Some weeks are pretty quiet on the waiver wire, especially on non-bye weeks, but this week is neither.  There were some key injuries to top fantasy players and their backups are certainly worth considering if you either have one of the starters, or need an solid option to play in week 3.  The week 3 Hot Off The Wire edition is going to have some players that will be burning up the waiver as they are added in the majority of fantasy football leagues. Let’s take a look at who’s being added.

Week 3 Top Waiver Wire Pickups

Running Backs:

• Knile Davis – With the high-ankle sprain to Jamaal Charles, who will most likely be out for several weeks, Davis stepped in rushing 22 times for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 6 catches with 29 yards for those in PPR leagues. He is a solid waiver option for anyone needing a back, but it will only be for 2-4 weeks tops.
• Bobby Rainey – Well this was a surprise for a lot of owners, who most likely didn’t get the word in time to switch out Martin, but it appears that Martin will be back in week 3.  Rainey had a great game rushing for 144 yards on 22 carries, which could grant him the opportunity to see a little more work going forward. At this point, it’s probably smart to wait and hold on him until the situation develops more.  If you have him, keep him for now, but if you don’t then he’s not worth the pickup.
• Ahmad Bradshaw – For those that thought the Colts would rely on Richardson alone, then think again. Bradshaw saw 13 carries and 5 receptions for 96 total yards and 2 touchdowns.  He is really getting into the swing of things for the Colts and expect him to continue to see the field in both rushing and receiving situations. He is worth having on your team at this point and played on certain match-ups.
• Jonathan Stewart – In the absence of the injured Williams, Stewart ran 13 times for 37 yards and found the end-zone once. It wasn’t quite a stunning performance, but it wasn’t bad.  However, with Williams slated to return this week, Stewart’s value will drop and should have little or no fantasy consideration once again.
• Donald Brown – With Matthews expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a MCL sprain, Brown should see the bulk of the added carries going forward.  Woodhead could see a little more work as well, but can’t shoulder the full load so Brown is certain to see more carries. He had 7 carries for 21 yards and 3 catches for 10 yards following the injury to Matthews.  He is worth picking up in most formats or if you have Matthews.
• Khiry Robinson – With Ingram likely out for a month with a hand injury, Robinson should factor into the mix really well. Rushing 8 times for 31 yards in week 2 showed that he is already working his way onto the field, but now with Ingram out expect Robinson to benefit more from his absence. He is worth a consideration pickup and then wait see what he can do.

Wide Receivers:

• James Jones – Breaking out with his first big game as a Raider, Jones had 10 catches for 112 yards and 1 touchdown.  He is certainly a red-zone target and that means fantasy points. With touchdowns in the first two games of the year, it’s clear the Raiders like him as an option near the end-zone and he is a good receiver so that means he is a decent play.
• Eddie Royal – He shows up every year around week 2, but don’t let it fool you. He is going to be spotty and can’t be relied on.  Don’t worry about picking him unless you are desperate or enjoy headaches.
• Brian Quick – Seven seems to be his lucky number. He has caught 7 passes in both of his games this season to lead his team in receptions and yards.  He is certainly worth a pickup and would be a solid WR3 option.  He has yet to score this year though.
• Mohamed Sanu – He had huge touchdown catch in week 2 with Green out due to injury. It looks like Green’s status for week 3 is still up in the air, which means Dalton will need someone to throw the ball to and Sanu would be a good option.  Consider him a very low WR3 option.
• Miles Austin – With Cameron out, Austin saw a few more targets.  He is not worth a fantasy consideration at this time, but if Cameron is out longer and Austin continues to see decent targets, then maybe things would change.

Tight-ends

• Niles Paul – With Reed out, Paul has filled in nicely grabbing 8 catches for 99 yards and 1 touchdown.  He is worth picking up in most formats and for Reed owners.
• Larry Donnell –  He continues to be a primary target for Manning and leads the Giants in receptions, targets, yards, and touchdowns. What more is there to say. This guy is currently a top 10 fantasy TE and could be the rest of the year. Get him now.
• Owen Daniels – Who knew this guy could still play. He brought in 5 catches in week 2 with 2 touchdowns. This isn’t going to be the game plan every week and he is not one of their primary options, but in deep league formats you could do worse.

Quarterbacks

• Kirk Cousins – With RG3 going out and could be out for extended period of time, Cousins stepped in and put up great fantasy number of 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. He will continue to be a good option for those that need a QB.

Defenses

• Bills – Yes, they are legit. They are going to stop people and create turnovers. It doesn’t hurt having a special returner like Spiller so don’t think this was a fluke or something. They are going to put up good fantasy points regularly.