Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 3 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 2, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 2, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Overall, this waiver wire period is not necessarily very strong at the RB position, but the receiver position has a few strong plug-and-play type options ahead of Week 3.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR (NYG)
Rostered: 22%
Wan’Dale Robinson reminded fantasy managers of his upside with a huge Week 2 performance, hauling in eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. His 23% target share over the last two weeks shows he’s become a trusted option in the Giants’ passing game. The real difference came in his role, after years of short-area usage, Robinson’s average depth of target jumped to 16.9 yards, creating chunk plays downfield.
While it’s unlikely he consistently produces at this level, Robinson is firmly entrenched as the Giants’ No. 2 option, which gives him strong PPR value moving forward. Even if his usage reverts to shorter targets, Robinson’s high target rate makes him a reliable Flex option, particularly once bye weeks begin. He’s currently top-10 among wide receivers in fantasy points per game, showing just how effective he can be with a different role. The Giants face Kansas City in Week 3, a game script that likely forces New York to throw often, which could set Robinson up for another busy outing.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB (JAC)
Rostered: 44% (ESPN)
After Jacksonville traded away Tank Bigsby, rookie Bhayshul Tuten immediately saw a larger role in Week 2. He played just 18 snaps but turned those into 10 touches for 74 total yards and a touchdown, showing quickness and efficiency in both the run and passing game. Travis Etienne remains the starter, but Tuten essentially absorbed Bigsby’s role as the secondary back and made the most of his opportunities. That kind of production on limited snaps suggests the Jaguars could continue to expand his role as the season progresses.
While it’s unlikely Tuten overtakes Etienne outright, Jacksonville’s decision to clear space for him signals their confidence in the rookie. He has the skill set to carve out a bigger role and automatically vaults into RB2 talks if Etienne misses any time. Tuten is still available in over half of fantasy leagues, but that won’t last after a productive outing against Cincinnati. He’s one of the better speculative adds at running back this week, and the kind of stash who could develop into a reliable contributor as the season unfolds.
Elic Ayomanor, WR (TEN)
Rostered: 8%
Elic Ayomanor is off to a promising start for Tennessee, scoring his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 while catching four passes for 56 yards. His Week 1 usage was even more eye-opening, as he commanded a 25% target share and nearly half of the Titans’ air yards. Among all rookie receivers, Ayomanor has posted some of the strongest early separation and route-win metrics, making him a legitimate candidate to become a weekly fantasy option. With only Calvin Ridley consistently competing for targets, Ayomanor could emerge as the Titans’ WR2 sooner than expected.
What makes Ayomanor so intriguing is the rare combination of early opportunity and talent. Tennessee’s offense is still a work in progress, and that limits his short-term ceiling, but the upside here is undeniable. For fantasy managers looking for a high-upside bench stash, Ayomanor is one of the best gambles available heading into Week 3.
Troy Franklin, WR (DEN)
Rostered: 3%
Troy Franklin exploded in Week 2, recording eight catches for 89 yards and a touchdown while also adding an 11-yard rush. He played 83% of the snaps, easily his career high, and led all Denver receivers in routes, targets, and receptions. That level of involvement signals a major role change, as Franklin has now leapfrogged Marvin Mims and is pushing to be the Broncos’ WR2. His per-route efficiency has also been impressive, producing over 2 yards per route run through two weeks.
The fact that he’s available on waivers in most leagues is rare for a player who could finish the season as his team’s WR2 in a top 12 offense. The Broncos face the Chargers in Week 3, a defense that has struggled with explosive passing plays, giving Franklin another chance to deliver. If you need immediate wide receiver help, Franklin is the top priority add this week.
Daniel Jones, QB (IND)
Rostered: 17%
Daniel Jones has reinvented himself with the Colts, posting 588 passing yards and three rushing scores over his first two games. Week 1 was impressive, but to have the performance he did against the Broncos’ defense, I think it is safe to say Jones has found new life in Indianapolis. Jones is averaging 26.2 PPG this season and still has a safer floor than most quarterbacks with his rushing upside. Even if his passing numbers fluctuate, those red-zone carries can keep his fantasy floor intact.
His upcoming schedule features some tough opponents, but given how well he’s playing, Jones needs to be rostered in all leagues. For managers who missed out on the elite quarterbacks or have Joe Burrow, Jones is one of the best waiver-wire pickups available. While there are still concerns about consistency, Jones has shown enough upside to be a weekly fantasy starter.
Jeremy McNichols, RB (WAS)
Rostered: 0%
The Austin Ekeler injury clouds the Washington backfield going forward. When Ekeler went down, McNichols took over as the only pass-catching back over the last five minutes of the game. He’s primarily operating as the receiving-down option, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt will handle the bulk of early-down work. With a favorable schedule on the horizon, McNichols has a chance to emerge as a PPR-friendly Flex if Washington leans on him in passing situations.
For now, he’s more of a deep-league stash than a must-start, but the potential for increased touches makes him worth monitoring. His ceiling may be capped by the committee approach, but sometimes opportunity is all that matters in fantasy. If you have a bench spot to play with, McNichols is the kind of speculative add who could pay dividends later in the season.
Juwan Johnson, TE (NO)
Rostered: 44%
Juwan Johnson has been a target machine to start the season, racking up 20 targets through two games, more than any tight end in the league. He’s also converted that volume into production, scoring 31.5 fantasy points over the last two weeks. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has leaned on him heavily, particularly in the red zone, where Johnson leads the team in red zone targets. The strong usage and consistent involvement suggest he’s not just a one-week wonder.
At a position that often lacks stability, Johnson is quickly becoming a reliable fantasy option. Even managers who already roster a solid tight end should consider adding him for depth, as his usage gives him weekly starting potential. With the Saints’ passing attack still finding its identity, Johnson has carved out a secure role and could remain Rattler’s favorite safety blanket all season. He’s one of the top waiver-wire pickups of Week 3, especially for those streaming the position, looking for a long-term solution.
Kayshon Boutte, WR (NE)
Rostered: 28%
Boutte followed up his breakout Week 1 (103 yards) with just one catch in Week 2, but that lone grab went for a touchdown. More importantly, he led all Patriots wide receivers in snaps and routes, showing that his role in the offense is secure. With Drake Maye spreading the ball around, week-to-week production may fluctuate, but Boutte has proven he can make the most of his opportunities. His combination of volume and talent makes him a steady Flex candidate moving forward.
Even with Stefon Diggs entrenched as the WR1, Boutte is clearly playing ahead of Demario Douglas and Mack Hollins in key personnel groupings. His usage positions him as the No. 2 option in the passing game, giving him a path to weekly relevance. The Patriots face the Steelers in Week 3, a defense that has given up back-to-back 90-yard games to opposing wideouts. That sets up Boutte as a strong bounce-back candidate with WR3 upside.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE (CLE)
Rostered: 43%
Harold Fannin Jr. has quickly become one of the more intriguing rookie tight ends, building on his strong Week 1 with another solid outing in Week 2. His playing time decreased slightly, but he still pulled in five catches for 48 yards. Sharing the field with David Njoku caps his immediate ceiling, but Cleveland has been committed to two-tight-end sets that keep Fannin heavily involved. The rookie’s reliability has already made him a useful depth piece at a thin position.
The biggest draw with Fannin is his long-term potential. If Njoku were ever to miss time or get traded, Fannin could become a full-time starter with TE1 upside. For now, he’s better suited as a bench stash who can be spot-started in deeper leagues. Still, the talent is clear, and his increasing snap share is a promising sign for managers willing to be patient.
Seattle Seahawks, DEF
Rostered: 23%
Seattle’s defense has looked sharp under Mike Macdonald, holding both the 49ers and Steelers to just 17 points apiece. The pass rush has been disruptive, and the secondary has limited big plays against two solid opponents. Week 3 presents an even better opportunity, as the Seahawks host a Saints team led by rookie QB Spencer Rattler. While Rattler has shown flashes, he remains turnover-prone and has taken plenty of sacks, making Seattle a top streaming option.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Geno Smith QB (LV) – 30% rostered
- Tyler Allgeier RB (ATL) – 30% rostered
- Kenneth Gainwell RB (PIT) – 8% rostered
- Blake Corum RB (LAR) – 5% rostered
- Kyle Monangai RB (CHI) – 2% rostered
- Tyjae Spears RB (TEN) – 32% rostered
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. RB (WAS) – 4% rostered
- Romeo Doubs WR (GB) – 16% rostered
- Cedric Tillman WR (CLE) – 39% rostered
- Calvin Austin III WR (PIT) – 14% rostered
- Jalen Coker WR (CAR) – 9% rostered
- Ja’Tavion Sanders TE (CAR) – 2% rostered
- Atlanta Falcons DEF – 1% rostered
- Indianapolis Colts DEF – 7% rostered
- Matt Prater K (BUF) – 12% rostered
Droppable Players
- Austin Ekeler RB (WAS)
- Kaleb Johnson RB (PIT)
- Marvin Mims Jr. WR (DEN)
- Rashod Bateman WR (BAL)
- Trevor Lawrence QB (JAC)
- Colston Loveland TE (CHI)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Jerome Ford RB (CLE)
- Josh Downs WR (IND)
- Darnell Mooney WR (ATL)
- Braelon Allen RB (NYJ)
- Evan Engram TE (DEN)
- Hunter Herny TE (NE)
