TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 3 Wide Receivers: Waiver Wire Pickups, Adds & Rankings Tiers

Well, well - here we are. Stuck somewhere between recovering from the Week 2 games, and looking forward to Week 3 and scouring the waiver wire to improve our teams. Did your team get hit with the injury bug? Are you flying high and crushing your leagues after two weeks?

Either way, we are here to analyze the waiver wire for Week 3 with a focus on upgrading our wide receivers. Below I discuss breakout performers and overlooked wide receivers (PPR and standard leagues), to assist in making roster tweaks. As I'm sure you already know, our running waiver wire pickups and adds list is updated every day, for all positions, so be sure to check that out as well.

Sifting through your league's waiver wire is something that you should be doing consistently, but we're here to help highlight some specific favorites of ours at RotoBaller headquarters. Some of the wide receivers discussed below are already widely owned, but those in shallow leagues may still have an opportunity to add them to your rosters. Let's get to it

Editor's Note: The FFPC Playoff Challenge #2 is back with a massive $100,000 grand prize and $203,250 total prize pool, paying down to 100th place. Here's the deal: no salary cap, no draft, no pickups, no subs. Choose 8 players, and as NFL teams get knocked out so will your players, so choose your team wisely. The entries will sell out quickly, and registrations will close on Saturday January 17th at 4:30 pm ET . Don't wait - get your team now and end your fantasy football season with a shot at $100,000! Sign Up Now!

 

Top Wide Receivers for Week 3 Waiver Wire

Donte Moncrief (WR, IND) - 61% owned

Don’t panic on the Colts. They have played the two hardest games they’ll have all season, and from here on out their schedule gets awful cushy. Andrew Luck has been dealing with injured and/or aging weapons, and it appears he’s recognized that Donte Moncrief might be his most reliable option (as long as T.Y. Hilton is banged-up anyway). After finding the end zone in Week 1, Moncrief legitimately broke out against a very good Jets secondary in Week 2 to the tune of 122 yards and a score on seven catches (and 11 targets).

Andre Johnson has been disappointing so far, due in part to a lack of chemistry with Andrew Luck. It also doesn’t help that he is just too old to light defenses up like he used to, and the Colts know it. With Phillip Dorsett failing to impress through two weeks, Moncrief has established himself as the 2B to Andre Johnson’s 2A, and his stock is only going to go up from here. When at his best, Luck can definitely make fantasy stars out of multiple receivers, and with T.Y. Hilton dealing with a potentially nagging injury I wouldn’t be shocked if Moncrief is the top producer in Week 3. This is your last chance as he's only 61% owned, so get those waiver claims and FAAB bids in.

Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK) - 22% owned

Michael Crabtree had a dynamite Week 2, torching the Ravens for 111 yards and a score on nine catches. He had a ridiculous 16 targets, which was five more than assumed top receiver Amari Cooper (who still finished with 109 yards and a score on seven receptions). Derek Carr looked fantastic, and if he can continue to improve there might be two fantasy-relevant wide receivers in Oakland for the first time in… maybe ever? I want to say ever.

Oakland ranked fourth in average pass attempts per game in 2014, and they’re in the top five again through two games in 2015. This kind of volume is hard to ignore. With Amari Cooper widely recognized as Derek Carr’s top weapon, there has been room for Crabtree to work with. He is just three seasons removed from a 1,105-yard, nine-touchdown season with the 49ers, and at age 28 he is certainly not on the decline.

I like his chances to become a FLEX option in that offense, particularly with a semi-viable running game for defenses to worry about (courtesy of Latavius Murray). Two games is still a small sample size, but if Derek Carr can manage that kind of production against the Ravens capable defense, this offense might be hidden fantasy gold. I want to own a chunk of it, and Crabtree is well worth a stash.

Travis Benjamin (WR, CLE) - 15% owned

Travis Benjamin has three touchdowns on only six catches through two games, and is clearly the top deep threat in Cleveland. His lack of targets (only four in Week 2) is what’s discouraging, although that could be due largely in part to the fact that it’s a low-volume passing offense. Johnny Manziel only threw 15 total passes, and against the Raiders sieve-like run defense I don’t see them abandoning that plan.

That being said, Benjamin is a really solid home run pick. He also returns punts, and always has a shot to break one off for a touchdown with his combination of speed and agility. You have to believe in the chemistry that he’s developed with Johnny Manziel on the deep ball, as it seems Manziel is looking for him on most passing downs. Basically you’re rolling the dice on the upside by adding him. He’s more of a standard league add than a PPR add due to his lack of receptions, but if you’ve got a bench player worth dropping or an injury then Benjamin could be the ultimate lottery ticket.

Others Wide Receivers To Consider: Eddie Royal - 58% owned, Leonard Hankerson - 4% owned, Cecil Shorts - 10% owned, Rishard Matthews - 1% owned, Kamar Aiken - 1% owned

 

Deeper League Wide Receivers for Week 3 Waiver Wire

Ty Montgomery (WR, GB) - 10% owned

This season the Green Bay Packer receiving depth will be tested. With Jordy Nelson already on season-ending IR, his replacement Davante Adams went down with an ankle injury in Week 2 as well. The good news is, the injury doesn't seem to be serious as Adams did return in the game. The bad news is, that when he returned he did not look the same and struggled to get separation. When Adams was out of the game, Ty Montgomery stepped in and took on a bigger role (25 snaps in Week 2, one snap in Week 1).

With this opportunity Montgomery, had a decent game hauling in four catches (on four targets) with 37 yards. While these numbers don't blow up the scoreboard, it's clear that Montgomery will be the next man up for the Packers if Adams were to miss any time. At this point, there is no additional injury information on Adams - so targeting Montgomery would be best for deeper PPR leagues. If Adams does not play this week, then Montgomery would be a cheap DFS option and FLEX play for PPR owners. Keep monitoring the health status of Adams this week, because this season the Chiefs have given up the most fantasy points to opposing WRs.

Others Wide Receivers To Consider: Darrius Heyward-Bey - 1% owned, Aaron Dobson - 0% owned, Ted Ginn - 2% owned, Willie Snead - 0% owned

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Luis Robert Jr.

Mets Acquire Luis Robert Jr. from White Sox
Cam Thomas

Rejoins Nets Lineup for Meeting With Knicks
Jaylen Brown

Considered Probable Wednesday
Steven Adams

Out Indefinitely With Ankle Sprain
Deandre Ayton

Exits Early With Eye Injury
Los Angeles Chargers

Mike McDaniel Expected to Become Chargers Offensive Coordinator
Kel'el Ware

Unavailable on Tuesday
Will Zalatoris

Could Start Off Hot at Favored PGA West Event
Justin Rose

Starting Season at AMEX Event After Bounce-Back Year
Mikko Rantanen

Out Tuesday
Andrew Peeke

Returns to Action Tuesday
Rodrigo Abols

Expected to Miss Several Months
Harry Hall

Looking to Have Another Solid Week in Coachella Valley
Luke Hughes

Out Tuesday
Jonas Brodin

Will Miss Olympics
Carlos Beltran

Andruw Jones Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Rickie Fowler

Hoping to Keep Train Rolling at the AMEX
Alexandre Texier

Won't Play Tuesday
Kirby Dach

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup
Mark Williams

Active On Tuesday
Harris English

Starting Off the Year at Questionable AMEX Tournament
Brice Sensabaugh

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Clanton

Still Trying to Settle Into PGA Tour Ahead of AMEX
De'Anthony Melton

In for Back End of Back-To-Back
Draymond Green

Considered Questionable for Tuesday
Al Horford

Sidelined Versus Raptors
Lauri Markkanen

Unavailable for Fifth Straight Game
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Expected to Land at Georgia Tech
Steven Adams

Will Not Play Tuesday Against the Spurs
Tari Eason

Could Be Back Against the Spurs on Tuesday
RJ Barrett

Will Not Return Against the Warriors
Cam Christie

Could Miss Tuesday's Contest in Chicago
Patrick Williams

Could Be Back in Action Tuesday Against the Clippers
Malik Nabers

Giants Hope Malik Nabers Will be Back for Start of Training Camp
CFB

Duke Suing Quarterback Darian Mensah
Naz Reid

Upgraded to Available Tuesday Against Utah
Collin Murray-Boyles

Will Not Play Tuesday
Cam Skattebo

Should be Ready by OTAs
Mark Williams

Uncertain to Play on Tuesday in Philadelphia
Paul George

Could Return Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Will Not Play Tuesday
George Kittle

Expects to Return "Well Before November"
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Entering Transfer Portal
Mookie Betts

Plans to Retire at the End of his Current Contract
Tennessee Titans

Titans Set to Hire Robert Saleh as Next Head Coach
Ludvig Aberg

Making Season Debut at American Express
Ryan Gerard

Heads to PGA West With Momentum After Strong Week in Hawaii
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Expected to Hire Jeff Hafley as Next Head Coach
Ondrej Palat

Ready to Face Flames
Chris Kreider

Returns From Two-Game Absence Monday
Corey Perry

Back With Kings
Bobby Brink

Available Monday Night
William Nylander

Misses Second Straight Game Monday
Kiefer Sherwood

Sharks Pick Up Kiefer Sherwood From Canucks
Matthew Tkachuk

Set for Season Debut Monday
Sepp Straka

Eyes Repeat At The American Express
Si Woo Kim

Poised To Contend At The American Express
Zach Charbonnet

has Torn ACL
Zach Charbonnet

Needs Knee Surgery, Out for Rest of Playoffs
Tennessee Titans

Mike McCarthy a Finalist for Titans Head-Coaching Job?
Colston Loveland

Suffers Concussion in Divisional Round Loss
Kyren Williams

Scores Two Touchdowns in Divisional Round Win
Buffalo Bills

Bills Fire Head Coach Sean McDermott
Tom Wilson

May Return Monday
Henri Jokiharju

Moved to Non-Roster List
Frank Nazar

Returns to Practice
Oskar Sundqvist

Suffers Skate Cut Sunday
Kasperi Kapanen

Considered Day-to-Day
Zach Whitecloud

Joins Flames
Rasmus Andersson

Moves to Vegas
Rhamondre Stevenson

Returns in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round Game
Ha-Seong Kim

has Finger Surgery, Out 4-5 Months
Rhamondre Stevenson

Questionable to Return on Sunday With Eye Injury
Woody Marks

Returns Following Brief Exit on Sunday
Dalton Schultz

Won't Return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round Game
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Open to Aaron Rodgers Returning in 2026?
Jarrett Stidham

to Start AFC Championship Game
Zach Charbonnet

Questionable to Return Against 49ers
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Hiring Kevin Stefanski as Head Coach
Bo Nix

Suffers Broken Bone in Ankle, Done for Playoffs
CFB

Darian Mensah Entering Transfer Portal
J.T. Realmuto

Signs Three-Year Deal to Return to Phillies
Bo Bichette

Agrees to Three-Year Contract With Mets
CFB

Weber State Signs former Ohio State, Cal Quarterback Devin Brown
Bo Bichette

Phillies the "Overwhelming" Favorite to Sign Bo Bichette
Josh Lowe

Angels Acquire Josh Lowe in Three-Team Trade
Kyle Tucker

Signs Four-Year Contract With Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw

to Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
CFB

Auburn, Ohio State the Lead Suitors for Kyle Parker
CFB

Oregon QB Transfer Bryson Beaver Linked to Georgia, Kentucky
CFB

Jake Merklinger Commits to UConn

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP