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Week 3 Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

Quarterbacks to add or stream off the waiver wire for Week 3 of the 2018 fantasy football season. Elliott Baas lists the QB pickups you should be looking to add to your roster.

We had another wild and woolly week of action in the NFL, and some big quarterback performances from unlikely sources once again in Week 2.

Many owners prefer to set and forget at quarterback, but for those of us that like to play the streaming game we've got to be on top of matchups every week and a few weeks in advance. Owners of Carson Wentz and Marcus Mariota may need a fill-in next week, while owners of Philip Rivers may want a replacement since he is facing the Rams.

In standard one quarterback leagues the waiver wire is usually pretty rich with talent at the position, unless the league is full of owners that like to hold backup quarterbacks. In two-quarterback leagues, nearly every starter is rostered and the waiver wire tends to be quite barren for quality arms. That’s why a few quarterbacks owned in fewer than 15% of leagues has been included, so even owners in deep leagues have someone to consider. Ownership is based on Yahoo leagues and is current as of September 16.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 3 Waiver Wire Quarterbacks

Tyrod Taylor, CLE vs. New York Jets – 31% Owned

Taylor was a little disappointing this week against the Saints, putting up only 15.44 fantasy points against a defense that allowed Fitzpatrick to put up over 40 in Week 1. Taylor played well enough in the game with a 73% completion rate and 94.6 passer rating, it just didn’t translate to big production due to an inability to finish drives. Carlos Hyde couldn’t get anything going on the ground which hurt the entire offense. Hopefully something changes, whether it be Nick Chubb getting more involved, Hyde picking up his game, or Taylor rushing more himself. Taylor rushed for 26 yards in this game and 77 in Week 1 and has shown the ability to run as a quarterback throughout his NFL career.

The Browns take on the Jets on Thursday Night Football next week, and the Jets were the number 22 pass defense by DVOA last season. They have looked better thus far, but the Jets success is based more on their opponents than their own improvements on defense. The Browns have a Week 11 bye, and from now until the bye they only face one tough matchup in Week 5 against the Ravens. If Taylor performs he could be a steady starter almost every week until the bye. Otherwise he makes for a good plug-and-play as a bye week fill-in.

Blake Bortles, JAX vs. Tennessee Titans – 28% Owned

Bortles was impressive in Jacksonville’s 31-20 win over the Patriots on Sunday, throwing for 377 yards and four touchdowns. It's one of the best games Bortles has ever played in the NFL. This was also a coming out game for talented new number one wide receiver Keelan Cole, who separated himself from the pack in Jacksonville with 116 yards and a touchdown in a dominant performance over New England's secondary. The two had great chemistry together and are shaping up to be a high scoring duo all year.

Bortles and the Jags take on a Titans defense that has disappointed in the first two games. They allowed 230 passing yards in Week 1 to Ryan Tannehill, and in Week 2 they allowed 310 to Deshaun Watson. Bortles is not an every week starter by any means, but his next three matchups look favorable against the Titans, Jets, and Chiefs. Each of those teams were bottom-ten in pass defense DVOA last season and only the Jets have shown small signs of improvement, but even the Jets’ success is suspect given their opponents thus far. It might be a good thing for Bortles if Leonard Fournette does not play in this game, since the Jaguars will have to throw more often. Either way he is a good streamer in this matchup.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, TAM vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – 21% Owned

Fitzpatrick has entered full-on Fitz-Magic mode, shredding the defending Super Bowl champions in Week 2 for 402 yards and four touchdowns. Miraculous hot streaks are practically an annual occurrence for Fitzpatrick, and while it’s foolish to expect this type of production to last Fitzy is fine as a hot-hand or matchup play. Furthermore, Fitzpatrick may keep the starting QB job for the Bucs after Jameis Winston returns. The Tampa Bay brass must know that Winston is their future not Fitzpatrick, but after a 2-0 start with two huge upsets it’s hard for Tampa Bay to justify benching him for Winston.

Fitzpatrick is proving that Tampa Bay has more weapons than just Mike Evans too. He has shown more chemistry with DeSean Jackson in two games than Winston did all last season. Fitzpatrick is also benefiting from development of young talent such as Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard. It is also painfully apparent that Tampa Bay cannot run the football. Peyton Barber looked atrocious as the primary ballcarrier and Jacquizz Rodgers’ track record suggests he isn’t up to the task either. This is going to be a throw-heavy team by necessity and Fitzpatrick could continue to benefit in Week 3 against a Steelers team that was carved up by Patrick Mahomes through the air for six touchdown passes and 326 yards.

Sam Darnold, NYJ @ Cleveland Browns – 13% Owned

Darnold didn’t have a great fantasy performance and made his share of mistakes in this game, but he has shown promise in the first two weeks of the season. His 334 yards were a product of volume since he had to throw 41 times, but that is still a robust average of 8.1 yards-per-attempt. A new weapon has emerged for the Jets and Darnold too with Quincy Enunwa, who has 21 targets through the Jets first two games. Like Bortles and Cole, Darnold and Enunwa look to be in sync and should be a nice duo going forward.

Next week against the Browns is a good matchup for Darnold, as Cleveland ranked number 26 in pass defense DVOA last season. They also gave up 335 yards to Ben Roethlisberger in Week 1 and a 114.6 passer rating to Drew Brees in Week 2. Darnold is neither Roethlisberger or Brees, but as a streamer he is a fine option on Thursday Night Football. After Week 3 it’s kind of a rough stretch for the Jets. They take on Jacksonville, Denver, Indianapolis, and Minnesota their next four weeks. Indianapolis is the only weak defense of the bunch, but after that stretch the Jets have a relatively soft schedule in terms of opposing pass defenses the rest of the way. As Darnold plays and improves his production should get better and this is more of a long term play than anything else.

Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 12% Owned

Winston is of course still suspended next week and as previously stated his job may be in jeopardy, but in two-QB leagues or deep leagues where waivers are thin for quarterbacks Winston isn’t a bad stash. For his career Winston averages 16.28 points per game, which puts him in fringy streamer territory, but he has shown flashes of stardom at times. Also, the Buccaneers have a relatively soft schedule for quarterbacks all season. Only Washington in Week 10 and Baltimore in Week 15 were top-10 pass defenses based on last year’s DVOA rankings.

With the way Ryan Fitzpatrick has performed it’s tough to see the Buccaneers immediately pulling the plug on him, but when Fitzpatrick turns back into a mediocre backup quarterback Winston will be breathing down his neck. Again, this is not a standard league stash, but nobody is even thinking about Winston right now. He could probably be added after waivers run or for $0 in FAAB as a sneaky move that could pay off a few weeks from now. Either Tampa Bay quarterback should be a good fantasy producer all year when starting. Tampa Bay has lots of talent in their receiving corps and their defense and running game will put them in a position to throw a lot this season.

More Waiver Wire Analysis


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Lamar Jackson

Throws for Four Touchdowns in Week 2 Win
James Cook

Scores Two Touchdowns in Rout of Jets
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Rome Odunze

Scores Twice in Loss
Ja'Marr Chase

Snags 14 Receptions, Finds End Zone in Week 2
Russell Wilson

Throws for 450 Yards, Three Touchdowns in Loss
Jared Goff

Throws Five Touchdowns
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Scores Three Touchdowns
Joe Burrow

Suffers Turf Toe and Torn Ligaments in Win
Malik Nabers

Explodes for Two Touchdowns in Overtime Thriller
Joe Burrow

Seen with Boot and Crutches Postgame
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Justin Fields

Diagnosed With Concussion Sunday
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
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Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
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Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
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Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
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May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
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Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
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Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
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Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
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Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Ryan Preece

Seems Slower on Concrete Than on Asphalt
NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club's Short-Track Speed Will Likely Hold John H. Nemechek Back
Erik Jones

Definitely Faster This Year, but Short Tracks Still a Liability
Daniel Suarez

Despite Poor Qualifying Run, Daniel Suarez Might Not Be a Great Choice
Noah Gragson

Unlikely to Be Fast at Bristol but Still Might Be Worth Considering for DFS
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

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Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

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Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
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Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
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Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
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Joins Informal Skate
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Back at 100 Percent

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