Fantasy Football Week 3: Analyzing Top Waiver-Wire Targets to Fill Key Voids

In a perfect world, a fantasy football owner would be able to ride the same lineup for an entire season while only making changes for bye weeks. Of course, longtime players know that's not realistic. Given the high number of variables in play, the waiver wire is essential to success.

Sometimes it's even necessary to find a plug-and-play option—a free agent who's picked up and immediately put in the lineup to fill a void created by injury or unexpectedly poor play. It's not ideal, but sometimes the situation warrants it.

With that in mind, let's check out one player from each key position available in a majority of leagues who can help complete a lineup for Week 3. They probably won't become full-time fantasy starters, but there's definitely some upside for this week.

QB: Kirk Cousins (Washington Redskins)

Cousins stepped in for Robert Griffin III last week and completed 67 percent of his throws for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. He was facing the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars, which must be taken into account, but it was an impressive relief appearance nonetheless.

The Michigan State product is a good fit for Jay Gruden's West Coast scheme with good mobility and an ability to stretch the field. Tom Schad of The Washington Times passed along comments from the quarterback, who says building chemistry with his receivers is now the biggest key.

"You're certainly going to develop greater chemistry, greater rapport the more you play with them, the more reps you get with them," Cousins said. "But that being said, I do feel comfortable. … It's just a matter of me managing the game and getting the football in the right guy's hands to let them go make plays."

Now he leads the offense to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a division clash with shootout potential. Cousins should put up starter-caliber numbers for as long as he remains the starter. Given he's had a full week to prepare instead of coming in cold off the bench, this week should be no exception.

RB: Matt Asiata (Minnesota Vikings)

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The Vikings were forced to abandon the run early in a blowout loss to the New England Patriots last week. Yet, Asiata still managed to get 18 touches and turned them into 13 fantasy points, thanks in large part to 48 yards and a touchdown through the air.

That ability to make plays out of the backfield will come in handy again this week. Minnesota goes up against the high-powered New Orleans Saints. If the defense falters, the Vikings will once again have to go with a more pass-heavy attack.

They will try to slow things down with the ground game first, of course. But regardless of how the game plays out, Asiata should find a way to at least reach a double-digit fantasy total against a defense giving up nearly 450 yards per game.

WR: Andrew Hawkins (Cleveland Browns)

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Hawkins illustrates the power of touchdowns in fantasy. If he would have found the end zone at least once over the first two weeks, he'd be a coveted commodity. Since that wasn't the case, he remains available in a high percentage of leagues.

His other numbers suggest he's worth owning and starting, though. He ranks inside the top 10 overall in both catches and targets, ahead of several big names like Brandon Marshall and Demaryius Thomas. Mike Braude of RotoViz notes his role in Cleveland also gives him added value in PPR leagues:

Touchdowns are a highly variable stat. The fact Hawkins is getting so many looks in the Browns offense suggests they will come eventually. Meanwhile, his other numbers will ensure he remains a solid option regardless. That's especially true against the 22nd-ranked Baltimore Ravens pass defense.

TE: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)

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The lack of depth at tight end is going to create a revolving door at the position for many fantasy owners. That's why Kelce, who's averaging just six points per week, is on the radar despite the fact he would be an afterthought at the other skill spots.

What's intriguing about him is his combination of size and athleticism. He's big enough (6'5'', 260 lbs) to develop into a reliable red-zone target, but he's also averaging nearly 20 yards per catch through two games. All seven of his grabs have created first downs.

Moreover, his 130 yards leads the team, showing Kelce is building a connection with Alex Smith. Like Hawkins, the touchdowns haven't come yet, but there's still reason to believe he's heading in the right direction. He's worth a start against the Miami Dolphins, who have given up 49 points in two games.