Week 2 of the NFL season has just about wrapped up. Whether winning or losing in Week 2, it’s time to make some moves to help your team reach the ultimate goal. In this article, we will talk about the key players worth picking up to help improve your roster. We will discuss what they have done and why they are important players to pick up on rosters. We will also talk about whether they are worth spending that number one waiver claim and how much FAAB percentage you should use on them.
Week 3 Waiver Wire is starting to have some names that you will want to pick up to help your fantasy roster. There is a nice mix of players who all produced in Week 2 and should have value moving forward.
Demarcus Robinson, WR – LAR
The top waiver wire pick for Week 3 is the Rams’ Demarcus Robinson. Robinson was already a Week 2 potential pick-up following the Puka Nacua injury. In the game against the Cardinals, Cooper Kupp got hurt and did not return to the game. It could have been because the team was already losing badly, or it may be another injury that holds Kupp out for some time. If Kupp were to miss time, Robinson would slide into the WR1 role in the offense. The Rams do have some other interesting options, such as Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington, but Robinson should be the clear #1 option. He led the team in receiving yards in Week 2 with 50. If you struggle to find a FLEX option each week, then Robinson should be a pick up for you.
- Top Waiver Priority – Yes
- FAAB % – 20%
Derek Carr, QB – NO
Derek Carr has had a hot start to the fantasy season. He has produced back-to-back 25 points plus fantasy outings in the first two weeks. This new look Klint Kubiak offense has looked impressive, with big plays and high touchdowns. Carr’s yardage has been low, but he has six touchdowns. It will be hard to rely on touchdowns being so high each week, but Carr looks healthy, which is critical. He’ll play some potential playoff teams requiring the passing offense to continue to air the ball downfield. If you are upset with some of the quarterbacks like Jared Goff or lost Tua Tagovailoa, then Carr should be a pick-up for you.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 10%
Braelon Allen, RB – NYJ
The Week 3 waiver wire may not have another top running back to pick up, but Braelon Allen is making some noise. In Week 2, Allen’s involvement in the offense took a spike. Allen scored two touchdowns this week, one on the ground and one through the air. While the Jets do have star running back Breece Hall, we’ve seen in years past for the Jets, that they aren’t afraid to use two runnings backs. We could be looking at a thunder and lightning situation for the Jets in 2024 if Allen continues to expand his role. Allen may not have consistent weekly value, but he’ll be usable during BYE weeks and is a top-tier handcuff.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 5%
Mike Gesicki, TE – CIN
We found a tight end to add to the list in Mike Gesicki. The Bengals tight end had a big night with 7 receptions for 91 yards in his Week 2 game. Gesicki had always been a great receiving option, but he hasn’t been used well since leaving the Miami Dolphins. The Bengals offense is looking for someone to step up, and Gesicki did that this week. Unless your tight end situation is horrible, I wouldn’t be throwing the money to get him on my team. We saw what happened with Isaiah Likely this week. He is worth an add if you want to see if Gesicki does have a significant role or took advantage of the Chiefs defense, which is poor at covering tight ends.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 5%
Alec Pierce, WR – IND
Our next receiver we’d recommend adding this week is Indianapolis’ Alec Pierce. Pierce was a surprise Week 1 star in fantasy, but he showed that his potential breakout season may not be a fluke. In Week 2, Pierce was able to score another touchdown. The most significant part was that he saw seven targets in this game after only three last week. Pierce seems to fit well with Anthony Richardson, and it’s time to buy into this duo for the season.
- Top Waiver Priority – Yes
- FAAB % – 10%
Quentin Johnston, WR – LAC
Former first-round pick Quentin Johnston had the best fantasy outing of his career in Week 2. He had 50 yards and was able to score two times. He led this team in targets with six, but the passing offense was used minimally. Eventually, someone will be the Chargers’ WR1, and it could be Johnston in his second season. He is worth an add to see if he continues to produce, but we know this offense runs through the backfield.
- Top Waiver Priority – NO
- FAAB % – 8%
Samaje Perine/Carson Steele, RB – KC
This one is coming in late as near the end of the Chiefs and Bengals game, Isiah Pacheco got hurt. Per Jeff Darlington’s post, Pacheco left the stadium on crutches and a walking boot. With the news that Pacheco is going on IR with a fractured fibula, Samaje Perine and Carson Steele are now significant pickups in fantasy. Steele may be the sneaky one to pick up since he is more of the ground-and-pound style that the Chiefs have in Pacheco. Perine would likely be the passing downs back. I would expect a split role between the two of them, but both will have value in the Chiefs offense.
- Top Waiver Priority – Yes
- FAAB % – (Perine 45%) (Steele 50%)
In a not-so-great update, Pacheco is leaving the stadium on crutches and a walking boot. And so Monday’s tests become all the more important. https://t.co/Koel8Qq8MG
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) September 16, 2024
Photo by Icon Sports Wire | Adapted by Carlos Leano