Fantasy Football WR Sleepers for Week 3: Five Wide Receivers to Consider

Finding the right fantasy football WR sleepers can make a difference in Week 3, especially for managers dealing with injuries, difficult matchups or tough start-sit decisions. Aside from the obvious weekly starters, several wide receivers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.

Each week, we highlight five wide receivers who have a path to outperform expectations because of their role, matchup, recent usage or opportunities in their offense. These picks can help season-long fantasy football managers looking for a sleeper or FLEX option, while DraftKings salaries are included for players who are also in good spots to provide DFS value.

Best Fantasy Football WR Sleepers for Week 3

Here are five fantasy football WR sleepers to consider for Week 3. Analysis for each wide receiver is below.

1. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills ($4,800)
2. Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns ($4,500)
3. Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins ($4,200)
4. Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders ($3,500)
5. Isaiah Williams, New York Jets ($3,300)

Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills ($4,800)

Why he’s a Week 3 fantasy football sleeper: The Bills host the Chargers in one of the most interesting and possibly highest-scoring games of the week. The Bills haven’t played since last Thursday but listed both D.J. Moore (shoulder) and Keon Coleman (ankle) as questionable. If either or both are limited or out, Shakir could be very busy in a favorable matchup out of the slot against the Chargers, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to receivers this season. Shakir is already playing plenty of snaps and had six targets in each of the first two games of the year, so even a small bump in usage could make him an outstanding play.

Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns ($4,500)

Why he’s a Week 3 fantasy football sleeper: Boston has stepped up as the Browns’ No. 1 receiver so far this year, earning 13.9 and 20.5 FPTS by scoring a touchdown in each of his first two games in the NFL. He has a solid matchup against the Panthers and will be ready for his home debut alongside a possibly resurgent Deshaun Watson ($4,700).

Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins ($4,200)

Why he’s a Week 3 fantasy football sleeper: Washington has already been the Dolphins’ No. 1 option in the passing game, leading the team in routes, targets and catches. With rookie Caleb Douglas (ankle) out, Washington will have to step up in Miami’s home opener, and even in a tough matchup against the Chiefs he should get enough volume to be a solid sleeper play, even if his production comes late after the game is decided.

Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders ($3,500)

Why he’s a Week 3 fantasy football sleeper: While Tre Tucker ($5,000) had the big game last week for the Raiders, Bech also had a solid showing for the second straight week, starting and producing multiple catches. He found the end zone in Week 1 and had 11.3 FPTS, followed by 4.5 FPTS in Week 2 against the Chargers. If the Raiders-Saints game turns into a track meet at the Superdome, Bech brings a high ceiling.

Isaiah Williams, New York Jets ($3,300)

Why he’s a Week 3 fantasy football sleeper: Williams was a hot name in training camp but uninvolved in Week 1. He changed that in Week 2, though, playing 61 of 74 offensive snaps (82.4%) and catching all six of his targets for 34 yards while adding a 14-yard rush as well. With Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) out and Adonai Mitchell ($4,300, finger) questionable, Williams brings a very high ceiling to this Sunday’s matchup with the Lions, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the position this sason.

Last Week’s Fantasy Football WR Sleeper Results

Here’s how our five fantasy football WR sleeper picks performed last week:

• Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens: 21.8 FPTS
• Demarcus Robinson, San Francisco 49ers: 6.4 FPTS
• DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots: 1.9 FPTS
• Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans: 5.4 FPTS
• Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins: 3.9 FPTS

Fantasy Football WR Sleepers FAQ

Who are the best fantasy football WR sleepers for Week 3?

Khalil Shakir, Malik Washington, Denzel Boston, Jack Bech and Isaiah Williams are five wide receivers to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 3.

What is a fantasy football WR sleeper?

A fantasy football WR sleeper is a wide receiver outside the most obvious weekly starters who has an opportunity to outperform expectations because of factors such as an expanded role, increased targets, injuries, recent usage or a favorable matchup.

Can these WR sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?

Some fantasy football WR sleepers can also provide DFS value when their DraftKings salary does not fully reflect their projected role or upside. DraftKings salaries are included above to help identify players who may be useful in both season-long fantasy football and DFS contests.