Fantasy Football Week 3: Must-Haves Off the Waiver Wire

The two most coveted players off the waiver wire last week gave one exceptional stat line (Michael Vick, 23 points in standard scoring leagues) and one pretty disappointing one (Brandon Jackson, 9 points in standard scoring leagues).

Certainly, there are no guarantees in fantasy football.  One example of this is the fact that Vick’s performance may be a one-shot deal, as Eagles head coach Andy Reid has once again stated that Kevin Kolb will be the starter for Week 3, barring any injury complications. 

Nevertheless, there are several guys who had breakout games in Week 2, and therefore deserve some consideration for your team in Week 3.

Jason Snelling, RB, Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons dives for more yardage against the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Fantasy owners who had a chance to grab Snelling in 2009 know how effective this power back can be, despite being just third on the Falcons’ running back depth chart.

Fantasy aficionados need look no further than his performance against the Arizona Cardinals to see why he is worth a waiver claim.

With both Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood succumbing to injuries, Snelling had a chance to shine, and wow, did he ever shine.

Snelling finished the day with 24 carries for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as a solid performance receiving.  Through the air, Snelling notched 5 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.

While Turner’s groin pull was considered minor by Atlanta head coach Mike Smith, the injury proneness of both Turner and Norwood make Snelling an attractive option. 

Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates his second touchdown in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers

When Chargers starting running back Ryan Matthews sprained his right ankle, veteran Mike Tolbert was right there to pick up the slack.

Tolbert had 16 carries for 82 yards and found the end zone twice in an explosive effort and also had a catch for 13 yards to put the icing on the cake.

While Matthews’ injury is not regarded as serious, it would be tough to imagine a scenario in which Tolbert is not used more frequently in this offense.

The Chargers' propensity to run the ball on the goal line is another reason for fantasy teams that need running back depth to gamble on Tolbert.

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Tightend Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos catches a 21 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated t

Those who waited patiently until Week 2 to see Demaryius Thomas in a Broncos uniform were not disappointed.

Despite missing all of the preseason and Week 1 with a foot injury, the rookie out of Georgia Tech had no problem finding space amid a weak Seahawks defense, reeling in eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.

This 2010 Broncos offense is definitely a passing team, as quarterback Kyle Orton has 602 yards, three touchdowns, and a 103.1 passer rating with just one interception. 

This makes just about any Broncos receiver a worthwhile pick up; however, very few leagues will likely have Eddie Royal or Jabar Gaffney available at this point.

Gaffney’s stock seems to be on the decline anyway, which is why Thomas or teammate Brandon Lloyd could easily be this week's steals off your league’s waiver wire.

Louis Murphy, WR, Oakland Raiders

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Louis Murphy #18 of the Oakland Raiders runs for yardage as Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears closes in during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

While it is hard to fathom starting a Raider other than Darren McFadden, this Oakland offense looked revitalized with Bruce Gradkowski.

While many expected Murphy’s fantasy value to rise with Campbell under center, the big-bodied receiver did not have any stats to brag about until Gradkowski was throwing the passes.

Murphy finished the day with six catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, as he was clearly the favorite target of the journeyman quarterback.

This performance did come at the expense of the bottom-feeding Rams, but with the number of looks Murphy received, he should get third wide receiver consideration in most leagues. 

And believe it or not, teammate Darrius Heyward-Bey showed some fantasy value as well, racking up six catches for 80 yards.   

While few people will be willing to gamble on the Maryland product after an abysmal rookie season last year, he has shown great improvement thus far in 2010.

Additionally, the silver-and-black attack is not shy to pass with Gradkowski at the helm, meaning that Heyward-Bey could at least be a useful flex play in upcoming weeks.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots runs through a tackle from David Harris #52 of the New York Jets during the first quarter at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jer

After your fantasy draft for the 2010 season ended, the New England Patriots' offense probably looked like a lost cause.

The go-to guys like Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker were likely gone by Round 5, and the Pats' rushing attack has not had anyone to get excited about in years.

When running back Laurence Maroney was traded last week, New England did not even have a useful goal-line back anymore. 

However, those in desperate need of a fantasy-relevant tight end may have their prayers answered in the 20-year-old rookie Aaron Hernandez.

Hernandez showed some promise in Week 1, amassing 45 yards on his one catch, but then exploded this week with six catches for 101 yards against a rock-solid Jets defense, albeit one without star cornerback Darrelle Revis for a little over a half of the game.

The youngest member of the Patriots squad has shown no problem gaining yards after the catch, and seems to have already gained the trust of quarterback Tom Brady.

While Hernandez may not yet be a must-start option every week like Antonio Gates or Vernon Davis, his talent and value are obvious, and he is going to still be available in a large number of leagues.

If your fantasy team is hurting for a tight end, Aaron Hernandez is the way to go.