The herd is thinning, and the divisions are stacking. Are you looking to the wire to make an impact, or are you gearing up for a trade? Let's see who's still available for you:
QUARTERBACKS
Jimmy Garoppolo Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles (A) There aren't a lot of great options on the waiver wire - but Jimmy G might be a steal off the wire. The Raiders passing game has looked better than their running game (not saying much), and they're about to go up against a high-scoring offense. They're going to need to sling the ball - so the Raiders QB would be a good play. Garoppolo is hopeful to clear the injury report to be released later today, but if he doesn't - your next best option is...
Jameis Winston New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Derek Carr is week-to-week after injuring his shoulder last week against Green Bay. Winston has three very solid WR options in Olave, Thomas, and Shaheed, not to mention Alvin Kamara is returning from suspension this week. In all three of his starts last year, Winston threw the ball at least 34 times (thanks for that stat CBS). Tampa has shown shaky defense so far this year, so it could get out of hand fast - or Baker Mayfield could turn this matchup into a shootout.
RUNNINGBACKS
Rico Dowdle Dallas Cowboys vs New England Dowdle dazzled as a RB2 last week for Dallas. He had four carries for 21yds, and three catches on three targets for 25yds and a TD. Pollard is still the clear leader, but Rico is getting more and more action. If you are in desperate need of a flex, Dowdle may get you a few points. It's better than 0...
Melvin Gordon Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland The Ravens are dealing with the injury bug yet again, and now they're turning to Melvin Gordon. Kenyan Drake is also waiting in the queue, as they are waiting injury designations for Justice Hill and Gus Edwards. Gordon could be the lead back this week - but there's too many variables to say that for sure on Wednesday. He could be a streaming option for Week 4 if the injury report is as busy as it seems.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Marvin Mims Denver Broncos vs Chicago Mims has had back-to-back weeks posting solid stat lines, and Russell Wilson is putting in good work. He probably didn't get talked about much from last week's matchup thanks to his opponent (Miami put up 70 POINTS), but Wilson was 23/38, 306yds and a TD. He's listed behind Brandon Johnson on the depth chart, as he's only getting a 24% snap-share compared to Johnson's WR3 60% snap-share, but Mims is the one producing. Especially against a weak (and already defeated) Bears team, Mims may be in for some big-time plays this week.
DeVante Parker New England Patriots vs Dallas WR1 for the Patriots is finally HEALTHY in the lineup - he's been battling a knee injury for the last few weeks (despite clearing the injury report, according to Patriot writers). It will be a good test too - Dallas has had the best fantasy football defense in the league so far, and they've really shut down the passing game for the most part. It helps when it's pouring rain on opening night - but that's another story. The real question lies on Mac Jones...
TIGHT ENDS
Taysom Hill New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Who better than the guy who can do it all - Taysom Hill? He lines up at TE, he can throw the ball from under center - he's even had a few designed run plays like a lead-back! If you need a spark, Hill is the guy who can get you over the hump. Thing is, his versatility entirely depends on how the Saints offense is rolling - and now that Carr is hurt (and Jameis is slotted to start), Hill wouldn't be a bad FLEX option.
Hayden Hurst Carolina Panthers vs Minnesota Hayden Hurst. Get used to it, I'm going to keep preaching his name until someone scoops him off the wire. His production took a hit last week as Carolina struggled to connect with their big TE. Hurst went 1/3 for 11Yds last week, giving him a season total of 9 catches on 13 targets for 72Yds and a TD. Minnesota has struggled to play defense, so this could be a big opportunity for the Panthers to find their stride.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Detroit Lions vs Green Bay LOL, the Packers are not a good football team - despite what their record says. They escaped with a win last week because Derek Carr left with an injury (the Packers didn't have a point scored until about halfway through the final frame). Detroit's defense came to life last week, with 7 sacks and 1 Fumble Recovery. They're up to 8 Sacks and 2 Turnovers on the year - and Lambeau will be hopping on Thursday. Let's see how the Lions perform after last week's defensive statement... they could be trending in the right direction. Get them before they're gone!
Seattle Seahawks vs New York (N) By the numbers, Seattle is not a good defensive unit. By the FANTASY numbers - they also aren't great. But they have a favorable matchup against a struggling offense - and they have three turnovers and five sacks on the season. Putting them up against a weak O-Line might generate some more noise for this unit - especially with an RB2 as the lead back in this week's matchup. Stream option only, I would promptly drop them after this week.
KICKERS
Brett Maher Los Angeles Rams vs Indianapolis Maher continues to be lights-out for the Rams. He logged 11pts last week by going 3/3 on FG's and 1/1 on PATs - above average kicker for your team that needs points! He's also playing indoors next week so his accuracy will be dialed in. Can anyone say "free points"?
Matt Gay Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles (N) Gay was the everyday kicker for the Rams last year, and now he's found a home in Indy. Another indoor game for a team that can move the ball, but not always consistently. Gay should be a shoo-in for your replacement kicker.
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