Waiver Wire Adds for Week 3

19 September 2023 • by abovedev

waiver wire

After two weeks, the injury bug has made its presence felt across the NFL. Huge names are going to be missing for the foreseeable future, with players like Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley on the shelf. Running backs are now a hot commodity, while WR remains deep. QBs are starting to flash, and the TE position may have an old friend returning to prominence.

If you need someone to plug the holes in your sinking fantasy ship, or you need some upside for the back of your bench, we got you. Here are our favorite Waiver Wire Wonders for Week 3.

Quarterbacks:

CJ Stroud, HOU – the 300+ yard performance was overshadowed by the team’s loss, but that doesn’t diminish what Stroud did in the 2nd game of his NFL Career. Stroud led ALL quarterbacks in with 384 passing yards in Week 2. His connections with Nico Collins and Tank Dell show Stroud is approaching every-week-start consideration

Sam Howell, WAS – Great comebacks usually start with the Quarterback, and Sam Howell brought the Comandantes (aka Commanders) from behind to win in Denver on Sunday. His weapons remain some of the most underappreciated in both real life and fantasy football, and Howell is starting to show why Ron Rivera chose to hand him the keys to the team. Grab him and know he’s going to pump McLaurin and Dotson with plenty of targets. 

Running Backs:

Zack Moss, IND: Last call for Moss. He’s not the sexiest pick, but Moss was brought in to be the Great Value version of Jonathan Taylor when duty called. Moss put together 100+ total yards and a TD on Sunday, and he’s going to be the Colts’ RB1 for the time being. We don’t know what JT’s status will be even after coming off the PuP, so take a shot on Moss if he’s still available in your league. 

Matt Brieda, NYG: A quick turnaround for the Giants on Thursday, plus Saquon’s ankle injury, means Brieda is the next man up in the offense that finally showed signs of life on Sunday. He won’t be as sexy a pick as some of the other options on the wire, but he’s going to get enough touches to warrant an RB2 play if you’re in dire straights. 

Jerome Ford, CLE: Until we know if the Browns will go begging for Kareem Hunt to come back into the fold, Ford is the guy. The Browns need a grinder who can get between the tackles, and Ford proved he would do just that following Chubb’s exit. Kevin Stefanski said earlier today that Ford will lead the backfield moving forward. While that could be coach speak, grab him and know you have a guy the Browns will be leaning on, regardless of if Hunt returns to Cleveland or not. 

Wide Receivers

Tutu Atwell, LAR: Sure, he’s not Puka Nacua, but 17 targets in 2 games, totalling 13 grabs for 196 yards and a TD is still EXCELLENT. Matthew Stafford looks strong and is going to be throwing a ton in this offense. He’s not getting nearly enough recognition, but Tutu seems to have leapfrogged Van Jefferson as the WR2 on this LAR offense.  Get a piece wherever you can, and enjoy the ride until Cooper Kupp returns. 

Josh Reynolds, DET: Amon-Ra St. Brown looks like he’s going to be dealing with turf toe for the next few weeks. While guys like Terry McLaurin have been able to play through a similar injury, the production will still likely take a hit. Reynolds is the no-doubt 2nd option in Detroit (at least while Jameson Williams is suspended), in 2 games he has 9 catches, 146 yards and 2 TDs. You could do a lot worse than having a player in a high-flying offense on your squad to fill the gaps. 

Marvin Mims, DEN: Flashy, big play guys are the risk-reward players you love to have on your bench. 2 catches for 113 yards and a TD in Week 2 is the definition of big-play, boom/bust potential. Mims has to get involved if Russ and co. want to get out of the 0-2 hole they find themselves in, and he’s proving he’s a burner who can pop off for a huge day at any time. Grab him now before he becomes the guy in the Mile High City. 

Jayden Reed, GB: The Week 2 stat-line isn’t inspiring, but 2 TDs certainly raises some eyebrows. Reed is a young WR that Jordan Love will have to get more involved, especially if Christian Watson’s injury lingers and keeps him out longer. The Pack’s offense has been impressive so far, and getting a piece of it is a good idea for your long-term plans. 

Tank Dell, HOU: This is the guy C.J. Stroud advocated for mere hours after being drafted. Coach DeMeco Ryans said the Texans would aim to get Dell more involved, and that was obvious when he received 10 targets (7 catches!) in Week 2. As Stroud, Dell, and Collins get into their groove, there’s a high likelihood that this trifecta is the sneakest group of offensive players to contribute to your squad this year. The team will often play from behind, so there will be plenty of targets to go around. 

Tight Ends

Hunter Henry, NE: We are so back. Henry shined years ago in Charger blue, and many of us thought he burned bright and fast. If he stays healthy in this revamped Patriots offense, he is the the 1A target. He’s a perfect guy if you’re dealing with streaming TEs, or you want insurance in case guys like Andrews or Kelce aggrevate their injuries. There’s no world where Henry should be on the wire. 

Dawson Knox, BUF: 9 targets in 2 games from Josh Allen should be all you need to see. Yes, Dalton Kincaid is the shiny new toy, but Knox isn’t going anywhere. It will be much rougher waters than a guy like Henry will provide, but Knox has plenty of TD upside, and that’s all you can ask for from a waiver wire tight end.