Week 2 was a tough one in the fantasy world and one to possibly forget as it seemed like there was a new injury every few minutes. We saw several big-time players leave their games with injuries, which is never fun to watch as a sports fan and especially if you have them on your fantasy team. We hope that everyone injured has a quick and speedy recovery, but this waiver period will be a very active one and it may help make or break your season.
I’ve done my best to explore who might be available and tried to pick out a few options at each position. Some of the players added to the list may not be the most appealing waiver wire claim. However, with how Week 2 went you very well may be needing any help you can get.
Now every league may be a little different, but I will be looking at players who are on 50% or less of teams across Yahoo and ESPN platforms. I will also include some players who might be above 50%, but are worth it to see.
Week 3 Waiver Wire: Possibly owned, but worth a look
Robby Anderson (WR, CAR)
Anderson was on our list last week and had another strong outing in Week 2 bringing in 9 receptions for 109 yards. Anderson now has caught 15 of 18 targets for 223 yards and a score. He is second on the team in targets behind DJ Moore (23 targets). Carolina has also given up 30 plus points the last two games and will be playing catch up in a lot of matches moving forward. With McCaffrey missing time due a high-ankle sprain, we can expect Anderson to continue to be involved in the passing game.
Week 3 Waiver Wire: Less than 50% ownership
Gardner Minshew (QB, JAX)
Minshew had another strong showing in the loss to the Titans this week as he threw for 339 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He also added 19 rushing yards. As I mentioned last week, Jacksonville is going to be playing from behind in a lot of games and will need to air it out, which makes Minshew a decent play at quarterback. He also gets the Dolphins who just got torched by Josh Allen and company.
Ryan Tannehill (QB, TEN)
Tannehill had quite the Week 2 showing as he threw for 239 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Titans also get the Vikings for Week 2 which is a positive matchup. The Titans still look to run their offense through Henry as he has 56 rushing attempts so far.
Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
Davis wasn’t as active in this one, but still caught 3 receptions (5 targets) for 36 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. The touchdown helped save his day, but with so many injuries this past weekend I think you can definitely do worse than having Davis on your bench.
Russell Gage (WR, ATL)
Gage may be third in line for targets in Atlanta but has had a strong two weeks thus far. After seeing 21 targets he’s managed a 15-160-1 stat line. With Atlanta looking to air it out, Gage looks to hold some value as a WR3 or flex.
N’Keal Harry (WR, NE)
Harry drew 12 targets from Cam Newton on Sunday night, catching 8 for 72 yards. If the Patriots and Newton continue to air it out Harry could continue to bring value back and is worth a spot on a bench.
Joshua Kelley (RB, LAC)
Kelley again appeared to be heavily involved in the game plan for the Chargers. He was given 23 rushing attempts for 64 yards. Kelley also caught 2 of 3 targets for 49 yards. Austin Ekeler and Kelley both have 35 rushing attempts on the year and Kelley has 3 targets to Ekeler’s 5. Kelley looks like he will be sticking around and looks to be startable in a flex position.
Jerick McKinnon (RB, SF)
McKinnon managed 77 rushing yards on 3 attempts and most of it came off a 55 yard rushing touchdown. With Mostert and Coleman most likely missing time, it will be Mckinnon and Wilson Jr. who most likely lead the 49ers backfield.
Mike Davis (RB, CAR)
Davis entered the game after McCaffrey left with an injury and proceeded to catch 8 receptions for 74 yards. Now most of this was in garbage time in the fourth quarter, but with CMC now expected to miss 2-4 weeks Davis may be in line for the work. He won’t replace what CMC can bring to a fantasy team, but if you’re hurting or the CMC owner he’s worth a look.
Darrell Henderson (RB, LAR)
Last week we had Malcolm Brown on this list and now it’s Henderson who had a big game. He rushed 12 times for 81 yards and a touchdown and added 2 receptions for 40 yards. McVay has said he wants to get multiple running backs involved and this backfield appears to be one that will most likely be a headache to try and figure out. I am avoiding this situation myself, but if you’ve encountered an injury to an RB, Henderson is most likely on waivers and worth a pickup.
Devonta Freeman (RB, FA)
Freeman gets added to this list simply for the fact of how many injuries we saw on Sunday. He currently is not under contract but is scheduled to meet with the Giants on Tuesday. Freeman isn’t going to be a fun pickup or start, but if you’re desperate he might be someone to monitor as he may end up starting for the Giants or being signed by another team.
Dalton Schultz (TE, DAL)
Schultz stepped into Blake Jarwin’s role and caught 9 receptions (10 targets) for 88 yards and a touchdown. Dallas gets Seattle next week, which may be another high scoring game. However, Schultz may be getting a lot of attention from Jamal Adams. I wouldn’t burn a top waiver priority or a bunch of FAAB, but 10 targets are something that should garner your attention.
