If week three of the NFL season looks like it might be coming at you in an ambulance, there is good reason for that. Injuries are pilling up throughout the land and many fantasy rosters are already on life support. If that is the case you find yourself in, never fear. The waiver moves week three-critical care edition is here to help get a team out of a coma and back in the game. Let’s get right to the medicine, shall we?

Running Backs

Boy, did running backs take a beating throughout the league this past Sunday. Superstars such as Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey and Raheem Mostert suffered injuries and were removed from their games and didn’t return. While waiting to learn the severity of these injuries, fantasy managers have to make plans in case extended absences are deemed necessary. The running back position looks a bit shallow on the wire, but there are some worthy candidates to consider.

Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers, 2.7% owned

For those unfortunate owners of the three running backs above who went down on Sunday, including me, there is still hope. That ray of sunshine belongs to Mike Davis, especially in PPR leagues. Davis came on in relief of McCaffrey and caught all eight of his targets for 74 yards. The YPC was a respectable 9.25. He only rushed the ball once, which is why PPR might be the best landing spot for Davis. Don’t close your eyes if in a standard league, however.

The 2019 season was a lost cause for Davis, but his performance in 2018 gives a glimpse of what he is capable of. Playing for Seattle, Davis rushed 112 times for 514 yards and 4 touchdowns. His YPC was an excellent 4.6. Davis also caught 34 passes for 214 yards and another TD. Davis goes to the head of the line for managers needing running back medicine in week three.

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers, 26.6% owned

Mostert and Tevin Coleman are expected to be out in week three, and probably longer. Because of that, Jerick McKinnon steps to the top of the mountain for the 49ers. McKinnon only rushed three times against the Jets but picked up 77 yards and scored a touchdown, That makes for an insane 25.67 YPC. Obviously, that is not sustainable, but McKinnon does have a 4.2 average in his career.

He figures to be leaned on by San Francisco while the other two backs heal. And best of all, running the football is not all that McKinnon can do for a team. He was targeted a career high 68 times in 2017, resulting in 51 catches for 421 yards and a pair of TDs. McKinnon has had injury concerns of his own, but he is healthy now and just in time for the 49ers and fantasy managers. The sad sack Giants are up next at home. McKinnon ranks high on this waiver moves week three priority list.

Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers, 39.8% owned

Look who is playing Robin to Austin Ekeler‘s Batman in Los Angeles. It is none other than Joshua Kelley. The rookie from UCLA has 35 carries for 124 yards and a score through the Chargers’ first two games. That 3.5 YPC most likely doesn’t impress anyone, but the uptick in volume should. Kelley went from 12 to 23 carries from weeks one to two.

There is no question that Ekeler is the alpha dog for the Chargers. The fact that he and Kelley can co-exist in the same backfield was certainly proven against the Chiefs, however. If a running back is needed, and who doesn’t need one after seemingly every starter went down in week two, Kelley will fill the void.

Others to consider-

Dion Lewis for PPR leagues and Wayne Gallman for standard leagues, New York Giants

Wide Receivers

The wide out position also has taken a shot in the backside with several elite players questionable for week three. Those players include Julio Jones, Courtland Sutton, Kenny Golladay and Davante Adams, among others. Scanning the wire, there doesn’t appear to be a lot to choose from, so get there early for the best selections.

N’Keal Harry, New England Patriots, 45.4% owned

It might seem incredible that there is a receiver on the wire that has been targeted 18 times through two games. Yet, that is exactly where N’Keal Harry finds himself. Harry has turned those targets into 13 catches for 111 yards. We all saw what the Patriots passing game is capable of Sunday night against Seattle. Better things are ahead for the team and Harry.

Quarterback Cam Newton certainly looks comfortable in their offense. It figures his comfort level will only increase as the season wears on. Defenses will have to key on fellow receiver Julian Edelman, who has the same 18 targets through two games as Harry. It is interesting to note that Harry already has more catches than he had all of last year (12). Fantasy teams needing a receiver can certainly turn to Harry for a boost.

Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars, 3.2% owned

The Jacksonville offense has not been hot trash as many expected it would be. A lot of that credit has to go to quarterback Gardner Minshew, who was highlighted in last week’s edition. One of Minshew’s favorite receivers is Keelan Cole, who caught six of his seven targets for 58 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee. Cole has kicked into gear so far with 11 catches for 105 yards and two TDs.

At this rate, Cole will far out distance his 2019 performance of 24 catches for 361 yards and three TDs. The schedule for the Jaguars over the next four weeks is defense light in Miami, Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit. The forward pass will continue to be a staple in Jacksonville and adding Cole will brighten any fantasy team’s fortunes.

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals, 44% owned

The more things change, the more they stay the same in the desert. In what seems to be since the turn of the century, Larry Fitzgerald is catching passes for Arizona. Fitzgerald caught all seven of his targets for 50 yards against Washington this past Sunday. The yardage won’t excite anyone, but the usage and the schedule are huge advantages for Fitzgerald and fantasy owners.

The Cardinals face Detroit, Carolina, the New York Jets and Dallas the next four weeks. The first three opponents are all a mess and the Cowboys can’t pass defend. If there is one thing that we can be sure of, it is that Fitzgerald will be a steady producer in real life and fantasy. We keep waiting for him to slow down, but it doesn’t look like this will be the season. Fitzgerald is a worthy pickup for this waiver moves week three list.

Tight Ends

Unlike the positions above, there are quantity and quality tight ends still out there on the waiver wire. That is rather unusual as this position is usually the most shallow in football. If a starting tight end on your roster caught just one pass yesterday (looking at you Chris Herndon), add one of these suggested players with confidence.

Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans, 40.3% owned

What Jonnu Smith doesn’t produce in volume, he more than makes up for in big plays. When quarterback Ryan Tannehill (see below) needed someone to step up for the Titans, Smith answered the call. He was only targeted five times, but caught four of them for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Smith’s YPC average on Sunday was an insane 21.00.

Could a fantasy owner use a tight end like that on the roster? I trust that the answer to that question is obvious. Tennessee has the Vikings next up on the schedule and Minnesota is a mess defensively. If a tight end is needed for a single week, Smith is the way to go.

Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins, 47.7% owned

After a disappointing week one, Mike Gesicki is back on the radar after a stellar performance against the tough Buffalo defense. Gesicki was targeted 11 times by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick resulting in eight catches for 130 yards and a score. That is the kind of performance many in the fantasy community were looking for when Gesicki was tabbed as a later round value play before the season began.

Miami does not leave the state of Florida in their next two games against Jacksonville and Seattle. Those are two defenses that have holes and Gesicki and the Dolphins should be able to move the football. Gesicki is a claim that will pay immediate dividends on this fantasy football waiver moves week three list.

Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys, 1% owned

Heading into the 2020 season, almost no one had ever heard of Dalton Schultz. Not many had probably heard of him going into week two, either. It is time for an introduction as Schultz turned in a huge game for the Cowboys as Blake Jarwin‘s replacement. How big? How does nine catches for 88 yards and a touchdown sound?

If a player is going to get targeted 10 times, as Schultz was, in a prolific Cowboy offense going forward, Schultz definitely needs a fantasy home. Dallas visits Seattle on Sunday and the Seahawk defense looks very exploitable after allowing 30 points to the Patriots. Dak Prescott can do many (if not all) of the things that Cam Newton can do. It appears that lots of points are in the forecast in the Pacific Northwest. With the other Cowboys’ offense players already on rosters, Schultz is a guy that can heal an owner’s tight end position in a hurry.

Quarterbacks

Most fantasy managers know what they have at the quarterback position by now. However, if you find yourself in a position of needing a starter, there are worthy pickups to be found on this week three waiver moves list. Here are some quarterbacks to consider.

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans, 34.5% Owned

For those waiting to see if Ryan Tannehill can win a game when it’s needed, Sunday was exhibit A. Tennessee found itself in a shootout with Jacksonville, and Tannehill delivered. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 239 yards. That wasn’t his most impressive stat of the day, however. Tannehill threw for four touchdowns to lead the Titans to a 33-30 victory.

That makes eight TDs on the season for Tannehill with zero interceptions. A lot of fantasy managers like to have only one quarterback on their rosters, but in this season of injury, it may not be the wisest course. Tannehill has left his days in Miami far behind him and is a solid starter on the field and in fantasy. The Titans will always be a run heavy team, no question. Even so, there has to be room on a team for a QB that puts up 43 fantasy points, as Tannehill did on Sunday.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, 45.1% Owned

If a savvy veteran is not what you are looking for, how about a quarterback that is growing up right before our eyes? Of course, that could only be Joe Burrow. In front of a national TV audience against division rival Cleveland last Thursday, Burrow threw for three TDs and no interceptions. He completed 37 of a whopping 61 passes for 316 yards.

It is clear that the Bengals have a ways to go to be a competitive football team. It also evident that is not Burrow’s fault. He can sling the ball with the best of them and will only get better. Cincinnati looks to be behind in most games. That means that Burrow will be throwing a lot. If an owner is saddled with a quarterback that isn’t performing up to par, Burrow looks to be the man to remedy that.

Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams, 37.2% Owned

While Burrow is a freshman signal caller, Jared Goff has veteran status after starting 56 games in his career. Just like the players listed above, Goff had an excellent day on Sunday. Goff completed 20 of 27 passes for 267 yards and three TDs. The Rams went into Philly and walloped the Eagles 37-19 and Goff’s play was a huge reason why.

Notice that Goff completed 74% of his passes. That is significantly higher than anything he has done in his career. He has two top wide outs in Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods and a tight end that can produce big plays in Tyler Higbee. It is evident that L.A. will generate passing stats. The Rams visit the Bills next Sunday, so starting him this week isn’t the best idea. They do face the Giants, though, the next week and that looks like a must start. Add him now with the idea he will pay big in week four.

Thanks for joining me with this fantasy football waiver moves week three critical care edition. Feel free to make a comment on players that should be added to the list. I always welcome all comments and suggestions. Have a great fantasy football week three and, hopefully, your fantasy team avoids the emergency room! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea, and be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Picks for all the latest NFL and sports news!