Waivering: Week 3
Tue Sep 20 11:08am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Wilson will be hot item on waivers
There were a few more injuries this week, opening the door for playing time for some reserve players. Some of these guys could help fantasy teams going forward, especially if you had one of the players that was injured this week. Here are some players to consider grabbing on your waiver wire in Week 3.
QUARTERBACK
Marcus Mariota, Falcons. Mariota went on the road and almost led his team to an improbable comeback victory, but came up just short. Either way, he scored two more touchdowns against a good Rams defense. Mariota is proving to be a viable fantasy options, especially in favorable matchups. He remains available in 72 percent of leagues.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers. Trey Lance is likely done for the season, leaving Garoppolo as the starter going forward. He is more than capable, especially in this offense that he knows very well. He put up 18.2 fantasy points after Lance went out last week. This offense should be a little more pass friendly with Garoppolo in the lineup. He is another quarterback that can be worth some spot starts for fantasy teams.
Jared Goff, Lions. After two weeks, Goff has six touchdowns to just one interception. He topped 28 fantasy points in the game last week. Goff has some of the best weapons in football at his disposal now, so he is another player that can be a good spot starter for fantasy teams. Goff is available in 66 percent of leagues.
RUNNING BACK
Darrel Williams, Cardinals. The injury to James Conner opens the door for Williams to maybe move into a starting role. He was a healthy scratch in Week 1 but was active last week and got most of the work at running back when Conner went down. Williams responded with eight carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. He could have great value in this offense if he is able to serve as the No. 1 back because Conner is hurt. William is available in 67 percent of leagues.
Eno Benjamin, Cardinals. Benjamin is another Cardinal player that will benefit if Conner misses any time. He could split work with Williams in the backfield. Benjamin had eight carries for 31 yards last week and three catches in each of the first two games. He probably is the more explosive back of the two options in Arizona. Benjamin is available in 58 percent of leagues.
Jordan Mason, 49ers. The 49ers are down two backs, vaulting Mason to the No. 2 position for the team. He might get some chances in the coming weeks in an offense that likes to rotate backs. Mason doesn’t have a touch this year but look for that to change in the near future. He had a strong preseason, earning a roster spot with the team. So don't be surprised if he makes some plays with his chances. Mason is available in 79 percent of leagues.
RECEIVER
Noah Brown, Cowboys. Michael Gallup is going to come back soon but as long as Gallup is out, Brown has value for fantasy teams. He has five receptions each of his first two games and topped 20 fantasy points with Cooper Rush starting at quarterback last week. Brown has a clear rapport with Rush and it showed last week.
Nelson Agholor, Patriots. Agholor hit the 100-yard mark last week. You never know with him, but he is always capable of the big game. He showed that last week. He had three games with double-digit fantasy points last year, so his big performance last week wasn't a fluke. If he gets the targets, he can make some big plays.
Corey Davis, Jets. Davis had just two receptions last week but made big plays with them. He had two receptions 83 yards and a touchdown. He has 75-plus yards each of his first two games. He continues to be a big part of this offense and has the track record to show he can help fantasy teams. Davis remains available in 69 percent of leagues.
Garrett Wilson, Jets. Wilson was the top target for the Jets passing game last week and scored the game-winning touchdown. He had his coming out party, catching eight passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns. The talented rookie is quickly making a name for himself in this offense and across the league. He has 50-plus yards each of his first two games and 22 total targets. Wilson was not drafted in all leagues, so he is still available in some of them. You can find Wilson available in 34 percent of leagues. If you are in one, go grab him.
Richie James, Giants. James had five receptions each of his first two games. He had double-digit fantasy points in each of those games. His workload was encouraging, getting consistent targets in the Giants offense. You do have to worry about him losing out on some playing time as younger players get up to speed in the offense, but for now, James looks to be a fairly big part of the offense. He has some value right now to fantasy teams and is available in nearly all formats (99 percent of leagues).
Sammy Watkins, Packers. Watkins had a big game his last time out. He had three receptions for 93 yards. He has three receptions each of his first two games. He isn’t getting a huge workload in the offense, but is always going to be capable of the big game in this offense. And he is getting some weekly chances to make that happen, which is encouraging. Watkins is available in 83 percent of leagues.
TIGHT END
Isaiah Likely, Ravens. Likely got the first catches of his career last week, finishing with four receptions for 43 yards on five targets. He got more work after receiver Devin Duvernay left with a concussion. If Duvernay has to miss any time, this could open the door for Likely to get more playing time and chances in the Ravens offense. He proved in the preseason that he can produce big with the work, so he is a player to consider adding to fantasy rosters looking for tight end help. Likely is available in 82 percent of leagues.
Logan Thomas, Commanders. Thomas continues to make a great recovery from his torn ACL suffered last year. He found the end zone last week and has three receptions each of his first two games. He is getting healthier every week and can be a big-time target in this suddenly explosive passing game. Thomas is available in 58 percent of leagues.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has not reported to voluntary workouts this offseason, according to general manager Joe Douglas. The team has reportedly been trying to trade the former No. 2 overall pick, but trade talks have been at a standstill. With Tyrod Taylor backing up Aaron Rodgers this season, the Wilson project is likely over in New York. The 24-year-old has completed 57% of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions through his first 34 NFL games. A change of scenery would likely be a positive thing for the young signal-caller and the organization, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed offensive lineman Tyler Shatley, the team announced on X on Friday. The former Clemson Tiger joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2014, and he has spent his entire 10-year career with the organization. He has 145 game appearances in his career, including 51 starts (six in 2023). Although he is not expected to compete for a starting role to begin the 2024 season, he brings depth to an offensive line that needs to do a much better job of protecting Trevor Lawrence this season. Shatley has experience at guard and center, making him a versatile veteran up front.
From RotoBaller
On The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said "it's been tracking for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels to go at No. 2" to the Washington Commanders. However, no final decision has been made yet, and Schefter reports that Daniels has had an interest in being other places besides D.C. Daniels appears to be the Commanders' preference at No. 2 overall in next week's draft, but perhaps something changes now if they don't think he'll be fully committed to playing for their organization. General manager Adam Peters said on Thursday that it's pretty much a done deal that Washington won't trade out of the No. 2 pick, but his nugget from Schefter could change some things. In the end, Schefter still thinks Daniels is the favorite to go second overall to the Commanders.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers want to make the 2024 draft about a larger point, rather than anything as granular as finding weapons for quarterback Bryce Young after he struggled mightily in his rookie season in 2023. "I think it's not about surrounding Bryce with great players; it's about building a great team, and then Bryce can just do his part of it," new head coach Dave Canales said. Even if the Panthers aren't specifically just looking to add weapons for Young, they'll surely need to bolster what was a terrible offensive line and running game. Carolina already traded for receiver Diontae Johnson this offseason and spent some money to upgrade the O-line. "It's not about getting playmakers for Bryce, it's about getting playmakers for our team," general manager Dan Morgan said.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that tight end Chris Ballard is off the NFL commissioner's exempt list and is back with the team during offseason workouts. Ogletree was recently cleared of domestic-violence charges following his arrest last December. Ogletree was put on the commissioner's exempt list on Dec. 30. The 25-year-old caught nine of his 21 targets for 147 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games (nine starts) in 2023 in what was essentially his rookie season after he didn't play at all in 2022 after being drafted in the sixth round (192nd overall) in 2022 out of Youngstown State due to a torn ACL he suffered in the preseason. Ogletree will be off the fantasy radar as tight end depth behind Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos don't sound too concerned with wide receiver Courtland Sutton missing the start of the team's voluntary offseason workouts earlier this week. "It's 100 percent voluntary. It's the first week of the offseason program. Sean has talked to Courtland; I've talked to Courtland. He's in a good place, and I'll just leave it at that," general manager George Paton said. Sutton reportedly didn't show up because he wants a new contract, especially after scoring a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2023. The 28-year-old has two years left on his current deal, but only $2 million is guaranteed. We have a ways to go before this comes an official holdout, but fantasy managers should expect plenty of regression in the TD department. Sutton should see plenty of targets with Jerry Jeudy now gone, but the QB situation in Denver is one of the worst in the league.
From RotoBaller
Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr., one of the top free-agent receivers available with less than a week until the NFL draft, spent Thursday on a visit with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to a source. The Chargers may draft a receiver as early as the fifth overall pick next Thursday night, but they still need starters and Chark could be an option to help build depth at the position now that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both gone. The 27-year-old Chark had a 1,000-yard season with the Jaguars in 20219 and scored eight touchdowns, but injuries and inconsistency have limited him in four years since and he hasn't been reliable for fantasy managers. Chark might be intriguing as a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts if he were to land in LA, but it would also depend on what the Chargers do at the position in the upcoming draft.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers will not be charged. Dynasty Analysis: Flowers was under investigation for domestic violence but it seems there was insufficient evidence to charge him. While dynasty owners can file this away and move forward, there should also be some caution in having Flowers on your roster, just in case this isn't an isolated incident. Regardless, Flowers will enter next season with a relatively high upside and his ADP won't change at this point.
Dynasty | Giants tight end Darren Waller is still mulling retirement. Dynasty Analysis: Waller has dealt with a lot of injuries over his career and it seems as if he's really considering calling it quits. The Giants are reportedly giving him a lot of time to consider his options and not forcing a decision, though it's quite certain they'd like to know prior to next week's NFL Draft as his loss could actually make Brock Bowers a consideration with their pick in the top ten. Regardless, it looks like Waller is certainly towards the end of his career and dynasty managers need to start making plans to be without him in the near future, possibly as soon as this year.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (arm) will not be cleared to practice until training camp this summer while he recovers from an arm injury. Joseph suffered the arm injury during the NFC Championship game loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and it's going to keep him out of workouts this spring. But as long as the 23-year-old doesn't suffer a setback when he gets back on the field in training camp, he should be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season and will operate as Detroit's starting free safety. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Illinois has recorded 164 tackles (124 solo), eight interceptions, 19 passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 32 games (29 starts) in his first two years in the NFL. When healthy, Joseph is on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues for depth at the DB position.
From RotoBaller
Since releasing quarterback Russell Wilson in March, the Denver Broncos haven't added any other QB behind Jarrett Stidham, so they have a clear need at the position heading into the first round of the NFL draft next Thursday. It's a position that has seen 13 different players make a start since Peyton Manning retired after the Super Bowl-winning 2015 season. The Broncos are open to trading up within the first round to select a rookie signal-caller, but there has to be an actual path to taking a QB that the Broncos think they can drop into their offense in 2024. And it's going to take additional draft capital for the Broncos to move up into the top five, something they don't have much of after using high draft picks to acquire Wilson and head coach Sean Payton. General manager George Paton said "forcing" a pick for a QB could leave the Broncos in a tough situation again next year, but they remain open to all ideas.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said on Thursday that he hasn't given tight end Darren Waller a deadline on his retirement decision this offseason. "Hopefully he's going to make a decision in the short term, but we're giving him time and space to make a decision on what he wants to do," Schoen said. Waller said in early March that he'd have a decision soon, but that hasn't come to fruition for the 31-year-old. A hamstring injury limited him to 12 games in 2023, and he finished with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown. Waller is no longer in the prime of his career like he was with the Las Vegas Raiders and will be a pretty big injury risk as a low-end TE1 in fantasy if he decides to return for another season in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that recently signed running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who is coming back from a torn Achilles, "should be" ready for training camp at the end of July. Hortiz also said the Dobbins signing is not likely to change the team's draft approach at running back. "You don't want to turn away from a good player because you've signed someone," Hortiz said. The Bolts lost do-it-all back Austin Ekeler to free agency this offseason, but they also picked up Gus Edwards in free agency, and he should fit new offensive coordinator Greg Roman's and head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive system extremely well. The 25-year-old Dobbins has played in just nine regular-season games the last two seasons combined due to devastating lower-body injuries, so it's fair to wonder how much he has left moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said that he and the team continue to work on a long-term contract extension, but he also said "it's not really the focus right now." General manager Trent Baalke confirmed that the team was talking about an extension with Lawrence. "We're working, but you can't force this stuff." Lawrence is entering the final year of his four-year rookie deal and is eligible to have his fifth-year option picked up, with the deadline coming on May 2. If the two sides don't work anything out by then, Jacksonville will surely pick up the option for the 2025 season and continue to work on an extension. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2021 out of Clemson took a slight step back from his Pro Bowl season in 2022 but was still a top-10 fantasy QB despite battling through an injury in the second half of 2023.
From RotoBaller
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Peter Schrager said the Indianapolis Colts could be active in moving up for a top wide receiver in the 2024 NFL draft. "I think there's a chance the Colts move up for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze," Schrager said. He believes the Cardinals will pick Harrison Jr. if they don't trade down from the No. 4 pick, but he could be in play for the Colts otherwise. While Indianapolis already has stud wideout Michael Pittman Jr. on the roster, they are lacking a true No. 2 wide receiver and need to surround sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson with high-end weapons. Ultimately, the Colts are likely not a great landing spot for a top receiver because Pittman is already there, Richardson's rushing skill set limits the passing volume, and the team is incentivized to use Jonathan Taylor after extending his contract last year. However, it would be a big boost for Richardson, who has top-five QB upside in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters said the team is "real close" to finalizing their decision of who they will select on Thursday when the 2024 NFL draft begins and confirmed they will not trade out of the No. 2 overall pick. The Commanders desperately need a franchise quarterback, and they are presumably deciding between LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye. The 21-year-old Maye is viewed as more of a project with a sky-high ceiling, while Daniels, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, is 23 years old and ready to contribute right away. Either quarterback will have plenty of fantasy football intrigue in Washington, as both have plenty of mobility and could be throwing passes to Terry McLaurin in their rookie season.
From RotoBaller
The NFL reinstated Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney and free agents C.J. Moore, Rashod Berry, Quintez Cephus, and Demetrius Taylor on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The five players were suspended for the entire 2023 campaign for violating the league's gambling policy. Toney is the only player who remained on an NFL roster following the suspension, and it could be tough for the other four players to find landing spots considering their actions from last offseason. With major sports leagues trying to crack down on any suspicious gambling activity, this will be a situation worth monitoring over the next few years.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was allegedly involved in a domestic investigation in February, leading to uncertainty surrounding his status on the field in 2024. On Thursday, the NFL announced there was insufficient evidence that Flowers engaged in any activity that violated the league's personal conduct policy. That said, there will be no action taken by the NFL, and Flowers is free to participate in all team activities. The 23-year-old is on track to contribute in 2024 after a 77-catch, 858-yard, five-touchdown rookie campaign. Although he did a lot of his damage with Mark Andrews (ankle) out of action, the former Boston College star has plenty of ability and should push to compile WR2 numbers in his sophomore campaign.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters may not be looking to trade out of the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of next week's NFL draft. "We feel great about staying at No. 2. Don't see a lot of scenarios where we trade down," Peters said. This shouldn't be a big surprise after Washington dealt last year's starter, Sam Howell, to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. As of right now, veteran Marcus Mariota is atop the QB depth chart in D.C., but the Commanders will most likely take either LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye with the second overall pick next Thursday night if another club like the Minnesota Vikings doesn't made an offer that the Commanders can't refuse to move up into the No. 2 spot.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings brass is scheduled to meet with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels for dinner on Thursday night in Baton Rouge, according to agent Ron Butler. Daniels is widely expected to come off the board in the top three picks of next week's NFL draft, so if the Vikings are going to land the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, they would need to trade up within the first round. Minnesota acquired the No. 23 overall pick in a trade this spring with the Houston Texans, so they now hold two first-round selections at Nos. 11 and 23. The Vikings are clearly in the market for a signal-caller after Kirk Cousins left in free agency and signed with the Atlanta Falcons, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the team trade up within the first five picks to select Daniels or another QB prospect.
From RotoBaller
