Week 3 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups - Free Agent Adds Include Derek Carr, Bucky Irving, Carson Steele, Cam Akers, Quentin Johnston, Hunter Henry

Over the past almost two weeks of football, offenses seem to be really struggling, and this is negatively affecting fantasy football scoring. Injuries are already starting to mount, and they've affected some big names. Fantasy football is always chaos, but between the lackluster passing numbers and the injuries, fantasy managers have already been put on their toes.

This article will detail the players fantasy managers should look to add to their rosters before Week 3. Fantasy managers should always be making moves with the end of their roster. It's also important to know what your roster lacks. We should want 1-2 dependable bench players who we feel comfortable starting at any time, and the rest should be filled with players with high ceilings.

Our rosters should never stay stagnant. There's almost always a spot on our roster that we can improve, and this article aims to help you identify who that upgrade can be. If you want to take advantage of our great premium tools, please use promo code "BOOM" to receive a 10% discount.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Parameters

A few rules before we get started. Every league is different. Different roster formats. Different roster sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different.

Even what host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that are different from those of Yahoo!, which have rankings that are different from those of CBS or NFL, and all of that impacts which players are drafted or not drafted. This year, we’ll be using ESPN’s roster percentages.

The vast majority of players use ESPN. It’s a simple numbers game. We’ll only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of less than 55%. For running backs and receivers, that number will drop to 45%.

We won’t be diving into defenses and kickers too much, but I’ll identify a few streamers to target at those positions each week with a roster percentage below 60%. Each position will be arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position.

Quarterbacks - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 3

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks - 16.3% Rostered

Smith has been very good through two weeks. This past weekend, he finished with 327 yards passing and a score with no turnovers. He also chipped in with eight rushing yards. Like the rest of the Seattle offense, Smith is learning new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's system.

That can take some time, but fantasy managers should be excited about what they saw this past weekend. This is an offense that plans to attack defenses downfield.

Through 2 weeks of season—-best QB basically no one has talked about

Geno Smith

Throwing it about as well as anyone.

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 16, 2024

Through Sunday Night Football, Smith is the QB6 on the week with 17.88 points. In Week 1, he was QB9 with 17.84. If you lost Tagovailoa or you drafted Joe Burrow and are looking for a solid replacement, Smith should be a target.

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers - 32.0% Rostered

Fields started this past weekend with Russell Wilson, who is still dealing with a calf strain that has kept him limited throughout the offseason. This has been an injury Wilson has been dealing with for a few months now.

It's unknown how long Wilson will be out, and we also don't know if they'll return to him once he's healthy. With the Steelers starting 2-0 and Fields playing (mostly) mistake-free football, Fields may have won the starting job moving forward.

If that's true, fantasy managers should be excited to add Fields to their roster because we know what he brings when he's on the field. From 2022-2023, Fields averaged 20.0 PPG and finished as a top-12 quarterback 63% of the time. Those are elite numbers; that kind of upside is worth betting on. In 27 games from 2022-2023, he had 12 games with 20 or more points.

That includes seven games with more than 25 points and three with more than 30. His running ability gives him and fantasy managers an elite, week-winning upside. Fields was held scoreless in Week 1 but did have 14 rush attempts for 57 yards. Fields had just 117 yards passing with one touchdown.

He also chipped in with 27 rushing yards. He hasn't had a big game yet, but he's still learning a new offense. As he gets more comfortable, Fields' fantasy value could increase. Given the upside we've seen Fields display in the past, he's worth adding.

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints - 9.5% Rostered

Carr is off to a blistering start. He had 21.3 points in Week 1 and was the QB6. He finished Week 1 with 200 yards passing and three touchdowns. The Saints destroyed the Panthers in Week 1. Through Sunday Night Football of Week 2, Carr is the QB2 with 21.82 points after throwing for 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Carr also had a rushing score in a dominant and surprising victory over the Cowboys. I am still hesitant to trust Carr and the Saints' offense, but it's hard to ignore what they've done through two weeks.

Passer Rating Leaders in Week 2

1. Kyler Murray - 158.3
2. Malik Willis - 126.8
3. Derek Carr - 125.0
4. Joe Burrow - 111.1
5. Sam Darnold - 109.1

EPAs per Dropback Leaders in Week 2

1. Kyler Murray - 0.79
2. Derek Carr - 0.76
3. Malik Willis - 0.58
4. Josh Allen - 0.40
5.… https://t.co/fHfB1CJ8oY pic.twitter.com/xcfGwRGiJI

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 15, 2024

It's hard to deny how well Carr has played to start the season. Last year, the Saints' offense rarely used play-action or pre-snap motion. After two weeks of 2024, they're near the top in both categories. Those schematic changes have paid dividends over two weeks.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 46.8% Rostered

Lawrence had just 16 passing yards at halftime against the vaunted Cleveland defense. He finished with 220 yards and 13.3 points but did have a touchdown pass negated, which would have boosted his final point tally to 17.3. Lawrence hasn't been great through two weeks, but he's performed as a top-10 quarterback in the second half of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

That potential, that upside, is there. Lawrence cannot be started now, but he's worth stashing on your bench. Lawrence has some sneaky rushing appeal, and if he can get the passing game working, fantasy managers could have a strong QB2 on their bench.

Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings - 5.6% Rostered

Jordan Addison didn't play this past weekend. T.J. Hockenson is currently on IR. Justin Jefferson left the game early this past weekend. His injury doesn't sound serious, and he's already indicated he doesn't anticipate the injury costing him any games. As long as Jefferson is healthy, Darnold is worth rostering.

He scored 19.92 points against the 49ers defense and is currently the QB3 on the week. He was the QB14 in Week 1 with 14.62 points. Could we be seeing a Geno Smith type of resurgence? Considering the weapons he has and the coaching, it's certainly possible. As of right now, he's worth rostering as a backup QB.

Running Backs - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 3

Bucky Irving, Tamp Bay Buccaneers - 29.6% Rostered

Irving needs to be a priority add this week. Not only did Rachaad White leave the game with a groin injury, but White's workload continues to lessen compared to last season. Irving has out-rushed White in both weeks despite receiving fewer carries. Last week, White handled 62.5% of the rushing opportunities. Last year, that number was at 75.6%. This past weekend, it was 58.8%.

Injury update: Bucs RB Rachaad White has a groin injury and is questionable to return.

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 15, 2024

White eventually returned to the game, but Irving's role could increase even more if he's hampered in any way. Not only is Irving one of the more elite handcuffs in fantasy football, but his role could be increasing to the point where he could start holding some standalone value.

White's efficiency running the ball has been dreadful to start the season and was just as bad last year. If that doesn't improve, we could see more of a committee approach as the season progresses.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 15.3% Rostered

In Week 1, Bigsby had 12 carries and 73 yards. He had the same number of carries in Week 1 as Travis Etienne, who finished with just 44 yards. He earned the second and third carries of the game in Week 1, indicating that he was meant to be part of the game plan.

Throughout the offseason, the coaches talked about wanting to get Bigsby more involved in the offseason, and that came to fruition in Week 1. In Week 2, however, Bigsby was injured on a kickoff return before even touching the ball on offense.

Tank Bigsby took a massive shot on this return. Likely getting evaluated for a concussion.
pic.twitter.com/gsCgSUME1O

— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 15, 2024

This is the hit that Bigsby got hurt on, but it wasn't a concussion he was ruled out with; instead, it was a shoulder injury. Bigsby did not return to the game, and the severity of the injury is unknown right now. However, he's the No. 2 running back behind Etienne.

Based on Week 1's utilization, Bigsby will have some standalone value as long as he's healthy and an elite handcuff to Etienne should he miss time.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 43.6% Rostered

Based on the first two weeks of action, there isn't a compelling reason to add Benson (although this play below from the preseason should give fantasy managers optimism if Benson ever gets more work). However, that's often the story regarding running back handcuff. They usually don't get the playing time or the opportunities as long as the starter is healthy.

Take Jordan Mason of the 49ers, for instance. Right now, he looks like a league-winner. However, had Christian McCaffrey stayed healthy, how often would he touch the ball? Maybe 1-3 times per game. That same situation is true for Benson right now since James Conner is healthy.

Trey Benson is a battering ram pic.twitter.com/8ird2aczfA

— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) August 18, 2024

Conner has never played 16 games in a season in his career. In the past two years in Arizona, Conner has played 13 games, missing four. Based on Conner's history, Benson should get his chance sooner or later. If you can continue to roster Benson, he could eventually provide the same level of upside as Mason has offered in San Francisco.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 42.2% Rostered

You can copy and paste everything about Benson here for Corum. He hasn't done anything in the NFL that proves he belongs on fantasy football rosters. However, after a prolific career at Michigan, he was drafted in the third round of this year's draft.

That should give fantasy managers hope that should he get increased opportunities, he could produce for fantasy managers. Kyren Williams has been dominating snaps and touches. Sean McVay has typically operated his backfield in such a manner. His one guy is often "the" guy, and there isn't much sharing.

If Williams were to miss time, it seems highly unlikely that McVay would turn the backfield over to undrafted running back Ronnie Rivers. If Williams were to miss time, Corum would become a highly sought-after running back. Corum doesn't hold any standalone value and is purely a handcuff, but he is one of the best handcuffs in the league.

MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 17.9% Rostered

Lloyd made his season debut this past weekend, and while his box score didn't look special, he's still a player worth adding to your bench. With Jordan Love on the sideline, the Packers' offense ran through the running backs, specifically Josh Jacobs. We're adding Lloyd because of the extreme workload Jacobs saw and how realistic it is that Jacobs continues to see that kind of volume.

#Packers Week 2 RB opportunities (carries + targets):

Josh Jacobs - 32
MarShawn Lloyd - 7
Emanuel Wilson - 5

— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) September 16, 2024

Jacobs is going to continue to be a bell-cow until Love returns. The Packers do not trust Malik Willis to throw the ball. To keep Jacobs healthy for the long haul, it would be wise of Matt LaFleur to give Lloyd more touches moving forward.

Lloyd was working his way back from a hamstring injury, which could be why the touch distribution was so one-sided this past weekend, but as long as Lloyd got out of Sunday's game unscathed, we should see Lloyd worked into the offense more next week, in attempt to preserve Jacobs.

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 11.5% Rostered

Davis is James Cook's handcuff. He holds little to no weekly value, but if you're looking for a lottery ticket and some of the other handcuffs above him are rostered, rolling the dice on Davis in case Cook were to get hurt could be a league-winning bet.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 7.4% Rostered

Allen found the end zone twice in Week 2 and finished with nine touches (two of which were receptions), 56 scrimmage yards, and two touchdowns. He could maintain some low fantasy value every week if he gets 7-10 touches.

#Jets Week 2 RB opportunities (carries + targets):

Breece Hall - 22
Braelon Allen - 11

— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) September 16, 2024

Allen's involvement could have been game script-dependent. New York struggled to move the ball through the air, and Tennessee never challenged the Jets. In games where the Jets are forced to pass the ball more, Allen may not be as involved. However, if one thing is sure, Allen is the primary backup and handcuff to Breece Hall.

Carson Steele, Kansas City Chiefs - 1.6% Rostered

Pacheco has been a workhorse for the Chiefs to begin the 2024 season, and no other Chiefs running back has held any fantasy value. However, Pacheco was hurt this past weekend, and based on the initial reports, it could be serious.

Pacheco was emotional in the locker room, towel over his head with watery eyes. Andy Reid came over to wrap his arm around him before his own podium interview. Pacheco was still walking in the locker room, so we'll see what testing shows this week. https://t.co/AS6SpRtJpT

— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) September 16, 2024

Steele was the biggest beneficiary this past weekend. Samaje Perine, whom they signed after his release from the Broncos, only had one catch for three yards, while Steele had seven carries for 24 yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is currently on IR. They may sign a veteran if Pacheco's injury is long-term, but Steele seems like the player to add right now.

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys - 37.4% Rostered

This backfield is a complete mess, and it will be challenging for fantasy managers to trust any of them. However, that doesn't mean they don't deserve a spot on our rosters. In Week 1, Ezekiel Elliott played more snaps, ran more routes, had more targets, and received more carries than Dowdle.

Elliott also found the end zone and looked like he might be a cheap, touchdown-dependent RB3. Then Week 2 happened, and Dowdle played more snaps and ran the same number of routes as Zeke but also had more targets and carries than Elliott.

#Cowboys Week 2 RB Usage

- Rico Dowdle: 44% snaps, 7 carries, 15 routes, 5 targets (59 yds)
- Ezekiel Elliott: 39% snaps, 6 carries, 17 routes, 3 targets (32 yds)
- Deuce Vaughn: 14% snaps, 4 carries, 5 routes, 1 target (17 yds)

Can't trust anyone here

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 15, 2024

If one of them were to be able to separate themselves from the other, there'd be some fantasy value here. That's because the Cowboys have an above-average offensive line, and there should be plenty of scoring opportunities.

If fantasy managers cannot trust the weekly workload share between these running backs, putting any of them into your starting lineup will be difficult. Right now, Elliott and Dowdle should both be rostered (but on benches) until we have a clearer picture of how the workload will be distributed weekly.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 25.3% Rostered

Wright is a handcuff for both De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. While Jeff Wilson Jr. also saw an increased workload in Week 2 with Mostert out due to a chest injury, Wright did out-snap Wilson. Mostert is already dealing with a chest injury that kept him out for Week 2, and Achane was a game-time decision due to an ankle injury.

While most handcuffs require an injury to one specific player, Wright could have two outs for playing time --  Mostert and Achane. That didn't come to pass in Week 2, but that may have more to do with Wright's rookie status.

Miami Dolphins Round 4 rookie RB Jaylen Wright only played two preseason games, but Mike McDaniel kept him busy.

- 17 rush attempts
- 7 targets
- 132 scrimmage yards

Wright was used as a pre-snap motion man EIGHT times pic.twitter.com/avtIwLzxSa

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 24, 2024

Wright was incredibly productive in the preseason, and the upside within a Mike McDaniel is appealing. However, the injury to Tua Tagovailoa does lower the potential of the team's offense. In Week 2, Wright didn't see a fantasy-relevant role even with Mostert out.

Achane's role increased to extreme bell-cow. Is that how it will be every time? That seems unlikely. Wright is still worth a bench stash, but given the events surrounding the team, it may be challenging to stash a team's No. 3 running back whose team just lost their starting quarterback for several weeks.

Cam Akers, Houston Texans - 0.5% Rostered

Akers seems to have moved ahead of Dameon Pierce on the Texans' depth chart, which could put him into a prominent role in Week 3. In last night's game against the Bears, Joe Mixon seemed to suffer an ankle injury. At this time, we know very little about the injury. However, Mixon was able to return to the game.

Mixon's injury is one fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on, but if he is injured or not 100%, Akers seems like he would get the first crack at an increased role.

Wide Receivers - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 3

Ja'Lynn Polk, New England Patriots - 21.9% Rostered

Polk didn't have much impact in Week 1, as the coaching staff seems to be bringing their rookies along slowly. However, this past week, Polk's playing time increased. He finished second among New England receivers in snaps played and was second to only Demario Douglas in routes run (23 to 22).

While Polk only had three targets, that was enough to lead the way among Patriot receivers. He had two catches for just 12 yards but did find the end zone on one of them and finished with 8.2 half-PPR points.

WR Leaders by Separation Score in Week 1
+ @FantasyPtsData

1. Adonai Mitchell (0.647) 👀👀
2. Mike Evans (0.609)
3. George Pickens (0.450) 🥵
4. Jameson Williams (0.444) 📈
5. Ja'Lynn Polk (0.389) 👀
6. CeeDee Lamb (0.357)
7. Luke McCaffrey (0.300) 👀
8. Nico Collins (0.250)

— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) September 10, 2024

Polk looks to be the team's most talented receiver, and it feels like it's only a matter of time before that starts showing up in the box score. Polk played just 54% of the snaps in Week 1 before playing 60% this past weekend.

As his playing time increases, so should his targets and receiving production. The Patriots have been far more competitive than many anticipated, and once he starts getting more opportunities, Polk could have a big second half.

Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams - 33.7% Rostered

With Puka Nacua on IR, Robinson took over as the starting receiver opposite Cooper Kupp. He played 48 of the team's 52 snaps and ran 28 routes on 32 dropbacks. Both numbers led the way for the Rams this past weekend, and his role could become even more significant in the coming weeks. That's because Kupp could also find himself on the sideline soon.

Cooper Kupp had a boot on his left foot in the locker room after the game. Sean McVay said he didn’t have an update on the severity of Kupp’s ankle injury.

— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) September 15, 2024

Based on Kupp being in a walking boot, it's fair to expect him to be out for at least a week or two, although we don't know anything about the severity of the injury. However, if Kupp is out, Robinson's target competition would be significantly lower.

While he can't play more snaps or run more routes than he did this past weekend, if Kupp is out, Matthew Stafford could end up looking Robinson's way more than he did this past weekend. Robinson had four targets in Week 2, second to only Kupp. He finished with two catches and 50 yards.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 9.2% Rostered

Downs has missed the first two weeks of the season, but he was a limited participant this past week on Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to a full practice on Friday. It seems like a guarantee that Downs will return in Week 3.

He showed last year, as a rookie, that he could play in the NFL and be an excellent player. Below is a chart comparing Downs' stats as a rookie to another player widely ranked as a top-35 receiver going into the 2024 season and was one of the highest-scoring players in Week 1.

As you can see from the table above, Downs performed a little better in some areas and a little worse in others, but for the most part, these players were nearly identical. That unnamed rookie is Jayden Reed of the Green Bay Packers.

Reed does provide some value on the ground for fantasy purposes, but it’s wild just how different their ADPs were when their numbers were so similar. Not only did Downs perform like another rookie receiver being drafted as a WR3, but his production was very similar to that of his teammate, Michael Pittman Jr. until Downs hurt his knee.

Michael Pittman and Josh Downs were on the field together for 424 routes in 2023. The gap in their production while sharing the field was closer than you might realize.

Targets
108 - Pittman
88 - Downs

Receiving yards
824 - Pittman
727 - Downs

PPR points
165.4 - Pittman
145.7…

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 31, 2024

The offseason reports on Downs stated he was one of Indianapolis' best offensive weapons and had been forming a strong connection with Anthony Richardson. Downs only finds himself on the waiver wire because of his ankle sprain, which kept him out the first two weeks. He'll return to the field this week, and you should be adding him before he has a big game.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers - 6.9% Rostered

Don't look now, but Johnston might be a thing. He was the Chargers' second-leading receiver in Week 1, finishing with five targets, three receptions, and 38 yards. In Week 1, he was tied for second on the team in snaps played and routes run. He's a full-time starter for Los Angeles and playing well.

This past weekend, he played 48 snaps, 14 more than the second-closest receiver. Johnston also led the team in routes run and targets. Before the season, there were reports that he was fourth on the depth chart, but his playing time has been excellent for two weeks.

With 2 weeks down, Quentin Johnston leads the Chargers' WR room in snaps, routes and targets.

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) September 15, 2024

This past weekend, he had six targets, five receptions, 51 yards, and two touchdowns en route to 19.6 half-PPR points. Johnston was (unfairly) written off after a brutal rookie season. However, he was drafted in the first round for a reason. He was playing out of position as a rookie and in a situation where Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Justin Herbert all were hurt.

Not to mention a head coach and offensive coordinator who was promptly fired after the season ended. Now, with a competent head coach, Johnston is showing some of the promise that made him a first-round pick. The Chargers are desperate for a pass-catcher, and Johnston shows he might be that guy. He needs to be added.

Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys - 39.5% Rostered

Cooks isn't the same player he used to be, but considering the offense he's on and the role he has, he can still be a worthwhile fantasy player. In Week 1, he led the team in routes run and snaps played. He also finished second in targets to only CeeDee Lamb. He finished with four targets, four receptions, 40 yards, and a score.

This past weekend, Jalen Tolbert and CeeDee Lamb ran more routes and played more snaps than Cooks, but fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed. Tolbert led the way with 60 snaps and 41 routes. Cook played 57 snaps and ran 37 routes, so he was still a full-time player.

Tolbert out-targeted Cooks eight to two, which may indicate that we can't depend on Cooks as a weekly starter. There was that possibility after he finished as a top-30 receiver from Weeks 7-17 last year.

However, while he might not be a weekly flex option, Cooks is still a dependable player to have on your bench. He's playing a full allotment of snaps and running plenty of routes. The opportunity is there.

On top of that, the Cowboys are one of the most pass-heavy offenses in the league and should be one of the more high-scoring teams in the NFL. It's a target-rich environment in terms of both targets and scoring opportunities. Cook qualifies if you're looking for someone you can trust for a bye week and injury placements.

Tyler Johnson, Los Angeles Rams - 12.9% Rostered

Johnson was the biggest beneficiary of the injuries to Kupp and Nacua. This past weekend, he played 45 of the team's 52 snaps and ran 25 of a possible 32 routes. Both of these numbers were second to only Robinson.

Rookie Jordan Whittington and veteran Tutu Atwell also saw their opportunities increase, but neither player approached the workload that Johnson saw. Johnson was far more productive in Week 1, finishing with seven targets, five receptions, and 79 yards. This past weekend, he had three targets, two receptions, and 20 yards.

“The Rams will need veteran wide receivers Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson to step up to replace Nacua.”

FWIW, not one mention of Tutu Atwell or rookie 6th-round pick Jordan Whittington https://t.co/uDs7dgNIkw

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 15, 2024

However, with Nacua on IR and possibly out for even longer than the required four games and Kupp in a walking boot, Johnson very well might himself as a full-time starter for the Rams moving forward. He's ahead of Whittington and Atwell on the depth chart and should get the first crack this next weekend.

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants - 18.2% Rostered

Robinson has performed as a quality bench player through two weeks, scoring 8.8 half-PPR points in both weeks. The passing offense for the Giants will flow through rookie Malik Nabers, who had 17 targets (!!!) this past weekend, but Robinson appears to be Daniel Jones' preferred No. 2 option.

He had 12 targets, six receptions, and 44 yards in Week 1. He followed that up by having four targets, two receptions, 18 yards, and a score this past weekend. The upside with Robinson is going to be low. This is due to New York's offensive proficiency and Jones' ineptitude.

However, if you're desperate for a spot starter, Robinson is playing starter minutes and running a healthy amount of snaps. He appears to be Jones' preferred No. 2 target and should be a decent floor option off the bench in PPR scoring leagues. However, if you're looking for a high-upside player, you should look elsewhere.

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 6.0% Rostered

This is for deep, deep leagues. However, Bateman has had five and four targets in consecutive weeks. He's not been overly effective, but he is Baltimore's downfield weapon. He had two catches and 53 yards in Week 1 with a 45% air-yard share. This past week, he had three receptions for 40 yards.

He's had at least five half-PPR points in Baltimore's first two games and primarily operated behind Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely. He's a boom-or-bust receiver who is unlikely to see more than 4-6 targets, but his average target depth makes him a player who only needs a play or two to go his way to have a big week.

Baltimore is on the road in Week 3 against Dallas, which will likely have one of the highest implied point totals of any game. Dallas has a strong front seven, which could lead to Baltimore attacking the Cowboys through the air.

Others to Consider: Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers (35.6% Rostered), Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (30.2% Rostered), Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4.9% Rostered), Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys (4.0% Rostered), Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams (1.3% Rostered), Malachi Corley, New York Jets (0.8% Rostered)

Tight Ends - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 3

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams - 44.2% Rostered

With Puka Nacua on IR and Cooper Kupp on the mend, the target competition that seemed stiff at the start of the season is now gone. Parkinson can operate as Matthew Stafford's No. 1 target-earner if Kupp is out. That makes Parkinson a quality add if you're weak at the tight end position.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 10.0% Rostered

The Patriots lack dependable pass-catchers. Henry isn't sexy, but he's dependable and a full-time player right now, running a route on almost every New England dropback. That role gives him a leg up on most tight ends. This past weekend, we saw how that opportunity can directly lead to fantasy football production.

Week 2 TE target shares >15%

lol Hunter Henry

Bowers caught 9 of 9 targets for 98 yards🔥 pic.twitter.com/1GdSFDg856

— Scott Rinear (@MunderDifflinFF) September 15, 2024

Henry had a 37% target share this past weekend with little target competition and finished with ten targets, eight receptions, and 109 yards. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect that kind of weekly production, but the opportunity gives him a chance.

Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos - 1.0% Rostered

Dulcich is a young player who flashed as a rookie in 2022. He lost his 2023 due to injuries, but he's healthy now. The Broncos lack quality pass-catchers. This past weekend, he had eight targets. That only led to three receptions for 16 yards, but he dominates the snaps and routes in Denver's tight end room.

This past weekend, he led the team in targets with eight (no one else had more than five). If Bo Nix could show some of the production and efficiency he displayed in the preseason, Dulcich could become an intriguing tight end streamer.

Given Denver's need for a quality No. 2 pass-catcher behind Courtland Sutton, he could flirt with top-15 numbers at the tight end position if Nix could get this offense performing a bit better.

Others to Consider: Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (2.5% Rostered), Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (17.8% Rostered), Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (3.9% Rostered), Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (2.3% Rostered)

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 3

• Green Bay Packers - 5.7% Rostered (at Tennessee Titans)
• Las Vegas Raiders - 4.1% Rostered (vs Carolina Panthers)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 3.1% Rostered (vs Denver Broncos)
• Cincinnati Bengals - 31.6% Rostered (vs Commanders in Week 3 and at Panthers in Week 4)
• Seattle Seahawks - 53.7% Rostered (vs Miami Dolphins)

Kickers - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 3

• Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills - 13.6% Rostered (vs Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 8.4% Rostered (vs Denver Broncos)
• Matt Prater, Arizona Cardinals - 2.6% Rostered (vs Detroit Lions)
• Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers.- 21.9% Rostered (vs Los Angeles Chargers)
• Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears - 43.1% Rostered (at Indianapolis Colts)

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