Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Football Free Agent Adds and Stashes (2025)

Rob's Week 3 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds, stashes and sleepers to target for 2025. His top waiver wire adds for Week 3 at RB, WR, TE, QB, K, D/ST.

The waiver wire is arguably the most important tool that you have. While we focus so much on our drafts, oftentimes it's the waiver wire that can make or break our fantasy football season. It's crucial that you are active on your waiver wire. To do this, you need to have a good pulse on who your team is and what it needs.

Your team may need a new starting quarterback if you're rostering Joe Burrow. Maybe your starting lineup is in good shape, and you should be looking for high-upside players that may not be usable right now, but have the potential to have a significant impact in the second half of the season.

Be sure to also check out our free Who Should I Pickup? tool and compare up to four free agent players at once - we'll tell you who to pick up. Please use the promo code "BOOM" to get 10% off our premium subscription tools. Now, let's get to the best waiver wire adds for Week 3.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

Must-Add 

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns - 57.3% Rostered

If he's somehow on your waiver wire, you need to be aggressive in acquiring him. He was drafted early in the second round, ahead of former Buckeye teammate TreVeyon Henderson. The Cleveland Browns clearly like him very much. Due to legal issues, Judkins didn't play in the preseason, missed multiple weeks of practice, and was inactive for Week 1. He played this past weekend and played more snaps than fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.

Judkins also handled 10 carries while Jerome Ford and Sampson combined for 10. Judkins also had three targets, which was the same number as Sampson, who had eight targets and eight receptions in Week 1. Considering how long Judkins has been away from the team, it was an excellent sign that he immediately played more snaps than Sampson and received the most carries.

Judkins has the potential to handle 15+ touches per week and should be viewed as a volume-based RB2/3.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 40.0% Rostered

The Jaguars traded Tank Bigsby to the Eagles after Week 1. This immediately thrust Tuten into the RB2 role for the Jaguars. This is a fantasy-relevant role in Liam Coen's offense. Once Bucky Irving emerged late last season, he and Rachaad White were both top-24 running backs in half-PPR PPG. Tuten received eight carries. He also had two targets, catching both.

While Etienne still dominated the snaps, Tuten was trusted once the team got inside the red zone.

Week 1 RB opportunity share:

Travis Etienne - 65.5%
Bhayshul Tuten - 10.3%

—— Tank Bigsby traded to Eagles ——

Week 2 RB opportunity share:

Etienne - 58.6%
Tuten - 34.5% https://t.co/uFPMu5JxBK

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 15, 2025

Coen drew up a screen for Tuten inside the 10-yard line that he took to the house. Tuten finished the game with 10 touches - compared to Etienne's 16 - and finished with 76 yards and one touchdown en route to 14.4 half-PPR points. Tuten will likely be on the RB3 radar next week and could be started in the flex.

His contingency value in the event Etienne gets hurt, traded, or if Tuten leapfrogs him is off the charts. The latter two shouldn't be expected right now, but you never know what might happen later in the season.

Slow-Starters to Stash with Late-Season Potential

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 33.3% Rostered

Blue was inactive in Weeks 1 and 2, so he's likely off fantasy football radars. In Week 1, Miles Sanders had a crucial fumble. In Week 2, he averaged just three yards per carry. Javonte Williams has played well and has a strong hold on the team's No. 1 running back spot. However, Sanders' play has been uninspiring, and eventually the team is likely to give Blue a shot to see if he can provide the offense more burst than Sanders.

Dallas also doesn't appear to be a true playoff contender. They lost Week 1 against the Eagles and needed overtime to beat the lowly Giants. If their season continues to falter, it makes sense for them to give Blue more opportunities. If you're looking for a player to stash and hope to hit on later in the season, Blue is a good choice.

Woody Marks, Houston Texans - 8.2% Rostered

Nick Chubb played well enough in his first appearance with the Texans. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry over 13 carries. However, Houston didn't get anything from the rest of their running back depth chart. Marks was an elite pass-catcher in college. Fantasy managers should expect Marks to eventually become Houston's primary pass-catching back, which should give him RB4 value.

There's also the possibility he plays himself into a bigger role if Chubb struggles or misses time.

Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 0.6% Rostered

Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have played poorly through the first two weeks of the season. Pacheco has yet to rush for more than 25 yards in a game this season. He's averaging 3.1 yards per carry. Hunt has been slightly better, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Hunt rushed for 31 yards this past weekend, which is the most any Chiefs' running back has this season. Neither of these two veterans is a great pass-catcher.

If their running game continues to falter, don't be surprised if Smith starts to get more opportunities. The running game has been putrid through two weeks. They've leaned on Patrick Mahomes' arm and legs. If they lean into their passing game, Smith might already be their best pass-catching running back they have. Smith only needs Andy Reid to give him a chance. If Pacheco and Hunt continue playing the way they have, that'll come eventually.

RB4's with High Contingency Value

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 55.9% Rostered

Last week, James Conner had 12 carries and Benson had eight. This was the closest rushing share these two players have had since Benson was drafted. Conner still dominated the snap share, but Week 1 was a step in the right direction for Benson, being more than just a handcuff. This week, the snap count difference got much smaller. Conner played 30 snaps to Benson's 25. Benson handled third-downs and the two-minute drill.

This resulted in Benson running more routes (16 to 12) and more targets (4 to 1) than Conner. This week, however, Benson only had three carries compared to Conner's 11. Benson caught all four of his targets for 30 yards. He's still the clear No. 2 running back to Conner, but his role does seem to be expanding. With the way things are trending, it's possible Benson's play could eventually turn this backfield into a 50/50 committee.

We're not there yet, but Benson is trending in the right direction of being more than just an elite handcuff.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 29.5% Rostered

Spears is currently on IR, but he's an excellent stash candidate. Throughout training camp, head coach Brian Callahan discussed increasing Spears' role so that Tony Pollard wouldn't have to carry the majority of the load. Spears is an excellent pass-catcher and would provide fantasy managers with RB4 value in that role.

If Cameron Ward is better than expected, Spears could provide a touch more value than that. He could also earn more work than he did last year. Spears is out with a high-ankle sprain, which is a tough one for running backs. They can linger or be reinjured, but given his pass-catching profile and the high praise he earned throughout training camp, he's someone fantasy managers should want to add and stash on IR.

Once he's healthy, if Pollard were to miss time, he'd become a top-24 running back.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 24.5% Rostered

Hunt had the same number of rush attempts, targets, and receptions that Isiah Pacheco had in Week 1. This week, Pacheco had a slight lead in these categories: rush attempts (10 to 8) and targets (2 to 1). They each had one reception, but Pacheco did run more routes (21 to 14). This backfield is a full-blown committee. Pacheco is handling 45% of the work and opportunities, Hunt is at 40% and Smith is at 5%.

Neither Hunt nor Pacheco has been productive. Due to how ineffective they've both been, it's possible that if either one of them could start playing better, their role would increase. That includes Hunt. Pacheco has also struggled with injuries in the past, and if he were to miss time, Hunt's value would increase.

RB5's with High Contingency Value

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 34.1% Rostered

Allgeier has some RB4 appeal when the matchup is right. Against the Vikings on Sunday Night Football, that didn't seem to be the case, but Atlanta cruised comfortably. That allowed Allgeier to finish with 16 carries, 74 yards, and one touchdown. He has just one target this season. Most of the red zone work will go to Bijan Robinson. The touchdown he scored in Week 2 was because Minnesota let him score so that they could get the ball back.

Allgeier's nonexistent role in the passing game and his minimal role in the red zone keep him on the RB5 radar. However, if Atlanta is a heavy favorite, Allgeier can be fired up as an RB4. His primary fantasy value comes from being Robinson's handcuff.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 47.7% Rostered

White was strictly a change-of-pace back in Week 1. He played just 14 snaps to Bucky Irving's 44. No one questioned Irving's leadback role; however, you wouldn't have been at fault if you thought White would maintain a role in the passing game. He has three straight seasons with 50 or more receptions.

In Week 1, White had just nine routes run, and Irving had 23. Given the work distribution and role utilization, White is nothing more than an RB5 with high contingency value if Irving misses time.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 36.4% Rostered

The Jets want to be a running football team. The problem is their team isn't good enough for this to be the case. They'll often get behind on the scoreboard, negatively affecting the running game. Allen is the No. 2 running back for the Jets. On games, the Jets are favored or expected to be in a close matchup where they can stay committed to the run. Allen is a touchdown-dependent RB3.

However, in games such as last weekend, when the Jets are heavy underdogs, Allen needs to be on the bench.

He is a matchup-dependent, touchdown-dependent RB5. His contingency value is high if Breece Hall were to miss any time. However, in the event that would happen, Allen would likely be the early-down and goal-line back, while Isaiah Davis operates as the pass-catching back, which would leave Allen in a committee.

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers - 39.8% Rostered

His role will likely increase as the season rolls along. I doubt Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want rookie Omarion Hampton to play over 80% of the snaps, so Harris's role will likely get bigger than it was in Week 1. However, his role in Week 1 was virtually nothing. He finished with just two touches. So, even if his role increases, he has a long way to go before being someone worth our time. At this stage, he's nothing more than Hampton's handcuff.

Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 50.8% Rostered

In his first game with the 49ers, Robinson handled the ball 10 times, including one reception. He finished with just 37 yards, but the overall touch number gives him some standalone value, albeit very minimal. Christian McCaffrey will continue to be the team's pass-catching back, and he handled 100% of the team's red-zone plays.

In Week 2, he had six carries compared to CMC's 13. Robinson also had one catch for negative yardage. He's now averaging nine touches per game. That's enough to give him some RB4 value, but since his touches are almost exclusively carries outside of the run game, his touches are not very valuable. The vast majority of his fantasy value comes from being McCaffrey's handcuff.

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 5.3% Rostered
• D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 3.4% Rostered
• Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 18.1% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.6% Rostered
• Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers - 6.7% Rostered
• Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles - 51.1% Rostered
• Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 31.8% Rostered
• Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 2.2% Rostered
• Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 6.3% Rostered
• MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 3.4% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

Must-Add

Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns - 47.0% Rostered

Tillman lucked into a touchdown this past week. A pass went off Harold Fannin Jr.'s hands, and Tillman caught it. Without that, he would've finished with just 0.9 half-PPR points instead of the 9.2 that he actually scored. On the other hand, Tillman has now earned seven or more targets in back-to-back weeks. Jerry Jeudy leads the team with 16 targets, but Tillman is right behind him with 15.

While fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on a tipped touchdown pass every week, they can feel confident that fantasy production will continue so long as he continues averaging seven targets per game. He has scored 13.7 and 9.2 half-PPR points to start the season and is firmly on the weekly WR4 radar. He has WR2 upside in one of the league's more pass-heavy offenses.

Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos - 2.0% Rostered

Franklin is a must-add. He had six targets, four receptions, and 44 yards in Week 1. In Week 2, Franklin finished with nine targets, eight receptions, 89 yards, and one touchdown en route to 20.0 half-PPR points. He played more snaps, ran more routes, and earned twice as many targets as Courtland Sutton.

Troy Franklin Week 2

- 85% snaps (most among DEN WR)
- 27 routes (team high)
- 9 targets (team high)
- 8 catches, 89 yds, TD (team highs)
- 24 fantasy points

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 14, 2025

Through two weeks, Franklin has out-targeted Sutton. While I don't expect that to continue, Franklin has clearly moved ahead of Marvin Mims Jr. Franklin and Bo Nix were college teammates, and that chemistry has begun showing up this season. With Evan Engram's disappointing start to the 2025 NFL season, Franklin appears to be Nix's No. 2 target. As long as that holds, Franklin is a startable player. He should be viewed as a WR4 with upside.

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants - 29.9% Rostered

In two games this season, Robinson has a 25% target share and is the clear No. 2 receiver behind Malik Nabers. He had eight targets in Week 1 and 10 this past weekend. He finished with six catches, 55 yards, and 8.5 half-PPR points in Week 1. This past weekend, he exploded, finishing with eight receptions, 142 yards, and one touchdown en route to 24.2 half-PPR points.

Robinson had 139 targets last year, but couldn't even muster 700 yards. However, through the first two weeks of the season, Robinson's average depth of target is at 10.4. Last year, that number was at 4.8. With Russell Wilson at quarterback, Robinson has gotten more targets down the field. If that holds, Robinson could be a waiver wire steal.

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans - 7.7% Rostered

Ayomanor had a 28% target share in Week 1. He's already firmly entrenched as the team's No. 2 receiver opposite Calvin Ridley. This week, he was tied with Ridley for six targets. His seven targets in Week 1 didn't lead to much. He caught just two of them for 13 yards. This week, however, He was able to reel in four for 56 yards and a touchdown. He scored 13.6 half-PPR points.

Rook to rook! #Titans QB Cam Ward somehow finds WR Elic Ayomanor for a TD. What a crazy play.

Sidenote: Ayomanor is legit. Learn the name.pic.twitter.com/rK5cCllk4Q

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2025

Playing the Broncos and the Rams the first two weeks is a tough draw for rookie quarterback Cameron Ward and the Titans. Once the schedule eases up a bit and they start playing the rest of the AFC South, Ayomanor's production will likely increase, as well. However, his role (snaps and routes run), as well as his target-earning ability, make Ayomanor a must-add.

Ward has only played two games, but if he can improve and raise the ceiling for this offense, Ayomanor will greatly benefit.

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers - 20.3% Rostered

Jayden Reed (collarbone) is currently on IR and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Matthew Golden is a rookie. Doubs continues to lead the team in snaps and routes run, something he did last year in the games that he was healthy for. Doubs isn't going to be a league-winner because he doesn't have that level of talent, but he can be a quality bench player.

Teaser for the detailed snap counts going up on @acmepackingco when I get done charting defense:

Season-long outside receiver snaps:
Doubs - 77
Golden - 35
Wicks - 27
Heath - 18
Reed, Williams, Kraft - 4

— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) September 12, 2025

He has scored 7.8 and 10.3 half-PPR points in the first two weeks of the season. He is one player that Jordan Love trusts on third-downs and near the end zone. Doubs is a decent bet for a touchdown most weeks. With Reed on the mend, Doubs could see a slight uptick in target volume. While fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to turn into a WR3, that's just not who he is; he is a quality backup to have for bye weeks and injuries.

Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers - 0.2% Rostered

Reed will be on IR for the next 6-8 weeks. Christian Watson is also unavailable since he is still rehabbing from his torn ACL. As much as Matt LaFleur may want to use a receiver-by-committee approach, the injuries they're dealing with may take the choice out of his hands. Wicks, Doubs, and Golden may have become full-time starters by default. As a rookie, Wicks popped as a route-runner and by his per-route efficiency metrics.

He struggled last year with drops. He still showcased his suddenness, strong route-running, and explosiveness when he managed to catch the targets he got. As long as Wicks can clean that area of his game, there's upside here. He's a more explosive receiver than Doubs. Given the injuries Green Bay is dealing with, the strength of their offense, and the quality of play from Love, Wicks is absolutely worth stashing on benches right now.

Christian Kirk, Houston Texans - 22.6% Rostered

Houston traded for Kirk this offseason to be Stefon Diggs' replacement in the slot. In 2024, when Diggs was healthy with Houston, he was a top-30 receiver in half-PPR PPG. Kirk had been a WR2/3 when he was in Jacksonville. Rookie Jayden Higgins had three targets, two receptions, and 32 yards. Fellow rookie Jaylin Noel had two targets and one reception for seven yards. Xavier Hutchinson had two targets, two receptions, and 30 yards.

While it was just one game and all three of them are young, Kirk, once he's back, will provide the offense with another veteran pass-catcher that C.J. Stroud can depend on. He's been dealing with a hamstring injury and will have missed the first two weeks of the season. It was an injury that was expected to sideline him for a few weeks, so he could return in Week 3. If the young(er) receivers struggle on Monday Night Football, Kirk becomes an even more intriguing add.

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots - 26.4% Rostered

Boutte continues to lead the Patriots' receivers in snaps played and routes run. In Week 1, he also led the team in targets with eight, catching six of them for 103 yards. He finished with 13.3 half-PPR points. This week, he only had one target, but made the most of it, reeling it in for a 16-yard touchdown.

This offense has a lot of mouths with Boutte, Hunter Henry, Diggs, and DeMario Douglas. The target hierarchy in New England will likely change every week, but Boutte's role is secure. He's the team's starting X-receiver, and that'll result in him playing more snaps and running more routes than the others. He's also their best deep-ball threat. That'll lead to some dud weeks.

The offense in general will have plenty of a boom or bust nature to it. Given Boutte's production through two weeks, he's worth adding in any 12-team league. He has weekly WR3 upside, but you'll need to be willing to tolerate all the ups and downs that come with the New England offense.

High Upside Stashes

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 38.1% Rostered

He tore his MCL and ACL early last season and will need some time to shake off the rust. However, he’s an IR candidate and someone you can stash for free. From 2023-2024, he had 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished as the WR22 in 2022 and the WR12 in 2023. He’s absolutely worth taking a shot on.

He’s the receiver with the most chemistry with Brock Purdy and could be a second-half weekly WR2 starter.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears - 12.2% Rostered

Burden profiles as a slot receiver and was a tackle-breaking machine in college. He won't provide much value early in the year, as he's surely going to play behind D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and the veteran Olamide Zaccheaus. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Zaccheaus to be able to hold Burden off for long.

If Burden can commandeer the slot position in Ben Johnson's offense and Caleb Williams takes a step forward, Burden could be a second-half breakout candidate.

Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 8.4% Rostered

Coker is currently on the IR with a "significant" quad injury and will miss between four and six weeks. However, with Adam Thielen traded, the runway has been cleared for Coker’s breakout season if he can get healthy. Tetairoa McMillan will be the team’s undisputed No. 1 receiver, but after that, the pecking order is highly questionable.

65% of Carolina’s targets last year went to wide receivers. Dave Canales’ offense has utilized the slot receiver heavily. This includes Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay and Adam Thielen in Carolina. Before the injury, Canales said Coker was going to be their slot receiver.

This past weekend, current slot receiver Hunter Renfrow scored 20.3 half-PPR points. If, when Coker comes back, he takes back the role he was expected to handle, he could be a solid WR4.

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans - 46.9% Rostered

Kirk is on the verge of returning, but Higgins was drafted early in the second round. He didn't do much in Week 1, but his talent profile is one worth betting on. Right now, Higgins isn't someone that fantasy managers can put into their starting lineups, even as a bye week or injury replacement. Given his rookie status and his draft capital, Higgins is a player worth stashing.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers - 1.9% Rostered

Watson is still on the PUP and won't be ready until midseason. However, Reed is slated to miss a majority of the season, Matthew Golden has yet to make a splash, and Doubs is who he is at this point. He's dependable, but unexciting. Wicks is an enigma. There's upside, but his consistency is all over the board. This offense is strong. Jordan Love is playing great.

If Watson can get healthy, with Reed's injury and the inconsistencies shown from Doubs and Wicks, Watson is worth stashing in the IR spot if you can.

Potential WR5's

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 57.6% Rostered

On a per-snap and per-target basis, Downs is an excellent receiver. His efficiency metrics have always been strong. It's that talent profile that makes Downs intriguing. The downside is that Downs only plays on three-receiver sets. He's an "only-slot" receiver. He doesn't play on the outside. That role limits his snaps and routes run, which ultimately makes it more difficult to earn a high number of targets.

Last week, he only had three targets. This week, however, he had eight, catching six of them for 51 yards. With Michael Pittman Jr. healthy and Tyler Warren showing out, Downs is no better than third on the team's target hierarchy. Given that this team wants to run the football and their quarterback is Daniel Jones, that's not an ideal place to be. However, he's a highly talented player, and this offense is clicking.

Jones also looks much better than what we've been accustomed to seeing from him. He can continue playing at this level, Downs can maintain WR5 value, and provide fantasy managers with weekly WR3 upside. His role and his ecosystem are unlikely to make him a starter, but he's a solid bye-week and injury replacement option.

Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers - 13.6% Rostered

Austin was Pittsburgh's clear No. 2 receiver behind D.K. Metcalf in Week 1. Austin played 45 snaps; the next closest receiver was at 10. He ran 29 routes; the next closest was at seven. Austin was tied for second on the team in targets with six, just one behind Metcalf. Austin finished with four receptions, the same number as Metcalf. He also had 70 yards and one score.

Austin maintained his stranglehold as the team's No. 2 receiver. He logged more snaps than Metcalf and ran one fewer route (36 to 35). No other receiver had more than 15. This week, however, Austin was out-targeted by tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. They each had four, while Austin finished with three.

Austin only caught one of them for 22 yards. Austin is going to be a boom-or-bust receiver. This offense isn't good enough to support two pass-catchers each week, and most weeks the No. 1 guy will be Metcalf. However, given the sheer number of snaps and routes he's running, Austin is a quality bench player to have.

Hunter Renfrow, Carolina Panthers - 1.7% Rostered

Renfrow is operating as the team's starting slot receiver. This past weekend, he had nine targets, seven receptions, 48 yards, and two touchdowns en route to 20.3 half-PPR points. Jalen Coker is currently on IR and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Renfrow will maintain his role as the team's starting receiver until that time. If he can continue to be productive, he may keep that role even once Coker is back.

One thing is for sure, however: Renfrow is clearly ahead of Xavier Legette on the team's target hierarchy. He out-targeted Legette and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders. Renfrow is not going to be making many plays down the field, and there isn't a ton of touchdown equity in this offense, but Renfrow is a decent bench player with a solid floor.

Boom or Bust, Touchdown Dependent WR5/6's

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 27.2% Rostered

Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks - 1.0% Rostered

Tyquan Thornton, Kansas City Chiefs - 1.1% Rostered

Dont'e Thornton Jr., Las Vegas Raiders - 12.3% Rostered

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals - 6.4% Rostered

All of these players are starters on their respective teams. Horton is the team's No. 3 receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. Tyquan Thornton's role is dependent on the health of Xavier Worthy. The other players here are the top two receivers on their team. However, none of them are target-earners. All of these receivers are nothing more than touchdown-dependent WR5/6's.

They're likely only to see 1-5 targets on any given week. The floor for all of these players is zero. On the flip side, they only need one target to make them a worthwhile start. Any of these players, based on their skillset and their utilization, is capable of taking their one target 75 yards to the house. If you're in a pinch and desperate, and find yourself as a large underdog, rolling the dice on one of these players could pay off.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

Must Adds

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - 48.2% Rostered

Johnson should be viewed as a top-10 tight end. He has played 95% of the team's snaps in back-to-back weeks. He's running a route on over 85% of the team's dropbacks. He had 11 targets, eight receptions, and 76 yards in Week 1, finishing with 11.6 half-PPR points. This week, he finished with 13.4 half-PPR points.

He had nine targets, five receptions, 49 yards, and one touchdown. Through two weeks, he has more targets than Chris Olave. His utilization metrics are top-three among tight ends. His role is on par with Trey McBride. It is elite.

While Spencer Rattler leaves a lot to be desired at the quarterback position, he is averaging 40 pass attempts per game. Johnson is a must-start tight end sitting on the waiver wire.

Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens - 6.6% Rostered

Likely still hasn't played this season, but Mark Andrews sure has. Through two weeks, Andrews has four targets, two catches, and seven yards. He has scored 1.9 half-PPR points. He also has a dropped touchdown. Andrews has been a complete non-factor. Likely is expected to return in the next 1-3 weeks, and Likely is absolutely worth stashing given just how ineffective Andrews has been.

I'm prioritizing Likely over Fannin. Bateman has also been very quiet through the first two weeks. Zay Flowers is a good player, but the Baltimore offense could use another dependable pass-catcher. Lamar Jackson has always loved targeting the tight end position. If Andrews is no longer up to that task, Likely has shown in the past that he's plenty capable.

Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns - 27.7% Rostered

Fannin had a big first game despite his rookie status and despite the presence of David Njoku. He finished second on the team in receptions and third in yards with 63 (Jeudy led the way with 66). However, he ran a route on just over 60% of the team's dropbacks in Week 1. His rookie status and big game in Week 1 made him a waiver-wire diaper darling, but there were cautionary signs about his playing time. Specifically, his route share.

In Week 2, he ran 33 routes. This ranked fourth on the team behind Njoku, Jeudy, and Tillman. All three of these players ran 40 or more routes. Fannin finished tied for fourth with five targets. Due to his elite collegiate production and his rookie status, which represents unknown potential, Fannin is worth stashing.

Njoku's name came up on the trade rumor mill last year. He's now in the last year of his contract. If Njoku were to be moved, Fannin's value would increase significantly. It's also possible that Fannin's role naturally grows because of his productivity and effectiveness. Right now, he's a mid-TE2 who can be utilized as a streamer in plus-matchups, but he's not a must-start player.

In fact, Ertz below represents a better weekly start right now.

Safe TE2's with Some Upside

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders - 50.0% Rostered

Ertz isn't spectacular. He isn't sexy. He's not particularly enjoyable to roster, but he is dependable. He's frequently on the field, Jayden Daniels trusts him, and he's routinely used in the red zone. Through two weeks, he has two touchdowns. Last year, in his first year with Washington, Ertz caught seven touchdowns.

Zach Ertz makes it a one-possession game 🔥

He was 2nd on WAS with 66 rec, 654 rec yards & 7 rec TDs in 2024

WASvsGB on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPluspic.twitter.com/Tq5fk6zfU6

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) September 12, 2025

Ertz is a full-time player with an excellent route share and a significant role near the end zone. Washington is a top-10 offense, and Daniels is one of the more electric quarterbacks in the league. Ertz's ecosystem increases his floor and ceiling. He was a top-12 tight end in half-PPR PPG, and he's off to a great start this year.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 58.6% Rostered

Henry had a near 100% snap count in Week 1. He also tied the Patriots in targets with eight. He caught four of them for 66 yards. Henry had 117 air yards, a sign that he wasn't just some kind of dink and dunk tight end. Henry's route share was at just under 75%. His utilization was incredibly encouraging.

This past weekend, Henry's utilization decreased a bit. His snap share "fell" to 85% and his route share dipped to 70%. He only had two targets and fell flat production-wise, but his role was still very promising for the future. The reality is that the New England offense isn't consistently strong, so there will be dud weeks. Not to mention, Henry is a tight end, and that position naturally has plenty of bust weeks.

Henry is still worth adding. His utilization metrics are strong. His quarterback, Drake Maye, has plenty of potential. His offense lacks a true No. 1 or even No. 2 receiver. The target hierarchy in New England will change weekly. For a tight end, that's great! On any given week, Henry could finish as Maye's No. 1 target-earner. That's not something most tight ends can say.

At this stage of his career, Henry is who he is. Don't expect a breakout season, but he's a solid TE2 that fantasy managers can stream in favorable matchups.

Sleepers Worth Stashing

Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans - 9.9% Rostered

Okonkwo was the team's clear No. 1 tight end in Week 1. That wasn't always the case last year when they used a tight end by committee. Okonkwo maintained his stranglehold on the TE1 duties this past weekend. He logged a 76% snap and route share. He also finished with six targets, which was tied for first with Ayomanor and Ridley.

Okonkwo has 10 targets through two weeks and has three receptions in back-to-back games to start the season. Ward doesn't have this offense clicking yet, but he's shown promise. If Ward and this offense can find a little more consistency, Okonkwo will be a mid-TE2. Given his utilization, he should be on the streaming radar weekly.

If Ward really takes a step (or two) forward, Okonkwo could find himself as a high TE2.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 26.7% Rostered

Strange is, at best, the No. 3 target-earner on this offense behind Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. Even after those two, there's still Travis Etienne Jr. and now Tuten. This competition leaves Strange, at best, a mid-TE2 with some streamer potential in good matchups or when the game script looks right.

However, Strange has back-to-back weeks of three or more receptions. Through two weeks, he has nine targets, seven receptions, and 76 yards. He has yet to find the end zone, but he is Jacksonville's No. 1 tight end. Like Okonkwo, his snap and route share are strong.

Deep, Deep Sleepers

• Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 1.0% Rostered
• Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 2.0% Rostered
• Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 15.6% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

Must Add

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts - 21.2% Rostered

Jones has now scored 22 or more points in back-to-back weeks to start the 2025 season. We could very well be looking at the 2025 version of Sam Darnold. They both struggled in New York with bad coaching, offensive lines, and lackluster pass-catchers. Now, in Indianapolis, Jones has quality coaching, a strong offensive line, and a solid group of pass-catchers. Not to mention, an elite running back.

He has thrown for at least 270 yards in both games and has three rushing touchdowns on the year. Jones has averaged at least 25 rushing yards in six out of his seven seasons in the league. That includes his 2022 season, when he ran for over 700 yards. He's a must-add quarterback who should be viewed as a high-end QB2, who could easily finish as a top-10 quarterback this year due to his strong ecosystem and ability to score points on the ground.

High-End QB2's

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 36.5% Rostered

Lawrence looked better in Week 2, but it's clear he and the entire offense are still learning Liam Coen's system. Lawrence finished with 271 passing yards and three touchdowns, finishing with 19.24 points. Lawrence has been a capable runner the past few seasons, but he has only had 16 rushing yards through two games.

I expect that to increase as the season moves along. I also expect Lawrence and this offense to improve as they become more comfortable in Coen's system. Lawrence can still be viewed with the potential to be a high-end QB2, and if you just recently lost Burrow, Lawrence makes for a quality replacement.

He has an elite play-caller at the helm. His offensive line is playing better than it ever has in his career. He's got the best pass-catchers he's ever had, and he's someone who is capable of scoring points with his legs. If all of these things click, Lawrence could certainly pop.

QB2 Options for Deeper or Superflex Leagues

• Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons - 28.2% Rostered
• Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders - 12.2% Rostered
• Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams - 33.5% Rostered
• Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.1% Rostered
• Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers - 10.5% Rostered
• Russell Wilson, New York Giants - 3.5% Rostered
• Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 7.4% Rostered
• Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers - 20.5% Rostered

Stash in Superflex or 2-QB Leagues

• Jaxson Dart, New York Giants - 4.5% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 3

• Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns - 44.8% Rostered
• Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans - 36.6% Rostered
• Seattle Seahawks vs New Orleans Saints - 68.6% Rostered
• Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins - 65.0% Rostered
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New York Jets - 14.5% Rostered

Waiver Wire Parameters for This Article

A few rules and notes about this weekly waiver wire article. Every league is different - different roster formats, different roster sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different. Even the host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that differ from those of Yahoo!, which in turn differ from those of CBS or Sleeper, and all of this impacts which players are drafted and which are not.

We only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of less than 60%. For running backs and receivers, that number drops to 50%. We don’t delve too deeply into defenses, but I highlight a few streamers to target each week.

Positions are also broken up into different categories, such as RB3 or a potential league-winner to stash. You’ll need to know your roster and what you should be looking for on the waiver. From there, each positional groups are arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. We use ESPN’s roster percentages for this article.

For example, if you roster Rice, Addison, and Godwin, you might be more interested in someone like Doubs rather than Burden right now because Doubs is more likely to score points in the short term. Know your team and your team’s needs. If you’re healthy and you’re starting roster is strong, shoot for upside.

As a reminder, please use promo code "BOOM" at checkout for an additional 10% off any NFL Premium package.

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