Waivering: Week 3

Tue Sep 19 8:54am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Ford could have big role for Browns

Well, the injury bug has hit again, leaving some teams looking for help at several positions. The Nick Chubb injury is going to devastate a lot of teams. This is an injury that will be tough to overcome. You are losing a first or second round pick for the rest of the season. A guy that is as consistent as any fantasy back in the game. And we hate to say it, but you are not going to find a guy to replace his production on the waiver wire. That just won’t happen. The hope is to find someone that can help ease the pain a little.

QUARTERBACKS (owned %)

C.J. Stroud, Texans (28.4%). Stroud topped 25 fantasy points last week and has attempted at least 44 passes each of his first two games. He has looked pretty good to start his career. And with the Texans struggling to run and likely playing behind a lot, Stroud should continue to get plenty of chances to air it out.

Sam Howell, Commanders (43.7%). Howell had a strong Week 2, going 27-of-39 for 299 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. And he did this on the road against a good Broncos defense. It was an impressive showing for the young player, who has 19-plus fantasy points each of his first two games.

RUNNING BACKS (owned %)

Zack Moss, Colts (50.5%). Moss made his season debut last week and was the clear lead back, dominating the work for the Colts. He looked good, rushing 18 times for 88 yards and a touchdown. He also had four catches for 19 yards, giving him 107 total yards. As long as Jonathan Taylor is out, Moss will be the lead back and have good fantasy value in that role.

Tyjae Spears, Titans (65.3%). Derrick Henry is the clear starter, but Spears continues to get weekly work. He sees the field a lot and actually has been more efficient with his touches. Spears ran eight times for 49 yards in Week 2. He is tough to use for fantasy teams right now, but his usage makes him an intriguing bench player. He is worth owning in all formats.

Tony Jones, Saints (0.1%). Jones was the lead back for the Saints after Jamaal Williams went down with injury. Jones didn’t found much room to run but did score two touchdowns, giving him good fantasy numbers. He might get two more weeks to start until Alvin Kamara is back from his suspension. Jones could have some short-term value if given an expanded role in this offense.

Kendre Miller, Saints (37.4%). Miller likely would serve as the starter for the Saints if Jamaal Williams is out for any time, but needs to get healthy first. He is yet to play his rookie season because of a hamstring injury. Miller could play a big role as soon as he is ready to play, though. He could even start despite not playing a down yet in the NFL.

Matt Breida, Giants (6.9%). Breida has gotten next to no work to start his season, but that might be changing now with Saquon Barkley banged up. Breida is the next man up and could be the starter for the Giants if Barkley misses time. He is worth owning in all formats, serving as the possible No. 1 back for the Giants.

Craig Reynolds, Lions (0.2%). An injury to David Montgomery could open the door for Reynolds to get some more playing time. He could slide into Montgomery’s role in the offense with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs playing his usual role. Reynolds has some potential if Montgomery misses any time.

Jerome Ford, Browns (32.4%). Ford is the next man up with Nick Chubb done for the season. Ford has some big-play ability and is good in the passing game. Don’t be surprised if the Browns look outside the organization for more help at running back, but Ford could get first shot to run with the job. Ford is worth adding in all formats. He can post some decent numbers in this offense as the No. 1 back.

Kareem Hunt, Free Agent (56.1%). It seems it is only a matter of time before Hunt is added to a roster, especially with teams like the Browns looking for help at running back. He seems a logical fit there. Hunt is a good speculative add because of this. He could be playing a big role in an offense sooner than later.

WIDE RECEIVERS (owned %)

Jayden Reed, Packers (28.8%). Reed saw a season-high eight targets last week and had four catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns. His strong play could see him finding the field more often going forward. He is off to a good start and is making plays with his chances.

Josh Reynolds, Lions (19.4%). Reynolds had five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. Reynolds now has a line of 9/144/2 through two games. He is the starter opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown while Jameson Williams is suspended. Reynolds has some short-term fantasy value in this offense while he is starting.

Nico Collins, Texans (77.9%). This is likely the last week to grab Collins if he is available in your league. He had another big game, showing he is the clear top receiver for the Texans. Collins had seven receptions for 146 yards in Week 2 and has 14-plus fantasy points each of his first two games. He is on his way to a breakout season.

Marvin Mims, Broncos (33.4%). Mims was a hot pickup for Week 1 with Jerry Jeudy out, but did nothing in that one. Instead, he had a huge second game with Jeudy back in the lineup. Go figure. He showed his big-play ability, catching two passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. He might be hit or miss throughout the season but is capable of having some big games along the way.

Tank Dell, Texans (20.1%). Dell has been targeted 14 times in two games. He had seven receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown last week. He is the No. 2 receiver for Texans and could rack up the volume in the passing game. As mentioned, this team could be playing from behind a lot.

TIGHT ENDS (owned %)

Cade Otton, Bucs (4.2%). Otton has six receptions for 41 yards last week. The Bucs like to use the tight end and Otton is their best option at the position. And with the passing game looking pretty good, Otton could continue to post some good numbers. He is a decent backup for fantasy teams.

Logan Thomas, Commanders (11.9%). Thomas suffered a concussion last week and could miss some time, but is still worth a look for receiver needy teams. He had two catches for 22 yards and a score before leaving in Week 2. He has 11 targets in two games and plays in a tight-end friendly offense. If healthy, he has a pretty high ceiling for fantasy teams.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Waivering: Week 3

The Paur Report