RADIO
This is the week the rookie receivers emerged in 2020. Justin Jefferson exploded for 7-175-1 and finally gives the Vikings a viable option behind Adam Thielen. Brandon Aiyuk looks like he could be the answer to San Francisco's WR injury woes by living up to his first-round status. Gabriel Davis took advantage of John Brown's injury to make the Bills' passing offense somehow more dynamic. Tee Higgins scored twice and did what A.J. Green hasn't been able to do - catch his targets.
The wide receiver list runs deep this week. The running back list, not so much. Naturally, the options available in your particular league(s) may vary.
As usual, the options listed at each position below are listed in order of priority to help you plan your claims accordingly. Players listed will be under approximately 40% rostered across Yahoo leagues. For a deeper look at each position, check out our separate weekly waiver wire columns at QB, RB, WR, and TE.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers - 21% rostered
Herbert became the third rookie QB to throw for 300 or more yards in his first two NFL starts. He finished with 330 yards, one TD, and one INT. Although he couldn't lead the Bolts to a comeback victory, he showed some moxie in his second NFL start, converting third downs in the fourth quarter and avoiding mistakes. A matchup at Tampa Bay in Week 4 isn't as favorable on paper but Herbert has shown he could be a solid QB2 in Superflex formats.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins - 7% rostered
FitzMagic won the battle of the facial hair and the game over Gardner Minshew on Thursday night. His final stats weren't great from a fantasy standpoint but that was due to game script. After jumping up big in the first half, the Dolphins barely passed in the second half. After a terrible Week 1 in New England, Fitzpatrick has thrown two TD with no INT in each of the last two games. There's a good chance he'll have to air it out much more against Seattle in Week 4, so there could be enough volume and/or garbage time stats to make him streamable.
Nick Foles, Chicago Bears - 3% rostered
We've seen this act before. Foles takes over as the starting QB for a desperate team and leads a miraculous comeback win. We've also seen the Falcons blow huge second-half leads over and over, which makes it slightly less impressive. Still, Foles threw three touchdowns in just under one half of football and is the starter in Chicago, at least for now. The problem is the schedule - he faces the Colts' #1 pass defense in Week 4 followed by the Bucs' sixth-ranked defense vs the QB. He can be considered in two-QB leagues but won't crack the top-16 in my weekly rankings.
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers - 17% rostered
The Panthers without CMC are going to have to rely on Bridgewater's arm and try to slow the game down. They did just that, finding a way to win despite running 51 offensive plays and scoring one touchdown. Bridgewater was efficient (22/28 passes completed) and didn't turn it over, but he was far less effective from a fantasy perspective than a real-life one. A road matchup with the Chargers wasn't the best spot but a home tilt with Arizona is bound to be easier and could force them to air it out more.
Others to consider: Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts (24% rostered); Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers (1% rostered)
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins - 47% rostered
Gaskin is closer to 50% than 40%, which is the usual cut-off for being mentioned in this article. Every league is different, however, and there are so few quality RB options that he should be considered the top target right now. Gaskin seems to be asserting himself as the lead back in Miami. He saw 22 rush attempts whereas Jordan Howard and Matt Breida saw three apiece. Last year's leading Dolphins rusher, Ryan Fitzpatrick also carried the ball seven times FWIW. This is an RBBC you'd like to avoid if possible but those desperate at RB should prefer Gaskin over any other option under 50% rostered.
Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 22% rostered
We knew we'd see a decent share of Wilson in the run game based on the fact Jerick McKinnon is not a workhorse and there is basically nobody behind him on the depth chart other than UDFA JaMycal Hasty. It was a nice surprise for those who added Wilson last week to see him grab three receptions for 54 yards and a score. Don't bother looking at the rushing stats (12 carries, 15 yards). He averages less than four yards per carry for his brief career and is never going to be more than a short-yardage grinder. That said, he will score his share of touchdowns given his size advantage over McKinnon which keeps him fantasy-relevant.
Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks - 18% rostered
There is nothing exciting about adding Hyde onto a fantasy roster but Chris Carson left the game with Dallas early and may be forced to miss time. If so, Hyde is the lead back and a potential streamer in a plus matchup with Miami on tap.
Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots - 10% rostered
If you started Burkhead in your DraftKings tournament for Week 3, congrats. This is the occasional outburst that happens from Burkhead but ultimately means little for his usage going forward. Sony Michel had his best game in a while rushing for 111 yards on nine attempts but it doesn't make him a fantasy RB2 all of a sudden. If nothing else, Burkhead deserves attention for that first touchdown where he was temporarily possessed by Barry Sanders circa '94. We can't ignore the seven receptions but that will go away once James White returns next week.
Anthony McFarland Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers - 1% rostered
It was nice to see McFarland handle the ball during the regular season and he didn't disappoint, averaging seven yards per carry on six attempts (do the math). By contrast, Benny Snell Jr. turned seven carries into 11 yards. It doesn't mean McFarland is suddenly the RB2 in Pittsburgh but he could have value in the future were James Conner to get dinged up again.
Darrynton Evans, Tennessee Titans - 3% rostered
This is an excuse to mention that one of my deep preseason sleepers finally took the field after nursing a bum hammy. Evans took just three carries but should work his way into more usage as he gains the staff's trust and gets more practice time in. Those who roster Henry should consider him an insurance policy worth considering in deep-enough leagues.
Others to consider: Chris Thompson, Jacksonville Jaguars (22% rostered); Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (11% rostered); Frank Gore, New York Jets (17% rostered); Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals (4% rostered)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings - 29% rostered
It took a couple of weeks but the rookie finally has become the WR2 that Minnesota desperately needed. Besides the 71-yard touchdown pass that made his fantasy day, Jefferson led the Vikes with nine targets, seven receptions, and 175 yards. This offense won't suddenly be pass-first because it's obvious that keeping the ball in Dalvin Cook's hands is far better than Kirk Cousins. It does appear that Jefferson can be trusted as a solid WR4/flex at least going forward with upside for far more, as we've finally seen.
Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins - 30% rostered
It's been a predictably slow start for Williams and the Fins. They faced the Patriots Defense in Week 1 followed by the Bills Defense in Week 2 before finally getting an easy win over Jacksonville. Williams has a total of five receptions and 74 yards over those three games but he did find the end zone last week. Don't forget, he's recovering from ACL surgery last year so he should keep working into shape as the season progresses. His 57% snap share last week was a result of the big lead in the second half that allowed the team to rest him. He should continue to be on the field 80% of the time or more as he was the first two seasons and is the clear WR2 for a team that may need to pass a ton in Week 4 vs Seattle.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 27% rostered
Somebody has to step up in San Fran and it looks like their first-round pick might be paying off finally. Aiyuk was held back by an injury in Week 1 and was lightly involved in Week 2. In Week 3, he caught five passes and carried the ball three times, one of which went for his first NFL touchdown on an end-around for 19 yards. Aiyuk wasn't just used more than last week, he was the most-targeted receiver and led the team with 70 receiving yards. It's rumored that Deebo Samuel could return in Week 5, which hurts his stock, so don't invest too deeply in redraft.
Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills - 9% rostered
You want a piece of this Buffalo passing offense in 2020 apparently. Josh Allen's numbers will come down closer to the Earth's surface eventually but for now, Beasley is worth a look each week. Beasley has been a steady contributor with at least six targets in each of the team's first three games. His receptions and yardage have gone up each week, culminating in a 100-yard effort in Week 3. The Raiders have been tough on opposing receivers so far and just limited Julian Edelman to two catches for 23 yards, so Beasley isn't so much a streamer for this week as a long-term add.
Braxton Berrios, New York Jets -1% rostered
Functioning as the top target for the Jets doesn't scream "must-add" but opportunity usually translates into fantasy value. Berrios wasn't expected to suit up in this one based on an ankle injury but he did and finished with a team-high 64 yards. He has 10 catches over the past two games and has reached the end zone in each. The fact that they play again this Thursday means the availability of Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman remains very much in question. Berrios is an intriguing streamer for PPR leagues.
Randall Cobb, Houston Texans - 6% rostered
Even with Will Fuller on the field all game, Cobb put in his best game as a Texan with four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. His yardage has ramped up each week and he looks to be gaining trust as Deshaun Watson's slot receiver. Cobb will have his share of duds but upcoming matchups with Minnesota and Jacksonville look promising.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals - 4% rostered
It didn't take long for Higgins to have his coming-out party as a pro. While Tyler Boyd was the clear top receiver for Joe Burrow in Week 3, Higgins was second with nine targets, pulling down five for 40 yards. Not great but two of those came in the end zone and went for his first two NFL touchdowns. The fact that John Ross was inactive for this game as a healthy scratch and Auden Tate is requesting a trade makes it clear Higgins is part of the team's plans right now.
K.J. Hamler, Denver Broncos - 12% rostered
The speedy rookie didn't pay off in Week 3, catching three balls for 30 yards. Tim Patrick found the end zone but Hamler was targeted more and should be a more reliable receiver going forward. A contest with the Jets next week is a great chance to rebound, so don't dismiss him based on this week's letdown.
Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles - 0% rostered
By default, Ward is the leading receiver for the Eagles with Alshon Jeffery and Jalen Reagor out. Dallas Goedert also left early in Week 3, leaving Ward to a team-high 11 targets. He came down with eight for 72 yards and a touchdown. This offense is still shaky and the upcoming schedule is brutal (SF, PIT, BAL) so keep Ward in mind in deep leagues of 14 teams or more only.
Andy Isabella, Arizona Cardinals - 1% rostered
No Christian Kirk meant more Andy Isabella in Week 3. Rather than playing the role of deep threat, the 5'9" receiver was used in the red zone. It worked, as Kyler Murray hit him twice for short touchdowns. Isabella won't be used this way every week, nor will he face Detroit's banged-up secondary. This is a dynamic pass offense and Kirk's groin injury could linger, so keep Isabella on the radar for deep leagues.
Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills - 0% rostered
How bad do you want a piece of Buffalo's passing offense? Davis, a fourth-round pick out of UCF, also had a nice game with four receptions for 81 yards in Week 3. This won't be a weekly occurrence but if John Brown's calf injury lingers or Stefon Diggs gets dinged up then Davis has weekly WR3 upside. Monitor Brown's status before making a claim for Davis.
Cedrick Wilson Jr., Dallas Cowboys - 0% rostered
A mention here does not equal an endorsement. It's doubtful the Cowboys even expected Wilson to be involved in the gameplan for Week 3 but after falling behind by two touchdowns in the third quarter, he was worked in the mix as the fourth receiver and left wide open. This won't do much for Wilson's fantasy stock this season but it could mean something for CeeDee Lamb if Wilson cuts into his targets even a little.
Kalif Raymond, Tennessee Titans - 0% rostered
Similar to Wilson, Raymond came out of nowhere to put up a big game (three receptions, 118 yards). Once A.J. Brown comes back, which could be as soon as next week, Raymond won't see much action.
Others to consider: Golden Tate, New York Giants (39% rostered); Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs (30% rostered); Laviska Shenault Jr. (29% rostered); Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers (25% rostered); Scotty Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16% rostered); James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers (11% rostered); Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills (8% rostered)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers - 27% rostered
Ebron has arrived in this offense, which could be a scary thing. He caught a total of four passes the first two weeks but came down with five for 52 yards and a TD against Houston. Most notably, he tied for the team lead in targets and receptions with James Washington. It won't be often that those two lead the way among the Steelers receiving corps but if Diontae Johnson is in the concussion protocol long enough, that could benefit both players again. A matchup with Tennessee next week is very promising as they've allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends after three games.
Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts - 9% rostered
Starting tight end Jack Doyle was back in action but Alie-Cox doesn't care. He caught an early touchdown and then broke out for a 46-yard reception. This could be the TE connection we expected Philip Rivers to develop, just with a player we didn't expect. This could be a third-year breakout combined with a former basketball player turned TE success story. You can't just ignore that...
Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears - 8% rostered
It's a new day in Chicago as Nick Foles is the quarterback. Of course, Graham's first touchdown against Atlanta came from Mitch Trubisky as did his touchdown in Week 1. The tight end will be targeted in the red zone frequently in Matt Nagy's offense, so Graham looks to have regular streaming value in standard leagues and is a boom-bust proposition in PPR.
Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys - 31% rostered
Last week it was the Schultz show, this week Cedrick Wilson, who I won't be recommending as a waiver wire add. Are the Cowboys just experimenting on offense or trying to use the element of surprise? Schultz still came away with four catches for 48 yards in their comeback attempt over Seattle. While his target share is promising, there is a strong chance Dallas won't need to pass the ball 45+ times against the likes of the Browns or Giants.
Drew Sample, Cincinnati Bengals - 9% rostered
Hope you didn't spend too much on him last week. Sample came down with one reception for one yard in Philadelphia after catching seven the week before. Tyler Boyd feasted all day while Sample was ignored. The good news is that next week's opponent, Jacksonville, has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends so far.
Ross Dwelley, San Francisco 49ers - 1% rostered
Jordan Reed's injury-prone tag will not escape him because he just can't escape injury. Reed nearly came down with a touchdown but couldn't keep both feet inbounds and wound up tweaking his ankle. He departed the game which led third-string TE Ross Dwelley to see action. Many of our readers may remember Dwelley as a midseason streaming option when George Kittle was out from Week 10-11 in 2019, especially when he caught two touchdowns versus Arizona. Even if Kittle doesn't come back next week as expected, Dwelley remains a desperation streamer.
Others to consider: Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team (33% rostered); Chris Herndon, New York Jets (32% rostered); Greg Olsen, Seattle Seahawks (22% rostered)
Team Defense - Waiver Wire Options
Seattle Seahawks Defense - 30% rostered
Although the Hawks gave up 31 points to Dallas and have allowed at least 24 points in each game so far, they are getting their share of turnovers. Seattle forced Dak Prescott to throw two picks and have six turnovers in three games. Not overly impressive but at home against Miami this coming weekend, another two turnovers at least should be in the works.
Denver Broncos Defense - 35% rostered
They play the Jets in Week 4. Stream away with confidence.
New York Jets Defense - 6% rostered
They play the Broncos in Week 4. Stream with semi-confidence.
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