DFS Army’s Gthom gives at least one early free agent to target this week in fantasy football. These waiver wire targets are normally available in 50-percent of ESPN leagues.
Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call X, or Twitter, or whatever it’s called @GarettThomas.
Sep 22, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving (RB, TB)
33% Ownership
Irving appears on this list because he out-touched starter Rachaad White. Irving finished the day with 9 carries for 70 yards and 3 receptions for 14 yards, totaling 12 touches. White, on the other hand, had 5 carries for 17 yards and 5 receptions for 18 yards, with 10 total touches. This is notable because White projected to be the featured-back this season, but the backfield may be shifting towards a committee approach.
It’s worth noting that Tampa Bay trailed the entire game. Additionally, White dealt with a groin injury in Week 2 but had no designation for Week 3. It’s reasonable to think White’s decreased usage could be due to the Bucs managing his reps in the short term.
Although Irving won’t dominate touches unless an injury occurs, his involvement in Tampa’s offense is hard to ignore. He’s currently averaging 10 opportunities per game and remains a strong stash candidate, with deeper league managers potentially finding FLEX value in him.
Braelon Allen (RB, NYJ)
28% Ownership
Allen has clearly carved out a role in this offense. Last week, he finished with 7 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, along with 2 receptions for 23 yards and another score. In Week 3 against the Patriots, he recorded 3 catches for 13 yards and 11 rushes for 55 yards.
Allen’s involvement in the passing game boosts his value in PPR formats, providing stand-alone appeal. It’s also encouraging to see the Jets using both Allen and starter Breece Hall in packages together.
Allen is a high-value handcuff with FLEX potential, especially as BYE weeks begin in Week 5.
Jauan Jennings (WR, SF)
36% Ownership
Jennings finished with 46.5 fantasy points against the Rams in Week 3, likely leading the NFL. He had a career day, catching 11 passes on 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
The 49ers have been hit hard by injuries, and Jennings is one of the few remaining veterans. Deebo Samuel and George Kittle did not practice leading up to Week 3, so monitor the injury report as we head into Week 4.
Jennings is a temporary fill-in player, do not blow large amounts of FAAB trying to acquire him rest-of-season.
Cole Kmet (TE, CHI)
26% Ownership
Kmet is no stranger to elite fantasy performances but, like most tight ends, can disappear in sometimes. In 2023, he averaged 10.2 PPR points per game, ranking 8th, and finished as a top-12 tight end in 10 different weeks. This week against the Colts, the Chicago tight end had 10 catches on 11 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The Bears’ offense, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, has been impossible to trust in 2024. But in Week 3, Williams threw for 363 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions – perhaps changing the narrative around this anemic offense. While 52 passing attempts aren’t likely to happen often, any boost to passing production makes Kmet and all Chicago pass-catchers more appealing.
With tight ends being a scarce commodity, Kmet’s usage is hard to ignore. He may require a small FAAB investment of 7-15% to acquire him.