Week 3 Waiver Wire Targets

Notable Injuries from week 2:

• Jadarian Price (Chest)
• J.K. Dobbins (Hamstring)
• RJ Harvey (Hamstring)
• Puka Nacua (Hip)
• DJ Moore (Shoulder)
• Jayden Reed (Neck)
• Caleb Douglas (Ankle)
• Mike Evans (Hip)
• Demarcus Robinson (Ankle)
• Alec Pierce (Heel)
• Dallas Goedert (Knee)
• David Njoku (Ankle)
• Caleb Williams (Hamstring)
• Jayden Daniels (Dislocated elbow)
• Jaxon Dart (Knee)

Tank Bigsby (Rostered in 15.2% of ESPN leagues), Emmett Johnson (Rostered in 15.7% of ESPN leagues) and Kaelon Black (Rostered in 50% of ESPN leagues)

These are the clear top handcuffs right now for fantasy purposes. Each of these guys has shown glimpses of potential in the limited snaps they are seeing behind the RB1 on their teams. If you have Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey or Kenneth Walker there is no reason to not have one of these guys on your roster as an insurance option. Especially since Tank Bigsby and Emmett Johnson are free just about everywhere. 

Jonah Coleman (Rostered in 22.1% of ESPN leagues)

Both J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey are dealing with hamstring injuries which opens the door for Jonah Coleman. I’m on the record as more of a Harvey truther but availability is the best availability and Coleman is the one not hurt at the moment. Given more opportunity after the injury to Dobbins, Coleman put up a modest 39 yards and got his first touchdown of his career. He also brought in 3 catches which is a nice little bonus. Obviously keep an eye on Dobbins and Harvey but Coleman could find some use against a tough Rams defense. 

Emanuel Wilson (Rostered in 0.5% of ESPN leagues)

This is the same kind of deal as the Jonah Coleman situation. The RBs ahead of him have been injured so he is stepping into a role he would not normally see. After Price went down it was Emanuel Wilson and not George Holani who got the bulk of the snaps. Wilson would go on to carry the ball 21 times for 92 yards. A lot of that is game script as the Seahawks destroyed the Cardinals but if Price is to miss time, it is a good indicator that Wilson will see the bulk of the rushing workload. 

Dontayvion Wicks (Rostered in 26.3% of ESPN leagues)

I was a little skeptical after week 1 on Wicks. He popped a few times while playing for the Packers but for the most part stayed boom or bust. We now have 2 weeks in the books and it seems that he is operating as the team’s number 2 wide receiver behind DeVonta Smith. He has seen double digit fantasy points each week and is keeping Makai Lemon at bay for now. I’m not sold on the Bears defense in this week’s matchup so I’m hoping Wicks can keep up his production. Definitely a flex option. 

Denzel Boston (Rostered in 26.4% of ESPN leagues)

I will not roster any Browns, I will not roster any Browns. However, it is hard to ignore Denzel Boston. He has been balling out as a rookie so far and seems to be building a connection with Deshaun Watson. Against the Bucs he caught 5 of 7 targets for 95 yards and a touchdown. I have very little faith in the Browns but they will be throwing often. The only caveat to Boston’s addition to this week’s list is that I don’t love him against the Panthers. However, long term for the season, you can’t ignore his talent and fantasy potential. Definitely worth rostering. 

Keon Coleman (Rostered in 1.7% of ESPN leagues)

In the absence of DJ Moore, Keon Coleman stepped up which felt like an odd turn of events catching all 6 of his targets for 63 yards. The thinking here being if Moore misses time, Colman could be a decent flex play should you need it. Allen is on the MVP path right now and outside of Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid, the receiving options are limited. To top it all off, the Bills play the Chargers who are letting guys like Tre Tucker score on them. Consider taking a flier on Coleman should Moore miss time. 

Dalton Schultz (Rostered in 21.4% of ESPN leagues)

In all honesty I should have listed Schultz on my list last week. An oversight on my part and I’ll take that one on the chin. After seeing 8 targets in week 1 against the Bills, Schultz saw a whopping 14 targets against the Bengals. He was able to turn that into 12 receptions for 140 yards. Next up is a “historically bad” Colts defense that has allowed an NFL record 1,029 yards through their first 2 games. While I think part of that is the two strong teams they have played, it certainly isn’t good and it signals a prime opportunity for Texans pass catchers. 

Oronde Gadsden (Rostered in 2.0% of ESPN leagues)

Having Oronde Gadsden on this list is more a battle of attrition kind of deal. Both David Njoku (Ankle) and Charlie Kohler (Forearm) are headed to injured reserve leaving Gadsden as the last man standing. Last year we flashes of fantasy relevance which gives me some hope even though the Chargers have struggled to start the season. Their next 8 games are an absolute gauntlet but they will likely find themselves playing from behind and will need to air it out. 

Bryce Young (Rostered in 34.3% of ESPN leagues) Genius Pick of the Week

My GOAT, my glorious king, my one and only. Bryce Young is putting the league on notice and I couldn’t be more excited. Watching him dice up the Falcons was something I’ve been fiending for all off season. People still aren’t giving him the flowers he deserves but give it time. For fantasy, the next 2 matchups before the BYE week are a dream scenario. I fully expect Bryce to go crazy against the Browns and then destroy a wounded Lions defense. Pile on the combo of Coker and Tet and the Panthers have me feeling nicey. #KeepPounding.

Drew Lock (Rostered in 2.5% of ESPN leagues)

Shoutout to all the sickos that rocked with me in last weeks waiver wire targets. Drew Lock did not disappoint! Against the Cardinals Lock was wheeling and dealing to the tune of 235 yards and 3 touchdowns. Paired with JSN the Seahawks continued to look dangerous without Sam Darnold. Up next is a middle of the pack Commanders defense that will be on the field constantly with Mariota leading the offense. I’m queuing up Lock again in week 3, especially with all the injuries to QBs. 

Tyler Shough (Rostered in 49.7% of ESPN leagues)

I won’t take up much of your time here. Shough is a certified dawg and I think the Saints are set to shock a lot of people this year. Through 2 games he has 20+ points in each outing. Up next is an exploitable Raiders defense. One thing to note is that Shough and Olave, through 2 weeks, are one of or possibly are the best WR/QB pairing in the NFL.This guy needs to be on rosters. 

*Point totals mentioned assume full point PPR scoring.

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