Man, what a brutal Week 2 for fantasy managers, but it’s Week 3, and there’s some value on waivers. If you’re reading this with that sinking feeling in your gut because your quarterback just hit the injured reserve, you’re not alone. The carnage was real: Joe Burrow’s turf toe, Justin Fields’ concussion, and a handful of other signal-callers getting banged up left millions of fantasy owners scrambling like they’re down by six with two minutes left on the clock.
But here’s the thing about fantasy football: it’s not just about the superstars you drafted in the first three rounds. Championships are won on the waiver wire, baby. Those late-night pickups, the gut-feeling adds, the players nobody saw coming who suddenly become league winners. That’s where the magic happens.
After diving deep into the film and crunching the numbers harder than a defensive coordinator prepping for a divisional rival, I’ve found some absolute gems hiding in plain sight. These aren’t your typical “eh, maybe he’ll get a few touches” pickups. We’re talking about players who could genuinely transform your roster and have you feeling like you just pulled off a blockbuster trade.
Quarterbacks Worth Your FAAB Budget for Week 3
- Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (19% rostered)
Before you roll your eyes and scroll past, hear me out. This isn’t the same Daniel Jones who looked lost in New York’s offense. Through two games, this dude has been absolutely electric, leading an Indianapolis offense that hasn’t punted once. Yeah, you read that right. Zero punts.
Jones is sitting pretty as the QB1 in fantasy right now, throwing for 588 yards and two touchdowns while punching in three rushing scores. That dual-threat capability is what separates the good fantasy quarterbacks from the great ones. When you can get points on the ground and through the air, you’re giving yourself multiple paths to a big day.
The Colts have completely transformed their offensive identity, and Jones is the conductor of this high-octane orchestra. If you’re desperate at quarterback or want to stash a potential league-winner, throw serious FAAB money at this guy. We’re talking $15-20 in most leagues.
- Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals (20% rostered)
Remember this name from last season? Browning stepped in when Burrow went down and absolutely tormented opposing defenses. His seven starts in 2023 included fantasy finishes of QB18, QB4, QB4, QB8, QB21, QB8, and QB9. That’s not just serviceable: that’s legitimate QB1 production.
Now he’s back under center with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as his weapons. Sure, the upcoming schedule looks tougher than a two-dollar steak with Minnesota, Denver, Detroit, and Green Bay on deck, but elite receivers can elevate any quarterback. Browning proved last year he’s got the arm talent and poise to make the big throws when it matters.
Running Backs Flying Under the Radar for Week 3
- Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs (27% rostered)
The Chiefs are 0-2, and Andy Reid doesn’t do panic well, except when his team starts slow. Hunt might be 30 years old, but he’s showing better per-touch metrics and success rates than Isiah Pacheco right now. That’s not a typo.
Kansas City’s ground game has been inconsistent, and in a league where one big run can change everything, Hunt’s experience and vision could be the difference maker. The Chiefs are in desperation mode, which means they’re going to lean on whoever gives them the best chance to win. If Hunt strings together a couple of solid performances, he could easily become the lead back in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.
- Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (37% rostered)
Don’t sleep on the Falcons’ backfield committee. While everyone’s focused on Bijan Robinson, Allgeier has quietly been putting together a solid season. He’s averaging double-digit touches through two games and exploded for 16 carries and 76 yards with a touchdown against Minnesota.
The beauty of Allgeier’s situation is the game script. When Atlanta gets ahead, they’re going to run the ball to control the clock. With a matchup against Carolina this week, a team that’s struggled to stop the run, Allgeier could be in for another big performance.
Wide Receivers Ready to Break Out for Week 3
- Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans (18% rostered)
This rookie is about to become appointment television. That circus catch against the Rams wasn’t a fluke: it was a preview of coming attractions. Ayomanor and Cam Ward have developed legitimate chemistry, and with Calvin Ridley off to a sluggish start, there’s a clear path to WR1 status in Tennessee.
College injuries pushed Ayomanor to the fourth round, but his talent level is first-round material. The Titans are going to be throwing a lot this season out of necessity, and when they do, Ayomanor is quickly becoming Ward’s favorite target. This is the kind of pickup that wins fantasy championships.
- Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos (37% rostered)
The connection between Franklin and Bo Nix from their Oregon days is paying immediate dividends in Denver. Franklin just torched Indianapolis for eight catches, 89 yards, and a touchdown while leading the Broncos in routes run. That target share and route participation are exactly what you want to see from a breakout candidate.
Franklin’s 2023 college season with Nix was spectacular, and that familiarity is translating to the NFL level faster than anyone expected. With Courtland Sutton struggling to get involved, Franklin is positioned to be Denver’s go-to receiver in the passing game.
- Hunter Renfrow, Carolina Panthers (4% rostered)
Four years out of fantasy relevance, and Renfrow suddenly looks like he has found the fountain of youth. His 7-48-2 performance against Arizona was impressive, but it’s the target share and opportunity that should have fantasy managers taking notice.
Carolina throws the ball 59 times in a game because they’re constantly playing catch-up. That volume has to go somewhere, and with Xavier Legette disappointing early, Renfrow is carving out a significant role in the offense. He’s not going to win you weeks single-handedly, but he’s the kind of consistent, high-floor player who can be a valuable WR3 or flex option.
Waiver Wire Guidelines
Fantasy football is about opportunity, and Week 3 presents a golden chance to add impact players before everyone else catches on. These aren’t just placeholder picks or one-week rentals: these are legitimate contributors who could help carry your team through the season.
The key is being aggressive with your FAAB spending on the players you truly believe in. Don’t save your budget for some mythical perfect pickup that might never come. Championships are won by managers who strike fast and trust their instincts.
Take a long look at your roster, identify your weaknesses, and attack the waiver wire like your season depends on it. Because honestly? It probably does.
