Welcome back to “In the Scope,” your trusted source for fantasy football insights that go beyond the mainstream. As we venture into Week 3 of the 2023 season, we’re here to assist you in uncovering those hidden gems on the waiver wire that can give your fantasy team a competitive edge. Whether you’re looking to make savvy pickups with minimal FAAB spending or considering players after the initial Week 3 waiver wire frenzy has subsided, we’ve got your targets covered.
Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 3 Pickups
Before we dive into our under-the-radar picks, let’s first examine some mainstream waiver wire targets for Week 3. While these players are drawing attention, there may still be opportunities to add them to your roster:
- Jordan Love (QB, Green Bay Packers) | 39.6%
- Jerome Ford (RB, Cleveland Browns) | 9.1%
- Zack Moss (RB, Indianapolis Colts) | 32.1%
- Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears) | 30.4%
- Justice Hill (RB, Baltimore Ravens) | 30.0%
- Gus Edwards (RB, Baltimore Ravens) | 32.0%
- Craig Reynolds (RB, Detroit Lions) | 0.6%
- Matt Breida (RB, New York Giants) | 1.3%
- Tony Jones Jr. (RB, New Orleans Saints) | 0.1%
- Rashid Shaheed (WR, New Orleans Saints) | 21.6%
- Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 35.0%
- Josh Reynolds (WR, Detroit Lions) | 4.7%
- Robert Woods (WR, Houston Texans) | 6.4%
- Tank Dell (WR, Houston Texans) | 3.9%
- Sam LaPorta (TE, Detroit Lions) | 49.5%
- Zach Ertz (TE, Arizona Cardinals) | 47.3%
- Jake Ferguson (TE, Dallas Cowboys) | 12.4%
- Hunter Henry (TE, New England Patriots) | 34.7%
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Free Agent Week 3 Finds
Now, let’s delve into some intriguing under-the-radar picks for Week 3:
Rashod Bateman (WR, Baltimore Ravens) | 12.5% Rostership
We usually highlight players who went undrafted in fantasy leagues. However, this week, we’re highlighting someone who was likely drafted but already dropped. Rashod Bateman may have flown under the radar after a slow start, but it’s time to give him a second look.
Despite a slow start with just six targets, Bateman has been efficient. The Minnesota product is averaging 2.17 fantasy points per target (23rd most among WRs) and 0.43 fantasy points per route run (29th). The Ravens’ offense is in need of playmakers, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ) nursing an injury.
The offense has struggled since the loss of J.K. Dobbins, making the emergence of Bateman, a first-round talent, all the more crucial. Initially, he played second fiddle to Nelson Agholor, but last week, he boasted a 59% snap share, the second-highest among Ravens’ receivers to only Zay Flowers following OBJ’s injury. As Bateman continues to carve out his role, his production is primed to rise. He was likely dropped ahead of the waiver wire run in Week 3 and can be added for little to nothing ahead of Sunday.
Jonathan Mingo (WR, Carolina Panthers) | 14.6% Rostership
Jonathan Mingo may not be a household name in fantasy football, but he’s a player worth keeping a close eye on. Leading the Panthers with 126 snaps so far this season, he commanded a remarkable 98% snap share in Week 2. The second-round rookie has emerged as the top target in terms of both total targets and air yards, becoming a go-to option on critical third-down plays.
Mingo’s on-field prowess is complemented by impressive athletic metrics, including a 96th-percentile speed score and a 91st-percentile burst score. As the Bryce Young-led Panthers embark on their journey, they’re set to face an exciting schedule in the coming weeks. Notably, their Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks could provide Mingo with ample opportunities to shine.
Facing a Seahawks defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, coupled with a generous 72% catch rate, Mingo could thrive. The Seahawks’ pass rush has been notably lacking, applying pressure at the fourth-lowest rate in the league (23.7%). With the Panthers expected to trail, Bryce Young should have a clean pocket for significant garbage-time scoring potential.
Don’t wait too long to add Mingo to your roster; his stock might skyrocket after a promising Week 3 performance.
Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add following the waiver wire Week 3 run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.