Fantasy Football Week 3 Waiver Wire Targets: Moore Rookies

It was a tough week for the NFL, as several players went down to injury. It’s never fun to talk about these things, but as fantasy managers, it is important to evaluate who the beneficiaries may be as a result of these outcomes. Although the statuses of many players are unknown, taking a flier on some of these players on your waiver wire can offer significant short and long-term value.

Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings

There are few examples of handcuffs that can serve as direct replacements if the starter ahead of them were to go down and Alexander Mattison is one of them. Going back to last season in week 17, when given the opportunity, Mattison posted 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. With Dalvin Cook already dealing with an ankle sprain and given his injury history, it might be only a matter of time before Mattison gets another shot and has the potential to be a league winner.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles

Gainwell makes the list again this week because he is still widely available in several leagues and must be rostered. Throughout the offseason, there was a debate about who the receiving back in Philadelphia would be, Boston Scott or Kenneth Gainwell. Through two weeks, with Gainwell already receiving several opportunities through the air and on the ground compared to zero for Scott, it’s clear that it is Gainwell’s job to lose. With Sanders' struggles in the passing game and his ability to stay on the field, Gainwell’s receiving skills should allow him to play a major role in his offense and he offers significant upside if Sanders were to go down.

Rondale Moore, WR, Cardinals

Despite running the fourth-most routes on his team, Rondale Moore leads the Cardinals in targets (13) through two weeks, even more than DeAndre Hopkins. It’s always a good sign for receivers to see targets when they are on the field and after an impressive 7-114-1 breakout performance. The rookie should only see his role increase. Playing in one of the league’s most high-scoring offenses, Moore provides tremendous upside for the season going forward.

Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

Another week, another touchdown, Patrick has found the endzone twice in back-to-back games. Heading into the season, the biggest concern for Patrick was not his talent, but how many opportunities he was going to see in a crowded receiving room. Now with Jerry Jeudy placed on IR, as long as Patrick has the starting role, he should continue to be a reliable option for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was able to sustain three top-25 fantasy receivers last season.

Cordarelle Patterson, RB, Falcons

Through two weeks, Cordarelle Patterson is currently a top-12 running back in PPR. Although we should not expect this type of production to continue, it is something to be aware of given the fragility of the position. During Falcons head coach Arthur Smith’s tenure as offensive coordinator for the Titans from 2019-2020, Derrick Henry finished both seasons top 5 at his position. Smith has heavily leaned on his running backs and with Patterson posting 69 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in a tough matchup last week, he should continue to be involved and can potentially carve out a larger role in this offense.

-By: Sunny Choudhury