Week 3 fantasy football waiver wire pickups
See which players are worth adding to your fantasy football roster ahead of Week 3's action.
Week 3 rarely forces massive roster surgery — most teams are still intact after the draft — but early injuries and surprising role changes can create high-upside stashes.
With Joe Burrow expected to miss months, plus shifts in backfields and receiving groups around the league, smart managers will treat this waiver period as a chance to get ahead, not to panic.
Here are some players worth a look, should they be available in your league, including suggested FAAB bid ranges (based on consensus analysis from trusted sources, including Sharp Football Analysis, FTN Fantasy, and RotoBaller).
Current ownership percentage based on Yahoo fantasy football leagues at the time of publishing.
Week 3 waiver wire quarterbacks
“It may have been easy for some managers to dismiss Jones’ opening day performance against a struggling Dolphins defense, when he posted the second-most fantasy points among QBs. However, now we’ve watched him put up a strong outing on the Broncos — one of the league’s better defenses.”
— Justin Boone, Yahoo Sports
Daniel Jones, Colts (19% rostered) — Top Priority
Our returning champion from last week, Jones has opened the year hot, blending efficient passing with goal-line rushing work. That dual-threat skill set makes him a steady QB2 and a potential weekly starter in favorable matchups. With Burrow sidelined long-term, managers in need of quarterback help should view Jones as one of the best replacement options available. Suggested FAAB: $5–$10
Other quarterbacks to consider: Geno Smith, Raiders (32%); Michael Penix Jr., Falcons (40%); Jake Browning, Bengals (1%)
Week 3 waiver wire running backs
Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (30% rostered) — Upside Stash / Handcuff
Allgeier continues to earn steady usage behind Bijan Robinson, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He’s a low-cost add who gives you weekly depth and premium insurance if Bijan were to miss time. In deeper leagues, he already carries flex appeal. Suggested FAAB: $1–$5
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (55% rostered) — Upside Stash
Tuten has quickly found a role in Jacksonville’s offense after the Tank Bigsby trade. He handled meaningful touches in Week 2 and looks like more than just a change-of-pace option. With a workload that could expand, he’s worth a strong stash now before his value climbs further. Suggested FAAB: $7–$15
Other running backs to consider: Blake Corum, Rams (8%); Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (8%); Woody Marks, Houston Texans (6%)— Stash
Week 3 waiver wire wide receivers
“The Giants’ difficult schedule will keep them in negative game script for most of the year, juicing the fantasy stats of Robinson and Malik Nabers.”
— Kyle Dvorchak, NBC Sports
Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants (23% rostered) — Top Priority
Robinson erupted for 142 yards and a score in Week 2, showing he’s ready to take on a featured role in New York’s passing game. His consistent target share makes him especially valuable in PPR formats, and he looks like a weekly WR3 with upside for more. Suggested FAAB: $8–$10
Troy Franklin, Broncos (4% rostered) — Upside Stash
Franklin’s Week 2 breakout included heavy route participation, a strong target share, and a touchdown. With such a low rostership, he’s a low-cost lottery ticket with significant upside. A modest bid could land you a long-term flex option if his role continues to grow. Suggested FAAB: $6–$8
Other wide receivers to consider: Romeo Doubs, Packers (17%); Christian Kirk, Texans (34%)
Week 3 waiver wire tight ends
Juwan Johnson, Saints (51% rostered) — Top Priority
Johnson has become a focal point in the Saints’ passing attack, drawing 20 targets across the first two weeks. That volume puts him firmly in the TE1 conversation, and with the position so shallow, he’s worth an aggressive FAAB bid if you’re unsettled at tight end. Suggested FAAB: $10–$15
Other tight ends to consider: Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (42%); Isaiah Likely, Ravens (12%)
Week 3 waiver wire defense/special teams
Packers (54% rostered) — Streamer
Green Bay’s defense has been productive early, piling up sacks and takeaways. With a favorable Week 3 matchup against Cleveland, the Packers project as one of the top streaming defenses this week. They’re a solid short-term plug-in at a reasonable cost.
Suggested FAAB: $2–$6
Other D/STs to stream: Colts (8%), Chiefs (63%)