Dalton Schultz, Jonah Coleman Headline Week 3 Fantasy Pickups Under 50% Rostered

Q: Which unexpected backup is poised to become a league winner after a devastating Week 2 injury?

Jonah Coleman looks like the unexpected backup most capable of turning into a league winner after Week 2. The key change is Denver’s backfield injury fallout. J.K. Dobbins left with a hamstring injury, and RJ Harvey was already inactive, which pushed Coleman into a much larger role. He responded immediately with 13 touches, 58 yards and a touchdown, showing enough burst and trust from the coaching staff to become the Broncos’ priority waiver add. What makes Coleman especially important is the path to volume. The reporting around Dobbins’ hamstring and Harvey’s status suggests Coleman could be looking at a much heavier workload if both miss time. In fantasy, sudden access to starter-level carries is often what creates league-winning pickups, and Coleman now has that opening. The other notable injury-driven beneficiary is Dalton Schultz, whose value jumped after Nico Collins’ injury, but Schultz is a tight end streamer more than a true league-winner candidate. Marcus Mariota also gained relevance after Jayden Daniels’ injury, yet his upside appears more short-term and matchup-dependent. So if the question is which unexpected backup has the clearest chance to swing fantasy leagues after a devastating Week 2 injury, it is Coleman. He has the strongest combination of immediate opportunity, usable production already on tape, and a realistic path to holding a major role beyond just one week.

Q: Could a seemingly forgotten quarterback be the ultimate secret weapon to saving your fantasy football season this week?

Yes — Tyler Shough looks like the most plausible “forgotten” quarterback who could rescue a fantasy team in Week 3. The waiver-wire case is unusually strong. Shough has followed a big opener with another productive game in a road win at Baltimore, showing both passing efficiency and enough mobility to add fantasy value. New Orleans now gets a favorable home matchup against the Raiders, and multiple fantasy analysts are treating him not just as a one-week streamer but as a player with staying power. What makes Shough especially appealing is context. Injuries and uncertainty are piling up at quarterback around fantasy football, with managers potentially needing replacements for bigger-name starters. In that environment, Shough offers a combination of availability, recent production, and matchup quality that is hard to find on waivers. The Saints also appear comfortable leaning on him, which matters as much as raw talent for short-term fantasy value. He is not the only answer. Bryce Young has also become a legitimate Week 3 pickup after back-to-back three-touchdown performances and may offer a safer recent production profile. Jordan Love remains a solid option in favorable circumstances, while Kyler Murray is worth watching if he clears concussion protocol. But if the question is about a low-profile quarterback with league-saving upside this week, Shough is the best fit. He has the momentum, the opponent, and growing evidence that this is more than a fluke.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 21

Dalton Schultz and Jonah Coleman led Week 3 waiver recommendations among players available in at least 50% of ESPN standard leagues, with Schultz rostered in 21.3% and Coleman in 15.2%.
Schultz surged after Nico Collins' hamstring injury, turning 12 catches into 140 yards and 26 fantasy points while no other Texans player reached six receptions or 40 yards.
Coleman gained urgency because Broncos starter J.K. Dobbins left with a hamstring issue and backup RJ Harvey is also hurt, potentially pushing the rookie into the lead role against the Rams.
Tyler Shough was the top quarterback target at 49.7% rostered after a 22.38-point outing, while Denzel Boston emerged at receiver with touchdowns in both games and a 22-yard average per catch.
The list reflects early-season volatility across depth charts and injuries, with managers urged to use free agency aggressively before roles harden deeper into the NFL season.