Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings: Ranking the 5 Riskiest WR Plays

In fantasy football, this is where you can really do some damage to your opponent, however, it could ultimately lead to your demise as well.

They are the WRs.

Most leagues start either two or three of them, and you can seriously rack up some points if two of the three smash on Sundays.

However, starting that third (if applicable) can be frustrating at times, and could be the difference between a win and a loss.

So, here are the Top 5 riskiest WR plays in Week 3.

Note: Click the link for a full view of the NFL injury report.

5. Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills (vs New England Patriots)

Yes he's the Bills' best WR and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target, but the Patriots' pass defense made a big stride between Week 1 and 2, and you know Bill Belichick has a gameplan to blanket Johnson.

In addition, he may not totally be 100 percent, that is, if he decides to suit up on Sunday.

It is a big game for Buffalo, so he most likely will, but don't get too disappointed if he doesn't perform to his normal level.

4. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys (vs Washington Redskins)

With fellow WR Miles Austin already out, and the uncertainty of who's going to be under center, Dallas WR Dez Bryant has his own hands full against a very underrated Redskins defense.

That is, if he even plays, as Bryant is currently dealing with a pesky quad injury.

However, even if he plays, it's going to be a long day, as the Cowboys have too many injuries overall, and Washington is playing with a lot of confidence. 

3. Mario Manningham, New York Giants (vs Philadelphia Eagles)

Even more so than Johnson, it's uncertain whether Mario Manningham is able to go on Sunday, however, even if he does, it's a WR fantasy risk.

Also, as we all know too well by now, the Eagles have an excellent pass defense.

Combine that with fellow New York WR Dominek Hixon being out, and the Giants will be pounding the rock a lot more than anticipated.

2. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs (vs San Diego Chargers)

With RB Jamaal Charles being out, the Chiefs' best offensive weapon becomes WR Dwayne Bowe.

And although Bowe is a solid WR, he'll be significantly blanketed against San Diego in Week 3.

Pair that with the Bolts' pass rush. and Matt Cassel isn't going to have much time to feed Bowe the rock anyway.

In turn, K.C. will rely a lot more on Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones to make plays on the ground.

1. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts (vs Pittsburgh Steelers)

Without Peyton Manning under center, it's a foregone conclusion that the Colts' pass game will suffer.

This week however, it only gets worse, as they play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Therefore, expect Reggie Wayne to be double-teamed on almost every play as the Blitzburgh pass rush forces a lot of underneath routes to be targeted.

That said, Wayne will be lucky to get five or six targets all game.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.