Injuries are already shaking up the fantasy landscape as the season kicks into gear, leaving managers scrambling to adjust. Handcuffs and backups are stepping up, and new faces are making their mark. Here’s our countdown of the top ten must-add pickups on the Fantasy Football Week 3 Waiver Wire.
Others to Consider: Kareem Hunt, Dameon Pierce, Antonio Gibson, Bucky Irving, Jalen Nailor, Demarcus Robinson, Chuba Hubbard, D’Onta Foreman, Cam Akers, Sam Darnold, Josh Reynolds, Mike Gesicki, Jalen Tolbert, Ty Chandler, Gabe Davis, Jerry Judy, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson, Skylar Thompson
Note: Roster % based on Yahoo and Sleeper
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 3 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
Tier 4: Best of the Rest
10. Adam Thielen, WR Carolina Panthers (25% Yahoo, 36% Sleeper)
The Panthers finally pulled the plug on Bryce Young and turned to the old Red Rifle Andy Dalton to right the ship. This is great news for all Panthers offensive players, who hopefully can inject some life into this team and actually field somewhat of an offense. The 34-year-old Thielen is playing high snaps and has been a consistent and reliable weapon for years. Last year, Dalton started one game for the Panthers, and Thielen’s final stat line was a whopping 11-145-1 on 14 targets.
9. Derek Carr, QB New Orleans Saints (19%, 21%)
I have no idea where this version of Derek Carr came from, but I’m here for it. Carr and the Saints’ offense have been unstoppable, scoring on every drive he has led through two weeks. He has six touchdowns (one rushing) while unlocking a deep threat in Rashid Shaheed, which significantly raises Carr’s fantasy ceiling. Klint Kubiak looks like an absolute genius right now, especially in the way this Saints offense is humming.
Plus, look at this swagger!
Tier 3: Unsexy But High Usage
8. Jauan Jennings, WR San Francisco 49ers (2%, 6%)
News came out on Monday that Deebo Samuel will be missing some time with an injury. The 49ers are dealing with injuries to Samuel and star running back Christian McCaffrey, which has vacated plenty of touches in this offense.
Star WR Brandon Aiyuk is also coming along slowly after holding out all offseason, so Jennings is one of the few remaining stalwarts QB Brock Purdy is familiar with. We saw how productive he can be with his big game in the Super Bowl, so he could be useful while Samuel is shelved.
7. Andrei Iosivas, WR Cincinnati Bengals (7%, 15%)
True efficiency in Week 2 from Iosivas, who caught two balls on the day, and both ended up being touchdowns. The Bengals are struggling but have the ultimate get-right game on the schedule next with the Commanders’ defense that might be the worst in the league. Iosivas has been the consistent WR2 behind Jamar Chase, with Tee Higgins still sidelined.
6. Alec Pierce, WR Indianapolis Colts (28%, 24%)
Last year’s Cardio King, third-year receiver Alec Pierce, is off to a great start with the Colt’s offense. Touchdowns in back to back games while playing a very high percentage of snaps, Pierce seems to be locked in with Anthony Richardson. He’s another big-bodied receiver with a higher touchdown upside currently riding the hot hand.
5. Hunter Henry, TE New England Patriots (21%, 22%)
For as long as Jacoby Brissett is the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, Hunter Henry will be a serviceable player in the tight end position. Brissett hasn’t worked the ball downfield for New England, often checking down and finding Henry as a security blanket. Henry racked up 109 yards on eight catches with an astounding 12 targets on the day. He’ll have high volume and good target numbers, and the training wheels will stay on for this offense.
Tier 2: High Upside Targets
4. Quentin Johnston, WR Los Angeles Chargers (7%,16%)
After an extremely disappointing rookie campaign, it looks like Jim Harbaugh might be starting to unlock the talented receiver in Quentin Johnston. The big-bodied receiver can be a weapon for an offense that lacks quality and/or experienced pass catchers.
His two touchdowns this week showed the upside that can be had tied to Justin Herbert and an offense that’s already playing better than expected.
3. Braelon Allen, RB New York Jets (2%, 20%)
Youngest player in the NFL, rookie RB Braelon Allen made his presence felt this week against the Titans. There’s no question this is Breece Hall’s backfield, but Allen is certainly making the most of his touches, scoring twice on just 11 opportunities in Week 2.
Allen is a supremely talented back who broke out at age 17 at Wisconsin and proved to be a three-down workhorse in college. Unfortunately, he just got stuck behind a true three-down back. The silver lining, though, is that Hall’s injury history leaves Allen just one play away from his sky-high potential.
2. Carson Steele, RB Kansas City Chiefs (5%, 4%)
While Perine presents the better option for fantasy purposes, Steele should see an uptick in his playing time and touches. He could be the lead or early down back, but chances are he will lose valuable touches to the veteran and more established Perine. Still, there’s some intriguing upside if you aren’t fortunate enough to get Perine on your roster.
Tier 1: The FAAB Buster
1. Samaje Perine, RB Kansas City Chiefs (6%, 8%)
The honor for top Waiver Wire option this week goes to Chiefs RB Samaje Perine.
With Isaiah Pacheco on the shelf for the next month or two, Perine looks to be the player to benefit most from the opportunity. He’s a great PPR and receiving back that can easily replicate what Jerick McKinnon was to this offense the last few seasons. Plus, he’s put up fantasy numbers when given the chance to start.
