Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams, 28% Rostered)

The Rams are off to a 2-0 start, thanks in part to Stafford’s resurgence. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on his side, Stafford can be a top-10 player in any particular week with ease, and can justifiably warrant a FAAB bid when a manager requires a steady QB performance.

Mentionables: QB Mac Jones, San Francisco (Rostered: 3%)

Running Back

Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars, 55% Rostered)

Tuten has more work as a rookie with Tank Bigsby traded. In Week 2, he received 42 yards on eight carries and an 8-yard TD reception. The issues with durability in Travis Etienne would allow Tuten to be a genuine RB2 in the future.

Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8% Rostered)

In contrast to the majority of backup running backs, White argued that the increased touches in Week 2, when he scored a game-winning touchdown and gained 65 yards on 10 carries, were beneficial. White will have competition with Bucky Irving, who is the 1A RB, but with a run-heavy Tampa Bay offense, there’s room to grow for White.

Mentionables: RB Blake Corum, Rams (Rostered: 8%)

Wide Receiver

Wan’Dale Robinson (New York Giants, 23% Rostered)

WanDale Robinson was electric against Dallas, with 8 of 10 targets gaining 142 yards with a score. In the case of Giants and Malik Nabers, between the inabilities to run, pass-heavy game scripts, and further PPR value of Robinson as a high-upside WR3/flex, should be expected.

Troy Franklin (Denver Broncos, 4% Rostered)

Franklin is soon becoming the target of Bo Nix in Denver. He caught 8 passes last week, which totaled 89 yards and one touchdown, and has now received 12 passes out of 15 attempts. As Courtland Sutton becomes a forgotten man, Franklin is rapidly becoming a top waiver wire acquisition by WR-needy teams.

Mentionables: WR Elic Ayomanor, Titans (Rostered: 8%)

Tight End

Harold Fannin Jr. (Cleveland Browns, 0.8% Rostered)

Week 2 breakout: Fannin made seven catches on nine targets with a score and 63 yards. Having Njoku in a contract year and the Browns leaning heavily on Joe Flacco’s arm, Fannin is a player with long-term fantasy relevancy, particularly in TE-premium and deep leagues.

Ja’Tavion Sanders (Carolina Panthers, 2% Rostered)

Sanders became the second-best receiver at Carolina last week, where he had 7 catches with a total of 54 yards. As the Panthers offense is in a transition period, and Sanders has been steadily targeted, he can be considered a streaming option with legitimate potential.

Mentionables: TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (Rostered: 44%)

Defense/Special Teams 

Green Bay Packers DST (53% Rostered)

The defensive front of Green Bay has been consistent and has playmakers. On poor offensive formations (see their next game against the Browns), their upside turnover and sack floor make them a good Week 3 stream.

Atlanta Falcons DST (1% Rostered)

The Falcon defense is on the rise, which enables building blocks for fantasy managers. When Atlanta faces teams with weak offensive lines, one can expect the team to get plenty of sacks and even induce the opposition to make a turnover. All with minimal effort from the waiver wire.

Mentionables: Seattle Seahawks (Rostered: 24%)