Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 3: Who Is Best Miles Austin Replacement?

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin injured his hamstring in his team's overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday and may be out as many as six weeks.

If you're a fantasy GM with Austin as a regular starter, this means you will have to take to the waiver wire to find a replacement if your bench depth isn't meeting your needs.

Lucky for you, this week is a great time to pick up a waiver wire wide receiver. Here, I will detail five options that can help your team while Austin heals.

Eric Decker, Denver Broncos

With Brandon Lloyd out last week, and Eddie Royal out for at least two weeks, Eric Decker is likely to get the start during that time. Considering how impressive he has been thus far (eight receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns), even when Lloyd is healthy he could easily remain a starter.

David Nelson, Buffalo Bills

Nelson is also the beneficiary of an injury start. With Bills receiver Stevie Johnson still nagged by a groin injury and Roscoe Parrish suffering an ankle injury that looks likely to end his season, Nelson will be a primary target for Ryan Fitzpatrick starting this week against the New England Patriots and through the season.

This week is especially good for Nelson; while Johnson is planning on playing, he won't be at 100 percent, and there's a good chance this game will quickly evolve into a shootout. 

Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans

The Titans have found their passing game, courtesy of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. While Kenny Britt is the bigger playmaker in the air for the team, Washington had six catches for 67 yards and seven for 99 in the first two games of the season. This should only increase as the season goes on, and touchdowns are sure to follow.

Danario Alexander, St. Louis Rams

Another receiver benefiting from an injured teammate is the Rams' Danario Alexander. He is joining Mike Sims-Walker and Brandon Gibson in taking over for the injured Danny Amendola.

Of all the options I am detailing here, Alexander is the most risky. He has a history of injury as well as inconsistent play. Though he had three catches for 122 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 2, it was more of an exception than the rule for the receiver.

In deeper leagues, however, Alexander (or Brandon Gibson if available) is a good option. 

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders

Three Raiders receivers and tight end Kevin Boss were inactive for the team in their Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, and Moore stepped up in a big way to fill their void, catching five balls for 146 yards and a touchdown.

Oakland head coach Hue Jackson has already stated that Moore's performance has earned him more playing time, even with the receiving corps at full health.

Look for him to be an every week starter for the Raiders as time wears on, which is very good news for your fantasy team as Moore can serves as both an injury replacement for Austin as well as long-term bench depth.