utilize TE Blake Jarwin when we see all sorts of designed plays for Dalton Schultz. Sad for Jarwin truthers, that is. But for Schultz, the third-year TE finally gets his chance to shine in the spotlight. In a win over the Falcons, he managed nine receptions for 88 yards and a TD. His whopping 10 targets led the team. It’s evident that head coach Mike McCarthy and OC Kellen Moore still intend on highlighting the TE position in their high-scoring offensive scheme, making Schultz a valuable waiver pickup that’s available in most leagues. However, they do have the Seahawks on deck, whose Safety Jamal Adams has been potent in shutting down opposing TEs.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 7-10%
Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers (10%)
Fan favorite TE George Kittle was inactive (MCL sprain) for a Week 2 manhandling against the Giants. In his place, veteran Jordan Reed shocked everyone with a comeback performance for the ages. He caught seven of eight targets for 50 yards and two TDs, proving to everyone that he’s still got it. Only in 2020 would we see dozens of young, healthy athletes damaged in quick succession, while “injury-prone” Jordan Reed not only survives, but thrives. It was truly a sight to behold after his career was essentially left in the dust. However, I must point out that Kittle is expected back for Week 3 against the Giants. Once Kittle returns, Reed’s fantasy relevance will disappear. So only bid for him IF you believe Kittle will be out again.
Recommended Week 3 FAAB Bids: 5% (10% is Kittle is OUT)
If you found Peter’s Week 3 FAAB Guide helpful, you’ll also want to check out Corbin Young’s Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for more potential adds.
Fantrax was one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites of 2019 and we’re not letting our foot off the pedal now! With multi-team trades, designated commissioner/league managers, and drag/drop easy click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – sign up now for a free year at Fantrax.com.