Bryce Young and Tyler Shough Lead Week 3 Fantasy Waiver Targets

The grass at M&T Bank Field is still damp from the morning rain, but the urgency in fantasy league rooms is already dry and sharp. Two weeks of action have left a trail of bruises across the NFL, forcing managers to look past the glossy box scores and into the shadows where new roles are forming. The quarterback position, once stable, is now a patchwork of backups stepping into the light.

Injuries to Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Saquon Barkley, and Nico Collins have reshaped the landscape, pushing backups into larger roles that now define the top waiver targets. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the strategy for this week is clear: spend on roles, not just on the flashes of a single big play. A backup who might start for a month holds more long-term value than a receiver who caught one lucky touchdown.

Bryce Young leads the quarterback rush

Bryce Young stands out as the primary target for those needing a reliable arm. The Carolina Panthers’ starter has thrown for six touchdown passes and a rushing score through two games. In a 34-3 victory over Atlanta, Young led the team the entire way, posting a career-high 204 yards in the first half. The Panthers have now scored 71 points in two games, the most in team history for that span. Young heads to Cleveland next, and his consistency makes him a weekly starter in two-quarterback leagues.

Tyler Shough offers a different kind of value, blending passing efficiency with a unique rushing threat. He led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to secure a 24-17 win over Baltimore, including a fourth-down sneak with just over a minute left. Through two games, Shough has accumulated 662 passing yards and a 4-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to run for scores provides a floor that many other backups lack, especially with the Saints facing the Raiders at home.

Injuries reshape the roster landscape

The ripple effects of injury extend beyond the quarterbacks. Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow in the loss to Dallas, a recurring issue that has him out for at least the near term. Coach Dan Quinn said the team will rally around Marcus Mariota until Daniels returns. Mariota capped his best drive with a 20-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs, but his first start against Seattle is a tough matchup. He remains a better add for the weeks following that initial challenge.

Tyson Bagent of the Chicago Bears faces a similar transition after Caleb Williams’ injury. Bagent’s Week 2 performance was modest, but the role is now his. The schedule matters here, as the Bears play the Eagles on Monday night, a game that changes when players lock and how long managers can wait for news. With the Atlanta Falcons visiting Green Bay on Thursday, the timing of these decisions is critical.

Conservative bids for long-term roles

FAAB recommendations are based on a $100 budget, with bids set conservatively to allow for flexibility. For Bryce Young, a $10 bid in one-QB leagues or $20 in two-QB leagues is advised. Tyler Shough commands a similar price tag. Marcus Mariota is a cheaper option, with a $3 bid in one-QB leagues, reflecting the uncertainty of his immediate role. Managers should bid higher if they want to be aggressive, but the current advice is to focus on securing the role rather than just the name.

The waiver wire is not just a list of players; it is a map of opportunity created by misfortune. Injuries have pushed carries and targets to players who might be sitting on your wire. Check injury news before placing bids, because several players only matter if the starter sits. The sample size is small, but it is twice what it was last week, and the trends are starting to form.