Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups: Could Jonah Coleman Take Over Denver's Backfield?

Injuries piled up in Week 2, forcing fantasy managers to search for immediate help.

At the same time, several players have disappointed in consecutive games and are starting to look expendable. That makes Week 3 an ideal time to get active on the waiver wire.

Here are 14 players, plus a Week 3 streaming defense, to consider adding.

(*These guys are generally available in at least 70% of ESPN leagues and ranked in order of priority by position. Your bid should vary by format and situation. Need help at RB? Prioritize that position. All set there? Then you probably don’t need to chase the top guys)

Priority Targets of the Week

Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 10-15%

UPDATE: News emerged on Wednesday afternoon that Coleman is dealing with an ankle sprain. We'll see if he's able to play against the Rams, but this certainly takes some shine off his fantasy appeal. We lowered his blind bid recommendation and adjusted his spot in the Week 3 RB rankings.

What Changed?

The Broncos entered Sunday’s game without RJ Harvey (hamstring injury). J.K. Dobbins joined him with a third-quarter hamstring injury of his own. That left fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman alone atop the depth chart.

What’s the Outlook?

Coleman delivered a 3-yard, third-quarter TD on his seventh carry that ended up providing the game-winning points.

The rookie RB finished with 10 carries for 39 yards against a tough Jaguars run defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards last season. Coleman added 19 yards on 3 catches.

After playing just three offensive snaps in Week 1, Coleman ended up accounting for 35.7% of the team’s Week 2 rushing attempts, including six of the final seven.

We’ll see about Harvey’s and Dobbins’ statuses for Week 3 and beyond, but Coleman needs to be rostered in all leagues as the Broncos’ potential short-term lead back.

There’s also a chance that the buzzy rookie maintains a usable role even after the incumbents return to health if he simply outperforms them.

Oronde Gadsden, TE, Chargers

Blind Bid Recommendation: 12-15%

What Changed?

Most importantly, David Njoku (fibula) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) both landed on IR after suffering injuries in the loss to the Raiders. Gadsden caught both of his targets for 18 yards and a TD against Vegas.

What’s the Outlook?

Gadsden now steps into the clear No. 1 TE role. Gadsden already showed what that can mean for fantasy, posting five top-12 weeks as a rookie.

The Chargers have scored only 14 points in each of their first two games, while Justin Herbert ranks 22nd in adjusted completion rate among 28 QBs with 50+ attempts. His No. 12 rank in yards per attempt offers some reason for optimism.

Gadsden should see enough routes and targets to enter the TE1 conversation, starting with a Buffalo matchup that could create plenty of passing volume.

Denzel Boston, WR, Browns 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 10-15%

What Changed?

Boston has opened his career with 13.9 and 20.5 PPR points. He caught two of his 4 targets for 59 yards and a TD in his debut before producing 5 catches on 7 targets for 95 yards and a TD in Week 2.

What’s the Outlook?

Boston’s performances follow a training camp filled with buzz. We probably shouldn’t be surprised at the strong start, given the buzz, his second-round prospect profile, and corps-leading playing time.

Deshaun Watson has also quietly been a productive passer, ranking among the top 15 in yards and touchdowns. His 8.8 adjusted yards per attempt ranks eighth among all QBs.

Boston makes sense as a WR3-level option for a Week 3 home date against Carolina and could regularly sit in that range if things continue as they’ve started.

Emanuel Wilson, RB, Seahawks 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-10%

What Changed?

Wilson led the Seahawks with 21 carries and 92 rushing yards in Week 2's win over the Cardinals. He was thrust into the lead role after a fourth-quarter chest injury knocked Jadarian Price out.

What’s the Outlook?

Wilson handled 14 of his team-high 21 carries after Price exited, signaling that he’d likely continue to lead the backfield if Price misses further time. George Holani handled just four carries after Price went down, though he have gotten more without a minor injury late in the game, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson.

Wilson has also shown that he can produce with opportunity. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry across three seasons with the Packers and landed among the top 24 PPR backs on five occasions over the past two years. That included 26.5 PPR points and an RB3 finish in Week 12 last year against the Vikings.

We’ll see about the severity of Price’s injury.

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers

Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%

What Changed?

It was easy to write off Young’s QB3 finish in Week 1 as the product of a bad Bears defense. But he came back in Week 2 and completed 23 of 36 attempts for 287 yards and 3 TDs without an INT in an easy win over the Falcons. 

What’s the Outlook?

Young is averaging 27.8 fantasy points through two weeks and trails just Josh Allen.

The spike in production comes as the Panthers are passing at one of the league’s highest rates. They’re one of just four offenses with a 5.5% or higher pass rate over expected. Sunday marked the first time in Young’s career that he’s achieved back-to-back weeks of at least 20 points, and he’ll get a chance to continue that streak against a Browns defense that has given up the fourth-most TD passes.

That’s followed by an even more favorable matchup against the Lions, where Young projects as a viable QB1.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Jets 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-12%

What Changed?

Mitchell led the Jets with 12 targets against the Packers for a 29.3% target share. The third-year WR ended up with 12.3 PPR points after making six grabs for 63 yards in the OT loss.

What’s the Outlook?

Mitchell landed with the Jets in the Sauce Gardner trade. From his Week 11 debut through the end of the season, Mitchell drew a target on 23.0% of his routes, which came with Garrett Wilson sidelined.

But so far, with a healthy Wilson and improved opportunity, Mitchell has not only earned a target on 22.9% of the routes he’s run, but on 21.5% of the Jets’ total pass attempts.

The Jets WR gets a friendly Week 3 date with the Lions, who have coughed up 71 points and 815 total yards through two games, trailing only the Colts in each category.

That matchup makes Mitchell an intriguing WR4 or flex play, and the usage makes him worth keeping around.

Deep-League Plays

Geno Smith, QB, Jets 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%

What Changed?

Smith’s fantasy production has been held back by only one passing TD through two games. But the underlying numbers point to a QB playing much better than he did in 2025.

Most encouraging: Smith owns an 84.2% adjusted completion rate, second in the league behind Brock Purdy.

What’s the Outlook?

Favorable in the short term. Detroit has allowed the most fantasy points to QBs through two weeks.

The Lions have the offense to create shootout conditions and will again miss safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Fill-in Avonte Maddox also suffered a season-ending injury against the Bills.

Smith is a viable short-term fill-in for fantasy teams missing a starter, with another usable matchup against Chicago in Week 4.

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Packers

Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%

What Changed?

It wasn’t much, but Johnson’s 8 carries and 32 yards led the Green Bay backfield vs. the Jets. He also beat MarShawn Lloyd in yards per carry (4.0 to 3.3) and rushing success rate (50.0% to 33.3%).

What’s the Outlook?

After the win, HC Matt LaFleur signaled that Johnson would see more work: “I thought there was some good stuff. You start off overtime, and he rips off a 12-yard run or something like that off the left side. I thought he is a very good outside zone runner and just a natural runner.

“We’ll continue to work with him. Obviously, there are some things we can clean up, but I think he’s getting more comfortable with our offense, with our terminology, with protection schemes. So he’ll probably earn more opportunities.”

Johnson isn’t yet a usable fantasy option behind an offensive line that ranks 27th in adjusted line yards and 30th in Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade. But if the blocking improves and Josh Jacobs remains sidelined, Johnson could eventually push for flex value.

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%

What Changed?

Bateman delivered 7 catches, 88 yards, and 1 score with Zay Flowers sidelined. He clearly led the team in target share (33%) and route rate (95%).

What’s the Outlook?

Bateman might get another opportunity to act as the No. 1, depending on Flowers’ ability to get through the week healthy.

For now, Flowers appears likely to play against the Cowboys. But Dallas is a weak enough matchup that Bateman’s worth stashing just in case Flowers remains out.

Through two weeks, Dallas ranks 23rd in pressure rate and 27th in average separation allowed, per NFL Pro. That’s a nice combination for Bateman, whose Ravens are implied for the fourth-most points on the week (27.75). 

Upside Stashes

Marcus Mariota, QB, Commanders 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%

What Changed?

Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow on the final play before halftime in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys. It’s the third time he has suffered that specific injury since the start of last season.

Mariota finished the game in his place and will take over as starter for as long as Daniels remains out.

What’s the Outlook?

Mariota started eight games in Daniels’ place last season. He averaged 17.1 fantasy points over the seven full outings (Mariota left one early), which would have ranked 15th among QBs for the season.

Mariota gets a tough matchup right away, facing a Seahawks defense that has given up the fewest passing yards through two weeks. His 4.5 rushing points per game across that seven-game 2025 span helps his floor, though, even in difficult matchups.

Mariota will be a fringe QB1 option for Week 4 against the Colts, who have allowed the most points and yards through the first two weeks.

Tank Bigsby, RB, Eagles 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 12-15%

What Changed?

Bigsby led a split backfield after Saquon Barkley suffered a stinger on his first play of Sunday’s win over the Titans. Bigsby out-carried Will Shipley 13-7, producing 33 yards and the team’s lone rushing TD.

What’s the Outlook?

Barkley returned in the second half but handled only three more carries. We’ll get more details on his outlook this week.

Bigsby would stand as the top backfield play in Philly if Barkley misses further time, whether this week or later in the season. He didn’t do much against the Titans (2.5 yards per carry) but scored 17.6 PPR points as Eagles lead back in Week 18 against Washington last year. Bigsby also flashed for a couple of big games with the 2024 Jaguars.

A favorable Week 3 matchup with the Bears should help any Philadelphia RB. Keep in mind, though, that Bigsby figures to split work with Shipley, especially in the passing game. That dings the floor and ceiling, and Philly’s run blocking has also looked suspect through two contests.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills

Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%

What Changed?

Coleman tied for second on the team with 6 targets and finished second outright in both catches (6) and receiving yards (63).

What’s the Outlook?

It sounds like D.J. Moore has a chance to play vs. the Chargers in Week 3 after spraining an AC joint in Thursday’s win over the Lions. But Coleman could play a big role in a red-hot Bills offense if Moore isn’t ready. 

Through two weeks, Buffalo leads the NFL in points (77) and ranks fourth in passing yards (283.0 per game).

The Chargers enter Week 3 slotted 24th in PFF’s coverage grades and 30th in pass-defense DVOA. Buffalo’s currently implied for a slate-high 28.75 points.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Eagles 

Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-12%

What Changed?

Wicks has topped 12 PPR points in each of his first two games with the Eagles. The fourth-year WR has totaled 10 targets through two weeks, trailing only DeVonta Smith.

What’s the Outlook?

Wicks has historically earned targets when on the field. He earned a target on at least 19% of his routes in each of his first three seasons, which includes a 25.9% targets per route mark in 2024 that ranked 18th among all WRs.

His problem has been staying on the field. That’s no longer an issue after Philadelphia traded for him and then extended his contract.

Wicks remains primarily a bench stash, but a Week 3 matchup against the Bears gives him flex consideration and makes him a WR to add.

Terrance Ferguson, TE, Rams

Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-12%

What Changed?

Ferguson registered 6 catches, 54 yards, and 1 score on Monday night. He tallied a healthy 29% target share with Puka Nacua sidelined and led Rams TEs in route rate (70%).

What’s the Outlook?

It really comes down to Nacua’s health, given the massive target share he commands. That number sat at 30% last season.

HC Sean McVay wouldn’t commit to Nacua playing Sunday night against Denver. If Nacua sits again, Ferguson would project startable volume. Longer term, Ferguson remains an upside stash in case either Nacua or Davante Adams miss time.

Injuries to Watch

• Caleb Williams (hamstring)
• Jayden Daniels (elbow)
• Jaxson Dart (knee)
• Saquon Barkley (stinger)
• Jonathon Brooks (groin)
• Jadarian Price (shoulder)
• J.K. Dobbins (hamstring)
• RJ Harvey (hamstring)
• Rico Dowdle (toe)
• Malik Nabers (shoulder)
• Mike Evans (hip)
• Puka Nacua (hip)
• Zay Flowers (hamstring)
• D.J. Moore (shoulder)
• Alec Pierce (heel)
• Jayden Reed (back)
• Caleb Douglas (ankle)
• Brock Bowers (knee)
• Dallas Goedert (knee)

Top 10 RB Handcuffs

1. Blake Corum
2. Kyle Monangai
3. Emmett Johnson
4. Kaelon Black
5. Woody Marks
6. Tank Bigsby
7. Kenneth Gainwell
8. Braelon Allen
9. Mike Washington Jr.
10. Brian Robinson Jr.

Top Steaming Defense

Bengals (at Steelers)

We’ve been targeting the Bengals defense based on offensive matchups for years. Cincinnati ranked 30th (2025) and 27th (2024) in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) over the past two seasons, but this season has started much better.

The Bengals ranked seventh in DVOA over the first two weeks. This past week they held the Texans to 6 points in Week 2. 

They also racked up 4 sacks in each of those first two games. This might now be a defense to stream instead of a bottom-of-the-league unit.

Week 3 brings a Steelers offense that has scored only 16 points through two games. Pittsburgh hasn’t scored a TD since the second quarter of Week 1 against the Falcons and needed a 56-yard FG to avoid a shutout against the Patriots.

The Steelers' offensive skill players are hurting too. Michael Pittman Jr. missed Week 2 with a foot injury, and Rico Dowdle left that game with turf toe. Even if both play this week, they may not be at full strength.

All of that makes the Bengals DST a top pickup this week. 

Top Streaming Kickers

1. Tyler Bass
2. Daniel Carlson
3. Will Lutz

Drop Candidates

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Buccaneers

Gainwell has totaled just 7 carries and 4 catches through two weeks. He trails Bucky Irving in carry share (19% to 69%), target share (8% to 18%), and route rate (32% to 56%). That usage leaves Gainwell as more of a handcuff than a viable flex option. He’s fine to drop if you need the roster spot.

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Packers

Lloyd lost a fourth-quarter fumble Sunday and didn’t touch the ball again. He finished second among Packers RBs with 6 carries, trailing Kaleb Johnson by two. Josh Jacobs remains without a clear return timetable, but Lloyd hasn’t shown enough through two weeks to trust for fantasy.

Alec Pierce, WR, Colts

Pierce is expected to land on injured reserve after re-injuring his heel. There’s a chance he needs another surgery, which would knock him out beyond the required four-week stay on IR.