Week 3 has arrived and the early season chaos is already in full swing. Fantasy football is never short on drama. One moment you are celebrating a breakout performance and the next you are scrambling to replace an injured starter. The highs and lows come fast, and every manager is feeling it by now.
The biggest storyline heading into this week is the pileup of quarterback injuries. Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow, and rookie JJ McCarthy are all set to miss extended time. Justin Fields is working through concussion protocol while Jayden Daniels is dealing with a knee injury that has his status in doubt. For managers already thin at quarterback, it could be a make-or-break stretch.
That is why the waiver wire matters. It is the safety net that gives you a chance to stay afloat, the opportunity to snag a surprise breakout, and the lifeline to keep your season alive. Whether you are searching for a spot starter at quarterback, a running back stepping into new volume, or a wide receiver commanding unexpected targets, there are answers out there.
Our Week 3 guide highlights the players worth chasing, the FAAB bids that make sense, and the strategies that can keep you competitive in both shallow and deep formats. This is the time of year where small decisions add up, and every smart pickup helps build the foundation for a playoff run.
Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones (QB – IND): 12.4% Rostered | Last Week: QB7
On our list for the second straight week, this has to be the last time he hits this list. Jones should get snatched up in every league with the quarterback situation where it is at right now revolving around injuries. All those that wanted to wait and see finally got to see in a late afternoon game. Daniel Jones might just be for real.
Russell Wilson (QB – NYG): 7.1% Rostered | Last Week: QB2
Take this last game with a grain of salt, but Russell Wilson balled last week against the Cowboys. Now how sustainable is one of the worst offenses in the league scoring 37 points every week? The thing that leans me toward Wilson is that he has done it before and has Malik Nabers to throw it to. The thing that steers me away is that it is also Wilson and Brian Daboll is trying to save his job, which could mean we see Jaxson Dart at any point this season. Russ will get you through some of these early QB injuries though.
Jake Browning (QB – CIN): 0.7% Rostered | Last Week: QB14
With Joe Burrow going down, insert backup Jake Browning, who has done well in place of Burrow before. He’s expected to be the starter until at least December, maybe longer. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Browning should be fine, but likely not a starter. I’d pick him up if you need a backup.
Carson Wentz (QB – MIN): 0.7% Rostered | Last Week: DNP
This one is a bit gross, but here we are, in Week 3. Carson Wentz has spent time as a starting quarterback in the NFL and has done well for other teams. But he finds himself in another backup spot looking to make an immediate impact. The reason he is on my list is the situation. With head coach Kevin O’Connell being the quarterback whisperer, he’s had some recent successes at the position. Kirk Cousins had his best season with KOC, Joshua Dobbs was a thing for a little bit, and as recent as Sam Darnold being a really good QB. Bonus: Justin Jefferson is going to get his catches and do big things with them.
Running Backs
Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAC): 47.6% Rostered | Last Week: RB17
This might be the last time you have an opportunity at rostering Tuten if you don’t already. Even with Travis Etienne doing well, Tuten was able to get his also scoring 15.4 fantasy points in Week 2. Get him now while you can.
Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL): 35.9% Rostered | Last Week: RB19
I’d be worried about picking up the backup running back for such an elite talent in Bijan Robinson, but the Falcons are showing that they can do both at the same time and still keep the offense rolling. Robinson and Allgeier combined for 34.8 points in Week 2, which is incredible. Could we be looking at the new Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery duo?
Wide Receivers
Troy Franklin (WR – DEN): 4.4% Rostered | Last Week: WR7
Troy Franklin has solidified not only as WR2 on the Broncos, but as the second best target on that offense. This is the Troy Franklin we all hoped we drafted last year when he never showed up. Franklin is getting a ton of targets each game and catching almost everything. He was the biggest impact in a close loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. Expect Franklin to see more in the passing game as the year goes on.
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG): 26.7% Rostered | Last Week: WR5
I am almost certain we talked about Wan’Dale Robinson like this last year where we encouraged everyone to pick him up because he was masterful in targets even with Malik Nabers being on that offense. Robinson is still getting a ton of targets and doing something with them. He is currently WR9 on through two weeks and not rostered in 3/4 of leagues.
Elic Ayomanor (WR – TEN): 13.4% Rostered | Last Week: WR24
I won’t mince my words: I do not trust Calvin Ridley, period. So insert the new target in Tennessee, Elic Ayomanor. I don’t expect him to be a top 24 wide receiver all year, as he currently is sitting at WR50. However, he did well after a rough start to the season against Denver.
Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson (TE – NO): 18.0% Rostered | Last Week: TE4
He increased his rostership by 14% this week, which means it’s almost time for everyone to pick him up. A new QBs best friend is the most reliable player on the field, the tight end. Johnson has stepped into that role for the Saints giving Spencer Rattler SOMEONE to get the ball to. My expectations are low though, as I think this could turn sour quickly. But why can Johnson be this year’s Jonnu Smith?
