Fantasy Football Week 3 Waiver Wire: Daniel Jones Among Top QB Pickups
Week 2 of the NFL season brought both triumphs and tribulations for fantasy football managers. With significant quarterback injuries impacting several teams, the waiver wire is crucial for finding replacements. This week, we focus on top free agent pickups to bolster your roster, particularly at the quarterback position.
Quarterback Replacements: Addressing the Injury Crisis
Several key quarterbacks are facing uncertain futures due to injuries. Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals is expected to miss an extended period, Justin Fields of the New York Jets is in concussion protocol, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders is dealing with a knee injury, and J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings has an ankle injury. These injuries necessitate finding capable replacements on the waiver wire.
Top Quarterback Waiver Wire Targets
Here's a breakdown of quarterbacks available in a majority of ESPN and Yahoo leagues who could provide immediate value:
- Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (18% Rostered in Yahoo Leagues, 21.2% ESPN): After strong performances in Weeks 1 and 2, including a notable Week 2 outing against the Denver Broncos, Jones has solidified himself as a reliable option. His rushing ability and improving passing game make him a low-end QB1 consideration. Next up: at TEN.
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (33.5% Rostered in ESPN): While playing through a back injury, Stafford remains a solid streaming option. With a history of high-yardage games, he can provide a decent floor for fantasy managers. Next up: at PHI.
- Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers (0.6% Rostered in ESPN, 3% in Yahoo if Brock Purdy is out): With Brock Purdy dealing with toe/shoulder injuries, Jones has the potential to start the next few games at home. The 49ers offense boasts talented playmakers. Next up: vs. ARI.
- Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals (0.0% Rostered in ESPN, 1% in Yahoo): With Burrow out, Browning is the next man up in Cincinnati. While he has excellent receiving options, he is more suited for superflex/2QB leagues due to challenging upcoming matchups. Next up: at MIN.
Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
Although top running back options are scarce in many leagues, here are some potential pickups:
- Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (30% Rostered in Yahoo, 34.1% in ESPN): Despite being behind Bijan Robinson, Allgeier sees consistent touches and offers RB3/flex potential, especially in favorable matchups. Next up: at CAR.
- Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars (40.0% Rostered in ESPN, Over 50% Rostered in Yahoo): Earned 10 touches in Week 2 and made the most of them. The upside is there.
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets
Several wide receivers present intriguing opportunities:
- Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos (3% Rostered in Yahoo, 2.0% in ESPN): Emerging as a key part of the Broncos' passing game, Franklin offers WR3/flex potential with a high ceiling. Next up: at LAC.
- Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (22% Rostered in Yahoo, 29.9% in ESPN): With improved quarterback play, Robinson's target share makes him an upside WR3/flex option. Next up: vs. KC.
- Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (20.3% Rostered in ESPN, 16% in Yahoo): With Jayden Reed injured, Doubs could move up the depth chart, although the Packers' WR situation is uncertain. Next up: at CLE.
- Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans (7.7% Rostered in ESPN, 8% in Yahoo): Ayomanor has seen consistent targets and scored a touchdown. Next up: vs. IND.
Tight End Waiver Wire Targets
If you're struggling at tight end, consider these options:
- Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (44% Rostered in Yahoo, 48.2% in ESPN): Johnson is establishing himself as a reliable TE1, consistently scoring well. Next up: at SEA.
- Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns (43% Rostered in Yahoo): Had a productive outing. He's expected to be a top 12 tight end more often than not this season. Next up: at GB.
Deep League Options and Stashes
For deeper leagues, consider stashing players with long-term potential. At running back, look at players like Ollie Gordon II, Jaydon Blue, and Kendre Miller. At wide receiver, consider stashing Isaac TeSlaa, Jayden Higgins, and Tre' Harris.
Week 3 Streaming Defenses
Consider these defenses for Week 3 based on favorable matchups:
- Seattle Seahawks vs. NO (23% Rostered in Yahoo)
- Atlanta Falcons at CAR (1% Rostered in Yahoo)
- Indianapolis Colts at TEN (7% Rostered in Yahoo)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NYJ (7% Rostered in Yahoo)
- Washington Commanders vs. LV (18% Rostered in Yahoo)
