Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 3: Target Garrett Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, More
Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Garrett Wilson.
- We're through two weeks of the NFL season and onto the waiver wire.
- With so many names gaining relevance in the fantasy football world in Week 2, Samantha Previte has identified who should be your priorities.
- Check out who she's targeting on the wire this week below.
NFL Week 2 has been one for the books, and we even get a bonus Monday night game to put a cherry on the week.
Among the highlights:
- The Chiefs eked out a crucial divisional win over the Chargers.
- The Jaguars shellacked the Colts in the season's first shutout.
- Elite Joe Flacco and the Jets upset the Browns in a last-minute heartbreaker.
- The Cowboys pulled off a stunning victory over the winless Bengals without Dak Prescott.
- The Dolphins came storming back from a from a 28-7 deficit to beat the Ravens thanks to a six-touchdown effort from Tua Tagovailoa.
- Jimmy Garoppolo relieved an injured Trey Lance and helped the 49ers bring the Geno Smith-led Seahawks back down to Earth.
With another wild football Sunday in the rear-view mirror, it's time to assess the state of our fantasy teams and add (or cut) accordingly.
Whether you need a season-long replacement for Trey Lance, insurance for Justin Herbert, Damien Harris, Jerry Jeudy, James Conner or Dalton Schultz, or just need a Week 3 streamer, make sure to check out The Action Network's top targets at each position — all of which are available in at least 50% of Yahoo! leagues — that you should prioritize come Tuesday night.
Note: Yahoo! roster percentages are reflected in parenthesis as of Monday and fantasy rankings are exclusive of the Monday night games.
Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups
Fantasy Waiver QBs to Target
Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers (11% rostered)
Garoppolo is the best and obvious replacement for managers who lost Trey Lance, who suffered a season-ending right ankle fracture during the second drive of the 49ers' win over the Seahawks.
Garoppolo completed 13 of 21 attempts for 154 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions, and tacked on four rushing attempts for five yards and a touchdown. The 30-year-old was the QB18 last season with 15 starts; he had his best season in 2019 during San Francisco's Super Bowl run, in which he finished as the QB14.
He is currently the QB12 for Week 2 with two games left to play. Garoppolo should be a QB2 with fringe QB1 upside in the right matchups.
Next three games: at Broncos, vs. Rams, at Panthers
Jared Goff, Lions (22%)
Goff has strung together two very solid performances in a row.
He started the season strong and tallied 17 fantasy points, good enough for a QB18 finish against the Eagles. This week, Goff was near perfect in the Lions' 36-27 win over the Commanders and completed 20 of 34 attempts for 256 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
He is currently the QB5 for Week 2, and his six touchdowns to one interception thus far should be enough to turn the heads of QB-needy fantasy managers who may not have a high enough waiver claim to nab Garoppolo.
Goff should be considered a startable QB2 for the rest of the season, with streaming potential in positive matchups.
Next three games: at Vikings, vs. Seahawks, at Patriots
Other quarterbacks to consider: Marcus Mariota, Falcons (11%), Cooper Rush, Cowboys (2%), Daniel Jones, Giants (24%), Jameis Winston, Saints (49%), Joe Flacco, Jets (22%), Baker Mayfield, Panthers (17%), Mac Jones, Patriots (26%)
Fantasy Waiver RBs to Target
Darrel Williams and Eno Benjamin, Cardinals (4% and 11% rostered)
Williams and Benjamin were used significantly after starting running back James Conner exited Arizona's 29-23 overtime win over the Raiders with an ankle injury.
Williams led the team in rushing with eight carries, 59 yards and a touchdown and also reeled in two of three targets for three yards, while Benjamin recorded eight carries for 31 yards and three catches on four targets for 20 yards.
The two are currently the RB11 and RB32 in half-PPR scoring, respectively, with two Monday games left to play. Williams and Benjamin would likely form a committee should Conner miss time, though Williams would be my preferred pickup of the two.
Next three games: vs. Rams, at Panthers, vs. Eagles
Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (43%)
Mostert led the Dolphins' backfield with 11 carries and 51 yards in Sunday's come-from-behind 42-38 win over the Ravens. He also reeled in all three of his targets for 28 yards and is currently the RB20.
This workload split is inconsistent with last week, when it was Chase Edmonds who saw 16 touches to Mostert's six. We knew Miami's backfield would be a pain for fantasy and it is unclear if this is an indication of a further trend.
I would proceed with the assumption that this will be some kind of time share. Mostert is a sit next week against the Bills, but he is still worth a speculative add for now just in case he runs away with this backfield.
Next three games: vs. Bills, at Bengals, at Jets
Mark Ingram II, Saints (30%)
With star running back Alvin Kamara sidelined, Ingram stepped up in the Saints' 20-10 loss to the Buccaneers.
In spite of reports that he would be sharing the workload with Tony Jones Jr., the 32-year-old Ingram tacked on 10 carries for 60 yards — to Jones' two carries for eight yards — and caught both of his targets for three yards. Dwayne Washington also saw four carries for 18 yards.
It wasn't a super impressive day for Ingram fantasy-wise as the RB42, but that was due in part to the negative game script. The game did give clarity as to which New Orleans running back to roster should Kamara miss more games.
Next three games: at Panthers, vs. Vikings, vs. Seahawks
J.D. McKissic, Commanders (24%)
McKissic saw an expanded role in the Commanders' 36-27 loss to the Lions and finished slightly behind lead back Antonio Gibson in fantasy.
He rushed three times for nine hards and reeled in all seven of his targets for 54 yards and was the RB18 heading into Monday night. McKissic isn't the type of player to get you 100 yards. He is consistently utilized in the passing game, however, and offers a steady floor in PPR formats.
Next three games: vs. Eagles, at Cowboys, vs. Titans
Tyrion Davis-Price, 49ers (8%)
Popular Week 2 waiver add Jeff Wilson Jr. led the San Francisco backfield on Sunday with 18 carries and 84 yards. Davis-Price wasn't far behind him in usage and saw 14 carries for 33 yards.
The 49ers' best rusher — with Elijah Mitchell sidelined — remains wide receiver Deebo Samuel, but until Mitchell returns, this could develop into a committee, which would be a very on-brand move for head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The rookie is worth an add in deeper leagues and as an insurance policy for Wilson.
Next three games: at Broncos, vs. Rams, at Panthers
Other running backs to consider: Jerick McKinnon, Chiefs (6%), Khalil Herbert, Bears (48%), Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (14%)
Fantasy Waiver WRs to Target
Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis, Jets (22% and 14% rostered)
Wilson is making a legitimate case to be the WR1, both in the 2022 rookie class and the Jets' offense.
His solid, four-catch, 52-yard Week 1 was completely eclipsed by a monster Week 2 performance in the Jets' shocking victory over the Browns. He led the team in all receiving categories and tallied eight catches on 14 targets for 102 yards and two touchdowns. The former Buckeye is currently the WR5 in half-PPR scoring entering Monday. He should be rostered in every league and is worth a premium bid for those playing in FAAB waiver systems.
Davis also had a nice day (his second in a row for Gang Green). The veteran was able to capitalize on just two catches, racking up 83 yards and a touchdown in spite of his targets dropping from 10 to four.
The vast majority of his production came by way of a 66-yard touchdown with 1:22 remaining in the game. This, combined with his target share and Wilson's ascension makes him the less desirable add of the pair. He is still worth a look in deeper leagues.
Next three games: vs. Bengals, at Steelers, vs. Dolphins
Jahan Dotson, Commanders (43%)
Dotson had yet another fantastic fantasy day, which suggests his Week 1 explosion should not be written off as a fluke.
The 2022 first-round pick caught four of five targets for 59 yards and a touchdown in Washington's Week 2 loss and he is currently the WR16 heading into Monday.
He was once again out-targeted by Curtis Samuel (seven catches on nine targets for 78 yards and a touchdown) and saw fewer looks than Terry McLaurin (four catches on eight targets for 75 yards). Samuel and McLaurin are both widely rostered (70% and 98%) and Dotson is making a case that he should be as well.
The Commanders have a nice schedule coming up, which could vault Dotson into week-to-week flex consideration.
Next three games: vs. Eagles, at Cowboys, vs. Titans
Joshua Palmer and DeAndre Carter, Chargers (27% and 8%)
With Keenan Allen sidelined due to a hamstring injury, it was the Mike Williams Show in Thursday night's heartbreaking 27-24 loss to the Chiefs. That being said, Palmer and Carter were also beneficiaries of the shallower depth chart.
Palmer caught four of eight targets for 30 yards and a touchdown while Carter caught his three targets for 55 yards. The duo are currently the WR30 and WR49, respectively, for the week.
Palmer's 17.4 percent target share is a bit more impressive than Carter's 6.5 and would be the preferred add of the pair, though both are worthy of consideration if Allen were to miss another game. The Chargers have a very attractive schedule from Weeks 3 to 9 (vs. Jaguars, at Texans, at Browns, vs. Broncos, vs. Seahawks, bye, at Falcons).
Next three games: vs. Jaguars, at Texans, at Browns
Noah Brown, Cowboys (2%)
The Cowboys looked shockingly good in their first game with Cooper Rush at the helm.
Star wideout CeeDee Lamb was heavily targeted and caught seven of 11 targets for 75 yards — but it was Brown who led the team in receiving. He caught all five of his targets for 91 yards and scored a touchdown.
The 2017 seventh-round pick from Ohio State was the WR36 last week and is currently the WR13. Brown is definitely worth an add for managers looking for receiver depth — especially with Dalton Schultz's health up in the air and the Dak Prescot-less Cowboys looking perhaps not as dreadful as we thought.
He could be a deeper league flex play in Weeks 3 and 4 with two NFC East showdowns on deck.
Next three games: at Giants, vs. Commanders, at Rams
Greg Dortch, Cardinals (7%)
The entire Cardinals offense looked lethargic (at best) until their fourth-quarter comeback against the Raiders.
Dortch was a non-factor until the second half and ended up catching all four of this targets for 55 yards and a touchdown. This was Dortch's second solid game to start the year as he was the WR34 last week.
He is currently the WR21 and could be thrown into flex conversation while Rondale Moore remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Next three games: vs. Rams, at Panthers, vs. Eagles
Breshad Perriman, Russell Gage and Scotty Miller, Buccaneers (0%, 41% and 0%)
Perriman was the lone Buccaneer to find the end zone in Sunday's 20-10 win over the Saints. He (and others) capitalized on the absence of Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Julio Jones (knee) by catching three of five targets for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Gage was also benefitted and caught five of six targets (second on the team) for 28 yards while Miller saw a team-high eight targets and caught three passes for 34 yards.
The three are currently the WR24, WR56 and WR54 heading into Monday. It's a little unclear which of these receivers fantasy managers should roster at this time, though I would probably lean Gage of the trio even though he had the worst day for fantasy.
All three could have upside if Godwin, Jones or Mike Evans — who is also banged up and facing a one-game suspension for unnecessary roughness — miss any more time.
Next three games: vs. Packers, vs. Chiefs, vs. Falcons
Sterling Shepard and Richie James Jr., Giants (11% and 1%)
No single Giants receiver stood out in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Panthers, though Shepard and James Jr. could both be worth monitoring.
Shepard led the team in targets (10) and had six receptions for 34 yards while James caught five of six targets for a team-high 51 yards. Tight end Daniel Bellinger was the lone Giant to find the end zone with a 16-yard touchdown on his lone target.
Shepard and James are currently the WR52 and WR45, respectively. I would prefer Shepard over James based on his 31 percent target share and previous production. He could develop into a viable flex option if he can tay healthy.
Next three games: vs. Cowboys, vs. Bears, at Packers
Ashton Dulin, Colts (1%)
It's a minor miracle that Dulin was able to have a nice fantasy day given the Colts were blanked by the Jaguars.
The 2019 undrafted free agent was forced to step up with both Michael Pittman Jr. (quad) and Alec Pierce (concussion) ruled out. He caught five of seven targets for 79 yards and is currently the WR32.
Parris Campbell was a non-factor and recorded zero catches on the day. Dulin could offer some value this season if Pittman or Pierce were to miss any more time.
Next three games: vs. Chiefs, vs. Titans, at Broncos
Other wide receivers to consider: Nelson Agholor, Patriots (1%), Jakobi Meyers, Patriots (35%), Nico Collins, Texans (25%), Mack Hollins, Raiders (0%), Marvin Jones Jr., Jaguars (6%), A.J. Green, Cardinals (8%), Zay Jones, Jaguars (13%), Sammy Watkins, Packers (17%)
Fantasy Waiver TEs to Target
Logan Thomas, Commanders (14% rostered)
Thomas was one of three Washington pass catchers to find the end zone in Sunday's loss. He caught three of five targets for 37 yards and is currently the TE5 in half PPR scoring with two games left to play.
Thomas' 2021 season was marred by injuries, though he was still the TE10 last season on a per-game basis. I actually suggested picking him up in my Week 3 lookahead waiver wire article on Friday as an upside-type play with quarterback Carson Wentz looking decent.
He is a nice add for George Kittle or Dalton Schultz managers, or as a Plan B for managers with underperforming premium tight ends like T.J. Hockenson or Kyle Pitts.
Next three games: vs. Eagles, at Cowboys, vs. Titans
Mike Gesicki, Dolphins (27%)
A lot of people — myself included — owe the Dolphins an apology. The team stormed back from a 28-7 third-quarter deficit to win 42-38 with major help from Gesicki, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Gesicki was a complete dud in Week 1, tallying just one catch for one yard. He bounced back strong and caught all four of his passes for 41 yards and a touchdown, making him top-three at the position currently.
Like most tight ends, Gesicki remains touchdown-dependent, as his four targets dwarf in comparison to Hill and Waddle's combined 32. He is a high-end TE2 moving forward with week-to-week streaming potential, though you may want to sit him this week against the Bills.
Next three games: vs. Bills, at Bengals, at Jets
Hayden Hurst, Bengals (16%)
I am once again asking you to pick up Hurst.
Against the Cowboys, the former first-round pick saw the third-most targets and caught five passes for 24 yards. His TE22 finish won't blow you away, but I do love his usage and target share on an offense that may find itself throwing more than expected.
Hurst is a TE2 moving forward and could be streamed as a TE1 in the right matchup, which could come as early as next week with the Jets on deck.
Next three games: at Jets, vs. Dolphins, at Ravens
Evan Engram, Jaguars (21%)
Engram led the Jaguars in targets in the team's Week 2 shutout win over the Colts. He caught seven of eight for 46 yards and is currently the TE12.
Unfortunately, he did not find the end zone, but I really like his utilization thus far. He is a TE2 with upside and could be another option for tight end-needy managers.
Next three games: at Chargers, at Eagles, vs. Texans
Other tight ends to consider: Juwan Johnson, Saints (0%), Isaiah Likely, Ravens (6%), Harrison Bryant, Browns (0%), Tyler Conklin, Jets (3%)
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