NFL Waiver Wire: Week 3 Deep Dive

 If there's any consolation to last weekend's wave of injuries, it's the bitter satisfaction in knowing that just about everyone got a taste of what it's like to lose a lynchpin of their roster: "and so the universal thump is passed round, and all hands should rub each other's shoulder-blades, and be content." 

The primary edition of the NFL Waiver Wire runs Tuesdays, and already provided a number of options that can be used to plug the holes that injuries have created in one's roster. This Thursday edition provides a more extensive dive into the free-agent pool. Even if you've lost as big a name as Saquon Barkley or Courtland Sutton for the season, there's reason to persevere and maintain hope. As early as Week 3, the waiver wire is still abundant with intriguing options. 

The list below includes players rostered in no more than 50-55 percent of Yahoo leagues and is listed in order of preference based on half-point per reception scoring and a 12-team league. Depending on your league's scoring and roster settings, certain players might warrant higher consideration than what is listed. Each player's listed roster percentage is based on Tuesday's Yahoo statistics, to give a general sense of availability for a given week.

QUARTERBACK

Ryan Tannehill, Titans (46 percent) - Tannehill has been a fairly reliable QB1 since mid-2019, and he's on pace to throw the ball significantly more in 2020. A healthy A.J. Brown (knee) should at some point join emerging weapons Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith (ankle), and Tannehill has a Week 3 matchup against a Minnesota defense that looks cooked. 

Gardner Minshew, Jaguars (33 percent) - With back-to-back three-TD performances under his belt, Minshew now gets the benefit of a primetime matchup against a Dolphins secondary that will be without Byron Jones (groin/Achilles). After that? The hapless Bengals, Texans and Lions are on deck. Minshew is more than just a one-week pickup, he's in play as a rest-of-season starter. 

Justin Herbert, Chargers (4 percent) - With Tyrod Taylor (chest) developing last-minute complications before kickoff Week 2, Herbert was flung into action against the defending champion Chiefs without even having had time to prep as the starter. The rookie looked (mostly) undaunted, nearly leading LAC to a win while also putting up a fringe-QB1 performance. Herbert has an upside combination of arm strength and rushing floor and will get another chance to prove worthy of the starting job Sunday against the Panthers. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins (4 percent) - Fitzpatrick bounced back from a miserable Week 1 with a top-12 fantasy performance against the Bills in Week 2. Thursday's favorable matchup against the Jaguars makes Fitzpatrick a sneaky option in 1-QB formats, as his receiving weapons should outmatch Jacksonville's secondary. 

Mitchell Trubisky, Bears (8 percent) - Trubisky was only serviceable against the Giants in Week 2, but he was a high-end QB1 against the Lions in the season opener. The much-maligned signal-caller has yet to exceed 250 passing yards this season, but he has a track record of putting up multiple scores against poor defenses (such as Atlanta, which has already surrendered eight passing TDs). 

Philip Rivers, Colts (26 percent) - Rivers has a 2:3 TD:INT ratio through two games, despite having faced two unintimidating defenses in Jacksonville and Minnesota. The veteran gunslinger now gets a prime chance to right the ship. The Jets have surrendered 29 points per game, 24th in the league, a rate that doesn't tell the whole story because the offense's futility allows opponents to simply burn clock in the fourth quarter. 

Jeff Driskel, Broncos (0 percent) - Driskel looked competent in relief of Drew Lock (shoulder) last week against Pittsburgh's vaunted secondary, passing for 256 yards, two scores and an INT. He'll have to operate without Courtland Sutton (knee), and the Buccaneers will bring another tough matchup, but Driskel makes a fine emergency option in superflex and 2-QB leagues. So does Nick Mullens (0 percent), if Jimmy Garoppolo indeed sits out this week.

RUNNING BACK

Jerick McKinnon, 49ers (26 percent) - McKinnon has only had nine touches, but he's looked fairly dynamic in those opportunities and scored in back-to-back games. With both Raheem Mostert (knee) and Tevin Coleman (knee) out for Week 3 and maybe longer, McKinnon's immediate upside is notable. Coach Kyle Shanahan will almost certainly manufacture work for Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty as well, but McKinnon is the surest bet to make a fantasy splash

Mike Davis, Panthers (8 percent) - Davis handled every backfield snap after Christian McCaffrey left the field Sunday, so he should get a shot at inheriting an every-down role while Carolina's starter works back from his high-ankle sprain. Most encouraging, Davis caught six of eight targets for 74 yards in place of McCaffrey, proving that he's versatile enough to stay on the field in most scenarios. 

Myles Gaskin, Dolphins (16 percent) - As RotoWire's Jerry Donabedian noted in Monday's Hidden Stat Line piece, Gaskin has a 64 percent snap share, 16 carries, 11 targets and 148 scrimmage yards through two weeks. He's coming off tough matchups against Buffalo and New England, so Thursday's game against the Jaguars could provide the opportunity for Gaskin to solidify himself as what the numbers already show: Miami's clear lead back. 

Darrell Henderson, Rams (34 percent) - Los Angeles' backfield still looks like a blatant committee, but Cam Akers (ribs) and Malcolm Brown (finger) getting knocked out by injuries paved the way for Henderson to lead the way Week 2 and possibly beyond. After just three touches Week 1, he rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries while catching two passes for 40 yards.

Tony Pollard, Cowboys (31 percent) - Pollard's only value remains as a handcuff to Ezekiel Elliott, but in that category he's still elite. The second-year pro would immediately vault into a weekly starter if Zeke were to go down, so his rostered percentage should look closer to the likes of Latavius Murray (66 percent), Alexander Mattison (45 percent) and Chase Edmonds (42 percent). 

Joshua Kelley, Chargers (40 percent) - Kelley topped 100 scrimmage yards against the Chiefs in Week 2, mostly by courtesy of his 23 carries. The Chargers aren't likely to continue deploying such run-focused schemes every week, but it's clear that Kelley's role as the No. 2 running back is bigger than most imagined. 

Devonta Freeman, Giants (14 percent) - Freeman has finally found a home, and he enters as near-ideal a situation as could be imagined, all things considered. The veteran should establish himself as the lead in a committee that also includes Dion Lewis and Wayne Gallman, but his value might be capped given that the O-line that limited Saquon Barkley to 1.8 YPC is still around. 

Rex Burkhead, Patriots (2 percent) - Burkhead dominated New England's backfield with James White (personal) out Week 2, hogging 71 percent of snaps (including six targets) and leaving little for Sony Michel to do. It's difficult to guess how long White will remain out of the lineup, but Burkhead could see a few more weeks of usable volume. 

Chris Thompson, Jaguars (23 percent) - Thompson got the receiving usage (2/26/1) he was expected to Week 2, but James Robinson (71 percent) still had an equal target share and dominated Jacksonville's carries. Thompson has limited PPR utility, but he'll likely disappoint for fantasy unless he scores. Unexpected as it is, this is Robinson's backfield. 

Kerryon Johnson, Lions (38 percent) - Johnson started Week 2 and scored a rushing touchdown on the opening drive, so it briefly looked as though he was in line for a big fantasy day. Instead, he completely disappeared.  Johnson remains difficult to trust in a legit committee alongside D'Andre Swift and Adrian Peterson (56 percent). 

Matt Breida, Dolphins (47 percent) - Both Breida and Jordan Howard have taken a backseat to Myles Gaskin, with Howard being relegated to short-yardage work. It wouldn't surprise me if Breida and Gaskin trend toward more even playing time, particularly in the passing game, but he's a deep flier at this point. 

Frank Gore, Jets (14 percent) - Gore is a lock for work as long as Le'Veon Bell (hamstring) remains out, which is at least two more weeks. He had 21 carries and two targets against the 49ers in Week 2, but only managed 63 total yards. The 37-year-old's guaranteed touches makes him a usable emergency option, but his chances of producing against Indianapolis seem slim. 

Dion Lewis, Giants (7 percent) - Lewis was the Giants' only active running back after Saquon Barkley (knee) went down, so he saw a bell-cow role (14 touches including a TD). However, the team has since signed Devonta Freeman, and Wayne Gallman likely won't be inactive in the future. Lewis' ceiling looks like part of a three-headed committee. 

Damien Harris, Patriots (26 percent) - Harris could be back from IR by Week 4, and he performed well enough in training camp to generate a noticeable amount of hype. New England's backfield is always a murky situation, but Harris could emerge with a large role once he's available. 

Wayne Gallman, Giants (1 percent) - Gallman wasn't even active Week 2, and after with Saquon Barkley (knee) went down for the season the Giants didn't hesitate to bring in Devonta Freeman. In deep leagues, Gallman is worth a shot because he's flashed before, but he looks destined to be the third option in what could be a messy committee. 

WIDE RECEIVER

Russell Gage, Falcons (23 percent) - Gage has scored in back-to-back weeks, and he would've had an even bigger day with a 41-yard touchdown pass if Julio Jones hadn't manifested a bad drop. Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury, which might be the cause of Gage's high usage, but until that changes he can be trusted as a high-end flex option. As the season continues, though, beware Julio getting healthy and Hayden Hurst getting more involved. 

Corey Davis, Titans (42 percent) - Davis didn't put up monster receiving yardage with A.J. Brown (knee) inactive, but he did score against the Jaguars. He looks significantly more useful in the passing game than he did in 2019, but whether that'll continue once Brown retakes the field remains to be seen. 

N'Keal Harry, Patriots (36 percent) - Harry's 8-72-0 line was serviceable against Seattle, and he actually drew one more target (12) than Julian Edelman, though he was far less productive with those looks. The second-year pro looks startable in competitive matchups, though if the Patriots get an early lead against the Raiders they may just lean heavily on the running game. 

Golden Tate, Giants (36 percent) - Tate's targets out of the slot stand to increase with Saquon Barkley (knee) out until 2021 and Sterling Shepard (toe) out for at least three weeks. The veteran only had five for 47 in Week 2, but he showed good chemistry with Daniel Jones last season and now should see enough opportunity to make him a WR3 in PPR leagues. 

Allen Lazard, Packers (47 percent) - Lazard only had three catches for 45 yards in Week 2, despite Davante Adams (hamstring) leaving in the third quarter. However, the Packers didn't need to throw much given that the game was well in hand, and Lazard still played 84 percent of snaps. He figures to get more targets in competitive games, and the Saints should threaten Green Bay on Sunday. 

Preston Williams, Dolphins (35 percent) - Williams has been an utter disappointment through two games, having only caught three of 12 targets, but his struggles came against superior defenses in Buffalo and New England, and in both games he regularly drew the opposition's No. 1 cornerback. He's a legitimate bounce-back candidate heading into a TNF match against the Jaguars, though if Williams falls flat again he'll be droppable. 

Laviska Shenault, Jaguars (17 percent) - Shenault has had three catches for about 35 yards in each of his two NFL games, but he didn't score Week 2. He did, however, get five carries, a significant uptick from his backfield usage in the opener.

Michael Pittman, Colts (15 percent) - Pittman doubled his Week 1 snaps with Parris Campbell (knee) out of the lineup. His six targets, though not a huge number, tied for the team high, and his 92 percent of snaps were by far the largest share on the team. Pittman was one of the most pro-ready rookies in this year's class, so if Indianapolis' passing game eventually gets on track expect him to be a big reason why.

Keelan Cole, Jaguars (4 percent) - Cole has caught a touchdown in every game through two weeks, and he boasts a team-leading 18.8 percent target share. Once a popular breakout candidate because of his play down the stretch in 2017, Cole could finally be positioned to fare well as a weekly fantasy option. 

Curtis Samuel, Panthers (27 percent) - Samuel only had two targets last week while both D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson drew double-digit looks, but he did also have four carries out of the backfield. He could see increased backfield opportunities while Christian McCaffrey (ankle) sits. 

Tre'Quan Smith, Saints (15 percent) - Smith led Saints WRs in snaps, routes and targets without Michael Thomas (ankle), after only a single target in Week 1. He was once a hot name in dynasty circles after two 100-yard games as a rookie, so coming off a solid 5-86 performance there's some reason to be hopeful for a third-year breakout.

Zach Pascal, Colts (2 percent) - Pascal stands to take over the slot with Parris Campbell (knee) sidelined at least three weeks, which should increase his target volume considering Philip Rivers'  low aDOT (7.6). He has yet to surpass 20 yards this season, but he did have a touchdown Week 2 and now gets a comfortable matchup against the Jets. 

KJ Hamler, Broncos (1 percent) - Hamler handled a 62 percent snap share in his NFL debut Week 2, and his seven targets were tied with Jerry Jeudy for the team lead. The loss of Courtland Sutton (ACL) should provide Hamler consistent targets and the freedom to move around the formation, and he's a big-play threat on every touch.

Mecole Hardman, Chiefs (36 percent) - Hardman saw a notable bump in snaps after Sammy Watkins (concussion) left the field, but he still only drew three targets. He did make the most of those opportunities, with a two-point conversion. I like Hardman's chances of getting a larger role, but he won't have immediate utility unless Watkins misses Week 3. 

Chase Claypool, Steelers (6 percent) - Claypool's 3/88/1 line can't be ignored, nor can the fact that he's continually impressed with limited work. James Washington (12 percent) looks like a starting caliber NFL wideout, but if Claypool continues to exceed expectations he could push for the third role alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson. 

Cole Beasley, Bills (7 percent) - Beasley was more than serviceable in PPR formats against Miami, with five catches for 70 yards, and he's now hovered around 70 percent of snaps in back-to-back games. As the clear No. 3 behind John Brown and Stefon Diggs, Beasley doesn't have the upside he did in 2019, but he's a fair flex option even with a tough matchup against the Rams on deck. 

Alshon Jeffery, Eagles (8 percent) - Jeffery doesn't look likely to return against the Bengals in Week 3, but he could retake the field early October. The Eagles have deployed an ineffective wideout rotation, so when healthy a stable (if inefficient) option like Jeffery could become a go-to target for Carson Wentz. 

Scotty Miller, Buccaneers (38 percent) - Plenty a hopeful fantasy manager started Miller in Week 2, hoping for a big game without Chris Godwin (concussion), but he only managed 2-11-0. Miller is only a WR5 for fantasy purposes, and Godwin will be back in the lineup Week 3.

TIGHT END

Logan Thomas, Washington (32 percent) - Through two weeks, Thomas looks locked into a 90 percent snap share, and his 27.3 percent target share in Week 2 was outstanding even on an inefficient offense. His 4-26-0 line against the Cardinals didn't win any weeks, but Thomas look guaranteed for enough volume to make him a low-end TE1 rest of season.

Drew Sample, Bengals (1 percent) - Sample inherits a busy starting role with C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) done for the year, and he impressed with seven catches for 45 yards. As a check-down option for an ascending rookie QB like Joe Burrow, Sample is immediately in the conversation as a streaming option. He'll look to take advantage of an Eagles defense that just surrendered three TDs to Tyler Higbee. 

Dalton Schultz (18 percent) - Schultz is locked into the role that Blake Jarwin (knee) should've had, and that usage is enough to make a TE1. He put up 9-88-1 in a shootout against Atlanta, with a lost fumble, and is tied for third in the league with four red-zone targets (per Tuesday's HSL). I'm not convinced this role is permanent, but until proven otherwise Schultz looks intriguing. 

Chris Herndon (45 percent) - Herndon appeared primed for a huge Week 2, but despite playing 74 percent of snaps he only drew four targets (and finished with one catch for five yards). The Jets' only healthy wideouts to begin the week are Braxton Berrios and Josh Malone, so Sunday's game against the Colts once again looks ideal on paper, but it'll be difficult to trust Herndon after essentially putting up a goose egg. 

Mo Alie-Cox, Colts (1 percent) - Alie-Cox looked like a difference maker while filling in for Jack Doyle (knee/ankle) in Week 2, as he tied Michael Pittman with a 24 percent snap share while catching five of six targets for 111 yards. He's already exceeded his 2019 yardage total, and should keep a regular role even when Doyle retakes the field, but it's hard to envision enough targets coming Alie-Cox's way to make him a trustworthy weekly option.

Jordan Akins (2 percent) - Akins' usage in the season opener already indicated that he was the No. 1 tight end in Houston, but his 7-55-0 statline versus Baltimore will probably do more to convince fantasy managers. With a ~19 percent target share from Deshaun Watson, Akins is a fair streaming option even against the Steelers, though Darren Fells likely will  keep popping up in the red zone. 

Jordan Reed (7 percent) - Reed had a big game (7-50-2) with George Kittle (knee) sidelined, but he'll revert to a No. 2 role once the latter is available. However, Reed's strong showing could earn him a consistent role behind Kittle, especially since San Francisco's offense is still lacking for reliable pass catchers. 

Tyler Eifert (10 percent) - Eifert drawing a single target Week 1 caused many a manager to panic and drop him, but his 3-36-1 line in Week 2 (six targets) should be more in line with the norm for this season. If Laviska Shenault emerges as a clear No. 2 option at some point this season, however, Eifert's path to consistent looks could become more muddled.