X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

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.

Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

 

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!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Johnson

Chargers Place Jaylen Johnson on PUP List
Dereck Lively II

Undergoes Right-Foot Surgery Tuesday
Kendrick Bourne

Kayshon Boutte Fighting for Final Spots
Isaiah Collier

Logs a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Monday
DeMario Douglas

Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Finalizing Massive Extension
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Expected to Ease Anthony Richardson Sr. Back in
Devin Carter

Posts 17 Points Versus Suns
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 17 Points in Summer League Loss
Terry McLaurin

Undecided on Whether he Will Report to Training Camp
Colston Loveland

Says his Shoulder is 100 Percent
Harrison Ingram

has Impressive Outing Against Jazz
Sam Williams

has Potential to be Elite Edge Rusher
Shemar Stewart

Considering Going Back to College?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs "More Involved" in Passing Game
Jordan Addison

Could be Facing Three-Game Suspension
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Kyle Filipowski

Records 35-Point Double-Double Against Spurs
Kel'el Ware

Dominates Against Celtics
Kon Knueppel

Gets Going Monday
Matas Buzelis

Puts Up 28 Points in Win Over Pacers
Reed Sheppard

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Paul George

Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Najee Harris

Likely to Miss Time at Start of Training Camp
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Collin Morikawa

Misses The Cut at Genesis Scottish Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 13th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooks Koepka

Finishes Tied For 32nd at LIV Andalucia
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For 34th at Genesis Scottish Open
Jason Day

Misses The Cut at John Deere Classic
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Cam Taylor-Britt

has Benefited From Addition of Al Golden
Rome Odunze

Could Take Off in Year 2
RJ Harvey

to Get "Significant" Work in Broncos' Passing Game
Jackson Powers-Johnson

More Comfortable Heading into Year 2
Luke McCaffrey

In Line for Larger Role?
Braelon Allen

Jets Viewing Braelon Allen as Long-Term Starter?
Joel Embiid

Participating in Partial Basketball Activities
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Cleared to Return After Blood-Clot Recovery
Mike Williams

Heading to PUP List
Garrett Wilson

Lands Historic Deal
Colston Loveland

Shoulder "Good" After Surgery
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Kel'el Ware

Collects 21 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Cam Spencer

Contract Being Restructured
Drew Timme

Scores 30 Points in Summer League Loss to Wizards
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Alexandre Sarr

Logs Impressive Outing in Summer League Action on Sunday
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Kyle Filipowski

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss to Warriors
Cody Williams

Collects 22 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Boston Celtics

Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Liam Doyle with Fifth Overall Pick
Daniel Gafford

Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Colorado Rockies

Rockies Select Ethan Holliday Fourth Overall
Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson Selected Third Overall by Seattle
Ha-Seong Kim

X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim's Foot Come Back Negative
Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall by Angels in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Jake Meyers

to Miss More Than Three Weeks With Calf Injury
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF