Week 3 Waiver Wire: Breakout Fantasy Football Pickups from Sunday's Box Scores
When it comes to fantasy football, Week 2 of the NFL season is one of the more crucial datapoints a manager can consider.
Week 1 stats are inherently fluky as starters, many of whom didn't see much playing time during the preseason, get into the rhythm of the season. And unexpected contributors who make a splash in Week 1 could be written off as just that—flukes.
However, if a player who is unrostered in most leagues makes a splash in Weeks 1 and 2, that can—and should—prompt you to consider picking them up on waivers. While two games in is early to give up on the players you've drafted, some poor performances are backed up by flawed systems—sorry, Evan Engram—and may be worth making room on your squad for rising stars.
Given their Week 2 showings, the following players are ones to consider on waivers this week.
Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets
1 of 3
Week 2 stats: 7 att, 33 yds, 1 rush TD, 2 rec, 23 rec yds, 1 rec TD, 19.6 pts
Rostered: 9 percent
Did you know New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen is the youngest player in the NFL? That's a joke; the fact has been repeated over and over on broadcasts and in the media. But what Allen accomplished in Week 2 is special, regardless of his age.
Allen contributed to the Jets' 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans through the air and on the ground, becoming the youngest player to score two scrimmage touchdowns in a single NFL game. He may quickly be forming one of the league's most productive tandems with Breece Hall, who praised the rookie on X after the game:
Of course, Allen's 19.6 points in Week 2 largely came from his two touchdowns, something he won't be replicating every week. Hall is still the clear lead back, with twice as many carries and rushing yards as his rookie counterpart. But Allen seems to be special, and you don't want him turning in these kinds of performances on someone else's roster. He's a great option to pick up this week and stash while he establishes his role on this Jets team.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
2 of 3
Week 2 stats: 5 rec, 51 yds, 2 TD, 22.1 pts
Rostered: 6 percent
Like Braelon Allen, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston found the end zone twice in Week 2, inflating his fantasy points. He won't do that every week. Still, Johnston is proving to his doubters that he has a role in this Chargers offense.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh touched on Johnston's up-and-down NFL career in his press conference following Los Angeles' 26-3 dismantling of the Panthers.
"Everybody on the team really likes Q. Loves him. Respects him. Probably because he's been picked on by a lot of people, but it doesn't faze him," Harbaugh said. He also praised Johnston's ability to "make tough catches across the middle." "Not many people do that," Harbaugh said.
In all, Johnston was targeted six times, the most of any Charger, and brought in five receptions for 51 yards and the aforementioned two touchdowns. Those who already identified as Johnston enthusiasts will see this as the sign they needed to claim him on waivers. Those who don't may want to start paying attention.
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
3 of 3
Week 2 stats: 5 rec, 56 yds, 1 TD
Rostered: 26 percent
The Indianapolis Colts dropped to 0-2 on the season in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. But there's at least one bright spot for the young team: the performance of third-year wideout Alec Pierce.
Through two games, Pierce is the Colts' most productive receiver, totaling eight catches, 181 yards and two touchdowns for an average 22.6 yards per carry.
On Sunday against the Packers, Pierce saw seven targets, tied with Michael Pittman Jr. for the most of any wideout, but Pierce brought in five receptions to Pittman's three. Pierce seems to have stated his case to be considered WR1, and he's certainly got quarterback Anthony Richardson's support. Richardson wore an Alec Pierce T-shirt during warm-ups.
Pierce has the highest rostered percentage of any player on our list this week, though at just 26 percent, he's still likely to be available in your league.
Scoring and rostered percentage via Fantasy Pros
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