A rash of quarterback injuries is sending many fantasy football managers to the waiver wire for a Week 3 starter and pushing the ‘draft only one QB’ strategy to the breaking point early in the season.
It’s not just Joe Burrow being forced to the sidelines. Fellow quarterbacks Justin Fields, J.J. McCarthy and Jayden Daniels could be out this week — and possibly longer. So where can fantasy managers turn? And what other players have shown enough potential over the first two weeks of the season to make an impact the rest of the way?
Here are some of the top pickup options on the fantasy waiver wire for the coming week.
Fantasy football quarterbacks to add for Week 3
Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here include their availability rates in Yahoo leagues, which may or may not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (19% rostered)
Through the first two weeks of the season, Jones has led an offense that has yet to end a drive with a punt. He’s the No. 1-ranked fantasy quarterback — throwing for 588 yards and two touchdowns, while also scoring three TDs on the ground. What universe are we living in? If you suddenly need a starting QB for this week, Jones will help you keep up without missing a beat. (Recommended FAAB bid: $18)
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (28%)
Stafford is likely the second-best quarterback option this week. He was frequently overlooked in drafts due to concerns about his back (and his age), but he’s come out firing for the 2-0 Rams. Stafford does have a pair of excellent wideouts at his disposal in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, so the potential for big weeks does exist. (FAAB bid: $10)
Russell Wilson, New York Giants (5%)
After throwing for 450 yards in an overtime loss to Dallas, Wilson currently leads the NFL in passing yards. It’s doubtful he can continue that level of production for an extended period, but if you need a temporary fix, he’s probably going to help more than Aaron Rodgers or Bryce Young. (FAAB bid: $5)
Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers and Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals (0%)
If you don’t want to spend big and don’t necessarily need a long-term replacement, these two backups have proven they can get the job done in non-spectacular fashion. Jones may only start for one more week, but he gets the Arizona Cardinals at home in a favorable matchup.
Browning, meanwhile, looks like the Bengals’ starter for the rest of the season. He has better weapons than Jones does and also has some sneaky rushing value. If you want to play the streaming quarterback game, these two fit the bill. (FAAB bid: $2)
Other fantasy football players to add for Week 3
WR Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (23%)
Robinson thrived alongside star wideout Malik Nabers in the Giants’ shootout in Dallas, catching eight of 10 targets for 142 yards and a score. Best known as a possession receiver, he broke open for a deep TD as part of his career day. The Giants’ inability to run the ball will lead to a lot of pass-heavy games, so Robinson should have some sustained value. (FAAB bid: $9)
RB Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars (55%)
A Tank Bigsby trade has given the rookie fourth-rounder a chance to show off his skills. Travis Etienne is perhaps even more solidified as the Jags’ lead back, but Tuten made the most of his increased touches with 42 yards on eight carries and an 8-yard TD reception. He’s one of several rookie running backs who saw their workloads increase in Week 2. And Etienne isn’t the most durable guy, either. (FAAB bid: $8)
WR Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos (4%)
The second-year wideout led the Broncos in catches vs. Indianapolis with eight for 89 yards and a touchdown. With top receiver Courtland Sutton seemingly invisible, Franklin has become the go-to target for QB Bo Nix through the first two games, pulling in 12 of his 15 targets. (FAAB bid: $7)
WR Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans (8%)
One of Week 2’s top highlights was the amazing scramble and across-the-field touchdown pass by rookie Titans QB Cam Ward. But don’t overlook who was on the receiving end of that ridiculous play. The rookie fourth-round pick caught four passes for 56 yards in Week 2, including a one-handed gem that was even more impressive than the TD. The Titans will likely be forced to pass a lot this season, so get on the train to stately Ayomanor now. (FAAB bid: $6)
RB Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy managers certainly took note of White’s performance on Monday night, especially the part where he — and not Bucky Irving — was in to score the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run. Irving is still the unquestioned starter, but White made a case for more touches by rushing for 65 yards on 10 carries, and looking good doing it. (FAAB bid: $5)
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens (9%)
Hopkins hasn’t been targeted very often, but he’s still managed to come up with some big plays. He has a touchdown catch in both games so far, despite only four total receptions. (And he very nearly scored on one other.) The 33-year-old provides a nice complement to Zay Flowers in the passing game and could easily assume TE Mark Andrews’ role as Lamar Jackson’s favorite red-zone target. (FAAB bid: $4)
WR Hunter Renfrow, Carolina Panthers (1%)
You can call him ‘Carolina Bluey’ after his unusual free agent signing, but the veteran wideout caught a pair of touchdown passes in Week 2 and has clearly outplayed presumed No. 2 wideout Xavier Legette. Not bad for someone who didn’t even play in 2024. (FAAB bid: $3)
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers (2%)
Another impressive Panthers pass-catcher, Sanders was the team’s second-leading receiver at Arizona with seven grabs for 54 yards. After last week’s bumper crop of tight ends, he’s the only worthwhile name to add to the list — though Juwan Johnson, Harold Fannin Jr. and maybe even Zach Ertz could still be available in shallower leagues. (FAAB bid: $2)
RB Chris Rodriguez/Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders (4%)
Someone has to pick up the carries left by Austin Ekeler’s season-ending Achilles injury. Although Rodriguez hasn’t been active for either game so far, he could see significant playing time going forward. McNichols is a candidate to take over third-down responsibilities. Meanwhile, Jacory Corskey-Merritt was a preseason darling but only had four carries for 17 yards in Week 2. (FAAB bid: $2)
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