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QB Kirk Cousins, Redskins (10%) – RG3 isn’t coming back anytime soon and Cousins is the new Redskins QB. He struggled (against bad defenses) in 3 starts late last season, but looked good in week 2 (22/33, 250 yards, 2 TD, 109.4 rating) and the Redskins have more weapons this year. I don’t think Cousins is a top 12 QB, but is a solid starter in 2 QB leagues and a decent backup option who will have some favorable matchups in the NFC East (DAL, NYG).
RB Khiry Robinson, Saints (20%) – Tough break for Mark Ingram who was finally starting to look like a legit NFL RB, but he’s out for 4-6 weeks now and that is good news for Robinson. He should take over as the Saints primary early-down / short-yardage RB and could see around 15 touches per game. I’m not confident enough to start Robinson until I see how he’s used this week, but he could be a solid bye week or short-term injury replacement.
RB Bobby Rainey, Bucs (24%) – Running back Doug Martin may be back in the starting lineup for week 3, but Rainey solidified his spot as at least the #2 and a potential #1 if Martin continues to struggle. Rainey had 144 yards on 22 carries (6.5 ypc) and caught 3 passes for 30 yards. He’s not worthy of a spot in your starting lineup if Martin is healthy, but he’s a top-tier handcuff and should get a couple more starts this year filling in for the injury-prone Martin.
WR Mohammed Sanu, Bengals (10%) – With Marvin Jones already out of the lineup and stud receiver A.J. Green dealing with a toe injury, Sanu is the default #1 WR for the Bengals. Sanu might be the slowest WR in the NFL, but he has reliable hands and could conceivably lead the Bengals in targets while Green is out. Sometimes opportunity is more important than talent.
WR John Brown, Cardinals (9%) – Wasn’t as productive in week 2 (3-28) but the Cardinals were playing without starting QB Carson Palmer and were making a concerted effort to get Larry Fitzgerald the ball after last week’s controversy. With Palmer back in week 3 I think Brown will get more targets and be a borderline flex play moving forward.
WR Marqise Lee, Jags (12%) – After a no-show in week 2 (2 catches, 11 yards) many owners will give up on Lee, but he has the talent to become the Jags #1 WR. If you have a decent sized bench I think Lee is a good stash and could be a fantasy starter in the 2nd half of the season once Blake Bortles takes over at QB.
Super Sleepers (<5%)
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RB Alfred Blue, Texans (1%) – Arian Foster is leading the league in carries so far this season with 55. Foster is notoriously fragile and the odds of him holding up under a heavy workload are slim. Blue got 11 carries in garbage time last week and the rookie 6th round pick seems to be the Texans #2 option. He could have RB3/Flex value if Foster were to get hurt.
WR Davonte Adams, Packers (1%) – Adams saw two more snaps (37) than current 3rd WR Jarrett Boykin (35) in week 2 and the rookie 2nd round pick should get more playing time as the season goes on. The Packers offense is potent enough to support three fantasy WRs and Adams has WR3/Flex upside.
Kevin Ogletrees (Don’t waste your money)
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TE Niles Paul, Redskins (6%) – In my two leagues with Tuesday waivers, Paul went for $21 & $19. For me that is way too steep for a guy whose value is completely dependent on the health of Jordan Reed. Granted Reed has had trouble staying healthy so far in his career, but there are rumors that Reed might be back as soon as week 4. Spending around a 5th of your waiver budget on a 1-week value doesn’t make sense to me unless a playoff spot is on the line. If you need a TE for week 3, than throw a few bucks Paul’s way as he could be a good play this week. He was new QB Kirk Cousin’s favorite option last week with 11 targets, but his long-term value is nil with Reed the starter once healthy. He’s a good add for this week, but just don’t go crazy bidding on Paul as he is barely rosterable once Reed comes back.
RB Jonathon Stewart, Panthers (19%) – J-Stew led the Panthers in carries last week and found the end zone, but struggled overall with just 2.5 ypc. DeAngelo Williams is expected back for week 3 which means the Panthers will go back to a time-share, ruining the value of either back for fantasy purposes.
RB Darren McFadden, Raiders (36%) – MJD should be back no later than week 4 which gives McFadden just one more game as the lead back in Oakland. If you need an RB for this week, then go for it, but I wouldn’t spend much of my budget, waste a high waiver priority, or drop anyone decent for DMC as he will go back to the short-end of the platoon soon.