Another week of NFL football, another busy week of waiver wire adds ahead. One of last week’s top pickups in NFL fantasy was Kerwynn Williams and hew as a bust. If you blew your waiver wire priority on him, you probably won’t get another swing at the top pick this week. At any rate, with injuries, healthy scratches and running back committees driving fantasy owners mad, waiver wire additions can be a saving grace. Looking ahead to Week 3 of the NFL season, here are the best waiver wire adds at each position.
Top Quarterback
Trevor Siemian – Denver Broncos
Although the yardage total for Siemian is less than ideal, he has impressed in many other statistical categories and could be in for two good games before his bye week in Week 5. Siemian currently leads the NFL in passing touchdowns with six and including his rushing touchdown, Siemian has two more touchdowns than any other player does in the NFL. Siemian has cemented his place as the Broncos starter and can now focus on being a better NFL quarterback, not worrying about keeping his job.
Top Running Back
Jalen Richard – Oakland Raiders
A lot of people are recommending Chris Carson this week – and maybe with good reason – but we’ll go off the beaten path a little bit. Jalen Richard proved to be the Yang to Marshawn Lynch’s Ying in Week 2 of the NFL season. Richard showed off his speed against the Jets, recording 109 yards from scrimmage and touchdown on just eight touches. The issue here is it seems like Marshawn Lynch is on some kind of a snap count. That means Richard is not just the primary receiving back but he’s also getting a decent amount of carries.
And unlike many of the other change-of-pace backs in the NFL, Richard has the privilege of playing with one of the best offensive lines in the league. Pick up Richard as an interesting flex option over the season.
Top Wide Receiver
Jermaine Kearse – New York Jets
As bad as the New York Jets have been this season, they have one very intriguing fantasy option in wide receiver Jermaine Kearse. While his two-touchdown game in week two will be difficult to duplicate this season, Kearse is a highly valuable option in PPR leagues. Kearse projects to catch 88 catches this season and would only need to average 4.5 receptions over the next 14 weeks to catch 75 passes. If you did not grab Kearse last week, make sure you make a move to add him this week.
Top Tight End
Ben Watson – Baltimore Ravens
After being held off the stat sheet in week one, Benjamin Watson made his Raven’s home debut and did not disappoint. The veteran tight end caught eight passes for 91 yards in week two. There is good reasoning to believe Watson can repeat this level of performance throughout the season. Last year, Dennis Pitta, the Ravens tight end, led all tight ends in the NFL with 86 receptions. Joe Flacco loves a reliable tight end, and Watson could average between eight to ten targets a week. If you own Greg Olsen, grab Watson to replace him for the next two months.
Top Defense
San Francisco 49ers
Although they enter week two last in the NFC West, there is a reason for optimism in the Bay Area for week three. The 49ers defense has been steady, if not underrated through the first two weeks of the season. In two games, the 49ers have three sacks, two turnovers and allow less than 300 yards per game. The 49ers could have a good week this week against the Rams. The Rams offense looks better than it did last season, but a short-week against a division rival is always a tough game, especially on the road. Look at the 49ers at a low-value streaming option for week three.
Top Kicker
Cody Parkey – Miami Dolphins
In a tough road game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cody Parkey proved to be the difference maker, connecting on four kicks, including one from 50+ yards while helping the Dolphins pull out a close 19-17 win. Parkey has a very favourable schedule ahead, with the Jets, Saints and Titans. Another bonus, if Parkey continues to be great, you will not need to add another kicker since his bye week was moved to week one due to the scheduling of the Miami-Tampa Bay game.
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