Waiver Wire Week 3 – Fantasy Football 2024

Waiver Wire claims can make or break a fantasy season. I’ll be here every week with my top adds to save you time. Percentages are based on ESPN’s rostered player data.

Quarterbacks

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (9.9%)

The Saints’ potent offense has been the biggest surprise of the season thus far, and Carr ranks second among quarterbacks in fantasy scoring. While it’s unlikely he will keep this pace all season, Carr is worth starting if other options have failed early on.

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (16.3%)

The Seahawks’ offense looks much-improved thanks to new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Jaxon Smith-Njigba finally broke out as well, proving Smith has some of the best weapons in the league around him. Expect Smith to offer high-end QB2 performances for the foreseeable future.

Running Backs

Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans (2.2%)

Pierce looks like one of the more valuable handcuffs in fantasy.

The Texans have stayed committed to the run game in 2024, and even though Joe Mixon‘s ankle injury isn’t serious, it’s a long season. Pierce is working back from a hamstring injury, so he may not suit up in Week 3, but he’ll be back in short order. Soon enough, he’ll slide back in as the No. 2 behind Mixon, sitting one injury away from his value skyrocketing.

Carson Steele (1.6%) and Samaje Perine (3.6%), Kansas City Chiefs

Kareem Hunt‘s familiarity with Andy Reid‘s system perhaps gives him a mental advantage over Steele and Perine, who are both first-timers in Kansas City.

What Hunt lacks, though, is juice. At 29 years old, there’s a reason he’s remained a free agent up to this point. His efficiency cratered last season while running behind one of the league’s better offensive lines in Cleveland. If he signs, he’s likely to fill in behind the incumbents as emergency depth. Prioritize Steele over Perine because he appears to hold the goal-line and short-yardage role. Perine is the more proven blocker and receiver and should see more of the passing-down work, but the Chiefs haven’t thrown much of their backs in recent years.

The Chiefs are going to give Steele a shot, but if he stumbles, they’ll keep searching for more serious reinforcements.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets (7.5%)

Allen’s involvement in Week 2 was higher than expected, scoring touchdowns on the ground and through the air. It appears he’ll offer standalone value at times along with a ton of upside if anything happens to Breece Hall.

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (1.9%)

The Vidal thesis is playing out as well as possible, but people are sleeping on him due to his inactive status through the first two weeks.

Gus Edwards‘ 2.9 yards per carry exposes him as definitely washed, and J.K. Dobbin’s ever-present injury risk makes Vidal’s two biggest obstacles to playing time awfully fragile. Hassan Haskins has been the Chargers’ No. 3 back on Sundays due to the value he provides on special teams, but in the event of an injury, expect Vidal to jump him for touches.

Wide Receivers

Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams (1.3%)

Whittington appears to be the next man up in the Rams’ tattered receiving corps.

Whittington outplayed Tutu Atwell throughout training camp and outpaced him in snaps last week. Pair his target-earning ability with the golden opportunity in front of him, and you’re unlikely to find anyone with more upside on waivers this week.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (6.9%)

Johnston quickly became fantasy’s red-headed stepchild after a disastrous rookie season, but he’s showing signs of life.

After earning five targets in Week 1, he followed it up with five catches on six targets for 51 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers. Johnston has taken advantage of the lack of receiving options in Los Angeles, and he’s currently outplaying Josh Palmer and rookie Ladd McConkey.

Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (1.9%)

Injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel will bring Jennings on the field more to help out George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk in the passing game. Jennings has proven reliable when called upon and makes for a strong addition to fantasy rosters in need of receivers.

Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings (0.5%)

Nailor has been the No. 2 target on a promising yet banged-up Vikings offense. He’s reeled in two touchdowns in as many games and will continue to see opportunity with Jordan Addison on the mend.

Alec Pierce (13.4%) and Josh Downs (9.2%), Indianapolis Colts

Pierce leads the Colts in receiving with 181 yards as their main deep threat to start the year. Josh Downs will be back from injury soon to compete for targets, but Pierce’s strong play will keep him on the field long-term. Expect Adonai Mitchell to see the largest loss in playing time with Downs back.

Tight Ends

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (10.1%)

New England lacks reliable receivers, making Henry a top target for Jacoby Brissett. The Patriots’ offense will likely finish among the worst in the league and is one to generally avoid in fantasy, but startable tight ends are scarce resources, so Henry is worth the add.

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (2.6%)

Gesicki looks like a great fit in the Bengals offense, catching seven of nine targets for 91 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. He’ll continue to see plenty of opportunity in the Bengals’ pass-happy offense.