Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3 (Fantasy Football)

One of the most overlooked aspects of fantasy football is its inherent unpredictability. Each week, outcomes can swing from a star player’s dud to an unexpected breakout. For example, I felt confident in one of my matchups heading into the weekend after De’Von Achane and James Cook exploded on Thursday night, only to watch my lead vanish on Sunday thanks to Alvin Kamara’s dominant performance. Unfortunately, this unpredictability often extends to injuries, as we saw plenty in Week 2 of the young season. While losing a key player might feel like a death sentence to your championship hopes, adopting a “next man up” mentality can keep your team on course. Fortunately, the waiver wire is full of hidden gems ready to step up and help your title run. With that in mind, here are the top waiver pickups for Week 3.

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— Matthew Betz (@TheFantasyPT) September 16, 2024

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Running Backs

Carson Steele & Samaje Perine, RBs, Kansas City Chiefs – With his flowing golden locks, bruising frame, and alleged pet alligator, Carson Steele quickly became a fan favorite after a couple of standout preseason performances for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite his impressive showings, the undrafted UCLA running back has been buried on the depth chart behind star running back Isiah Pacheco. Unfortunately, Pacheco is now set to miss significant time after fracturing his fibula. While this is a major setback for Kansas City, their elite offense will press on, leaning heavily on Steele and veteran Samaje Perine. Steele is likely to take over as the primary ball carrier and goal-line back, while Perine, historically valuable on third downs and as a pass catcher, will see an increased role as well. 

In Week 2, Steele struggled to capitalize on his opportunity, gaining just 24 yards on seven carries and losing a fumble. Perine, on the other hand, has also been quiet, with only two receptions for 13 yards across the first two games. Despite their underwhelming performances, both backs are in line for plenty of chances in a high-powered Chiefs’ offense. Heading into a Week 3 matchup against the Falcons, Steele is a priority pickup and could be an absolute steal for fantasy managers, but his leash may be short. Another fumble or poor showing could prompt the Chiefs to turn to the more reliable Perine or even look for outside help.

With the situation still unsettled, it is wise to target both backs if possible. Additionally, Clyde Edwards-Helaire could factor into the backfield rotation once he returns from the NFI list. The team will also be hosting veteran Kareem Hunt for a visit on Tuesday, complicating matters further (more below). Regardless, both Steele and Perine should be rostered in all leagues, given the volume of touches available in Kansas City’s high-octane offense.

Recommended FAAB: 15-25%.

Kareem Hunt, RB, Free Agent – Now that you are more familiar with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine, it is time to address the player who could upend everything for them. With Isiah Pacheco expected to miss six to eight weeks, the Chiefs are bringing in their former running back Kareem Hunt for a visit. At 29, Hunt is no longer the explosive player he was during his first stint in Kansas City, but he remains a capable contributor. His familiarity with the Chiefs’ system and playing alongside Patrick Mahomes could give him an edge. 

In 2023, Hunt recorded 135 carries for 411 yards and nine touchdowns, along with 15 receptions for 84 yards over 15 games with the Browns. If the Chiefs sign him, it would further complicate an already murky backfield situation, making it even more crowded and difficult to predict moving forward.

Recommended FAAB: 5-10%.

Ty Chandler, RB, Minnesota Vikings – There were plenty of doubts about how the Minnesota Vikings’ offense would fare with Sam Darnold at the helm, but the team has been impressive through the first two weeks. Darnold’s strong play has elevated the fantasy potential of several assets on the team, including an intriguing running back room. While Aaron Jones stole the spotlight in Week 1, Ty Chandler took center stage in Week 2. Leading the team in both rushing attempts and yards, Chandler turned 10 carries into 82 yards, out-gaining Jones by 50 yards on the ground. However, Chandler did not see a single target, an area where Jones continues to dominate. As a result, Chandler is more of a game script-dependent flex option, relying heavily on touchdowns for fantasy relevance. That said, Chandler’s role should continue to grow in this evolving offense, and he could thrive in a starting role if Jones were to miss time. His next challenge comes against a strong Houston defense in what could be a high-scoring game where the Vikings are forced to chase points.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Cam Akers, RB, Houston Texans – While the severity of Joe Mixon’s injury is still unclear, it is always smart to grab a backup running back when a starter might miss time. Mixon left Sunday night’s game early with an ankle injury that initially looked serious. Though he returned briefly, he was sidelined again late in the game, raising concerns that the injury may have worsened.

Despite limited touches, Cam Akers led the Texans’ backfield in Sunday night’s win over the Chicago Bears, rushing seven times for 32 yards. Injuries have slowed what once seemed like a promising career for Akers, but he has looked solid in his limited opportunities with Houston. With Dameon Pierce out due to a hamstring injury and Dare Ogunbowale limited to passing downs, Akers seems poised to take over if Mixon is forced to miss time. He is worth a speculative pickup heading into Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings, depending on how Mixon’s practice availability unfolds throughout the week.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys – Despite the early hype around Rico Dowdle as the Cowboys’ starting running back falling flat in Week 1, there were some encouraging signs in Week 2. After taking a backseat to Ezekiel Elliott in the opener, Dowdle touched the ball first for Dallas in Week 2 and led the backfield in opportunities. Although he managed just 30 yards on seven carries, he made his mark in the passing game, catching four of five targets for 29 yards. In a game where the Cowboys were dismantled by the New Orleans Saints, Dowdle emerged as a reliable safety valve for his quarterback, which could be valuable for fantasy if that role continues. 

Looking ahead to a Week 3 matchup against a stout Baltimore defense, it is close to impossible to trust Dowdle in fantasy lineups. However, his involvement in the passing game could make him a potential desperation option in PPR formats. Even if you are not ready to start him, Dowdle is worth a spot on your bench as the Cowboys’ backfield situation continues to unfold.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – As highlighted in last week’s article, Bucky Irving had an impressive NFL debut in Week 1, making the most of his limited opportunities alongside Rachaad White in Tampa Bay’s backfield. Despite receiving fewer than 10 carries, Irving led the team in rushing, posting nine carries for 62 yards and adding two catches for 14 yards. His explosive running added a much-needed spark to the offense, offering a dynamic that White, while a strong pass-catcher, does not consistently provide. 

In Week 2, Irving’s production on the ground was minimal, but White was even less efficient and picked up a minor injury. While White remains the clear RB1, if Irving continues to show his value, he could gradually earn a bigger role as the season progresses.

Recommended FAAB: 5-10%.

D’Onta Foreman, RB, Cleveland Browns – The Deshaun Watson-led Browns’ offense has often looked like a bit of a dumpster fire, but there were signs of slight improvement in Week 2, and their running game has remained a consistent strength. While many expected Jerome Ford to dominate the backfield, it was D’Onta Foreman who saw a significant increase in his role during the team’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Foreman surprisingly logged twice as many carries as Ford in this game, rushing 14 times for 42 yards and adding nine yards on his only target. He also handled the bulk of red zone snaps, positioning himself as a potential goal-line option for the team.

Although Ford had fewer opportunities, he still outsnapped Foreman and was more efficient, tallying 22 more rushing yards despite seven fewer carries. It is worth noting that much of Foreman’s workload came in the second half after Pierre Strong exited with a hamstring injury. While the backfield situation is still evolving, Foreman’s expanded role makes him a valuable pickup in most leagues, especially as he climbs the depth chart.

Recommended FAAB: 5-15%.

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Wide Receivers

Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams – Last week, we discussed the fantasy potential of Demarcus Robinson following Puka Nacua‘s injury, but he is looking even more relevant heading into Week 3. After an impressive Week 1, Robinson followed it up by catching two of four targets for 50 yards. While the numbers may seem modest, he led the Rams’ struggling offense and stepped up as the team’s WR1 after Cooper Kupp exited with an ankle injury. Kupp was later seen in a walking boot, casting doubt on his availability moving forward. With Nacua already on injured reserve, the Rams will have to rely heavily on the veteran Robinson. Though Tyler Johnson, and possibly Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell, could see increased opportunities in the wide receiver room, none figure to be as crucial to the offense as Robinson. The Rams’ offense may be a total mess, but Robinson should at least see plenty of volume in Week 3, even with a daunting matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Recommended FAAB: 5-10%.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers – After a rough rookie season marked by drops and missed opportunities, Quentin Johnston delivered in Week 2 of his sophomore year. In a commanding win over the Carolina Panthers, Johnston became a key piece of the Chargers’ passing attack, catching five of six targets for 51 yards and two touchdowns. It was his most impressive performance as a pro, signaling that he might be ready to leave last year’s struggles behind and revive his young career. While he may never fully live up to his first-round expectations, the lack of competition on the depth chart in Los Angeles makes Johnston a legitimate candidate to bounce back and emerge as the team’s WR1. With Justin Herbert’s elite arm talent, even in a run-heavy offense, Johnston is a priority pickup this week to see if he can continue his resurgence.

Recommended FAAB: 5-10%.

Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers – Someone needs to turn off the injury settings for Week 2. Just when it seemed like there had been enough key players sidelined, late Monday brought news that Deebo Samuel will miss a few weeks due to a calf strain sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. With Christian McCaffrey already out for the foreseeable future, the 49ers will need to lean heavily on Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Jordan Mason. However, Deebo’s absence creates a significant void in the offense, opening up opportunities for others. Jauan Jennings is a prime candidate to step up, making him a sneaky addition to fantasy rosters this week. In Week 1, Jennings caught all five of his targets for 64 yards, playing a key role in the offense. Though a minor ankle injury slowed him in Week 2, he still managed two catches for 37 yards on four targets. As he takes on a larger role in Week 3 against what is left of the depleted Los Angeles Rams, Jennings will look to capitalize on his new opportunity. In deeper leagues, also keep an eye on rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – With Tee Higgins sidelined and Ja’Marr Chase off to a slow start, the Cincinnati Bengals have been desperate for another receiver to step up. Enter Andrei Iosivas, who, despite only hauling in two catches for seven yards in Week 2, made both receptions count with touchdowns. Iosivas boasts an impressive combination of size, speed, and reliable hands, making him a valuable end-zone target, especially against smaller defenders.

While it is usually risky to chase fantasy points solely from touchdowns, Iosivas could be in for a bigger opportunity in Week 3 against the struggling Washington Commanders. If Higgins remains sidelined, Iosivas becomes an intriguing streaming option with plenty of flex appeal.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts – Despite Anthony Richardson averaging just 13 completions per game through the first two weeks, Alec Pierce has emerged as a key target, accounting for 62% of Richardson’s completed passes and 67% of his passing touchdowns. In the season opener, Pierce turned heads, catching all three of his targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. Known for his speed and vertical threat ability, Pierce was largely unproductive last season but now seems to be coming into his own. He followed up his Week 1 breakout with another strong showing in Week 2, catching five of seven targets for 56 yards and another touchdown. 

While Michael Pittman should eventually get things going and Richardson’s play has been a rollercoaster of mediocrity and superhuman brilliance, Pierce’s performance has been undeniably impressive. However, this level of production seems difficult to sustain, making him a high-risk, boom-or-bust flex option most weeks. For deeper leagues, Josh Downs is also worth a stash before his return from injury, as he could carve out a significant role if the Colts’ passing game starts to click.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

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Tight Ends

Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots – Hunter Henry has a knack for delivering standout fantasy performances, but struggles with consistency. Last season, he opened strong as the TE1 in Week 1 and TE2 in Week 2, only to disappear from fantasy relevance until Week 14 when he posted another top-three finish. Despite his inconsistent history, his performance on Sunday is hard to overlook. Leading his team in targets and receiving yards, Henry caught eight of 12 passes for 109 yards in a breakout game against the Seattle Seahawks. With a receiver room full of unproven talent, Henry should remain a focal point of the offense. However, his modest two-catch, 18-yard outing the previous week is a reminder to temper expectations. Finding a reliable starting tight end in fantasy football is no easy task, and while Henry may not be entirely dependable, his target volume makes him a viable option. Known for his red-zone presence, Henry has yet to score this season, but if he can combine his high target share with touchdowns, his upside will only increase. His next challenge comes in Week 3 against a tough New York Jets defense.

Recommended FAAB: 0-2%.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals – While there are several tight ends worth mentioning, Mike Gesicki edges out the competition this week. After a quiet debut with the Bengals, Gesicki made his presence felt in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. With Tee Higgins sidelined and Ja’Marr Chase struggling to break free from double coverage, Gesicki stepped up in a big way. He hauled in seven of nine targets for 91 yards, nearly leading his team to an upset over the reigning champions. Known for his elite athleticism, Gesicki’s blocking limitations have historically kept him off the field, as evidenced by his sub-50% snap share in both games this season. However, when he is on the field, he is running routes and is a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands, especially in the red zone.

His opportunities may fluctuate when the Bengals are fully healthy, but Gesicki has a favorable schedule over the coming weeks, making him worth a look in deeper leagues. His next test comes against a vulnerable Washington Commanders defense in Week 3, where he will look to keep the momentum rolling.

Recommended FAAB: 0-2%.

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
• Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Final Thoughts

Think of this list as your secret weapon for tomorrow morning’s waiver wire. Tuesday nights during the fantasy football season are always restless for me. I toss and turn, waking up every hour, wondering if I managed to land that week’s must-have player. This week brings some intriguing names to the table, eager to contribute to your teams immediately. Best of luck in the week ahead, and here’s to a season filled with plenty of restless Tuesday nights.