Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 3: Denzel Boston, Oronde Gadsden Must Adds?

We’ve got two weeks of football behind us, and that means we have larger sample sizes — perhaps providing confidence for potential fantasy stars on the waiver wire. Plus, injuries continue to run rampant across the NFL, impacting several quarterbacks and running backs this week.

Let’s look at the top waiver wire pickups across fantasy football for Week 3. A pair of wideouts in high-usage roles are drawing attention for Week 3 matchups and player projections on PrizePicks.

Make NFL Week 3 picks on PrizePicks! 

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

A couple of potential breakout stars, led by Browns WR Denzel Boston, headline waiver wire targets for Week 3. Injuries also continue to open up roles, leading to clear waiver wire targets for running backs and tight ends.

For each waiver wire target, we’ll highlight their Week 3 matchup and projections on PrizePicks, followed by a fantasy football roster percentage via Yahoo Sports.

Top Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

The secret’s out on Saints QB Tyler Shough, who now carries a 49% roster rate entering Week 3. Following 25.2 and 22.4 fantasy points to open the season, the second-year QB should be a top priority add if you’re lucky enough to have him available. 

As mentioned, our waiver wire focuses on widely available players for your fantasy football team, and we’ve still got intriguing options this week, including Panthers QB Bryce Young, Texans QB C.J. Stroud, and Titans QB Cam Ward. 

Furthermore, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow), Bears QB Caleb Williams (hamstring), and Giants QB Jaxson Dart (knee) were significant injury stories in Week 2, opening the door for Washington QB Marcus Mariota, Chicago QB Tyson Bagent, and New York QB Jameis Winston as waiver wire targets.

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Browns

Week 3 Projections via PrizePicks: 215.5 Pass Yards, 12.5 Rush Yards, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

Roster Percentage: 33%

Through two games, the Panthers have posted 35.5 points per game, and that’s meant plenty of fantasy success for Bryce Young, who’s logged 32.4 (QB3) and 24.1 (QB7) fantasy points in his first two games. 

He’s tallied 36.5 passing attempts per game, elevated from 29.9 per game in the 2025 season. Despite Week 2’s dominant 34-3 win over the Falcons, the positive game script didn’t take away from Young’s workload, with Carolina posting a 62.1% pass-play rate.

Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks suffered a groin injury in the win, perhaps further encouraging Carolina to keep airing it out. Week 3’s opponent, the Browns, has allowed 7.5 yards per passing attempt (17th) and a 47.1% pass success rate (24th), per RBSDM.  

Young has the efficiency to torch Cleveland, backed by 0.308 adjusted EPA per play (seventh). Plus, Pro Football Focus gives Young a 5.2% big-time throw rate (tied for eighth) and a 10.5 average depth of target (tied for third).

Make Bryce Young picks on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Colts

Week 3 Projections via PrizePicks: 220.5 Pass Yards, 12.5 Rush Yards

Roster Percentage: 38%

The Texans are off to a 0-2 start, but C.J. Stroud’s play provides some hope. 

He racked up 274 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, and 16.5 fantasy points in Week 1 (QB16), which was negatively impacted by 2 lost fumbles. Stroud took care of the ball in Week 2’s 20-6 loss vs. the Bengals, with 353 passing yards, reaching 17.0 fantasy points (QB14) despite not logging a TD.

Most importantly, he carries significant volume thus far, sporting 38 and 55 passing attempts in his first two games. Week 3’s matchup vs. the Colts could be another track meet, and Week 4 features another battle with a strong offense in the Cowboys.

Stroud’s ceiling may rise when WR Nico Collins returns from a hamstring injury, though Collins seems unlikely to play in Week 3. 

The Colts could be a more favorable matchup than the Bengals, as Indianapolis allowed 33 points in a 33-30 loss vs. the Chiefs. Further, the Colts have a low 5.26% sack rate (23rd), which would be a welcomed sight for Stroud — who has been sacked 3 and 4 times through two games.

Predict More or Less for C.J. Stroud’s pass yards on PrizePicks.

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Titans QB Cam Ward

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Giants

Week 3 Projections via PrizePicks: 179.5 Pass Yards, 10.5 Rush Yards

Roster Percentage: 10%

Cam Ward, the former #1 overall pick, entered 2026 with expectations to take the next step in his development, but he struggled with 4.4 yards per passing attempt, 140 passing yards, and 11.7 fantasy points (QB26) vs. the Jets in Week 1.

Against tougher competition vs. the Eagles, Ward rose to the occasion by logging 183 passing yards, 2 rushing TDs, and 20.0 fantasy points (QB11). Most importantly, his sudden rushing volume and increased air yards add real potential.

We saw some of that rush potential in Week 1, backed by 4 rushing attempts for 21 rushing yards (5.3 yards per carry). Ward now has 4 red-zone rushing attempts, per Pro Football Reference. In fact, he’s taken 57.1% of Tennessee’s carries within the 10-yard line.

He sported a putrid 5.3 aDOT in Week 1, but that climbed to 7.1 in Week 2. Ward’s 1 turnover-worthy play on Sunday is something to keep tabs on, but his 88.2% completion percentage from the 24-20 loss vs. the Eagles draws interest.

Make Cam Ward picks on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Other Week 3 QB Waiver Wire Pickups to Target

• Dolphins QB Malik Willis (vs. Chiefs): 36% roster percentage
• Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (vs. Commanders): 27% roster percentage
• Jets QB Geno Smith (vs. Lions): 5% roster percentage
• Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (vs. Seahawks): 0% roster percentage
• Bears QB Tyson Bagent (vs. Eagles): 0% roster percentage
• Giants QB Jameis Winston (vs. Titans): 0% roster percentage

Top Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

Broncos J.K. Dobbins (hamstring), Seahawks RB Jadarian Price (shoulder), and Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (stinger) all suffered injuries on Sunday. That puts focus on Broncos RB Jonah Coleman, Eagles RB Tank Bigsby, and Seahawks RB Emanuel Wilson for this week’s waiver wire.

If 49ers RB Kaelon Black (55%) and/or Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier (50%) is available, they should take priority with each holding roster rates of at least 50%. Black received 7 carries and a 32.7% snap share, while Allgeier posted an eye-catching 64.0% snap rate in Week 2.

Broncos RB Jonah Coleman

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Rams

Roster Percentage: 27% 

This week’s top running back priority for the waiver wire goes hand in hand with J.K. Dobbins’ injury. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported Dobbins is “good” on Monday, but his status at practice will reveal his potential to play in Week 3. 

Keep in mind RB RJ Harvey (hamstring) also missed Week 2, and his status will also impact Coleman’s potential workload. After Week 1’s 5.9% snap rate from Coleman, that jumped to 40.3% on Sunday.

On 25 snaps, Coleman totaled 10 rushing attempts for 39 rushing yards (3.9 YPC) in Week 2. Elevated by 1 rushing TD, Coleman posted 14.8 fantasy points (RB9).

If Dobbins and Harvey are in danger of missing Week 3’s battle with the Rams, Coleman should have a busy day ahead. 

Lock in Jonah Coleman picks on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Eagles RB Tank Bigsby

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Bears

Roster Percentage: 29% 

Following Week 1’s 70.9% snap rate, Saquon Barkley was kept off the field due to a stinger in Week 2, finishing with only a 15.8% snap share. Tank Bigsby benefited from the absence with a 34.2% snap rate, 13 carries, 33 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, and 2 targets and receptions for 5 receiving yards.

RB Will Shipley also competed for work with 12 snaps, 9 carries, and 28 rushing yards. However, Bigsby was the more efficient back with 2.21 yards after contact per carry compared to Shipley’s 1.78.

After Week 2’s 11.8 fantasy points (RB18), Bigsby is a clear waiver wire target if Saquon misses any time. 

Make Tank Bigsby picks on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Other Week 3 RB Waiver Wire Pickups to Target

• Packers RB Kaleb Johnson (vs. Falcons): 4% roster percentage
• Titans RB Tyjae Spears (vs. Giants): 33% roster percentage
• Seahawks RB Emanuel Wilson (vs. Commanders): 1% roster percentage
• Jets RB Braelon Allen (vs. Lions): 16% roster percentage

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Top Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

After producing 19.9 fantasy points (WR10) in Week 1, Saints WR Devaughn Vele was a clear waiver wire target. He was once again productive with 11.4 points (WR29), but he’s now rostered in 51% of leagues.

Instead of focusing on a player who is rostered in about half of leagues, let’s look at more widely available targets.

Browns WR Denzel Boston

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Panthers

Week 3 Projections via PrizePicks: 34.5 Receiving Yards, 3.5 Receptions, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

Roster Percentage: 32% 

Denzel Boston made last week’s waiver wire targets, and if you didn’t snag him, now’s your chance. In fact, this could be the last call, as he produced an absurd 20.5 fantasy points (WR12) vs. the Buccaneers.

The rookie out of Washington has logged a receiving TD in back-to-back games to begin his NFL career. Following last week’s 4 targets, 2 receptions, and 59 receiving yards, Boston turned it up a notch by recording 7 targets, 5 catches, and 95 receiving yards — capped by this highlight play.

According to Sumer Sports, Boston’s 21.2% target share is tied for Cleveland’s highest mark with fellow rookie WR K.C. Concepcion. Plus, he’s provided excellent efficiency by logging 13.87 total EPA and 2.48 yards per route run. Following 49 yards after contact on Sunday, Boston could be firmly in the Offensive Rookie of the Year hunt.

In fact, PrizePicks gives Boston the third-shortest payout to win Offensive Rookie of the Year (7.14x).

Browns QB Deshaun Watson finally comes off a good performance, throwing for 0.352 adjusted EPA per play and a 55.3% success rate, which ranked fifth and fourth in Week 2. 

Make Denzel Boston picks on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Dolphins WR Malik Washington

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Chiefs

Roster Percentage: 14% 

Malik Washington has produced 6.3 (WR61) and 8.7 (WR41) fantasy points thus far, but he’s been the Dolphins’ most-used receiver with 66 pass snaps.

Rookie WR Caleb Douglas isn’t far behind with 61 pass snaps, and he had 5 catches, 94 receiving yards, and 14.4 fantasy points (WR22) in Week 1. However, Douglas sustained an ankle injury in Week 2, opening up more targets if he misses time.  

According to PlayerProfiler, Washington carries a 98.0% snap share (second), 97.3% route rate (second), and 29.6% target share (10th). That kind of usage should lead to fantasy points eventually, especially if Douglas misses any games due to injury.

Lock in Malik Washington picks on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Other Week 3 WR Waiver Wire Pickups to Target

• Raiders WR Tre Tucker (vs. Saints): 29% roster percentage
• Ravens WR Rashod Bateman (vs. Cowboys): 17% roster percentage
• Eagles WR Dontayvion Wicks (vs. Bears): 28% roster percentage
• Jets WR Adonai Mitchell (vs. Lions): 16% roster percentage
• Bears WR Kalif Raymond (vs. Eagles): 9% roster percentage
• Dolphins WR Chris Bell (vs. Chiefs): 6% roster percentage

Top Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

Entering Week 3, we have a few injuries to watch. Chargers TE David Njoku (fibula) was placed on injured reserve, while Raiders TE Brock Bowers (knee) is expected to practice this week.

The Chargers’ tight end room opens for business, while Bowers’ return would mean Raiders TE Michael Mayer is likely no longer worth an add.

Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Bills

Roster Percentage: 6% 

Alongside the Njoku injury, Chargers TE Charlie Kolar (forearm) was also placed on injured reserve. That’s two of Los Angeles’ top three tight ends, making Oronde Gadsden a clear waiver wire priority. 

Gadsden has minimal production thus far, tallying 2 targets and catches for 32 receiving yards and 5.2 fantasy points (TE28) in Week 1. He followed that with another 2 targets and receptions for 18 receiving yards, 1 TD, and 9.8 fantasy points (TE15) on Sunday. 

During his 2025 rookie season, Gadsden totaled 664 receiving yards while reaching double-digit fantasy point totals in six of 15 appearances.  

Ahead of Week 2, Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel suggested Gadsden could see more snaps going forward. That’s certainly the case now, as Njoku and Kolar will each miss at least four games on injured reserve.

Predict Oronde Gadsden stats on PrizePicks for NFL Week 3.

Other Week 3 TE Waiver Wire Pickups to Target

• Panthers TE Darren Waller (vs. Browns): 3% roster percentage
• Rams TE Terrance Ferguson (vs. Broncos): 19% roster percentage 
• Raiders TE Michael Mayer (vs. Saints): 21% roster percentage
• Jaguars TE Brenton Strange (vs. Patriots): 31% roster percentage
• Jets TE Kenyon Sadiq (vs. Lions): 18% roster percentage
• Seahawks TE AJ Barner (vs. Commanders): 14% roster percentage

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Top Defense (D/ST) Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

As usual, our top D/ST streaming options focus on facing weak offenses, like the Dolphins and Falcons. However, we also have a rising defense on the list that’s racked up turnovers and sacks.

Bengals Defense

Week 3 Matchup: vs. Steelers

Week 3 Total via PrizePicks: Bengals vs. Steelers Over/Under – 42.5

Roster Percentage: 6% roster percentage 

That rising defense? It’s the Cincinnati Bengals.

After holding the Texans to 6 points and 4.8 yards per play, this unit is allowing only 16.5 PPG (eighth) and 5.0 yards per play (10th) through two games. Furthermore, the Bengals have conceded -0.173 EPA per play (fourth) and a 41.5% success rate (10th).  

In Week 1, the unit racked up 4 sacks, 4 forced turnovers, and 18.0 fantasy points (D/ST1). On Sunday, the quality kept up with 4 sacks and 11.0 fantasy points (D/ST11). According to ESPN, Cincy has a 54% pass rush win rate (13th), and PFF credited the Bengals with an absurd 41 pressures in Week 2.

The Steelers have -0.286 EPA per play (31st) and a 36.3% success rate (29th) over two matchups. Generating 11.5 PPG (31st) and 3.8 yards per play (32nd), Pittsburgh is an extremely favorable matchup for this Bengals defense.

Make your Bengals vs. Steelers picks on PrizePicks!

Other Week 3 D/ST Waiver Wire Pickups to Target

• Chiefs D/ST (vs. Dolphins): 34% roster percentage
• Packers D/ST (vs. Falcons): 24% roster percentage
• Panthers D/ST (vs. Browns): 7% roster percentage

Make NFL Week 3 Picks on PrizePicks

Denzel Boston could be the clear gem for the Week 3 waiver wire. Alongside the emerging Browns rookie, Oronde Gadsden is gearing up for an increased role, and Bryce Young comes off back-to-back top 10 fantasy weekly finishes.

Don’t wait until kickoff — make your NFL Week 3 picks on PrizePIcks now! You can make picks on the winner, spread, and over/under on PrizePicks Team Picks, now available in 36 states. With PrizePicks, just pick players and predict More or Less on their stats!

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