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September 17, 2024 • 1hr 7min
Week 3 Waivers + Full Stream Ahead, Jason Survives! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 9/17
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy, Mike and Jason break down the top waiver wire pickups heading into Week 3 of the NFL season. They discuss the fallout from major injuries to players like Cooper Kupp and Isaiah Pacheco, analyze emerging trends and breakout performances from Week 2, and provide streaming quarterback recommendations. The hosts also debate how to value various waiver wire options and which players are droppable after disappointing starts to the season.
Week 3 Waivers + Full Stream Ahead, Jason Survives! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 9/17
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Key Takeaways
- Top waiver wire targets this week: Samaje Perine and Carson Steele (KC RBs), Cam Akers (HOU RB), Rico Dowdle (DAL RB), Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson (LAR WRs), Derek Carr (NO QB)
- Major injuries to monitor: Cooper Kupp (LAR WR) to IR, Isaiah Pacheco (KC RB) out 6-8 weeks, Deebo Samuel (SF WR) out a few weeks
- Bryce Young benched for Andy Dalton in Carolina - could improve fantasy outlook for Panthers skill players
- Derek Carr and Saints offense looking strong - Carr is a top streaming QB option this week vs Eagles
- Don't overreact to Quentin Johnston's 2 TD game - Chargers passing volume likely to remain low
- George Pickens is a top buy-low target despite quiet Week 2 stat line
Introduction
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy, Mike and Jason break down the top waiver wire pickups heading into Week 3 of the NFL season. They discuss the fallout from major injuries to players like Cooper Kupp and Isaiah Pacheco, analyze emerging trends and breakout performances from Week 2, and provide streaming quarterback recommendations. The hosts also debate how to value various waiver wire options and which players are droppable after disappointing starts to the season.
Topics Discussed
Monday Night Football Recap (0:00)
The hosts recap the Monday night game between the Eagles and Vikings, which came down to the wire. Jason had a dramatic fantasy matchup against Mike that came down to the final drive, with Jason ultimately winning by less than a point thanks to a late catch by Dallas Goedert. Key performances included:
- Jalen Hurts: 85 rushing yards, 1 TD
- D'Andre Swift: 175 rushing yards, 1 TD
- DeVonta Smith: 7 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
- Justin Jefferson: 11 catches, 159 yards
The hosts noted the Eagles defense continues to look vulnerable, which could be good for opposing offenses going forward.
News and Notes (14:40)
The hosts covered several key news items impacting fantasy football:
- AJ Brown injury: Expected to miss "a couple weeks" per his own comments
- Joe Mixon injury: Not considered long-term, but status uncertain for Week 3
- Bryce Young benched: Panthers will start Andy Dalton in Week 3
- Hosts view this as potentially good for Panthers skill players and opposing offenses
- Deebo Samuel injury: Expected to miss a few weeks with calf strain
- Cooper Kupp to IR: Will miss at least 4 games with ankle injury
- Isaiah Pacheco injury: Out 6-8 weeks with fractured fibula
- Chiefs bringing in Kareem Hunt for a visit
- Jake Ferguson expected back for Cowboys in Week 3
- Evan Engram injury: Week-to-week with hamstring issue
Running Back Waiver Wire Options (25:31)
The hosts discussed the top RB waiver wire targets for Week 3:
- Samaje Perine and Carson Steele (KC):
- Jason prefers Perine for his pass-catching ability and veteran presence
- Mike leans Steele for potential goal line work
- Both worth adding, but situation murky if Kareem Hunt signs
- Cam Akers and Damien Pierce (HOU):
- Akers preferred if Mixon misses time, but likely just a one-week rental
- Hosts recommend only a small bid on Akers given uncertainty
- Rico Dowdle (DAL):
- Saw increased work in Week 2, including 5 targets
- Could continue to earn more playing time
- Ty Chandler (MIN): 10 carries in Week 2, solid flex option
- D'Onta Foreman (CHI): 14 carries in Week 2, good matchup vs NYG in Week 3
- Breece Hall handcuffs: Hosts recommend adding Bam Knight or Israel Abanikanda if available
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Options (41:00)
The hosts analyzed the top WR waiver wire targets:
- Rashid Shaheed (NO): Top priority add if available (56% rostered)
- Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson (LAR):
- Top two options to replace Cooper Kupp
- Robinson preferred over Johnson
- Quentin Johnston (LAC):
- Hosts cautious despite 2 TD game
- Chargers likely to remain run-heavy
- Not worth big FAB bids
- Josh Downs (IND): Deep league stash, looked good in preseason
- Darnell Mooney (CHI): Could benefit if Cousins keeps improving
- Jerry Jeudy (DEN): Looked good in Week 2 return
- Josh Reynolds (DET): Solid spot start option vs TB
- Jalen Tolbert (DAL): 9 targets in Week 2, but hosts still prefer Brandon Cooks
Tight End Waiver Wire Options (50:15)
The hosts discussed the top streaming TE options:
- Mike Gesicki (NE): 9 targets in Week 2, good matchup vs WAS
- Hunter Henry (NE): Consistent target share through 2 weeks
- Zach Ertz (ARI): Safe floor but limited upside
- Jonnu Smith (MIA): Intriguing usage, emergency option
Defense/Special Teams Waiver Wire Options (56:10)
Top DST streaming options for Week 3:
- Las Vegas Raiders vs CAR
- Cleveland Browns vs TEN
- Green Bay Packers vs NO
- Indianapolis Colts vs BAL
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs PHI
- Minnesota Vikings vs LAC
Quarterback Streaming Options (57:35)
The hosts recommended the following QB streamers for Week 3:
- Derek Carr (NO) vs PHI:
- Top streaming option
- Saints offense looking strong under new OC
- Eagles defense struggling
- Hosts recommend ~10% FAB bid
- Gardner Minshew (IND) vs BAL:
- Highest completion % in NFL
- Great weapons in Adams and Bowers
- Justin Fields (CHI) @ KC:
- Playing well, completing 70% of passes
- Still running frequently
- Better matchup for receivers
- Jared Goff (DET) vs ATL:
- Bounce-back candidate in dome game
- Hosts wouldn't drop him despite Week 2 struggles
Conclusion
The hosts emphasized being aggressive on the waiver wire this week given the major injuries to players like Cooper Kupp and Isaiah Pacheco. However, they cautioned against overreacting to one-week performances like Quentin Johnston's 2 TD game. The Kansas City backfield situation bears watching, with Samaje Perine and Carson Steele as the top adds for now. Derek Carr emerged as the clear top streaming QB option against a struggling Eagles defense. Overall, it's an important week to be active on waivers to capitalize on emerging opportunities and weather the storm of injuries affecting many fantasy rosters.