Week 3 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Top Pickups & Full Details

Week 3 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Top Pickups and Injury Impacts Explained

NFL Injury Crisis Sparks Scramble for Fantasy Free Agents

September 16, 2025 — The NFL's second week brought a wave of significant quarterback injuries, leaving fantasy football managers scrambling for reinforcements. Following the Week 2 slate, key players including Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, New York Jets' Justin Fields, and Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels are all sidelined, forcing managers to turn to the waiver wire week 3 for viable replacements. This news report breaks down the top players available and the strategic moves to make.

Quarterbacks: Jones, Stafford Emerge as Top Replacements

With Joe Burrow sidelined for an extended period with a turf toe injury, the spotlight falls on available quarterbacks. Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts has become a top priority. His dual-threat abilities have made him a surprisingly consistent fantasy performer this season, ranking as a QB1. Jones, who has scored three rushing touchdowns and passed for over 300 yards in Week 2, offers a strong upside, especially with an attractive matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

For managers in deeper leagues, Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford presents a reliable streaming option. Despite playing through a back injury, Stafford has delivered solid, if not spectacular, numbers. His Week 3 matchup against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, is a challenging but high-volume opportunity that could pay off. Similarly, San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones is a short-term add, filling in for starter Brock Purdy.

Running Backs: Rising Rookies and Resurgent Veterans

The running back landscape on the waiver wire is typically thin, but a few players have emerged with increased opportunities. Rookie Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars is a priority add after an impressive performance where he turned 10 touches into 74 yards and a receiving touchdown. Tuten’s increased role suggests he is a beneficiary of the team's trade of Tank Bigsby and is quickly approaching flex-worthy status.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons' Tyler Allgeier is back on the radar after a solid Week 2. He is not a threat to Bijan Robinson's starting role, but his 17-touch, 15-point performance is a reminder of his value as a high-upside handcuff with standalone flex value in the right matchups.

Wide Receivers: Franklin, Robinson Gaining Traction

Second-year receiver Troy Franklin of the Denver Broncos is a must-add after a breakout performance where he posted eight catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. Franklin is pushing for a larger role and has shown a higher ceiling than other options in the Broncos' receiving corps.

New York Giants wideout Wan'Dale Robinson also had a massive Week 2, catching eight passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. He has become a top-tier fantasy option due to the improved play from quarterback Russell Wilson.

Tight Ends, Defenses, and More

Tight end Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints remains a top target after scoring over 15 fantasy points in each of the first two weeks. He's trailing only Tucker Kraft for total tight end scoring. Additionally, Washington Commanders' veteran Zach Ertz has become a popular pickup, catching a touchdown in each of his first two games.

FAQ

Q: Who is the top quarterback to add this week?

A: Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts is the top choice. His strong rushing production and passing volume make him a high-upside QB1 candidate.

Q: Should I drop an injured player like Joe Burrow?

A: Dropping Burrow depends on your league's roster rules. If you have an Injured Reserve (IR) spot, place him there. If not, and you need the roster spot, it might be necessary to drop him given his three-month recovery timeline.

The Impact of Injuries on the Fantasy Season

This wave of early-season injuries highlights the volatile and dynamic nature of fantasy football. As the season progresses, player roles and values will continue to shift, making strategic waiver wire management crucial. The ability to identify breakout players and secure key backups will likely determine championship outcomes.