After Week 2, many players are on the rise amidst numerous issues with their team. Although it is early in the season, the NFL’s star-studded rosters are already battling injuries and suspensions. Many teams were challenged by depth issues, but several guys stepped up and put together a nice week 2. From a fantasy football standpoint, some of these players are worth a shot of adding or claiming these rising stars. Week 3’s list yet again highlights the receiver position, with guys like the Jets’ Corey Davis and the Cowboys’ Noah Brown.
Note that to qualify for this list, a player needs to be available in at least 50% of fantasy leagues. Depending on the various sizes of fantasy leagues, there could be better or worse options available than the ones listed here. This article will cover leagues with an average of about 10-12 teams.
READ MORE: Week 3 Predictions
Corey Davis, Noah Brown Featured Waiver Wire Targets For Week 3
Wide Receivers
Corey Davis, New York Jets
Davis has had a shockingly good start to the season, averaging 15 points per game so far. In Week 1, Davis saw ten targets come his way and brought in six of them for 77 yards. And in the Jets’ Week 2 matchup against the Browns, Davis scored a crucial 66-yard touchdown. Davis has gotten good numbers and targets from Joe Flacco, but it is not yet known if he’ll get the same target amounts when Zach Wilson returns from injury. As of now, Davis is available in nearly 96% of fantasy leagues, making him an easy pickup who could turn into a breakout candidate.
Noah Brown, Dallas Cowboys
In Michael Gallup’s absence, Brown has posted good numbers as the WR2 for Dallas. He has five catches in each of the Cowboys’ first two games. In Week 1, he totaled 68 yards, and in Week 2 had 91 yards and a touchdown. Brown has stepped up and could become one of the favorite targets for Cooper Rush, who will be replacing Dak Prescott for a considerable amount of time.
Breshad Perriman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Perriman hasn’t necessarily shown out in the first two weeks, but a ton of injuries to the Bucs’ receiver core could severely boost Perriman’s stock. Mike Evans has been battling an injury and is also suspended one game. Julio Jones has also been battling a knee injury and has missed quite a bit of time in his career. And, their star receiver Chris Godwin could also miss some time. This leaves one of the top receiving options for Breshad Perriman. In Week 2, Perriman tallied three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. Those numbers should definitely rise as Perriman rises in the ranks of Tampa Bay’s offense.
Running Backs
J.D. McKissic, Washington Commanders
McKissic does not get nearly enough volume in the running game but it’s his value in the passing game that makes him a waiver wire target. In Week 2 against Detroit, McKissic posted seven catches for 54 yards when the Commanders fell behind early. Because the Commanders are not the best of teams, they will be chasing points a lot and turning to the receiving game. Luckily, they have plenty of receiver targets but to mix things up, McKissic is always there out of the backfield. He primarily plays on third downs and passing plays over Antonio Gibson, so he gets a considerable share of targets that he could turn into big gains.
Jeff Wilson, San Francisco 49ers (Likely Not Available)
With starting running back Elijah Mitchell on IR, the 49ers turned to Jeff Wilson to handle their RB1 duties. Wilson put together a nice Week 2, tallying 84 rushing yards on 18 attempts; Wilson also added two catches for 19 yards. With starting quarterback Trey Lance out for the season, the team could look to use Wilson even more with Jimmy Garroppolo under center. Wilson is pretty much the most valuable fantasy free agent now, but unfortunately, he is rostered in slightly over 60% of leagues already. However, if he is still available in any of your leagues, grab him now before it is too late.
Tight Ends
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
Surprisingly, Everett is currently the TE4 early on in the season. But, you’ll have to get him fast; his rostered % has taken a +17.2% shift in the past day but is still available in 69% of leagues. He is averaging 13.8 PPR points per game so far.
In Week 1, Everett brought in three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, he upped the fantasy production by seeing 10 targets. He caught six of those passes for 71 yards. Everett looks like a solid tight end option but he may not stick later in the season. After all, the Chargers are stacked with star-receiving options, like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. As the season continues, there will be injuries and a few guys on the Chargers could see boosts in targets, touches, and overall production.
Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders
Thomas had a really good 2020 before battling injuries and target share issues last year with Washington. But early signs indicate he could pick back up where he left off a short few seasons ago. His numbers aren’t eye-popping, but it’s definitely something to look for. In Week 1, Thomas had three receptions for 45 yards and added three more catches (one touchdown) for 37 yards in Week 2. He only has 11 targets in the two games, but Carson Wentz could look to start using the dependable Thomas even more.
With the crowded Washington receivers room that includes Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel, Thomas will certainly struggle to see a lot of targets. But he is still available in over 80% of leagues and could very well turn into a solid option later in the year.
