Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 3

Each week, theScore's fantasy editors will run down the top waiver wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and rest of the season.

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins, Redskins

at Eagles, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Cousins looked to be in command of the offense while playing in relief of the injured Robert Griffin III on Sunday, throwing a touchdown pass on his first play and finishing the game as the NFL's leader in depth of target after two weeks of play (which is even more impressive considering DeSean Jackson was hurt, too). There are rumors head coach Jay Gruden favored Cousins over Griffin even before the latter's injury. Cousins is a must-add for quarterback-needy fantasy teams. 

Running Back

Knile Davis, Chiefs

at Dolphins, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET

The latest word on Jamaal Charles's ankle injury is that it's minor, so Davis's time at the forefront of the Chiefs' rushing attack could be brief. Davis is a special talent who can win fantasy owners (particularly Charles owners) games in the interim, however. And, with strong performances in a featured role, Davis could carve out more work for himself moving forward. There are some who believe he's the best backup running back in the NFL. He'll get a chance to prove it Sunday. 

Khiry Robinson, Saints

vs. Vikings, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET

Mark Ingram is expected to miss a month with a hand injury, chopping one head off the Saints' three-headed rushing attack. Robinson will likely handle early-down duties and lucrative goal-line carries, ceding way to Pierre Thomas on third downs and passing situations. 

Donald Brown, Chargers

at Bills, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Ryan Mathews has an MCL injury that should keep him on the sideline for a month, opening the door for Brown to lead the Chargers' rushing attack. Danny Woodhead will still be involved, limiting Brown's overall upside, but it's not a stretch to suggest Brown could assume 90 percent of Mathews' fantasy value.

at Falcons, Thursday at 8:25 p.m. ET

Cancel your claim for Rainey if we get word that Doug Martin will return to play Thursday night, but proceed if we don't. The Falcons have surrendered four rushing touchdowns in the last two weeks. Rainey is a great bet to cross the stripe if he gets the start. 

Wide Receiver

vs. Titans, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Sanu isn't a special talent, but he's perhaps the only viable target in the Bengals' passing attack with A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert all injured. He could be a fantasy WR3 by default. 

Davante Adams, Packers

at Lions, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Adams, a rookie, caught five passes for 50 yards in Week 2. More importantly, he seemed to leapfrog Jarrett Boykin on the Packers' depth chart, becoming the team's preferred receiver in three-wide sets. If Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb were to get hurt, Adams's fantasy value would skyrocket. Pick him up as a preemptive stash if you have a bench spot to spare.

James Jones, Raiders

at Bills, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Jones has scored garbage-time touchdowns in consecutive weeks. He's rookie Derek Carr's safety blanket without question, and could see even more targets with Rod Streater injured. 

Tight End

Antonio Gates, Chargers

at Bills, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Gates wasn't drafted in every fantasy league, but his three-touchdown performance proved he's a must-own player. Scoop him up if he's on your waiver wire.

Larry Donnell, Giants

vs. Texans, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Donnell posted strong numbers for a second straight contest, so we can't ignore him any longer. While Eli Manning works out the kinks with his receivers, Donnell is getting a substantial number of targets.

Niles Paul, Redskins

at Eagles, Sunday at 1 p.m. ET

Paul burst on to the scene with 99 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. As long as Jordan Reed is sidelined, Paul should continue to have decent fantasy value. It helps that he and new Redskins starting quarterback Kirk Cousins seem to be on the same page.