Waiver Worthy: Week 3 (2018): Rookie Quarterbacks Finally Arrive, Intriguing Wide Receivers & More

by Will Overton

Week 3 is in the books and there were some shocking game results and surprising box score standouts. With the bye weeks set to start in Week 4 playing the waiver wire becomes much more strategic. There’s a smorgasbord of options this week as we’re going to look at a couple rookie quarterbacks who stole the show, some running backs for those who are desperate for help and some of the plentiful wide receiver to choose from on the wire. Let’s get to work:

Baker Mayfield – QB, Cleveland Browns: The number one pick in the 2018 NFL Draft took the social media world by storm last Thursday when he came in and led the Browns back to a win over the Jets. Mayfield didn’t throw a TD but clearly had a good rapport with his receivers going 17 –23 for 201 yards in just a little over a half. He has been named the starter for Week 4 and the timing is just right with the Browns set to face off with the Raiders. I believe in the talent of Mayfield and I am looking forward to watching him, but in fantasy I’m going to play things a little more wait and see, which means I might miss out as Bakermania sweeps the nation, but there are so many other options out there including this other rookie I am about to discuss…
Verdict: Don’t overpay to add him, not my top QB add

Josh Allen – QB, Buffalo Bills: While he didn’t quite reach the heights of Bakermania, Allen was a big story on Sunday as he led the Bills to a shocking takedown of the Vikings. Allen was 15 – 22 for 196 yards and a TD through the air, and he ran for 39 yards and two more TD on the ground. If I was running a franchise I’d take Baker Mayfield, as I feel he is a better NFL quarterback and a more talented thrower. From a fantasy perspective a QB with some wheels, who is going to get a chance to rack up some ground yardage and TD, is very valuable. As with all rookie QB Allen is going to have his ups and downs, but for the long haul of the season I like the fantasy upside.
Verdict: Upside add at QB based on rushing potential

Javorius Allen – RB, Baltimore Ravens: I’m not sure fantasy owners really know what to do with Allen at this point. He has just 32 yards rushing through three games, but he’s ran for a TD in all three games. He also has caught 13 passes with another TD through the air. I do believe Alex Collins is the far superior running back from a talent perspective, but for some reason John Harbaugh loves Allen at the goal line and he’s getting the job done. The floor is scary because if he doesn’t find the end zone he may not score any points. On the other hand, with bye weeks coming and running back not being deep you may need someone like Allen in a pinch.
Verdict: It’s depth if you need it, but don’t set your expectations too high

Wendell Smallwood – RB, Philadelphia Eagles: The buzz was all about Corey Clement when Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles were ruled out on Sunday, but it was Smallwood that stole the show. Smallwood ran the ball 10 times for 56 yards and a TD, while also catching three passes for 35 yards. Doug Pederson loves to use multiple running backs and so Smallwood may have earned himself a role going forward. The problem is the talk is already that Ajayi and Sproles will be back this week and with four backs to feed I want no part of the Eagles running back situation.
Verdict: Leave him be unless the injury news in Philly changes

Tyler Boyd – WR, Cincinnati Bengals: If there was any doubt going into Week 3 about who the number two wide receiver in Cincinnati was, there is no doubt now. Boyd hauled in six catches for the second week in a row, being targeted seven times. He turned his six catches into 132 yards and a TD, his second TD in his last two games. The Bengals offense has been surprisingly good and while last year there wasn’t enough fantasy value to go around beyond A.J. Green, this year feels different. Boyd is just 23 so it makes plenty of sense that he would be breaking out and he seems to have earned Andy Dalton’s trust, and in turn may be at least the safest wide receiver you can grab.
Verdict: Best combination of safety and upside at WR

Calvin Ridley – WR, Atlanta Falcons: The rookie quarterbacks were the main attraction, but Ridley may have been the most impressive rookie of all. He was taking the Saints to task all game long, finishing with 7 catches for 146 yards and 3 TD. Ridley put up a big zero in Week 1, followed that up with some promise in Week 2 and just blew it up this past week. The question is what do we expect going forward? Ridley is talented but he won’t be playing the Saints every week either. I think we’re going to get some games like this, but we’re also going to see some games where he fades into the background. The upside is here, but I don’t know that he’s as safe as Boyd.
Verdict: Highest upside add, but there will be down games

Mike Williams – WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Have I mentioned how loaded the WR position is on the waiver wire right now? Williams was targeted seven times against the Rams and caught four passes for 81 yards and a pair of TD. Williams now has three TD in his last two games and is carving out a nice role for himself as the Chargers end zone threat. Keenan Allen is the guy who is going to get the majority of targets and rack up the catches, even though he was held in check this past week. Williams value is there as he has a shot at double digit TD grabs this season.
Verdict: Top end value may be capped, but certainly a nice guy to have on bye weeks