Continuing to round out your fantasy football roster is a big deal, regardless of where you are in the fantasy football season. Your Week 3 waiver wire pickups could make the difference between the playoffs and just missing out, and ClutchPoints is here to help.
The following list includes players who are rostered on 50 percent or fewer of all ESPN rosters, as this weekâÂÂs list focuses on potential game winners and not depth pieces. Heading into Week 3, try your best to find that final missing piece your roster needs to win your matchup.
1. RB Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos
22.1% Rostered
Your top target in the Week 3 waiver wire pickups should be rookie running back Jonah Coleman, who stepped in and led the Denver backfield down the stretch in Week 2. With RJ Harvey missing the Broncosâ win over the Jaguars and JK Dobbins leaving early due to injury, Coleman stepped in and delivered, turning 13 touches (three receptions) into 58 yards and a touchdown.
Coleman clearly has the trust of Sean Payton and Davis Webb, and even if Harvey and/or Dobbins are able to return in Week 3, Coleman should have a fantasy-relevant role moving forward, making him a key add for your running back room.
2. WR Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns
26.4% Rostered
Another rookie joins Coleman on the Week 3 waiver wire pickups, as Cleveland receiver Denzel Boston has been a revelation for this WR room. Even with the quarterback issues plaguing the Browns, Boston has been a strong option, going for at least 50 yards and a touchdown in each of the first two weeks.
The CLE offense will be playing from behind often this year, giving Boston a safer floor when it comes to receiving volume. Make Boston your top WR target for your Week 3 waiver wire pickups, as he should carry all-season value as a WR3/flex option.
3. RB Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles
15.2% Rostered
With Saquon BarkleyâÂÂs status for Week 3 up in the air after suffering a stinger, Tank Bigsby is the next man up in the Philadelphia backfield. In BarkleyâÂÂs absence, Bigsby earned 15 touches, finding the end zone on one of his 13 carries.
An update on BarkleyâÂÂs health later this week will dictate what BigsbyâÂÂs role will be in Week 3, but expect the former Jaguars RB to earn more of a workload moving forward.
4. QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
34.3% Rostered
The lone quarterback on the Week 3 waiver wire pickups is CarolinaâÂÂs Bryce Young, who has had a bit of a coming-out party so far this season. With the Panthers looking stronger on offense than last year, Young has been captaining that ship, consistently helping Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker record WR1/2 finishes to start the season.
Young has had nearly identical stat lines to open the year, completing 23 passes and throwing for three touchdowns in each of his first two games. He has done a great job cutting down on turnovers, as he has only thrown one interception and not lost a fumble so far. CarolinaâÂÂs offense has looked very strong across the board in 2026, and Young has produced two consecutive QB1 weeks and is looking for another.
5. TE Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
21.4% Rostered
Dalton Schultz stepped into Nico Collinsâ vacated role in Week 2, as C.J. Stroud threw his way 14 times against the Bengals. While Cincinnati is notorious for allowing copious yards to opposing tight ends, Schultz and his 12-catch, 140-yard showing wasnâÂÂt a fluke. Even if Collins returns next week, Schultz will be in line for solid passing volume.
6. RB Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
15.7% Rostered
Expect rookie running back Emmett Johnson to take on a larger role in the Kansas City offense moving forward. Johnson has looked elusive and deserving of the extra work, and with Kenneth Walker IIIâÂÂs checkered injury history, it would make sense for Johnson to earn an uptick in work.
Johnson hasnâÂÂt put up strong numbers yet, but he is the clear RB2 in the KC offense, offering value both on the ground and through the air.
7. TE Darren Waller, Carolina Panthers
2.9% Rostered
Darren Waller looks to be YoungâÂÂs safety blanket in the Carolina offense, especially with his two-touchdown performance in Week 2. The pass-catcher breakdown for the Panthers pits Waller behind both McMillan and Coker, but still gives the veteran TE a solid floor in the receiving game and for your fantasy football roster.
8. WR Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
24.5% Rostered
Tre Tucker has developed a strong relationship with Kirk Cousins, especially after his 119-yard performance in Week 2. Even with Brock Bowers on his way back to the starting lineup, Tucker has put some distance between himself and the other wideouts for the WR1 role, on an offense that will likely need to throw the ball more as they move into a tougher part of their schedule.
9. RB Emanuel Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
0.4% Rostered
Rookie running back Jadarian Price left the Week 2 win for the Seahawks with a shoulder injury, paving the way for Emanuel Wilson to step into the starting role. Wilson stepped into 21 carries, a really solid workload that could turn into an increase in snaps in Week 3 with PriceâÂÂs status being up in the air.
If Price is able to practice this week and does not enter Week 3 with any injury designation, then you can leave Wilson on your waiver wire. However, if Price is limited/questionable, Wilson looks to be the next back in line for work, so he would be worth an add.
10. TE Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers
2.0% Rostered
With both David Njoku and Charlie Kolar heading to IR after suffering Week 2 injuries, Oronde Gadsden finds himself atop the LAC tight end depth chart once again. Gadsden hauled in a touchdown against the Raiders, and his elevated workload should mean a safer role in the offense, fantasy-wise.
If you need a fill-in for Dallas Goedert, Gadsden should be one of your targets in your Week 3 waiver wire pickups, as he will be stepping into a great role in the Chargers' offense.