In an exciting Week 2 in the NFL, we saw a lot of high-scoring games, comebacks, and big wins. This led to many offensive players having great games for their NFL teams and for fantasy football manager’s teams. Managers will be pleased to find out that a handful of players who have been performing well this season (see Garrett Wilson), or are expected to be in an expanded role (see Jimmy Garoppolo), are still available on the waiver wire.
In Week 2, we also saw a lot of injuries. In a sport that involves constant contact, injuries are a part of the game. The silver lining is, another player who wouldn’t have had as big of an opportunity before, is now getting one while their teammate recovers. Here are players who can replace your injured or underperforming players on your fantasy team, or are stepping up due to injured players on their NFL team.
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 3: Running backs
1. Raheem Mostert, Dolphins
After taking a backseat to Chase Edmonds in Week 1, Raheem Mostert recorded 11 carries and 3 receptions on 55% of snaps in the Dolphins’ shootout 42-38 win over the Ravens. He received 100% of the red zone snaps.
Only rostered in 32.4% of NFL.com fantasy leagues currently, Mostert is worth rostering in all formats, even if he splits time with fellow back Edmonds. He is on a high-powered offense and is sure to score rushing or receiving touchdowns if he sees high red zone usage.
2. Eno Benjamin, Cardinals
Cardinals starting running back James Conner suffered an ankle injury in their game vs. the Ravens and did not return to the contest. Although he is considered day-to-day, there is a chance he experiences setbacks before their Sunday afternoon contest vs. the Rams.
Available in nearly 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues currently, Eno Benjamin and Darrell Williams split time in Conner’s absence. Although Williams was more productive with his touches in Week 2, he saw 0 snaps and touches in Week 1, unlike Benjamin, who was used as a pass-catching back. Benjamin is worth stashing in all formats with Conner’s injury history.
3. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
Rookie running back Tyler Allgeier started the season behind Cordarrelle Patterson and Damien Williams. Now, with Williams on IR with a rib injury, Tyler Allgeier is the number 2 running back. He recorded 10 carries on 31% of snaps in the Falcons’ 31-27 loss to the Rams.
Available in nearly 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues currently, Allgeier is the youngest running back on a losing team. With Patterson being 31 years old and Williams being 30 years old, Allgeier has a chance to become the Falcons’ feature back in an attempt to preserve their veteran backs. He is worth stashing in all formats, but he is more of a between-the-tackles rusher than a pass-catching back.
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 3: Wide Receivers
1. Garrett Wilson, Jets
Get used to hearing about and reading about this guy. The 2022 10th overall draft pick exploded in Week 2 in the Jets’ comeback 31-30 win over the Browns. He commanded 14 targets and hauled in 8 of them for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also recorded a rushing attempt. He had this monster day on only 61% of snaps.
Only rostered in 26% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Wilson will emerge as the Jets’ number 1 receiver. He is a priority add in all formats as he makes a push for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He could help you make a push for your fantasy football championship, as well.
2. Sterling Shepard, Giants
After many conflicting offseason and preseason reports, it appears that Shepard is the Giants’ number 1 receiver. With that role, he’s recorded 14 targets and 1 touchdown through the first two weeks. The Giants are 2-0 and are outperforming expectations with new Head Coach Brian Daboll.
Only rostered in 16.1% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Shepard has been on the field for more snaps than Kenny Galloway and Kadarius Toney through two weeks. In an offense that doesn’t have an elite tight end, Shepard is worth stashing in all formats. He can boom some weeks as he did in Week 1 for 15.10 points in PPR, which is helpful with injuries and bye weeks coming up.
3. Noah Brown, Cowboys
For the second week in a row, 2022 3rd round draft choice Jalen Tolbert has been out and the 2017 7th round draft choice has been in. Not only that, but he has been operating as the Cowboys’ second wide receiver. With James Washington on IR and Michael Gallup still out, Brown has been taking advantage of his opportunity, with 10 receptions on 14 targets, 159 yards, and 1 touchdown through two weeks of action.
Available in nearly 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, the Cowboys receiver sustained a PCL injury and may miss some time. As long as Cowboys receivers have the injury bug, Brown will be heavily involved and is worth the roster spot in all formats. His play has been good enough to warrant a role, even with players getting healthy and returning.
If he’s still available, pick up Greg Dortch, Cardinals
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 2: Quarterbacks
1. Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
After former 3rd overall draft pick Trey Lance suffered a broken ankle in Week 2, the 49ers turned to the best backup quarterback in the league in Jimmy Garoppolo. With Lance’s injury requiring season-ending injury, Garoppolo is back in command of an offense with weapons Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle (soon).
Unless you are in a Superflex/Two-QB league, Jimmy G. is likely 100% available. But it won’t last long. Jimmy G. looked competent with a nearly 62% complication percentage and 2 touchdowns, 1 passing, and 1 rushing (QB sneak). In a league lacking deep QB talent, you could do worse at the position.
2. Jared Goff, Lions
Don’t look now, but the Lions are tied with the Chiefs for the second most points scored in 2022 with 71. They are only 1 point behind the Bills at 72. The much-improved offense has seen the quarterback pass for 471 yards, 6 touchdowns, and only 1 interception through 2 weeks. As a matter of fact, Goff has the third-best TD-INT ratio since Week 12 last season with 17-1. He’s behind only Aaron Rodgers at 18-1 and Patrick Mahomes at 19-2.
Available in nearly 95% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Goff has been one of the best receivers since Week 14 last season in Amon-Ra St. Brown. His receiver is now tied with elite company with 8 consecutive games with 8 receptions or more. With additions to their wide receiver room via free agency and the draft, Goff is a good streamer with injuries and bye weeks coming up.
If he’s still available, pick up Carson Wentz, Commanders
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 2: Tight Ends
1. Logan Thomas, Commanders
The veteran is still the number one tight end for the Commanders. In that role, he has commanded 5 or more targets in each game through two weeks and hauled in 1 of those for a touchdown in Week 2. The Commanders may not win a lot of games, but the negative game script will lead to them passing a lot.
Only rostered in 22.2% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Logan Thomas has the best quarterback he’s had passing to him in years in Carson Wentz. As long as he stays healthy, he can become a top fantasy option in 2022. He is worth rostering in all formats due to his touchdown upside but has even more value in PPR formats.
2. Tyler Conklin, Jets
The former Viking Tyler Conklin has been seeing more usage than the former Bengal, CJ Uzomah at tight end for the Jets. With Uzomah healthy, Conklin recorded 92% of snaps in Week 1. With Uzomah injured and out, Conklin recorded 100% of snaps in Week 2. Through two weeks, he’s warranted 16 targets, 10 receptions, and 1 touchdown.
Available in nearly 96% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Conklin may not be an elite tight end, but he is receiving elite usage. He is worth rostering in PPR formats due to the fact that he will receive a lot of short receptions to move the chains. He might even haul one in for a touchdown. Don’t expect any big plays or monster weeks, but expect 10 points or more.
If he’s still available, pick up Tyler Higbee, Rams