NFL Waiver Wire: Week 3 Pickups

Welcome to Fontaine’s 5 for Week 3, where we break down the hottest waiver wire pickups to help you dominate your league! With some notable injuries and surprise performances across the board, it’s time to make those smart adds to keep your roster stacked. Let’s dive into the best targets for this week.

Quarterbacks

Primary Target: Derek Carr, NOThe Saints’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, thanks to the addition of Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Carr’s upcoming matchups are juicy, with four games against defenses ranked 21st or worse against QBs. He even got in on the rushing action last week, scoring his first rushing touchdown in four years. He’s a must-add for anyone needing QB help.FAAB: $10-$15

Secondary Target: Sam Darnold, MINDespite missing Jordan Addison, Darnold managed to throw for 268 yards and two touchdowns. If Addison and Jefferson return, Darnold could be a sneaky value QB2, especially in deeper leagues.FAAB: $3-$6

Hail Mary: Andy Dalton, CARDalton steps in as Bryce Young takes a seat. With solid targets like Adam Thielen and DJ Chark, Dalton might provide some surprise value in 2-QB leagues.FAAB: $8-$12 in 2-QB leagues

Running Backs

Primary Targets: Samaje Perine & Carson Steele, KCWith Isiah Pacheco out for 6-8 weeks, Perine and Steele are must-adds. Perine’s veteran presence and pass-protection skills will likely give him the edge, but Steele’s power and red-zone usage make him an interesting option.FAAB: Perine $12-$18, Steele $10-$15

Secondary Target: Ty Chandler, MINWith Aaron Jones banged up, Chandler produced 82 yards on 10 carries in Week 2. He’s a solid backup with explosive play potential.FAAB: $2-$4

Wide Receivers

Primary Target: Demarcus Robinson, LARWith Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp sidelined, Robinson has emerged as the Rams’ top option. Expect 8-12 targets per game as long as the injury bug sticks around.FAAB: $12-$18

Secondary Target: Josh Downs, INDPierce might return, but Downs’ strong start to the season with 8 catches for 77 yards puts him on the radar as a WR3/flex option.FAAB: $3-$6

Tight End

Secondary Target: Hunter Henry, NEHenry’s emerged as Brissett’s go-to target in New England. While tight end remains volatile, Henry’s target share makes him a solid streaming option.FAAB: $3-$6

Defense

Secondary Target: Las Vegas Raiders D/STFacing the struggling Andy Dalton and the Panthers in Week 3, the Raiders make a strong streaming defense, especially in deeper leagues.FAAB: $2-$4

Be smart with your waiver wire bids and stash these players before they’re gone!