Injuries have been a big factor in terms of the waiver wire for Week 3. It seems to be a wasteland, but there are a few stashs and playable additions you could make. Quarterback has suffered the most, but other positions, like wide receiver, are once again loaded with players to at least put on your bench.
With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 3.
Running Backs to Add for Week 3
There aren’t many startable names at running back on the waiver wire, but at least Kareem Hunt does have a good matchup against a Giants team that hasn’t been able to tackle. He and Isiah Pachecho have basically been splitting the carries and could be the redzone back moving forward.
The one stash to keep an eye on as a handcuff is Najee Harris, as he spelled Omarion Hampton to end the game on Monday Night against the Las Vegas Raiders. It hasn’t translated, but in Week 2, the veteran back saw more usage and could see a bigger role moving forward.
Kareem Hunt- Kansas City Chiefs (@ New York Giants) ESPN- 27%, Sleeper- 39%, Yahoo- 27%
Najee Harris- Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Denver Broncos): ESPN- 38%, Sleeper- 51%, Yahoo- 36%
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 3
Elic Ayomanor has been a favorite target for Cam Ward, even over Calvin Ridley at this point. The fourth-round rookie saw seven and six targets consecutively. The veteran Ridley had eight and then seven targets, so if his role is already getting diminished, buy high on the ascending rookie.
Hunter Renfrow could be a one-week wonder in PPR, but the veteran slot receiver is back, getting peppered with targets from Bryce Young. While he might be game script dependent, a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons could lead to garbage time points after a nine-target game.
Elic Ayomanor- Tennessee Titans (vs. Indianapolis Colts): ESPN- 15%, Sleeper- 44%, Yahoo- 18%
Hunter Renfrow- Carolina Panthers (vs. Atlanta Falcons): ESPN- 4%, Sleeper- 12%, Yahoo- 4%
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 3
There’s not much at tight end, but if Isaiah Likely is good to go for the Monday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions, he could be a dart throw even in his first game back coming off his ankle injury for the Ravens.
Mark Andrews has been a letdown to start the year once again, as Likely might be a risky play with the target volume going to the wide receivers in Baltimore.
Ja’Tavion Sanders is another potential weapon for Young that could repeat his Week 2 performance. His nine-target game matched Renfrow’s game, and both were Young’s go-to targets even with the emergence of Tetairoa McMillan.
Isaiah Likely- Baltimore Ravens (Questionable vs. Detroit Lions): ESPN- 8%, Sleeper- 26%, Yahoo- 13%
Ja’Tavion Sanders- Carolina Panthers (vs. Atlanta Falcons): ESPN- 2%, Sleeper- 11%, Yahoo- 5%
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 3
Even if Russell Wilson struggles on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, he still could be a pass-friendly game script on the Giants with the Chiefs’ secondary/ defense struggling so far to start 2025. With Brock Purdy out, the San Francisco 49ers didn’t skip a beat with Mac Jones, and now get an Arizona Cardinals team that is inconsistent like last year.
Russell Wilson- New York Giants (vs. Kansas City Chiefs): ESPN- 12%, Sleeper- 22%, Yahoo- 14%
Mac Jones- San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona Cardinals): ESPN- 3%, Sleeper- 8%, Yahoo- 7%
Defenses to Stream for Week 3
Anytime an NFL defense faces a backup quarterback, you have to consider starting. The Bucs will face Tyrod Taylor with Justin Fields out, but I listed the Falcons since they have been a top unit this year. Young has also been one of the worst quarterbacks and could falter under the young Atlanta pass rush, leading to turnovers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. New York Jets): ESPN- 38%, Sleeper- 34%, Yahoo- 23%
Atlanta Falcons (@ Carolina Panthers): ESPN- 30%, Sleeper- 35%, Yahoo- 36%
