Gibbs, Smith-Njigba Lead Week 3 Fantasy as St. Brown, Taylor Slip

Q: With star running backs sidelined, which backup is the ultimate waiver wire steal to save your 2026 fantasy season?

Braelon Allen looks like the best waiver-wire steal right now. The clearest path to immediate fantasy value comes from New York. Breece Hall left Week 3 with a thigh injury and was ruled out quickly, which often raises concern about at least a short-term absence. If Hall misses time, Allen becomes the likely lead back in a Jets offense that is functioning well with Geno Smith, Garrett Wilson and a productive passing game. The reporting around the injury and fantasy reaction both point to Allen as the top Week 4 add, with RB2/RB3 usability right away. Ollie Gordon II is the other major target, and he may offer the bigger workload ceiling if De’Von Achane’s injury proves serious. Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said the outlook on Achane’s knee “does not sound optimistic.” After Achane exited, Gordon handled 17 carries for 41 yards, scored a touchdown and added receiving work. Miami’s offense is weaker than the Jets’, but Gordon’s path to volume is real, especially with Jaylen Wright inactive in Week 3 and the Dolphins thin at running back. If the question is who can best save a fantasy season immediately, Allen gets the edge because his offense is healthier, his scoring environment is better, and his role would likely be cleaner if Hall sits. Gordon is a close second and may be the preferred swing for managers chasing raw touches over efficiency. Jaylen Warren is also viable in the short term, but his value is more tied to Rico Dowdle’s status than a true backfield takeover.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 27

Jahmyr Gibbs and Jaxon Smith-Njigba headlined Week 3 after Gibbs pushed his season total to a position-best 98.3 fantasy points and Smith-Njigba erupted for 35.36, giving him 104.06 through three games.
Those breakouts were backed by heavy usage and quarterback support: Gibbs handled 75% of snaps and 78% of rushing share, while Sam Darnold returned from injury to score 27.66 points and boost Seattle's passing outlook.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jonathan Taylor landed among the week's biggest disappointments, with St. Brown held to 11.9 points despite eight targets and Taylor managing 9.2 points on 23 carries against Houston.
Other Week 3 risers included Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, plus Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq, while fantasy managers also tracked injuries to De'Von Achane and Breece Hall that could reshape Week 4 waiver priorities.