Week 2 was a blood bath on the gridiron as fantasy owners around the world are struggling to cope with the big injuries that occurred this weekend. Some of the big names around the league landing on IR (out 4 weeks at least) include Isiah Pacheco, Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, and A.J. Brown. This does not include guys like Justin Jefferson, Rachaad White, and Joe Mixon who both had injuries that are worth monitoring ahead of week 3.
Despite some of these big injuries, it is not time to throw in the towel and give up on your fantasy season. It is time to hit the waiver wire and pick up a potential contributor to fill in for these injured fantasy superstars. Let’s take a look at some of the top waiver wire options ahead of week 3.
Bucky Irving RB (TB)
Irving was a popular waiver add after week 1 because of his potential to steal carries away from starter Rachaad White. With White being injured and his status uncertain going forward, Irving will step in as the lead back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. An increase in volume and his 5.3 yards per carry suggest that he is highly efficient. A correlation between these two metrics typically results in running backs breaking out in fantasy football. Irving is a priority waiver pickup this week.
Ty Chandler RB (MIN)
Chandler is another player who falls into the highly efficient category but lacks the volume needed to be a fantasy starter. The Minnesota Vikings have had an interesting split in the backfield to start the season with starter Aaron Jones receiving 30 touches meanwhile Chandler has received 21 as the backup. With Jones age and injury history, Chandler is a must add this week as he continues to be efficient in his workload.
Rico Dowdle RB (DAL)
In a blowout loss, the Cowboys offense could not keep up with the Saints scoring on almost every possession. In the blowout loss, we saw Rico Dowdle lead the Cowboys backfield in touches after having a true split with Ezekiel Elliott in week 1. With the 11 touches he received he finished with 59 yards. Nothing inspiring but on an offense that lacks a true 2nd weapon the opportunity is there for Dowdle to earn more touches as the season goes on.
Carson Steele RB (KC)
Isiah Pacheco was on pace to finish as an RB1 if he stayed healthy based on his workload and snap share % to start the season. With his injury, the backfield turns to Carson Steele, Samaje Perine, and potentially Kareem Hunt. Out of these guys, Steele has the most upside in the rushing game with his bulldozer style of running that reminds me a lot of former Buccaneers FB Mike Alstott. Steele, Perine, Edwards-Helaire, and Hunt need to rostered in every league going forward but Steele is the best of the bunch.
Rashid Shaheed WR (NO)
Although Alvin Kamara’s 4 touchdown performance stole the show on Sunday, Shaheed put together another big week for the Saints offense. On the season now he has 7 catches for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns outpacing fellow WR Chris Olave in all of those categories. The Saints offense seems legit as they have scored over 40 points in 3 straight games dating back to last season. Shaheed is a must-add on the waiver wire this week.
Demarcus Robinson WR (LAR)
After being considered the healthiest team in the NFL in 2023, the Rams have the most injuries to start the 2024 season. Two of those injuries are to star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp who are both WR1’s in fantasy football when healthy. Stafford will have to throw somebody the ball and Robinson has the best track record compared to his counterparts to handle the increased volume. Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Colby Parkinson are all good additions through waivers this week.
Quentin Johnston WR (LAC)
Quentin Johnston deserves a little bit of love after not living up to expectations so far in his young NFL career. Against the Panthers on Sunday, Johnston led the Chargers in targets, catches, and yards while scoring 2 touchdowns. The wide receiver room in Los Angeles has no clear-cut WR1 right now and Johnston could be the guy that ascends to that spot if he performs like he did in week 2.
Honorable Waiver Mentions
Derek Carr QB (NO) Rostered: 8%
Sam Darnold QB (MIN) Rostered: 2%
Antonio Gibson RB (NE) Rostered: 2%
Braelon Allen RB (NYJ) Rostered: 7.4%
Samaje Perine RB (KC) Rostered: 3.7%
Cam Akers RB (HOU) Rostered: 0.5%
Jalen Nailor WR (MIN) Rostered: 0.5%
Jauan Jennings WR (SF) Rostered: 1%
Mike Gesicki TE (CIN) Rostered: 1%
Hunter Henry TE (NE) Rostered: 5%
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