Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 3.
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints: Like we all predicted, there is only one quarterback who has finished top five in fantasy scoring the first two weeks and it’s … Derek Carr? It was one thing to obliterate the lowly Panthers, but the way the Saints carved up the Cowboys was impressive. Carr has been impressive in two games with Klint Kubiak running the offense. The Eagles’ shaky pass defense is up next for New Orleans. If you lost Jordan Love or Tua Tagovailoa, Carr needs to be in your radar.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This is starting to look like a timeshare in the making, as Irving was once again the most efficient runner in the backfield. Rachaad White finished with 10 carries for 18 yards, while Irving had seven carries for 22 yards. White still has a stranglehold on third downs, but his inability to get going on the ground is well documented. This could be a situation where Irving becomes the early-down back if White continues to struggle as a runner. Add Irving now before it’s too late.
Carson Steele, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco injured his ankle on Sunday and left the stadium in a walking boot, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. Semaje Perine is the more recognizable name, but Steele saw more plays (14) and had seven carries. Perine played just nine snaps and saw just one measly target. Neither is a long-term solution, but if you are in a pinch this week and Pacheco does miss game action, Steele will get the early-down and goal-line carries for the Chiefs.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams: Robinson becomes the clear No. 1 receiver in LA if Cooper Kupp is out of action for a considerable time. Robinson played the most snaps among Rams receivers on Sunday, finishing with a team-high 50 receiving yards. With Puka Nacua already on injured reserve, Robinson should see heavy volume if Kupp is also out for the foreseeable future.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: He’s been the brunt of many jokes because of his issues with drops, but Johnston leads the Chargers in targets, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns after two games. He also led all receivers with 48 plays, 14 more than any other Chargers receiver. The Chargers will pound the rock more often than not, but Johnston is their best red-zone threat as well. Johnston has all the physical tools a team wants in a modern wide receiver. Justin Herbert is looking his way often to start the season.
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts: I was hesitant to put him in this piece last week because I felt it could have been a one-week wonder, but Pierce led the team in targets in Week 2. Pierce now leads the Colts in receiving yards (181) and has found the end zone in each of the first two games. Josh Downs was inactive once again this week and will be a key part of the Colts’ offense once he’s healthy, so I’m not breaking the bank to add Pierce.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots: Anytime a player receives half the targets for his team, it’s going to catch the attention of fantasy owners. Henry was targeted 12 times, reeling in eight passes for 109 yards. The rest of the Patriots’ offense finished with seven receptions for 40 yards. With no clear No. 1 wide receiver in New England, Henry should get a lot of looks this season.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Braelon Allen, New York Jets
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
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