Jonah Coleman Upside With Broncos Ignites Waiver Wire Stampede

Jonah Coleman headlines best Week 3 waiver wire pickups

1. Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos (26%)

We already said to scoop up Coleman in our Week 2 “Who Should I Start?” blog this morning, when we got reports that RJ Harvey (hamstring) wouldn’t play in Week 2.

His 10-carry, 39-yard performance that included a 3-yard touchdown scamper:

Now, Coleman speculators may have landed in their ideal situation: J.K. Dobbins left Week 2 with a hamstring injury.

If either back misses time, Coleman will have a cakewalk toward RB2/Flex production. The rookie could also just get the chance to push himself to the top of the depth chart regardless.

Either way, the versatile 5-foot-8, 220-pounder can see a promising path to a weekly RB2 floor in Sean Payton’s run-friendly scheme. Jonah Coleman FAAB Bid: 40%+

2. Denzel Boston, WR, Browns (31%)

The larger Cleveland rookie wideout has stood out in his first two NFL games, compared to fellow freshman KC Concepcion.

Boston went 2-59-1 in Week 1 and followed it up with 5-95-1 on 7 looks Sunday:

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder fits the big-play, contested-catch profile that the Browns have been missing for a long time.

While he’ll probably have to alternate the target lead with Harold Fannin Jr. depending on matchups, Boston should remain a key piece whenever Cleveland switches from Deshaun Watson to Shedeur Sanders under center. Denzel Boston FAAB Bid: 17%+

3. Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens (16%)

His ceiling may depend on Zay Flowers’ availability off his hamstring injury that cost him Week 2, but Bateman remains a trusted name in Lamar Jackson’s eyes — especially in a new offense with depth options limited.

Bateman stood up when needed Sunday, hauling in 7 of 9 targets for 88 yards and this brilliant score:

The veteran has the ability to seize the leadership of complementary targets for a healthy Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. That role would make him worthy of WR3/Flex trust in many weeks moving forward. JaKobi Lane may be a problem down the road, but Bateman should be valued while the rookie is on Injured Reserve. Rashod Bateman FAAB Bid: 12%+

4. Emanuel Wilson, RB, Seahawks (1%)

If you still have the wherewithal and budget to throw darts at who’ll be Jadarian Price’s best complement before Zach Charbonnet returns from Injured Reserve, Wilson may have taken the baton ever so briefly.

George Holani hasn’t shown much punch in his running style, and Price does need a break in this run-heavy offense.

Wilson suffered an embarrassing 0-for-3 punch-in attempts around the goal line in Week 3, the shifty former Packers backup showed he could carry the between-the-20s load in Seattle’s blowout win (21 carries, 92 yards). Emanuel Wilson FAAB Bid: 5%+

5. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Packers (1%)

The Steelers castaway now looks like the lead Packers back — at least in a duo — until Josh Jacobs is removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Johnson matched MarShawn Lloyd with 14 snaps — both behind uninspiring Chris Brooks (22).

Of course, with rumors swirling of a Jacobs suspension that could last two-plus games, Johnson has a window to at least deliver Flex stats for another month.

If he can unlock his speed, the Iowa alum may have some breakaway opportunities in leagues that value big plays. Just a stash, though. Kaleb Johnson FAAB Bid: 3%+