Top 15 waiver-wire pickups for Week 3 of fantasy football

ESPN fantasy ownership: 0.2%

Week 2 stats: 165 passing yards — 7.1 fantasy points

One thing to know: With Drew Brees out for a while, Teddy Bridgewater should have some value moving forward, especially in leagues that start two quarterbacks. Bridgewater was underwhelming on Sunday, but with a full week of preparation, the Saints offense has enough weapons to help him move the ball.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 10.6%

Week 2 stats: 83 rushing yards, three receptions, 68 receiving yards, one touchdown — 24.1 fantasy points

One thing to know: The San Francisco backfield is something of a mess right now, but if one player is worth taking a flyer on, it's Raheem Mostert. Mostert made the most of his opportunities on Sunday but could wind up seeing his role diminished once Tevin Coleman returns after the team's Week 4 bye. That said, if you need a running back for Week 3, Mostert has undoubtedly earned his way into more touches.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 64.8%

Week 2 stats: 82 rushing yards, one touchdown — 15.9 fantasy points

One thing to know: Some fantasy owners lost faith in Peyton Barber after a dismal Week 1 performance, but on Sunday he showed that he's still the top running back in Tampa Bay and should be starting in most lineups. While he's already owned in the majority of leagues, it's worth taking a look to see if someone got a bit overeager last week and dropped him before thinking things through.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 26%

Week 2 stats: 18 rushing yards, one reception, 18 receiving yards — 4.1 fantasy points

One thing to know: Starting running back James Conner limped off the field with an apparent knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Steelers game on Sunday. We don't know the extent of the injury yet, but if Conner is out, expect Jaylen Samuels to step into the starting role and get a workhorse load of carries almost immediately.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 1%

Week 2 stats: Six receptions, 172 receiving yards, two touchdowns — 35.2 fantasy points

One thing to know: The fantasy breakout star of Sunday was Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. In the absence of injured wideout Tyreek Hill, Robinson went off for six catches, 172 yards, and two scores. There will always be value in a receiver getting snaps in Patrick Mahomes' offense, but Robinson proved he could be more than a boom-or-bust candidate.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 34%

Week 2 stats: Four receptions, 61 receiving yards, one touchdown — 16.1 fantasy points

One thing to know: If you miss out on the bidding war for Demarcus Robinson and want to invest in the Chiefs offense, Mecole Hardman could be a solid consolation prize. Hardman's six targets might not be a lot compared to other available receivers, but six on the Chiefs offense is worth a lot more than other teams.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 13.2%

Week 2 stats: Five receptions, 87 receiving yards, one touchdown — 20.4 fantasy points

One thing to know: Deebo Samuel had a quiet Week 1 to start the season, but on Sunday he was tough to miss. He went for 87 yards and a score in a 49ers offense that suddenly looked awake. If Jimmy Garoppolo can live up to the promise of being a top-tier quarterback in the league, Samuel should have some solid value moving forward.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 70.9%

Week 2 stats: Four receptions, 112 receiving yards, one touchdown — 21.2 fantasy points

One thing to know: Last week, John Ross III was owned in just 4.8% of leagues when we wrote him up in this column. Many of you were smart enough to add him while you had the chance and were rewarded with yet another huge day from the Bengals standout. For those that missed out on picking him up last week, this might be your final opportunity. He's been a top-10 wide receiver two weeks in a row and is comfortable in his role in the Bengals offense.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 21.5%

Week 2 stats: Seven receptions, 55 receiving yards, one touchdown — 18.5 fantasy points

One thing to know: DJ Chark was another player we wrote up last week as a potential pickup. He again turned in a performance most players would have loved to have in their lineups on Sunday. Chark is a favorite of Gardner Minshew, earning a team-high nine targets against the Texans.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 38%

Week 2 stats: Five receptions, 62 receiving yards, one touchdown — 17.2 fantasy points

One thing to know: Rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin is proving himself the most dangerous target that the Washington offense has at its disposal. While Washington might not win many games this season, if they're always trailing, they'll likely be throwing. And if they're throwing, chances are they're throwing to McLaurin.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 65.7%

Week 2 stats: Three receptions, 61 receiving yards, one touchdown — 15.1 fantasy points

One thing to know: Rookie DK Metcalf is already an important part of the Seattle offense, and his role is only likely to increase as the season goes on and he becomes more comfortable with Russell Wilson and company.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 69.8%

Week 2 stats: Eight receptions, 112 receiving yards, one touchdown — 25.2 fantasy points

One thing to know: Through two weeks, Mark Andrews has shown that he is amongst the elite tight ends in fantasy football. He's gone for at least 100 yards and a score each week. If he's still available in your league, drop whatever you're doing and put in a waiver claim.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 2.3%

Week 2 stats: Five receptions, 50 receiving yards, two touchdowns — 22 fantasy points

One thing to know: You obviously can't count on a two-touchdown performance as an indicator of future success. However, with the shallow depth of the Seahawks receiving corps, Will Dissly becomes an intriguing tight end pick up for players in deeper leagues or those streaming tight ends. He might not tally up huge yardage totals, but Russell Wilson will always need a target in the end zone.

ESPN fantasy ownership: 33.8%

Week 2 stats: 21 points against, one sack — 3 fantasy points

One thing to know: The only thing you need to know about the Dallas Cowboys defense is that they are going against an absolutely broken Miami Dolphins team in Week 3. If you are streaming defenses this year and they are available in your league, do yourself a favor and pick them up.

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