Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 3.
Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts: Just like we all predicted, the QB2 in fantasy football is … Daniel Jones!? He torched the Dolphins in Week 1, but I was hesitant to start him against the Broncos’ excellent defense. Denver had no answers for Jones, who threw for 316 yards and a touchdown. He also found the end zone as a runner for the second straight week. The production should continue as the Colts play the Titans, Rams, Raiders and Cardinals the next four games.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns: If you are in one of the 40 percent of leagues in which Judkins is available, empty the FAAB account to land Judkins. The rookie was away from the team all offseason until signing his contract last week and instantly made an impact for the Browns. Judkins started the game for Cleveland and led the team with 10 carries for 61 yards. He also added 11 yards on three receptions. Judkins would have been a top-75 pick with a full training camp. He is the prize waiver wire pickup this season.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants: Russell Wilson and the Giants are airing it out, and Robinson has been the biggest beneficiary. In Week 1, he finished with six receptions for 55 yards on eight targets. He was even more productive in Week 2, totaling eight receptions for 142 yards and a score. I am not expecting the Giants to be in many competitive shootouts this season, but they will be trailing often. It will not be long until bye weeks are here — Week 5 to be exact — and Robinson will be a FLEX play for fantasy teams.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans: The rookie from Stanford had just two receptions for 13 yards in Week 1, but the seven targets were promising. He delivered in his second career game as he reeled in four of six targets for 56 yards and a touchdown. The six targets tied for the team lead. The Titans figure to be passing often late in games, so stash Ayomanor on the bench and see if the target share continues.
Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos: Fantasy managers have their answer for who the No. 2 receiver is in Denver. Marvin Mims Jr. was a popular pick in the final rounds of fantasy drafts, but Franklin currently leads the Broncos in receptions (12), targets (15) and receiving yards (133). Bo Nix is looking for his college teammate
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints: A young quarterback’s best friend is the tight end and Spencer Rattler is looking for Johnson regularly. Johnson has 20 targets and finished as TE4 and TE3 the first two weeks, respectively. Injuries are starting to pile up at the tight end position and Johnson’s usage calls for him to be in starting lineups.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens
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