Hey Rewinders, it’s your Dynasty Rewind crew member and host of the Deep Dive Fantasy Football Podcast, Brandon Ghabbour. This article is a beast, covering a wild week of injuries, game-changing performances, and my top waiver wire targets to help you dominate your fantasy league.

With my data-driven approach and practical insights, I’m breaking down every major injury’s impact—especially on wide receivers—recapping key games with detailed observations, and spotlighting players you need to grab off waivers before Week 4.

Let’s dive in and get your roster ready to roll!

Week 3 was an injury bloodbath, reshaping fantasy outlooks across the board. Here’s the rundown on the major ones, with a focus on wide receivers and other critical players, plus their fantasy implications:

• Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers, DE, Out for Season – Torn ACL): The 49ers, sitting at 3-0, seem cursed with injuries. Bosa’s absence forces them into potential shootouts to keep pace in the NFC. This boosts the fantasy value of Christian McCaffrey, Ricky Pearsall, and others. Expect a pass-heavy attack with Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ pass-catching weapons seeing more targets.
• CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys, WR, Out 3–4 Weeks – High Ankle Sprain): Lamb’s absence is a game-changer for Dallas, thrusting George Pickens into a back-end WR2 role and Jake Ferguson into a top-five tight end spot with a projected 25–27% target share (already at 24% this year). This injury opens a massive opportunity for both in a pass-heavy offense driven by a porous defense.
• Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR, Out ~3 Weeks – Hamstring): As a lifelong Bucs fan, I’m gutted about Evans’ low-grade hamstring injury, but it paves the way for Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin (if he returns this week) to shine. Sterling Shepard could also be a sneaky waiver add as the WR2.
• Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders, WR, Questionable – Quad): McLaurin’s doubtful status for Week 4 against Atlanta elevates Deebo Samuel to a top-12 WR and boosts snaps for Luke McCaffrey, who could emerge as the WR2 and third target behind Zach Ertz if McLaurin sits.
• Dyami Brown (Jacksonville Jaguars, WR, Questionable – Undisclosed): Brown’s uncertain injury could lead to Travis Hunter playing full-time offensively, significantly increasing his fantasy upside. This is a situation to monitor closely.
• James Conner (Arizona Cardinals, RB, Out for Season – Ankle): Conner’s season-ending injury catapults Trey Benson into a fringe top-12 RB role, leveraging Arizona’s run-heavy and efficient scheme. His workload is set to explode.
• Najee Harris (Los Angeles Chargers, RB, Out for Season – Achilles): Harris’ absence locks Omarion Hampton into a top-eight RB role with 18–24 touches per game, including receiving work. Harris and Hampton had combined for 25 touches a game, and Hampton will get most of that volume now.
• Tyrone Tracy (New York Giants, RB, Out 2–3 Weeks – Shoulder): Tracy’s injury elevates Cam Akers into a fringe top-12 RB role for the next few weeks, with a chance to seize the backfield long term. Skattebo has also been deadly as a receiver, garnering plenty of targets to keep his plate full with not just carries, but receptions as well. How can you not love the guy when you watch him play? I mean, C’MON!

I broke down some of Week 3’s key games, and here’s what stood out, with a deep dive into wide receiver performances and their fantasy implications:

• Lions 38, Ravens 30: This high-scoring affair saw the Lions pull off a statement win in Baltimore, driven by a balanced attack. Zay Flowers completely disappeared, managing just 3 targets as Mark Andrews stole the show (6 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TDs). As I warned in my offseason projections, Baltimore’s low pass volume—averaging just 25 attempts per game—makes Flowers a boom-or-bust WR3, frustrating fantasy managers. The Ravens’ run-heavy scheme limits their passing weapons, with Andrews, Isaiah Likely, DeAndre Hopkins, and Rashod Bateman all competing for scraps. Derrick Henry’s three fumbles in three games are a red flag, further hurting consistency. David Montgomery had the game of his life (13 touches, 164 total yards, 2 TDs), boosted by Monday night visibility. Sell him high for an RB2 like Skattebo or a buy-low WR, as he’s a low-tier flex moving forward.
• 49ers 16, Cardinals 15: The 49ers stayed undefeated in a nail-biter, but losing Bosa means more offensive reliance. Ricky Pearsall is a revelation, posting his second 100-yard game (7 receptions, 117 yards, WR16 on the season) with Jauan Jennings (ankle) and Brandon Aiyuk (out until Week 6) sidelined. His contested catches and behind-the-back grabs show why I loved him out of college—he’s a do-it-all wideout with elite hands. Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to frustrate, constantly open but let down by Kyler Murray’s inaccuracy (3 receptions, 44 yards on 6 targets). My offseason optimism for MHJ (projected 15.8 PPG) isn’t panning out due to Murray’s Year 7 struggles. Christian McCaffrey, with 84 touches in three games (28 per game, 312 total yards, 3 TDs), is proving my RB1–2 projection spot on—victory lap time! With Purdy returning, McCaffrey’s efficiency and TD upside should climb.
• Chiefs 22, Giants 9: The Chiefs dominated a lackluster Giants offense, where Cam Skattebo emerged as the star, accounting for half of New York’s yardage (18 touches, 121 yards, 6 receptions). With Tyrone Tracy out, Cam is set for 20 touches per game, including 4–5 targets, especially if Malik Nabers (7 targets, 2 receptions, 13 yards) keeps getting doubled. Cam’s college tape showed receiving chops, and his 11 targets in three games (50% snap rate) confirm it—his snap share will jump now, making him a fringe top-12 RB. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (4 receptions, 42 yards) is fading fast, with Tyquan Thornton (5 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD) stealing the show and Rashee Rice/Xavier Worthy nearing returns. I’m done with Brown—cut or trade him now. I also whiffed on Isaiah Pacheco this week on the Deep Dive podcast (redraft focused)—8 touches, 42 yards, with a TD poached by Kareem Hunt. This was his ideal matchup, and he flopped. Sit him moving forward. Russell Wilson’s benching for Jaxon Dart comes as no surprise after he played like a trigger-happy five-year-old on Madden, throwing into double coverage every other play.
• Bears 31, Cowboys 14: The Bears steamrolled Dallas, exposing the Cowboys’ defense (no Micah Parsons) and forcing a pass-heavy approach. George Pickens capitalized on CeeDee Lamb’s absence, hauling in 5 receptions for 68 yards and a TD while building chemistry with Dak Prescott. With Dallas’ defense allowing 28+ points per game, Pickens could finish as a top-24 WR even when Lamb returns. Rome Odunze leads the Bears with a commanding 28% target share, while Luther Burden exploded (3 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD), showcasing his after-catch and deep-threat ability. Caleb Williams’ 4-TD performance (298 yards) under Ben Johnson signals this offense is ascending. I told you to be patient with Chicago’s new pieces, and it’s paying off—Williams is mastering the basics, setting up Johnson to unleash more wrinkles. Think of it like this: Caleb Williams is you playing an arcade fighting game for the first time. Before you could unleash the flashy finishers, you had to master the basic combos (square, triangle, square). Once the basics click, the real moves follow. Caleb will get there bit by bit.
• Chargers 23, Broncos 20: Denver’s heartbreaking loss (their second field-goal-at-the-buzzer defeat) leaves them 1-2, but Omarion Hampton (26 touches, 129 yards) is now a top-eight RB with Harris out, projecting for 18–24 touches per game (74 combined touches with Harris in three games). Quentin Johnston (6 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD, 22% season target share) and Keenan Allen (7 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD, 26% share) are top-12 WRs, validating my fade of Ladd McConkey (4 receptions, 41 yards, 19% share). McConkey’s overhyped WR10–15 ADP isn’t sustainable in a Chargers offense that may lean run-heavy in easier matchups, especially with Johnston’s explosiveness and Allen’s reliability. Rookie Tre Harris (not involved yet) adds more potential competition if Keenan fades, proving my offseason caution on McConkey was right.
• Eagles 33, Rams 26: The Eagles learned that passing to their studs works—surprise. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are top-12 WRs, as I projected in the offseason, carrying the Rams’ offense under Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. Despite criticism for ranking both so high, their combined 67% target share proves me right.
• Buccaneers 29, Jets 27: Tampa Bay’s 3-0 start (their first since 2005) was a thriller, with Emeka Egbuka nearly hitting 100 yards if not for a blown no-catch call. He’s cemented himself as a top-12 dynasty WR. Garrett Wilson (WR8 on the season) is a sell-high candidate—his numbers are inflated by a fluky Justin Fields efficiency game and Tyrod Taylor’s pass volume. With Fields returning, the Jets’ run-heavy scheme (Fields, Breece Hall, Braelon Allen) will tank Wilson’s production. Baker Mayfield’s three game-winning drives and top-10 dynasty QB value (QB5–6 last year, dynasty ranked as QB17 this offseason) made him a steal—don’t sleep on my Bucs! I know my boyzz.
• Browns 13, Packers 10: The Browns stunned Green Bay on a game-winning FG, knocking out 35% of survivor pool players. Cedric Tillman outscored Jerry Jeudy again, backing my fade of Jeudy and sleeper call on Tillman. Quinshon “Jud King” Judkins (18 carries, 94 yards, 5.2 YPC) and Harold Fannin’s emergence (3 receptions, 40 yards) are turning Cleveland run-heavy, with more pass options than expected. Judkins, with Nick Chubb-like efficiency, is a top-12 RB candidate if the Browns keep pounding the rock.

Here are my top six waiver wire pickups, with rostered percentages for standard leagues:

• Trey Benson (RB, Cardinals, 60% Rostered): Available in 40% of leagues, Benson is a top-12 RB with James Conner out, thriving in Arizona’s run-heavy scheme (25+ touches per game expected). Drop big FAB to lock him up—he’s a league-winner.
• Elic Ayomanor (WR, Tennessee Titans, 50% Rostered): I whiffed on his college eval, calling him too raw, but his 18% target share (5 targets, 38 yards in Week 3) and improved route running make him a flex-worthy add. An easier schedule boosts his upside after the Titans opened against three possible top-8 defenses (Rams, Broncos, Colts).
• Christian Kirk (WR, Houston Texans, 47% Rostered): Kirk’s eight targets in his Texans debut signal a reliable slot role. As he gels with C.J. Stroud, he’s a consistent flex play with WR3 upside.
• Darnell Mooney (WR, Atlanta Falcons, 45% Rostered): Mooney led Atlanta with 11 targets in Week 3, totaling 15 in two weeks, outpacing Drake London and Kyle Pitts this week. He’s a WR31-level flex add with steady volume.
• Luther Burden (WR, Chicago Bears, 25% Rostered): Burden’s 101-yard, 1-TD breakout (3 receptions) showcases his after-catch and deep-threat skills. Available in 75% of leagues, he’s a stash for future potential, not an immediate start.
• Sterling Shepard (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2% Rostered): With Mike Evans out and Chris Godwin potentially limited, Shepard could see 8 receptions and 60+ yards as the WR2 against Philly, especially with Quinyon Mitchell likely shadowing Egbuka. He’s a plug-and-play flex for Week 4.

For Thursday’s Seahawks-Cardinals clash, I’m predicting a 24–21 Seahawks win, hitting the over on a 43.5-point total (though not with full confidence). Start Trey Benson and Kenneth Walker in your RB slots (not flex, due to the Thursday game)—both should deliver 15+ points, with Walker riding a three-week hot streak. Sit Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray against Seattle’s lockdown secondary; Murray’s inaccuracy is crushing MHJ’s value.

Jackson Smith-Njigba (JSN) is a must-start, thriving with an elite (and unsustainable) 38% target share while making big plays.

Week 3’s injuries have flipped the script, elevating Trey Benson, Omarion Hampton, and Cam Skattebo to must-own potential RB1s, while George Pickens, Emeka Egbuka, and Sterling Shepard step up with CeeDee Lamb and Mike Evans sidelined. Ricky Pearsall’s two 100-yard games make him a top-12 WR candidate, but Marvin Harrison Jr.’s struggles with Kyler Murray are a letdown.

My offseason fades of Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry (non-RB1s due to my 95% accurate volume regression study), and Brian Thomas Jr. (WR54, 22% target share) are hitting hard, and I’ll own my miss on Elic Ayomanor, who’s proving me wrong with an 18% target share.

Grab waiver targets like Benson, Kirk, and Burden to strengthen your roster. For more game-changing redraft insights, tune into the Deep Dive Fantasy Football Podcast and drop a rating and review on Apple Podcasts if you’re loving the content—your support keeps me grinding!

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