Fantasy Football Week 3: Rankings, Box Score Stat Projections, Top Waiver-Wire Adds

Fantasy football is anything but a science, as managers with the likes of Tyree Hill, Cooper Kupp and other stud players found out the hard way in Week 2.

There were more than a few top-tier performers who struggled and failed to live up to expectations, while others shined brightly and carried their fantasy squads to victory.

Ahead of Week 3 in the NFL, here's a look at who the top 15 players are, their projected stats, and which two waiver-wire options managers should scoop up.

Week 3 Rankings and Stat Projections

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The top 15 rankings for Week 3 of the 2024 fantasy football season are:

1. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars (225 yards, TD, 50 rush yards, 2 TDs)
2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons (250 yards, 3 TDs)
3. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders (275 yards, 2 TDs)
4. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons vs. Kansas City Chiefs (20 carries, 100 yards, TD, 5 receptions, 40 yards)
5. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans (13 receptions, 150 yards, TD)
   
6. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys (20 carries, 120 yards, TD, 2 receptions, 15 yards)
7. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints (175 yards, TD, 45 rushing yards, TD)
8. Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (100 yards, TD, 4 receptions, 25 yards)
9. Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles (200 yards, 3 TDs)
10. CJ Stroud, QB, Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (200 yards, 2 TDs, 20 rushing yards)
11. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears (15 carries, 90 yards, 2 TDs, 3 receptions, 20 yards)
12. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals (150 yards, TD, 60 rushing yards)
13. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (10 receptions, 130 yards, TD)
14. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens (8 receptions, 100 yards, TD)
15. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets vs. New England Patriots (20 carries, 90 yards, TD)

Waiver Wire Add: Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashid Shaheed #22 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a receiving touchdown during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

If you were not sold on Rashid Shaheed as a valid fantasy option at receiver after the first week of the season, his four catches for 96 yards and a touchdown should change your mind.

The speedster of the New Orleans Saints' wide receiver room again proved himself as a target for quarterback Derek Carr in Klint Kubiak's explosive new scheme and added three carries for 13 yards to boot.

A dynamic, explosive player who can change games by getting a single step on the defender, he will remain a big-play target in a Saints offense that has scored 40-plus points in each of the first two games of the season, including against a strong Dallas Cowboys defense.

In Week 3, the Saints play a Philadelphia Eagles defense that gave up 11 catches for 201 receiving yards and 52.40 fantasy points to Green Bay receivers in Week 1. While it remains to be seen what the Birds do against an Atlanta Falcons offense with the potential to do damage, it stands to reason that there will be big plays down the field for the Saints in the game.

Shaheed is available in 38 percent of Yahoo and 55 percent of ESPN leagues. Go grab him and stash him if you must, but make sure he is on your roster and not beating you later in pivotal matchups.

Waiver Wire Add: Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 15: Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots reacts during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Hunter Henry may have burned fantasy owners in the past, never quite living up to the potential he flashed during his time with the Chargers, but that may very well have changed in New England's Week 2 loss to Seattle.

Henry came alive, showcasing strong chemistry with quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the tune of eight catches on 12 targets for 108 yards.

The Pats have the worst receiver room in the league, making Henry a valuable target for Brissett, especially against a tough New York Jets defense in Week 3.

Managers with underperforming tight ends or in need of depth at the position should jump at the chance to pick up Henry. Even if rookie Drake May takes over the reins for a Patriots team performing better than anyone expected, Henry figures to be a security blanket for the first-year signal-caller.

He is available in 76 and 89 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues, respectively.

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All stats via FantasyPros unless otherwise noted.