Week 3 Waivers & Streamers + Rookie Rundown

Fantasy Football show for Sep 16, 2025. Waiver Wire pickups for Week 3! Find out which players to target in your fantasy football leagues, and who you can drop to do it. Plus, QB streamers, injury updates, and a recap of Monday Night Football. Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Analysis of Rookie Running Backs’ Performance

“We’ve had a bunch of rookie running backs with huge opportunities, or so we thought, or perhaps they will come.”

• The podcast reflects on the first two weeks of NFL games, expressing disappointment in the performances of several highly drafted rookie running backs such as Hampton, Jinty, and Henderson.
• There is a growing sense of panic among fantasy football players as these rookies, who were expected to be impactful, have struggled to deliver points.
• The hosts mention that rookie running backs typically come into the league with an array of expectations, but their actual gameplay has not matched those anticipations this season.

Overview of Recent NFL Games and Player Performances

“The Chargers beat the Raiders 20 to 9.”

• The discussion shifts to the recent matchups, particularly the Chargers versus the Raiders, where the Chargers emerged victorious.
• The performance of Geno Smith drew criticism, especially for missing wide-open receivers and failing to capitalize on crucial plays, indicating a disappointing outing for the star quarterback.
• Player highlights from these games include significant performances from Chargers’ players, with the discussion hinting at the potential for explosive fantasy production in the future.

Concerns for Offensive Performance Due to Offensive Line Issues

“Your offense is just inept when you have no offensive line.”

• As the analysis continues, the hosts address the vital role of the offensive line in team performance, emphasizing that injuries and lack of protection can hinder an offense’s effectiveness.
• They draw comparisons between teams with strong offensive lines, such as the Eagles and Lions, and those struggling, like the Texans, showcasing how a solid front line is foundational for success.
• The conversation highlights that even talented skill-position players can become irrelevant without the protection that a robust offensive line provides.

Insights on Utilizing Rookie Running Backs in Fantasy Football

“Right now, it is a sell low on everybody.”

• The podcast provides strategic advice regarding frustrated fantasy managers who might be considering trading or dropping rookie running backs.
• The hosts recommend a “sell low” approach for rookies who aren’t meeting expectations, while also suggesting that opportunistic players should aim to “buy low” on these underperforming assets.
• They present statistics on various rookies’ underwhelming performances to illustrate the struggles many fantasy managers are facing this year.

Rookie Performance Analysis

“He looked better to me. We saw some of the college Gentry. You’re like, oh, okay, this guy can be a very special player.”

• The discussion highlights the performance of a rookie who has shown promise, specifically referring to Gentry. Despite previous struggles, he demonstrated improvement in this game, reflecting qualities that could indicate future star potential.
• The inconsistency in the rookie’s mix with the established players raises concerns for fantasy managers, particularly in terms of snap counts and utilization in play.

Trade Opportunities for Underperforming Players

“With those three main guys, the three highest drafted in fantasy football, I would try to make cheap offers on them.”

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• The conversation suggests that fantasy managers should consider trading for players who are underperforming early in the season. Many managers may be in panic mode due to disappointing starts, especially if their teams are 0-2.
• Targeting these players could lead to acquiring strong assets at a lower cost, as expectations on their future performance are still optimistic.

Injury Updates and Streaming Considerations

“This is a really tough week for quarterback streaming.”

• The segment covers a wave of quarterback injuries impacting teams, making it a challenging week for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
• Specific injured players mentioned include Jaden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy, which puts further strain on available quarterback options for fantasy lineups.

Waiver Wire Strategies and Tools

“The Ultimate Dashboard made Waiver Wire so easy.”

• The podcast promotes the use of tools like the Ultimate Dashboard that simplify managing waiver wires and optimizing lineups.
• It emphasizes the importance of being agile in roster management during this crucial part of the season, especially with various players being evaluated based on availability in different leagues.

Short-Term Running Back Options

“If you need short-term help, Ramondre Stevenson plays Pittsburgh next week, who through two weeks looks just awful against running backs.”

• The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding short-term running back replacements for fantasy football. Ramondre Stevenson is highlighted as a strong candidate due to his upcoming matchups. He faces the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have struggled against running backs, followed by a game against Carolina.
• Since fantasy players might be looking for immediate solutions, Stevenson is suggested as a viable and potentially cheaper option compared to other players like Tootin, who might be viewed more favorably in terms of long-term prospects.
• The experts suggest that, while Tootin may not be startable yet, he could become a regular starter by the season’s halfway point, indicating the evolution of running back slots as the season progresses.

Potential Running Back Roster Additions

“Trey Benson is getting work in Arizona… He’d be another name.”

• Trey Benson is presented as another option for managers searching for running backs, particularly because he’s involved in the Arizona game plan, even if he’s not getting a huge volume of touches. Six targets in a game can indicate a player’s potential within an offense.
• The panel discusses various lesser-known running backs, highlighting the importance of assessing players like Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols, who are less rostered but may see significant workloads if their teams continue to rotate backs.
• The conversation shifts to Tyler Algier, who has been earning more carries and involvement, suggesting that he should be rostered as he has shown trust from the coaching staff around the goal line.

Roster Management Tips for Running Backs

“You cannot make me roster Miles Sanders… I actually think he’s one of the better insurance-back options.”

• The experts provide insight on players that may be underperforming but still hold roster value. There is a discussion about Miles Sanders, who is viewed as an insurance option in case Javante Williams is injured. The volatility and risk of backing Sanders is acknowledged, particularly since he hasn’t been performing consistently.
• There is also caution about dropping certain players, with advice against removing starting running backs like Pachaco, emphasizing that injuries could create opportunities at any moment in the fantasy season, making them valuable as insurance policies on rosters.

Wide Receiver Pickups to Consider

“I still believe Alec Iomaner is a good pickup.”

• As the conversation transitions to wide receiver pickups, Alec Iomaner is touted as a solid waiver wire target after a promising game.
• Romeo Dobbs and Troy Franklin emerge as top contenders for wide receiver acquisitions, with Dobbs benefiting from increased opportunities due to injuries affecting teammates.
• The highlight on Dobbs revolves around his performance projections, while Franklin’s potential is noted with caution due to frequent lineup changes by the coaching staff.

Analyzing Player Performance and Roster Decisions

“I don’t really like the passing game in Atlanta right now.”

• The discussion highlights concerns regarding player performance in Atlanta’s passing game, particularly focusing on Darnell Mooney‘s limited involvement. Despite initially considering Mooney to be a top pickup, the current situation suggests a lack of trust in the Falcons’ offensive strategy. Comparatively, with players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts also in the mix, Mooney’s value remains uncertain as the team’s overall passing effectiveness is still being evaluated.

Roster Management and Possible Waiver Claims

“Would you drop him for Wondell? Would you drop him for Franklin?”

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• The host poses questions regarding roster decisions, specifically whether to drop underperforming players like Mooney for potentially more promising options, including Wondale Robinson or Dontavian Wicks. This conversation indicates a strategic approach to managing rosters, emphasizing the need to evaluate players based on their current roles and prospects for upside.

Tight End Prospects for Fantasy Football

“Jawan Johnson is my number one pickup of the week.”

• The analysis pivots to tight end options, with Jawan Johnson being dubbed the top waiver claim due to his high target rate and involvement in the offense. The conversation underscores the importance of tight end production and mentions how Johnson’s consistent targets could elevate him to a top-five tight end status by season’s end, especially given the current need for effective tight ends in many rosters.

Potential Breakout Candidates

“I’ve got to look at that dog meter.”

• The discussion continues with Jatavian Sanders as a potential breakout tight end, noted for his athleticism and past performance. While there’s skepticism about his recent production, the conversation points to Sanders as a name to watch due to the opportunities available within his team’s offensive scheme. The mention of his competition paints a complex picture of the current receiving options and the potential for Sanders to emerge as a valuable player.

Tight Ends and Performance Discussions

“The Colts are still the only team that hasn’t punted the ball through two games, and he’s looking great.”

• The discussion starts by analyzing Colt Kmet’s performance, highlighting the competition at the tight end position for the Colts. The mention of another tight end, Gigantor, suggests that Kmet may not be utilized as much due to the emergence of Tyler Warren, who’s been actively engaged in their games.
• The analysis shifts to the importance of making strategic decisions regarding tight ends based on their performance. With two weeks of data, frustrations rise when high expectations fail to be met, particularly noting Ben Johnson‘s coverage of plays that haven’t resulted in success.
• Moving to defensive matchups, the conversation highlights Atlanta’s defensive pressure against opponents like Carolina, who have shown vulnerability with rookie quarterback Bryce Young making mistakes. This season’s strong defensive performances can significantly impact fantasy choices.

Streaming Defense Options for Week 3

“It is a very good week for streaming defenses.”

• The hosts weigh the pros and cons of potential defense streaming options for Week 3, considering matchups with teams like Carolina and the Jets. The suggestion of considering Seattle against the Saints shows an eagerness to capitalize on favorable matchups for defenses, emphasizing the need to stay proactive rather than complacent with roster decisions.
• Recommendations for teams to consider include the Falcons facing the Panthers, the Bucs against the Jets, and the Chargers matched up with Denver, indicating confidence in these defenses to secure fantasy points.

Changes in Streaming Quarterbacks

“It’s tough in the stream, so we’re going to try anyways.”

• The streaming quarterback segment begins with an acknowledgment of the challenging nature of finding solid options. Daniel Jones stands out as a primary recommendation, particularly due to the favorable matchup against Tennessee.
• There is a contrasting display of confidence and skepticism surrounding other players like Sam Darnold, who has shown glimpses of potential. The hosts discuss the fluctuations in their performance and the implications for fantasy managers navigating similar portfolios.
• Justin Herbert’s status is elevated as a must-start option, overshadowing other fantasy decisions involving quarterbacks, demonstrating the significance of making informed choices based on experienced analysis.

Injury Impact on Performances

“Unfortunately, Arizona’s secondary got depleted, and not just their secondary, their defensive line got injured too.”

• The Arizona defense faced significant setbacks with injuries affecting both their secondary and defensive line. This led to a lackluster performance where they resorted to playing a prevent defense toward the game’s end, which failed to contain the opposing team effectively.

Streaming Options: Carson Wentz Analysis

“Carson Wentz can come in and give you 250 and two, and maybe 30 on the ground.”

• Carson Wentz has been discussed as a viable streaming option, particularly against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has allowed the fifth most passing yards per game. Despite concerns over his offensive line, Wentz’s potential to run adds a valuable dynamic that could yield around 250 yards passing and two touchdowns, plus additional rushing yards.

Evaluating Quarterback Drops: Burrow, McCarthy, Purdy

“In context, Purdy and McCarthy were already streamers; if you need to drop them to pick someone up, you can.”

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• The conversation delved into whether to drop quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, JJ McCarthy, and Brock Purdy. The consensus leaned toward dropping players who haven’t performed well or are currently injured. Joe Burrow is noted as a particularly sad drop due to his previous high expectations, yet many sense it may be necessary to make room for better options in light of his performance and injury status.

Trade Strategy Discussion: Javante Williams

“If you’re going to sell him, sell him high; Javante has value.”

• There was an analysis on the potential benefits of trading Javante Williams. Although he is currently a strong performer, the discussion emphasized the importance of capitalizing on his value at a high point. The team suggested crafting trades that involve multiple players to avoid drawing too much attention while still maximizing returns.

Trade Considerations for AJ Brown and Emeka Egbuka

“I would still immediately go do it.”

• There’s ongoing debate about whether to trade AJ Brown for Emeka Egbuka in fantasy football leagues. The conversation highlights the hesitance that some players feel when faced with such trade offers, often due to uncertainties surrounding player performances and team dynamics. Brown’s reputation and historical performance make him a valued asset, even as Egbuka shows promise with a string of touchdowns.
• Although Egbuka is currently involved in around 20% of the team’s target share, his potential is recognized, but he’s not yet at the same level as AJ Brown. The consensus is that the safer choice remains to hold onto AJ Brown given his established status and involvement in the offense.

Quarterback Dynamics and Their Influence on Player Performance

“Quarterback situation is crucial for wide receiver production.”

• The effectiveness of wide receivers like Egbuka is heavily influenced by their quarterback’s performance and how the passing game operates. As team dynamics shift, such as the return of key offensive players, opportunities for receivers may also change. The conversation brings to light the importance of considering a quarterback’s ability and offensive strength overall when valuing fantasy players.
• Recent discussions suggest that with the right quarterback, receivers like Egbuka could experience a rise in productivity, fostering a more favorable outlook for fantasy managers considering trades.