Week 3 is here, which means it’s time to scour the waiver wire for impact players. However, for those in fantasy football leagues using FAAB (free agent auction budget), that’s easier said than done. Figuring out who to target, and how much to spend, is a constant dilemma for managers. However, spending without giving up too much can make all the difference going forward.
Here’s how much FAAB you should be shelling out on some of Week 3’s most popular waiver wire selections.
Week 3 Fantasy Football FAAB Values
WR Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
10% of FAAB budget
If you’re in need of instant production, finding an immediate starter is difficult. The best bet for those in 12+ team leagues might be Troy Franklin. Entering the season, Courtland Sutton was well-established as Bo Nix’s favorite target in Denver. Other than that, this passing game was a bit murky. Marvin Mims Jr. has shown flashes, but never anything substantial. Newly signed tight end Evan Engram is a capable pass catcher, but not a go-to option. Enter Troy Franklin; the second-year pro caught eight passes for 89 yards and a touchdown on Sunday vs. Indianapolis.
It’s safe to say Week 2’s performance caught most fantasy managers off guard. After all, Franklin recorded just 263 receiving yards over 16 outings in 2024. However, on a Broncos squad in need of talented receivers, there should be a role for the 22-year-old. It helps that the Oregon alum has experience with Nix dating back to their college days. It’s no coincidence that Franklin saw the field for 83% of Denver’s snaps on Sunday. That’s more than every other wideout on the roster, Sutton included. If this level of playing time continues, there’s a clear path here to flex-caliber production.
RB Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
5% of FAAB budget
Running back has been somewhat barren so far. Barring a major injury, that’s likely to be the case for most of the year. Still, there are several offenses that could support multiple fantasy-relevant rushers. That might include the Jaguars. Head coach Liam Coen involved both Bucky Irving and Rachaad White as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator last season. Is a similar game plan developing in Jacksonville? Right now, it’s hard to say. Travis Etienne has been terrific so far, emerging as a set-it and forget-it RB1. However, Week 2 saw an added dose of Bhayshul Tuten. The rookie ran for 42 yards on eight carries while catching two passes for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Given Etienne’s scorching-hot start, it’s difficult to envision him being replaced on the depth chart. Still, given his injury history, the Clemson alum’s workload should be closely monitored. Tuten’s snap share on Sunday vs. the Bengals was just 25%. With that being said, it was a significant step up from his Week 1 total (6%). For most managers, this appears to be more of a wait-and-see situation. Still, given the lack of quality waiver wire rushers, Tuten might be worth a flier. Those that currently roster Etienne should strongly consider paying up for a solidified fantasy football handcuff.
TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
4-5% of FAAB budget
Tight end, especially after George Kittle’s injury, is a bit thin right now. Still, there are several intriguing options available in most leagues. That includes Juwan Johnson, arguably the second option in New Orleans’ passing game. Through two appearances, the sixth-year pro has caught 13 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. We’ve seen the big man put together monster stat lines before, only to follow it up with a letdown performance. However, things could be different under new head coach Kellen Moore. The former Cowboys and Eagles offensive coordinator loves to sling the ball. It helps that the rebuilding Saints will likely be trailing in most matchups.
The impending return of Taysom Hill (knee) casts a bit of doubt over Johnson’s season-long value. Regardless, the 6’4″ red zone threat has the potential to finish as a top ten fantasy tight end. He’s been on the field for 142 of New Orleans’ 146 total snaps this season (97%). Even if the tight end eventually surrenders some playing time, he’s solidified himself as a starter. With an unproven quarterback in Spencer Rattler under center, short and intermediate passes are a near-certainty, as well. Grab Johnson now, especially if you’re in search of immediate production.
Other names to consider
- The following flex options, if available, are all worth around 10% of your FAAB budget, if not more:
- WR Wan’Dale Robinson
- RB Cam Skattebo
- WR Elic Ayomanor
- Zach Ertz (18.4 FPTS) and Harold Fannin Jr. (9.8 FPTS) should garner at least 3-4% of FAAB for tight end-needy rosters.
- Hunter Renfrow (23.8 FPTS) had a two-touchdown performance against the Cardinals. However, Jalen Coker’s eventual return makes his role temporary at best.
- 1% of FAAB budget
- Christian Kirk, if available, should be rostered immediately. Other than Nico Collins, nobody else in Houston has stepped up as a WR2. Once the veteran is healthy, his role out of the slot should pay dividends.
- 3-4% of FAAB budget
- At quarterback, there’s a glut of fantasy-relevant starters for those in a pinch. Therefore, it’s difficult to justify spending much, if at all. Following impressive Week 2 showings, Daniel Jones and Russell Wilson might garner a closer look.
- 3-4% of FAAB budget
