Week three is in the books in the NFL. Fantasy managers can look forward to the waiver period that will process Wednesday morning. Frankly, there wasn’t much on the wire to pick over last week. Most would have probably been better off not placing any waiver claims. However, that is not the issue facing this fantasy football top additions post week three, as there are plenty of quality choices. Let’s not waste another millisecond and get right down to it, shall we? For reference’s sake, all ownership percentages are taken from ESPN.

Top Running Back Waiver Options

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears, 25.4% Owned

Without question, the biggest surprise at the running back position in week three had to be Khalil Herbert. He came into the game against Houston after David Montgomery left with an ankle/knee injury and dominated the Texans. On his first three rushes, Herbert produced 30 yards, including an eleven-yard TD.

That wasn’t the end of the show, however. In the third quarter, Herbert tore through the Houston defense for a 52-yard run. Herbert finished that drive with a one-yard TD plunge just four plays later. On the day, Herbert rushed 20 times for an otherworldly 157 yards and the two touchdowns. He finished with an extremely healthy 7.9 yards per carry. Additionally, Herbert caught two passes for another 12 yards.

For his effort, Herbert came away with 33 fantasy points. Montgomery’s condition is said to be ‘good,’ and is considered ‘day-to-day’. Be that as it may, if Montgomery does play, Herbert will still get significant touches. When it comes to injuries and running backs, they have a tendency to flare up again as the season goes along. Stashing Herbert this week is a priority for any fantasy manager.

Samaje Perine, Cincinatti Bengals, 3.7% Owned

Another reserve running back that outshined his starting teammate in week three was Samaje Perine. While Joe Mixon was bogged down against the Jets with just 24 yards on 12 carries, Perine averaged 5.2 yards per rush, finishing with 47 yards on nine carries.

Further, and most importantly, Perine caught two passes for 14 yards and a touchdown. On the day, Perine scored 13 fantasy points to Mixon’s paltry six. Most likely, that game script will not be the case every week. However, the Bengals face Miami on Thursday night and Mixon came out of the game against the Jets with a hurt ankle.

Mixon was described as a little sore. With Mixon potentially not playing or hobbled against the Dolphins, Perine is a must add for anyone that owns Mixon in fantasy. For the rest of us, Perine makes for a nice stash in case Mixon misses time after the Miami game.

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions, 40% Owned

At around 40 percent owned, Jamaal Williams most likely isn’t universally available on the waiver wire. Even so, fantasy managers will want to check their respective leagues and react accordingly if Williams is found.

Following a left arm injury to starter D’Andre Swift, Williams ran all over Vikings defense, finishing the game with 20 rushes for 87 yards and two TDs. In the last two games, Williams has averaged 4.4 yards a carry. Any fantasy manager will take that. Even better, Williams has a nose for the end zone, as he has four in his three games.

For the year, Williams has 43 carries for 168 yards. Swift is expected to miss an unknown amount of time with his injury. With that news, Williams becomes a priority add, if available. With Seattle up next, Williams will have every opportunity to run over and through them. Check the wire and put a claim in. There is no simpler waiver move this week.

Top Wide Receiver Waiver Options

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers, 16.1% Owned

After beating Tampa in week three, a little clarity emerged among Green Bay’s wide receivers. Surprisingly, Romeo Doubs is at the top of the mountain, at least for now. Against the Bucs, Doubs was targeted eight times, catching them all for 73 yards. Doubs also scored a touchdown in Sunday’s 14-12 win over the Buccaneers. Because of his efforts, Doubs was awarded 21 fantasy points, more than his first two games combined. 

For the season, Doubs has 14 catches for 137 yards. It is unknown when the Packers other receivers will be fully healthy. Even when that does happen, Doubs will have fully earned the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Undoubtedly, Doubs’ stock will only rise, as will his ownership percentage. Act now before Doubs disappears from the wire forever.

Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars, 8.6% Owned

Obviously, players that are targeted 11 times demand closer fantasy scrutiny going forward. When doing so, Zay Jones comes into sharp focus. In Sunday’s 38-10 shockingly easy win over the Chargers, Jones was a standout. In the game, Jones caught ten passes for 85 yards and a TD.

Jones isn’t a one-week flash in the pan, either, as he brought in six of nine targets for 65 yards week one against Washington. The ten catches were a career high for Jones and he helped quarterback Trevor Lawrence ignite the passing game. Lawrence’s 14-yard strike was the first of his three TD passes on the day. Jones now has 19receptions in 24 targets for 173 yards through three contests.

With the Eagles up next, the Jaguars will more than likely need their offense to stay razor sharp to keep pace. Jones will be a big help in that regard and is certainly worthy of a waiver wire claim this week.

Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals, 7.3% Owned

Certainly, when the Cardinals viewed their wide receivers before the season began, Greg Dortch was not at the top of their list. After three games, that view needs to be reevaluated, especially after his performance against the Rams. In the game versus L.A., Dortch was targeted ten times, catching nine for 80 yards in the loss.

Dortch entered the season with just three catches to his credit but is now the number two option for QB Kyler Murray behind only Marquise Brown. That statement should be true until DeAndre Hopkins returns from his suspension after week six. Rondale Moore (hamstring) has been injured and remains unproven.

On the other hand, Dortch has posted a 20-198-1 line on 23 targets through the first three games. Best of all, Dortch has 45 fantasy points on the season. Honestly, the Cardinals have not played well so far, and Murray will only get better moving forward.  For the next three weeks, minimum, Dortch needs to be on fantasy rosters. Make the claim and the sun will surely shine on your fantasy roster.

Top Tight End Waiver Options

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets, 11.5% Owned

Anytime a tight end can get eight targets and catch all of them, discussion in fantasy circles is necessary. Tyler Conklin deserves just such consideration. Not much went right for the Jets against Cincinatti, but Conklin was a bright spot. In fact, Conklin has shown out in all three of New York’s games this season.

Through three games, he has 24 targets, resulting in 18 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown. Against the Bengals. Conklin’s eight catches went to 84 yards. It looks like Zach Wilson will return under center in week four. Even so, much shouldn’t change for Conklin going forward. Young quarterbacks tend to like that tight end safety valve. Don’t hesitate to add Conklin if tight end is a problem area.

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns, 32.7% Owned

Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, David Njoku had one of the best games by a tight end in week three. Against Pittsburgh Thursday night, Njoku was targeted ten times. He turned those targets into nine catches for 89 yards and a seven-yard touchdown. The catches were a career high and the targets the most he’s had since 2018.

However, the most telling statistic is that Njoku’s have risen with every game this season. He was targeted just once in week one, then had five in week two. The receiving yards have gone up seven to 32 to 89. Obviously, the chemistry between him and Jacoby Brissett has improved with each game. With Atlanta next on the schedule, the momentum between the two will continue. The tight end position is always thin and Njoku can help shore up the roster.

Top Quarterback Waiver Options

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, 30.7% Owned

After a stellar week two performance, Jared Goff came back to Earth a bit against the Vikings. In the game, Goff completed 25 of 41 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception. That was quite the letdown after Goff threw four TD passes against Washington the week before. He also didn’t turn the ball over in the game against the Commanders.

In week four, Goff and his Lions face the Seattle Seahawks at home. All Seattle did in week three was give up 27 points to the Atlanta Falcons in a home loss. Prior to that, the Seahawks were carved up by Jimmy Garoppolo. Those in two quarterback leagues can certainly ride with Goff for at least one more week. Given the opponent, Goff has earned a place on this fantasy football top additions post week three edition.

Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts, 17.7% Owned

Truly, has there ever been a career resurrected faster than Matt Ryan’s? Just last week, Ryan finished the game against the Jaguars with an embarrassing nine fantasy points. Ryan saw his ownership percentage plunge like no other’s. Fortunately for him and the fantasy managers that held on to him, Ryan refused to continue his dirt nap into week three against the mighty Kansas City Chiefs

In that game, Ryan completed 27 of 37 passes for 222 yards with two touchdowns. The 73 percent completion rate was easily his best of the season. Most importantly, after throwing three picks the week before, Ryan didn’t throw an interception. Most shockingly, the Colts beat the previously undefeated Chiefs 20-17.

The Colts host Tennessee in week three. Perhaps home cooking was all Ryan needed to get back on track. More likely, however, was the return of wide receiver Michael Pittman, who caught eight of Ryan’s nine targets for 72 yards. Ryan still has some fumbling issues he needs to correct, but the arrow is pointing back up for him. If quarterback is an issue, Ryan can solve it.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy football top additions post week three edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Tune in for the Belly Up Fantasy Live Preview Show every Sunday morning at 11 AM EST. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!