Don’t walk… run to snag these players on the NFL Week 3 fantasy football waiver wire

Fantasy managers who are 0-2 are feeling the pinch, as they wonder if their chances to make the playoffs are rapidly slipping away. Fortunately for them, this week’s waiver wide features many players who can come in and make an immediate impact. Some players might have even more staying power if things break right. All statistics are sourced from Football Reference.

It’s been confirmed that Chiefs starting running back Isiah Pacheco will go on injured reserve with a fractured fibula. He’ll have to miss the next four games, and there’s no guarantee that he’ll return to the same form, or return at all this season. Steele will be looked to handle much of the work Pacheco is vacating, especially between the tackles.

Steele is also the most powerful back on the Chiefs’ roster right now, which means that he may be looked upon favorably for some goal-line work, as well.

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Of course, Steele won’t be the only Chiefs running back in high demand this week. Perine is the other primary add this week, and he might be the more popular pickup. He has more upside in PPR leagues, which could give him a higher floor than Steele. Perine is also the more experienced NFL running back.

While Steele and Perine are the immediate names to pursue, it might also be worth taking a flier on Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The latter back isn’t available to return to the lineup for a couple of weeks, but is the most familiar with the Kansas City offense. Sporting News reports that he is out of the lineup as he deals with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

The Rams have only played two games, but their receiving corps is already decimated with injuries. Star pass catchers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are both dealing with ailments, which has tested the depth chart already. Kupp will be placed on IR, which makes Atwell’s name much more attractive in fantasy circles.

He hasn’t exactly lit it up during the first two games, but the opportunity to perform will be there for the speedster. Atwell is averaging nearly 14 yards per carry, and could be even more appealing in games the Rams project to be behind in. One of those instances could come as soon as Week 3, as Los Angeles squares off with the division-rival San Francisco 49ers.

The Raiders were already at the top of the waiver wire list for the simple fact that they play the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. The Panthers have got nothing going on offense, and tend to get in their own way so far this season. Las Vegas’ defensive line could have a field day, as Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins attack a feeble offense thus far.

It was announced by the Panthers that Bryce Young will be benched ahead of Week 3 in favor of the veteran Andy Dalton. While this might improve Carolina’s fortunes somewhat, the Raiders still figure to be a strong defensive play in Week 3. Dalton’s mobility is next to nil at this point in his career, making him a sitting duck in the pocket.

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The Chargers didn’t project to be the same fantasy-friendly offense they had been in previous years, but they’ve made some noise so far. Los Angeles’ wide receiver corps has been tough to figure out, but second-year player Quentin Johnston scored two touchdowns in Week 2. He’s worth keeping an eye on.

It’s hard to say with any confidence whether Johnston, Ladd McConkey or Joshua Palmer is going to lead the Chargers in receptions and targets from week to week. With that said, fantasy managers with a spot to burn on their bench should be willing to see if this can be a turning point for Johnston moving forward.

Things have not gone according to plan at tight end in fantasy football this season. Even managers who invested a significant pick to secure one of the name-brands have wondered whether the production has been. As a result, any time a tight end has a solid game, it’s worthwhile to at least take a closer look from a fantasy perspective. Henry’s Week 2 performance fits that bill.

Henry logged eight catches for 109 yards against the Seattle Seahawks. Perhaps even more notably, he drew 12 looks from quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The New England offense isn’t exactly littered with playmakers, so Henry has a path to fantasy relevance. NESN wrote about Henry’s career day; he may not be this good every week, but he has the potential to crack the top 10 or 12.

It came out of nowhere. Allen was a main cog in the Jets’ offense on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie found the endzone twice, once as a receiver, and once as a runner. His numbers didn’t fly off the page without the touchdowns, but he seems to have earned the trust of the coaching staff.

Allen is going to be difficult to trust as a starter with Breece Hall healthy, but he’s left no doubt who New York will turn to should anything happen to Hall. Sports Illustrated noted that Allen is the youngest player in the Super Bowl era to score a touchdown in NFL history. He should be on fantasy rosters for the potential he carries.

Texans starting running back Joe Mixon dinged his ankle in Week 2’s game against the Chicago Bears. While he returned to the game, there’s a chance that his ankle could be tender this week. For that reason, fantasy managers could do a lot worse than giving Akers a look ahead of Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.

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Akers didn’t have the best game in Week 2, having lost a fumble in a close game. However, he figures to be the player who would command the most touches out of the backfield if Mixon was unable to suit up. Dameon Pierce is still on the roster, but this coaching staff appears to have moved on from him.