Okay, I know it’s only Week 3 — way too early to stamp an identity on the whole fantasy football season — but so far this is the strangest start I can remember. My team, which ranked dead last in Week 1, bounced back to finish 2nd in Week 2, just 0.6 points behind the leader. My Week 1 cellar-dweller turned into a Week 2 contender — a real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde performance. It’s a reminder that early-season swings can feel chaotic, but they also mean a slow start doesn’t have to define your season.
I wish that were true of my dynasty team, which is now 0-2 near the bottom of the league. Joe Mixon (Hou, RB) and George Kittle (SF, TE) are on IR, and 13 of my 24 remaining roster spots are rookies. Among my rookies, I have Tetairoa McMillan (Car, WR) and Omarion Hampton (LAR, RB). So it's possible that as my rookies learn the playbook and my top veterans return to the field, my dynasty team might recover by mid-season. What I’m aiming for now is to scrape together just enough wins in the first half of the season that, with a strong finish, I can slide my way into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, my other two teams — even at 0–2 and 1–1 — seem to be on steadier footing, finishing in the top half of their respective leagues three out of four times.
Whether your teams are off to a shaky start like mine or cruising early, staying active on the waiver wire is essential — not just for plugging holes, but for building injury resilience and stashing future talent that can turn your roster into a contender by playoff time.
If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, you can skip down to this week’s rankings.
If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.
Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their name to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.
I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — “1st” being the toughest matchup, “32nd” the softest.
If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Week 3 Fantasy Football Waiver Adds by Colton Peters and Week 3 Injuries & Opportunities by Chris Hexter.
Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.
Quarterbacks
*Mac Jones, SF vs Ari (17th, 21st, 1st, 23rd) – Jones stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy and looked sharp against the Saints, completing 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. He spread the ball well, using play-action and leaning on his backs after the catch. Kyle Shanahan’s scheme gives him a very favorable environment, and as long as Purdy is sidelined, Jones has the weapons and coaching to remain a steady QB2 in fantasy.
*Russell Wilson, NYG vs KC (22nd, 13th, 25th, 9th) – Wilson rebounded in a big way in Week 2, throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs. He consistently hit big plays to Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton, flashing vintage deep-ball touch. While his Week 1 was rocky, this performance likely secured his job for the near term despite Jaxson Dart waiting in the wings. He is volatile, but if you need upside, Wilson showed he can still deliver.
Daniel Jones, Ind @ Ten (6th, 1st, 19th, 17th) – Jones followed up a strong debut with another solid outing, throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score against the Titans. His designed red-zone runs are boosting his fantasy value, and his passing efficiency is keeping the Colts’ offense balanced. The rushing gives him a sturdy floor, making him a serviceable QB2 even in tougher spots.
*Spencer Rattler (S), NO @ Sea (13th, 26th, 27th, 24th) – Rattler played one of his better games as a pro, throwing for 237 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover against the 49ers. He showed better pocket poise and took more downfield chances. The Saints are still easing him along, but his sophomore development is trending up. He is not yet a weekly starter, but in dynasty formats and deep leagues he is a stash worth holding.
*Jake Browning, Cin @ Min (7th, 3rd, 16th, 10th) – Browning was efficient and steady, throwing for 231 yards and two scores against the Vikings. He is locked into the starting role with Joe Burrow done for the year after toe surgery. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal, Browning has enough support to keep producing, though mistakes will happen when he is forced to play catch-up. In Superflex and deep leagues, he is one of the top adds.
Aaron Rodgers, Pit @ NE (24th, 7th, Bye, 14th) – Rodgers cooled off after his hot Week 1, managing only 203 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Jets. His timing looked a little off, and protection issues limited his downfield attempts. He still has chemistry with DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin, but the Steelers’ offensive line will cap his ceiling. Rodgers remains a matchup-based QB2 who will rely on touchdowns to stay relevant.
Sam Darnold, Sea vs NO (25th, 17th, 23rd, 21st) – Darnold nearly hit 300 yards in his second start, spreading the ball to a wide group of pass catchers and looking comfortable in Seattle’s system. He found rookie Tory Horton and got both Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba involved. While he will not post gaudy rushing stats, his command of the offense makes him a viable QB2 streamer.
*Joe Flacco, Cle vs GB (10th, 16th, 7th, 28th) – Flacco continues to throw in volume, attempting 36 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown against the Packers. He did take three sacks and his efficiency waned late, but Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed him as the starter. Rookie Dillon Gabriel is waiting in the wings, but Flacco’s experience keeps him on the field. In two-quarterback formats, he remains a usable option with limited ceiling.
Running Backs
Blake Corum (S), LAR vs Phi (10th, 16th, 11th, 28th) – Corum made his mark in Week 2 by scoring his first career touchdown on a goal-line carry against the Titans. He finished with 44 rushing yards on five carries and looked more decisive than starter Kyren Williams, who has struggled for efficiency in back-to-back games. Corum also added 80 kickoff return yards, showing his versatility. While he is not yet the lead back, he is earning more snaps and could carve out a larger role if Williams continues to falter.
*Jerome Ford, Cle @ GB (6th, 12th, 21st, 19th) – Ford was one of the few bright spots in Cleveland’s loss to the Ravens, finishing with 135 all-purpose yards. He rushed for 31 yards and added five catches for 23 yards while handling kick-return duties. Rookie Quinshon Judkins (R) led the team in carries, but Ford was more involved than Dylan Sampson (R) and continues to be trusted as a passing-down option. His role is secure for now, but Judkins’ workload is expected to grow, making Ford more of a short-term streamer than a season-long solution.
*Miles Sanders, Dal @ Chi (29th, 7th, 24th, 17th) – Sanders has managed to stay fantasy-relevant despite a very small workload behind Javonte Williams. He found the end zone against the Giants on a four-yard run, giving him a touchdown in each of his first two games. He handled only seven touches compared to Williams’ 24, but his role as the clear No. 2 back — ahead of rookie Jaydon Blue — and his red-zone usage keep him on the radar in deeper leagues as a a desperation TD-or-bust flex option
Speculative Watch – *Zavier Scott, Min vs Cin (31st, 19th, 2nd, Bye) – With Aaron Jones exiting Week 2 (hamstring) and Ty Chandler and C.J. Ham both on IR, The Vikings' depth chart is paper-thin. Jordan Mason would be the lead back if Jones misses time, but Scott suddenly looks like the RB2. If Mason were to get hurt, Scott could inherit a near-full workload. He’s not startable yet (0 touches so far), but in deep dynasty the thin depth chart makes him notable as a true “one injury away” back.
Receivers
*Hunter Renfrow, Car v Atl (15th, 31st, 12th, 30th) – Renfrow is a 2021 pro-bowler who has suffered from the autoimmune condition, ulcerative colitis, since 2022, missing the entire 2024 season and causing him to drop to 150 lbs. He's back up to 185 lbs and signed with the Panthers to take the slot receiver role after Jalen Coker moved to IR (quad). In Week 2 Renfrow caught 7 receptions on 9 targets for 48 yards and 2 touchdowns after managing just 11 yards in his opener. He looked fully recovered from the rib issue that limited him in practice and reclaimed a steady slot role for the Panthers. More importantly, he appears healthy and trusted again in the offense. While his scoring pace isn’t sustainable, Renfrow’s volume and short-area reliability makes him a useful PPR streamer, especially in deeper formats.
Elic Ayomanor (R), Ten v Ind (17th, 23rd, 22nd, 29th) – The rookie turned heads in Week 2 with 4 receptions on 6 targets for 56 yards and his first career touchdown. He showed chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward, especially on a highlight 23-yard sideline grab. With 6 receptions on 9 targets for 69 yards over his first two games, Ayomanor looks like a developmental piece who may grow into a larger role as the Titans’ offense matures. A deep-league stash with long-term upside.
*Dyami Brown, Jax v Hou (23rd, 14th, 25th, 1st) – Brown has quietly posted back-to-back 50+ yard games, finishing Week 2 with 5 receptions on 7 targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. He trailed only Parker Washington in team receiving yards and outproduced Brian Thomas and rookie Travis Hunter. Brown is clearly carving out a role in Liam Coen’s offense, and his efficiency (8 receptions on 11 targets across two games) suggests staying power as a depth option with weekly flex appeal.
Romeo Doubs, GB @ Cle (18th, 30th, Bye, 20th) – With Jayden Reed sidelined by a broken collarbone, Doubs’ role is poised to expand. He has 5 receptions on 9 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown through two games, highlighted by a 28-yard score against Washington. Green Bay runs a wide rotation, but Doubs’ efficiency and red-zone involvement make him the most likely beneficiary of Reed’s absence. He’s a strong pickup for WR depth with upside.
*KaVontae Turpin, Dal v Chi (28thm 13th, 16th, 2nd) – Turpin left Week 2 with a neck injury but impressed before exiting, catching all 4 of his targets for 47 yards and a touchdown. He’s also contributing on special teams, underscoring his explosiveness. Monitor his health status; if cleared, he could remain a rotational weapon in Dallas’ passing game. In deep leagues he’s worth stashing as a high-variance playmaker.
DeAndre Hopkins, Bal v Det (24th, 25th, 23rd, 8th) – Hopkins continues to show chemistry with Lamar Jackson, scoring in both of his first two games with the Ravens. In Week 2 he turned just 2 receptions into 64 yards and a touchdown, flashing downfield ability on a 41-yard grab. Despite limited volume (4 receptions on 4 targets across two games), half have gone for scores, making him a volatile WR3/flex. He’s touchdown-dependent but remains a trusted red-zone target.
*Tyquan Thornton, KC @ NYG (32nd, 19th, 26th, 24th) – Thornton’s boom-or-bust profile showed in Week 2 when he ripped off a 49-yard touchdown, finishing with 2 receptions on 5 targets for 59 yards. The Chiefs’ receiving corps remains unsettled while Xavier Worthy recovers, so Thornton may see opportunities for splash plays. Still, his inconsistency (4 receptions on 10 targets across two weeks) makes him a risky play.
Tight Ends
Jake Tonges, SF @ LAR (29th, 9th, 16th, 13th) – With George Kittle sidelined by a hamstring injury, the 49ers are filling the gap with both Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges. Tonges has been the more productive of the two, catching 4 of 5 targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 after scoring in Week 1. The timeshare limits his ceiling, but as long as Kittle remains out, Tonges has short-term streaming value in deeper leagues.
Ja’Tavion Sanders (S), Car v Atl (1st. 18th, 23rd, 14th) – Sanders has quickly established himself as Carolina’s top tight end. In Week 2 he corralled 7 of 9 targets for 54 yards, finishing second on the team in receiving behind rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan. Through two games he has 9 catches for 81 yards, showing volume that makes him a viable PPR option. At just 22 years old, Sanders offers both immediate streaming appeal and long-term upside.
*AJ Barner (S), Sea @ Jax (26th, 29th, 13th, 9th) – The second-year Seahawk logged an 89% snap share in Week 2, converting 2 of 3 targets into 26 yards and a touchdown. His usage is fueled by strong run-blocking, but he has only 6 targets through two games. Barner’s reliable playing time makes him a watch-list candidate, though his fantasy value hinges on whether his target share grows.
Noah Fant, Cin @ Phi (6th, 15th, 8th, 28th) – Fant has quietly worked his way into a split with Mike Gesicki after arriving in Cincinnati during training camp. In Week 2, he hauled in 3 of 4 targets for 28 yards following a 4-catch, 26-yard opener. While neither Bengal tight end is commanding full volume, Fant’s steady usage (9 targets through two weeks) gives him low-end TE2 appeal in deeper formats.
*Brock Wright, Det @ Bal (31st, 7th, 21st, 3rd) – Wright capitalized on limited looks in Week 2, catching all 3 of his targets for 28 yards and an 8-yard touchdown. Still, he remains firmly behind Sam LaPorta in the pecking order. Unless an injury opens more opportunities, Wright is best left for touchdown-dependent dart throws in very deep leagues.
Kickers
Spencer Shrader, Ind @ Ten (12th, 31st, 10th, 3rd)
Matt Prater, Buf v Mia (21st, 22nd, 8th, Bye)
John Parker Romo, Atl v Car (28th, 18th, Bye, 19th) - Watch his status. 10% chance he won't play Week 3.
Graham Gano, NYG @ Cle (24th, 25th, 21st, 14th)
Daniel Carlson, LV @ Wsh (18th, 20th, 1st, 12th)
Defense / Special Teams
Atlanta Falcons @ Car (29th, 12th, Bye, 2nd)
Seattle Seahawks v NO (14th, 15th, 7th, 4th)
Arizona Cardinals @ SF (16th, 23rd, 31st, 1st)
Green Bay Packers @ Cle (29th, 9th, 20th, 15th)
Jacksonville Jaguars v Hou (24th, 18th, 8th, 23rd)