Dynasty Waivers of the Future: Week 3

My colleague Josh Fahlsing and I gaze into our crystal footballs each week to find players who may become popular waiver targets in the future so you can pick them up now for next to nothing. We'll start with our priorities, then gaze deeper for lightly rostered gems who have been largely ignored by dynasty managers so far. 

Some of them are no longer being ignored. One of my deep darts last week, San Francisco's backup tight end Jake Tonges, went from 0 percent rostership to north of 40 percent this week. Yes, Luke Farrell caught the touchdown pass, but Tonges was the preferred passing option for Mac Jones and will continue to be so long as George Kittle is out. Josh, any past pick you want to highlight?

Josh: We liked Tyquan Thornton as an add last week for his speed and increased opportunity. Though he failed on a deep target late in the game, he rebounded with a 49-yard touchdown catch two plays later. Thornton will be inconsistent, but he offers fill-in value for the Chiefs while Xavier Worthy is injured and Rashee Rice is suspended. He's young enough and in a good enough situation that he's still a fun stash deep on a dynasty roster.

Jeff: Thornton's rostership rose to nearly 40 percent from about 27 percent last week, so the window to get him is also closing fast. Let's turn to this week. Who is your priority pickup this week, Josh?

Dynasty Waiver Priority Pickups

Josh: This would be Bengals quarterback Jake Browning if we were looking at this week's waivers, but this is Dynasty Waivers of the Future, and we highlighted Browning two weeks ago. If the Burrow manager in your league was asleep, I hope you were paying attention.

WR Hunter Renfrow, Carolina Panthers (32% Rostered)

Josh: My dynasty waiver priority pickup this week is Renfrow, although you might need to consider acquiring him via trade since he's rostered in about a third of dynasty leagues. Renfrow was released by the Raiders and sat out the 2024 season while recovering from ulcerative colitis. He had a strong camp with the Panthers this summer but was cut after the preseason. A few days later, he was brought back after the Panthers traded Adam Thielen to Minnesota. With Jalen Coker on injured reserve, Renfrow has had a chance to claim a role in the Panthers' passing game, and he has not disappointed. After two games, Renfrow is second on the Panthers in routes with 80, tied for second in targets with 15, and tied for second in receptions with nine. Oh, and he's tied for the team lead with two receiving touchdowns. Coker may watch Renfrow take the slot role for good, and Renfrow may challenge Xavier Legette as the receiver to have in Carolina after rookie Tetairoa McMillan.

Who's your priority dynasty waiver-wire target this week?

RB LeQuint Allen Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (46% Rostered)

Jeff: My dynasty waiver priority pickup, LeQuint Allen Jr., is already rostered in nearly half of Sleeper dynasty leagues, so there's a good chance he's already gone. If he's not, snap him up now. The Jaguars traded away presumptive RB2 and potential RB1 Tank Bigsby a couple of weeks ago, opening the door for Allen to see increased playing time. He's still behind Travis Etienne Jr. and fellow rookie Bhayshul Tuten on the depth chart. If either were to miss time, Allen becomes an immediate RB2, which could put him in the flex conversation later this year as bye weeks and injuries deplete fantasy managers' benches. More importantly for dynasty managers is the fact that Etienne is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Etienne's performance so far this season has demonstrated that he can be the team's workhorse RB1. However, the market may price him out of Jacksonville, which could give Allen an even bigger role in future seasons. 

Deep Darts

We've barely started the season, and we're already at the point at least four backup quarterbacks are expected to start this week: Browning, Mac Jones, Carson Wentz, and Tyrod Taylor. I'd check to see if any of those are available, in that order. But sometimes you have to dance with who's available. Josh, which quarterback dart throw are you taking this week?