Week 3 of the fantasy football season is here, and that means it’s time to hit the waiver wire. With injuries, emerging players, and shifting roles in NFL offenses, the waiver wire is where you can make the moves to stay ahead of your competition. Whether you’re looking for a running back to fill in for an injured starter or a wide receiver poised for a breakout, Week 3 offers plenty of opportunities to strengthen your roster. Let’s dive into the top players to target on the waiver wire this week, broken down by position.
Quarterbacks to Consider
C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans
If you’re in a deeper league and need quarterback help, rookie C.J. Stroud has shown promise. In his first two NFL games, he has displayed poise in the pocket and has a growing chemistry with his wide receivers, particularly Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Stroud has been throwing a high volume of passes, and while the Texans might not win many games this season, the volume makes him an intriguing fantasy option. He’s especially appealing in superflex or two-quarterback leagues.
Sam Howell – Washington Commanders
Sam Howell is another quarterback worth a look if you’re streaming the position. In Week 2, Howell showed an ability to use his legs as well as his arm, and Washington’s offense has more playmakers than many realize. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson catching passes, Howell’s upside as a dual-threat quarterback gives him a higher floor in fantasy. He’s widely available in most leagues and could be a reliable backup with upside as the season progresses.
Running Backs to Target
Jerome Ford – Cleveland Browns
One of the most significant developments heading into Week 3 is the injury to Nick Chubb, which opens the door for Jerome Ford to take over as the lead back in Cleveland. Ford rushed for over 100 yards after Chubb’s injury in Week 2 and added a receiving touchdown. While Kareem Hunt was re-signed to the roster, Ford is expected to get the bulk of the carries moving forward, making him the top waiver priority for Week 3. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a must-add.
Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams has taken over as the primary running back for the Rams, even with Cam Akers still on the roster. In Week 2, Williams dominated the touches, scoring two touchdowns and solidifying his role as the lead back. With Sean McVay showing confidence in Williams’ ability to carry the workload, he’s a top priority for anyone in need of running back depth. His involvement in the passing game also boosts his value in PPR leagues.
Zack Moss – Indianapolis Colts
Zack Moss returned from injury in Week 2 and immediately assumed the lead role in the Colts’ backfield. With Jonathan Taylor on the PUP list, Moss had 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown. The Colts’ offense has been surprisingly effective under rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Moss should continue to see a heavy workload. If you’re in need of a running back, Moss is a great pickup, especially in leagues where depth is scarce.
Wide Receivers to Pick Up
Nico Collins – Houston Texans
Nico Collins has emerged as C.J. Stroud’s go-to receiver, and through the first two weeks of the season, he has been one of the more productive wide receivers in fantasy. In Week 2, Collins had 146 receiving yards on seven receptions, showing off his ability to be a big-play threat. With Stroud targeting him heavily, Collins is in line for a breakout season. If he’s still available in your league, now is the time to add him.
Puka Nacua – Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua has been one of the most exciting waiver wire pickups this season, and if you didn’t grab him after Week 1, you should definitely prioritize him in Week 3. With Cooper Kupp on injured reserve, Nacua has filled the void admirably, racking up 15 receptions for 147 yards in Week 2. Nacua’s target share is one of the highest in the league, and even when Kupp returns, Nacua should remain a valuable asset. His ability to rack up receptions makes him especially appealing in PPR formats.
Jayden Reed – Green Bay Packers
With Christian Watson dealing with an injury, rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed has stepped up as a key target for Jordan Love in the Packers’ offense. Reed had two touchdowns in Week 2, and while he may be touchdown-dependent for fantasy value, his involvement in the red zone is encouraging. If Watson continues to miss time, Reed could be a sneaky flex play in deeper leagues, especially in favorable matchups.
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Tight Ends Worth Considering
Hunter Henry – New England Patriots
Hunter Henry has quietly been one of the most productive tight ends through the first two weeks of the season. He has scored touchdowns in both games and is clearly a favorite target for Mac Jones in the red zone. With tight end being a notoriously shallow position in fantasy football, Henry’s consistency makes him a valuable pickup. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s getting the job done for fantasy managers who need stability at the position.
Sam LaPorta – Detroit Lions
Rookie tight ends often take time to develop, but Sam LaPorta has hit the ground running with the Lions. In Week 2, LaPorta caught five passes for 63 yards, and his involvement in the passing game is growing. With the Lions’ offense looking potent under Jared Goff, LaPorta’s role should continue to expand, making him a solid waiver wire addition, particularly in PPR leagues where receptions are at a premium.
Defensive Streamers for Week 3
Kansas City Chiefs Defense
The Chiefs’ defense has flown under the radar, but they’ve been solid through the first two weeks of the season. In Week 3, they face the Chicago Bears, whose offense has struggled to find consistency under Justin Fields. The Chiefs should be able to generate pressure on Fields and force turnovers, making them a strong streaming option for Week 3.
Cleveland Browns Defense
The Browns’ defense is another excellent streaming option this week. They face the Tennessee Titans, who have struggled to move the ball effectively. Cleveland’s defense has been stout against the run, which should make it difficult for Derrick Henry to find much room. With the Titans’ passing game lacking explosiveness, the Browns’ defense could have a field day, racking up sacks and turnovers.
Kickers to Target
Jake Elliott – Philadelphia Eagles
Jake Elliott has been one of the more reliable kickers in the NFL this season, and with the Eagles’ high-powered offense, he’s likely to get plenty of scoring opportunities. Elliott has been consistent with his field goals, including long-range kicks, making him a solid option if you need a kicker for Week 3.
Brandon McManus – Jacksonville Jaguars
Brandon McManus has been a steady performer in Jacksonville’s offense, which has shown flashes of explosiveness. The Jaguars have been moving the ball well, and McManus is benefiting from plenty of field goal attempts. With a favorable matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 3, McManus is a kicker to consider if you’re in need of a reliable option.
Players to Drop
Cam Akers – Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers has quickly fallen out of favor with the Rams, and Kyren Williams has taken over as the lead back. Akers was inactive in Week 2, and with trade rumors swirling, it’s safe to drop him in most formats. Even if Akers is traded, his value is unlikely to improve significantly, making him expendable for a more valuable waiver wire pickup.
Skyy Moore – Kansas City Chiefs
Skyy Moore had a disappointing start to the season, and although he had a better performance in Week 2, his role in the Chiefs’ offense is still uncertain. Patrick Mahomes spreads the ball around, and Moore’s inconsistency makes him a risky player to hold onto. If you need to clear space on your roster, Moore is a candidate to drop in favor of more reliable options.
Week 3 of the fantasy football season is a critical time to make strategic moves on the waiver wire. Whether you’re looking to fill gaps due to injuries or seeking breakout players who can boost your team’s long-term success, the players mentioned here offer strong potential. Keep an eye on injury updates, and be ready to act quickly to snag these key players. Making the right moves on the waiver wire could be the difference between winning and losing your fantasy matchups in the weeks ahead.