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Seth McGowan Is a Pure Contingency Play
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan has barely touched the ball through two games, but his spot on the depth chart is what keeps him interesting. McGowan caught one pass for no gain in Week 1, then had two carries for no yards against Kansas City. Jonathan Taylor has handled 43 carries and seven receptions over that same stretch, so there is no standalone role to chase. McGowan is still listed directly behind Taylor, though, and DJ Giddens has been inactive for both games. The rookie has played just 11.1% of the offensive snaps, which makes this a pure contingency bet. RotoBaller includes McGowan among its high-upside handcuffs and ranks him 52nd overall on the Week 3 waiver board, with an add recommendation in 14-team leagues. He is not worth forcing onto a shallow roster, but deeper-league managers looking for a direct backup to one of the league's busiest backs can justify stashing him now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Kendrick Bourne a Worthy Deep-League Waiver Wire Target?
Across two games in 2026, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has recorded 10 catches for 86 yards on 11 targets. Most of Bourne's production came in Arizona's season opener, as he was held to just two receptions for 11 yards on three targets by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. However, the excellent Seahawks defense held the entire Cardinals' offense in check, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett finishing the game with just 95 passing yards on 28 attempts. Bourne remains the team's preferred option in the slot and has played at least 60% of Arizona's offensive snaps in both games this season. While the Cardinals have a pair of capable pass-catchers in tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Michael Wilson, Bourne has out-targeted supposed Cardinals WR2 Marvin Harrison Jr. 11 to four so far. If Bourne can continue to earn targets in what projects to be a pass-happy Arizona offense, he could end up being a value add off the waiver wire in deeper league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.K. Dobbins Battled Leg Cramps in Week 2
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (leg) suffered from leg cramps in Week 2 rather than a hamstring injury, as originally reported, per Mike Klis of 9NEWS. Klis writes that there is "optimism the team dodged a serious setback." The reporting from Klis further confirms speculation that Dobbins avoided a major injury and should be available for Denver's Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old has had a quiet start to the season, recording 72 rushing yards on 18 carries across two games. If fellow Broncos back RJ Harvey (hamstring) can return from the hamstring injury that sidelined him in Week 2, Denver could operate a three-way backfield split between Dobbins, Harvey, and rookie Jonah Coleman. With the workloads uncertain for all three Broncos backs, fantasy managers may want to avoid starting any of them in Week 3.
Source: 9NEWS - Mike Klis
Source: 9NEWS - Mike Klis
Sione Vaki Moves Into Handcuff Territory
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki is not getting enough touches to help fantasy lineups, but his spot in the backfield suddenly matters a lot more. Vaki has three carries for 14 yards and two catches for 24 yards through two games, including 20 total yards on two touches against Buffalo. Detroit now lists him directly behind Jahmyr Gibbs on the depth chart, with Jacob Saylors third. Isiah Pacheco (back) is also expected to miss significant time after undergoing surgery, so this does not look like a temporary one-week opening. Gibbs is still handling a massive share of the backfield work, which leaves Vaki without much standalone value. The appeal is what happens if Gibbs ever misses time. RotoBaller includes Vaki among its high-upside handcuffs and recommends him in 14-team PPR leagues. He is a deep bench stash right now, but the path to a much larger role is clearer than his five touches through two games would suggest.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenyon Sadiq Could See More Work in Week 3
New York Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq has not done enough yet to trust in a fantasy lineup, but his path to more work may be opening up. The rookie caught two passes for 17 yards against Green Bay after posting three catches for 21 yards and a three-yard rushing touchdown in Week 1. He now has five receptions for 38 yards through two games. Mason Taylor (thumb) left Sunday's loss late, and his Week 3 status is still unclear, which could push Sadiq into a larger role against Detroit. New York spent the 16th overall pick on Sadiq, and his offseason was interrupted by hernia surgery before he later suffered a setback in training camp. RotoBaller has him 40th overall on its Week 3 waiver board and recommends him in 14-team leagues. That feels like the right range. Sadiq is not a streamer yet, but deeper-league managers can stash him now in case the opportunity grows faster than expected.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaleb Johnson Earns Praise After Week 2 Showing
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson drew praise from quarterback Jordan Love after getting his first offensive work with the team in Sunday's overtime win over the Jets. Love said Johnson has done some good things when he's had space, according to Ryan Wood. Johnson led Green Bay with eight carries for 32 yards after playing no offensive snaps in Week 1. He also helped start the game-winning overtime drive with runs of 11 and three yards on the first two plays. Johnson did put the ball on the ground once, though Green Bay recovered it. The Packers are still rotating Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks, so his role remains unsettled despite the encouraging showing.
Source: Ryan Wood
Source: Ryan Wood
Michael Mayer Is Only a Short-Term Streaming Option
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has filled in for Brock Bowers (knee) without doing much to force his way into fantasy lineups. Mayer caught six passes for 32 yards in Week 1, then followed with three receptions for 23 yards against the Chargers, giving him nine catches for 55 yards through two games. The bigger issue is Bowers' return. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Monday that Bowers will practice this week after missing the first two games, and he had already returned to a limited practice last Friday. If Bowers sits again, Mayer can still be used as a short-term streamer against New Orleans. If Bowers is cleared, Mayer becomes much harder to hold outside deeper formats. RotoBaller's Week 3 tight end waiver article still lists Mayer among the options to add, but its cut list also has him as a drop in most leagues. That split makes sense. Mayer's value right now depends almost entirely on whether Bowers needs another week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samaje Perine Offers More Insurance Than Standalone Value
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is not seeing enough work to help fantasy lineups while Chase Brown is healthy, and Week 2 made that pretty clear. Perine carried twice for six yards and caught one pass for 16 yards against Houston after getting eight touches in the opener. Through two games, he has seven carries for 26 yards and four catches for 46 yards while playing 34.2% of the offensive snaps. Brown, meanwhile, has 36 carries and eight receptions and owns a 70.7% snap share. Perine's value is tied much more to what would happen if Brown missed time. Tahj Brooks has yet to push him out of the No. 2 spot, and Perine has enough receiving experience to take on more work if needed. RotoBaller lists him among its secondary Week 3 running back options and also places him in the pure handcuff group. He is a bench stash for managers looking for backfield insurance, not someone to start while Brown is handling this much of the offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonah Coleman to Have Growing Role in Broncos' Offense
Denver Broncos rookie fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman had a big role in the team's Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, and that could continue, even when the team's backfield is at full strength, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Second-year back RJ Harvey (hamstring) was inactive, and J.K. Dobbins left the game with a hamstring issue late in the third quarter and did not return. Head coach Sean Payton intimated on Monday that both Harvey and Dobbins could be available this week as the Broncos prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams at home on Sunday night in Week 3. "I think all three of those players we're discussing can be bell cows, handle a majority of the carries," Payton said. "Yes, I think there's a lot ahead of us this week relative to who our runners are going to be." Coleman really endeared himself to the coaching staff and teammates during his first big moment in the NFL against the Jags, carrying the ball 10 times for 39 yards and his first NFL touchdown. He added three catches (on three targets) for 19 yards as a receiver. Even with Harvey and Dobbins potentially being active in Week 3, Coleman has become one of the best long-term upside waiver-wire stashes in fantasy leagues this week. He is now rostered in 28% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Jaxson Dart Could Miss the Rest of the Season
An MRI exam on New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) showed a left-knee injury more severe than anticipated, sources told the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. Dart will now miss an extended period of time and possibly the rest of the 2026 season. This is devastating news for the Giants and the 23-year-old former first-rounder after a report surfaced Monday night that he might only be dealing with an MCL sprain. Dart injured his knee on the very first offensive drive in Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams and reportedly tried to convince the team to let him return to the contest. Veteran Jameis Winston took over for Dart and was not able to do much on offense in the 28-6 loss. Until we know more specifics on Dart's knee injury, fantasy managers will want to hold him in hopes that he can return later this year. Dart's injury will definitely hurt the fantasy upside of New York's pass-catchers, including receivers Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and Malachi Fields, and tight end Isaiah Likely. Winston has become a high-priority waiver-wire target going into Week 3 in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Case Keenum May be in Play in Deep Superflex Leagues
The Chicago Bears might be turning to their No. 3 quarterback, veteran Case Keenum, for their Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Starter Caleb Williams will likely be out this week after suffering a hamstring strain late in Sunday's loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, and now backup Tyson Bagent is in the NFL's concussion protocol. Keenum, 38, is an 11-year veteran in the league, but he has only appeared in 13 games (four starts) with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans since the start of the 2020 season, throwing for 807 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. The Bears' offense has plenty of playmakers, but not much should be expected of Keenum if he starts against a capable Philly defense in primetime on Monday. Additionally, fantasy managers in deep two-QB superflex leagues should not be spending much on Keenum, since it might just be a one-week spot start for Chicago. For his career, Keenum has a 62.3% completion rate with 79 touchdowns and 51 interceptions in 80 games with seven different teams.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Tyson Bagent in the Concussion Protocol
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (concussion) is dealing with a concussion and is in the league's concussion protocol, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. With starter Caleb Williams likely out on Monday night in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, veteran Case Keenum could end up starting this week. The Bears are suddenly in dire straits at the QB position early in the season. They might have dodged a bullet on Williams' hamstring injury, but he could still end up missing a week or two, at least. The 26-year-old Bagent went 5-for-9 passing for 54 yards in the team's 9-3 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 after he replaced Williams in the fourth quarter on a rain-soaked field in Chicago. Bagent is not a lock to miss the Week 3 contest on Monday night, but with him being in the concussion protocol, it definitely hurts his argument for being a waiver-wire pickup in deep two-QB superflex leagues. He is not currently rostered at all in any Yahoo leagues.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Marcus Mariota a Waiver Priority in Superflex Leagues
Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota has become a waiver-wire priority in two-QB superflex leagues going into a Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Starting signal-caller Jayden Daniels (elbow) suffered another dislocated elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after he missed time last year with the same injury. Daniels is most likely going to miss multiple weeks, which makes the 32-year-old veteran Mariota more interesting as a short-term option in fantasy. In relief of Daniels on Sunday, Mariota went 11-for-16 passing for 111 yards and a touchdown in the 37-20 blowout loss in Dallas. Mariota will have a pretty low floor this Sunday if he starts against Seattle's stout defense, but his waiver-wire argument is based more on the fact that Daniels will probably end up missing multiple weeks. The former second overall pick will not come with much upside overall, but he has plenty of experience (12 NFL seasons, 105 career games) and has some decent receiving options in Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and Antonio Williams. In 11 games (eight starts) for Washington last year when Daniels was injured, Mariota threw for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 50 rushing attempts for 297 yards and a TD on the ground.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Drew Lock Seems Likely to Make Another Start
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) could return to practice later this week, but the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that it is "possible to likely" that backup Drew Lock makes a second straight start in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. It will be interesting to see how much practice work Darnold gets this week, if any, but it seems like the Seahawks will bring him back slowly with the goal of having him return in Week 4 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. Darnold suffered a glute injury early in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots and did not play in the Week 2 win over the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The 29-year-old Lock has been great in his place, leading Seattle to a 2-0 record while completing 72.9% of his passes for 422 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. If Lock makes a second straight start this weekend, he will absolutely be in play as a QB2 streamer in superflex leagues against a Commanders team that has allowed 30.5 points per game through two weeks.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Caleb Williams Unlikely to Play Monday, Could Face 2-4 Week Recovery
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) exited Sunday's loss to the Vikings with a hamstring injury, and on Tuesday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted that he is unlikely to play on Monday night against the Eagles in Week 3, with his status more up in the air for a Week 4 matchup against the Jets. Rapoport pointed out that the recovery timeline for this type of injury generally falls in the 2-4 week range but expressed confidence that backup Tyler Bagent would play well in Williams' absence. Williams was the overall QB1 in Week 1, and while his pre-injury performance on Sunday was not at the same level, expectations remain high for the former first overall pick, and he should be plugged directly back into lineups upon his eventual return.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
"No Guarantee" Alec Pierce is Able to Return by Midseason
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) left Sunday night's loss to the Chiefs after aggravating a heel injury that had been surgically repaired, and with the fifth-year veteran opting to attempt rehab without another surgery, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport shared on Tuesday that the hope is he'll be able to return by midseason, but "there's definitely no guarantee." Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million deal this offseason but missed most of training camp after the initial surgery and caught four passes in the season opener while working on a limited snap count. While Rapoport praised Pierce for his willingness to return, he did add, "When surgery is a possibility, and you elect to rehab, there's always a chance that it doesn't go great." In Pierce's absence, Josh Downs is a must-roster player, fresh off a seven-catch, 72-yard performance.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Ryan Flournoy a Potential Long-Term Waiver Stash
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy saw the team's third-highest target share in Sunday's win over the Commanders, and although he's not a plug-and-play starter, he is worthy of waiver consideration as a long-term stash. Through two weeks, the third-year player has turned 11 targets into 45 receiving yards, but should either CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens miss time, Flournoy could step into an important role in an offense that looks to have gotten back on track after a disappointing season-opener. Flournoy topped 100 yards twice in 2025, once in an early-season game missed by Lamb, and again in Week 14 when Lamb was limited to a 46% snap share. As an injury fill-in, Flournoy boasts a potential week-winning ceiling and is worth a low-priority claim in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Terrell Placed on Injured Reserve With Groin Injury
The Atlanta Falcons placed cornerback AJ Terrell (groin) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. Terrell was initially evaluated for a concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Carolina Panthers before being cleared after testing. However, he was eventually ruled out after injuring his groin, which will now keep him sidelined for at least the next four games. Defensive back C.J. Henderson played the rest of Sunday's game across from Mike Hughes, and that could continue to be the setup in Atlanta's defensive backfield with Terrell out for the foreseeable future. Avieon Terrell, A.J.'s younger brother, could also be asked to help out more outside. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich recently praised Henderson, saying that he "doesn't feel any angst" when calling Henderson's number. The earliest Terrell can return will be for an Oct. 25 game at home against the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Tyson Bagent Worth an Add in Superflex Leagues
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent came on in relief of an injured Caleb Williams (hamstring), completing 55.6% of his passes for 54 yards on two non-scoring drives, and with Williams' status up in the air ahead of a Monday night contest with the Eagles, Bagent is well worth waiver consideration in superflex formats. The Monday night timeline and a difficult matchup add an unfortunate wrinkle for managers in need of a starter, but with Williams originally deemed week-to-week with a hamstring injury, Bagent's potential value could extend beyond just this week. The Bears offense struggled in the Week 2 loss to the Vikings, but playmakers are in place to support Bagent if he's thrust into his fifth career start, and he is RotoBaller's QB28 heading into Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Bryant Still Worth a Roster Spot Despite Disappointing Week 2
A quiet performance in Sunday's win over the Jaguars could have Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant hitting waivers this week, but despite his one-target, zero-catch outing, the second-year player is still worth a roster spot in deeper leagues. Bryant saw the second-highest snap share of all Broncos wide receivers and was on the field for 76.5% of the team's passing plays. He has been moved across the formation through the first two weeks of the season, and while Sunday's game plan benefited offseason acquisition Jaylen Waddle, Bryant still has the second-most receiving yards of all Broncos receivers and should see more involvement moving forward. He is RotoBaller's WR65 ahead of a tough Sunday night matchup with the Rams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Falcons Looking to Get Kyle Pitts Sr. More Involved?
Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is taking accountability and said that it is on the offensive staff to get tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. more touches, according to Will McFadden of the team's official website. "We take a lot of pride in that, and getting him going is something that's important to us," Rees said. After a strong 2025 season in which Pitts caught a career-high 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets across 17 starts, he has started off his 2026 campaign slowly with just one catch on four targets for 15 yards through two games. It sounds like the Falcons could grease the squeaky wheel in Week 3 on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers, and it will help the 25-year-old's cause that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has been cleared to make his first start of the year after suffering a partially torn ACL late last year. Savvy fantasy managers may want to consider buying low on Pitts now that Penix is ready to roll.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
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