Fantasy football free agent pickups Week 3: Qua

Fantasy football free agent pickups Week 3:

Quarterbacks

Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (32.0%): The Steelers are the fifth team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-0 despite scoring fewer than two offensive touchdowns. This keeps Fields as Pittsburgh's starter, even though he finished Week 1 with only 11.9 fantasy points and Week 2 with just 11.4. However, Fields and the Steelers had several big plays called back due to penalties. He's a solid QB3 pickup (for superflex leagues), thanks to his dual-threat ability and favorable upcoming schedule. Fields should be on the radar for anyone looking to replace Jordan Love during his absence.

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (21.6%): Carr had 23 passing attempts in Week 1 and just 16 in Week 2, but he's making the most of them. He already has three passing touchdowns of 50-plus yards this season, after having only one all of last year. Carr is thriving under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, scoring 20-plus fantasy points in both games. With a favorable matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles secondary at home in Week 3, he's poised for another strong outing.

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (16.3%): It's great to see new Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb leaning more on Smith and the pass, especially with the talented trio of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett in the huddle. Smith has now scored at least 17 fantasy points in back-to-back games and has a favorable Week 3 matchup at home against the Dolphins. As a starter for the Seahawks, Smith has averaged 16.7 fantasy points per game at home. He's a solid midrange QB2 with upside.

Wide receivers

Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams (33.6%): The Rams were already missing Puka Nacua (IR) when Cooper Kupp left in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a left ankle injury. If Kupp misses time, Robinson will be the lead target in the Rams' offense, which is tied with the Dolphins for the fourth-most passing attempts per game. Robinson leads Los Angeles in routes run this season and is a solid flex option. Also consider Tyler Johnson (13.0%) in deeper leagues. With the Rams' defense allowing 67 points over two games (third highest in franchise history), L.A. could be playing catch-up in many games.

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (30.2%): Doubs is an every-down player for the Packers, leading Green Bay's wide receiver group in snaps, routes run and targets this season. Although the Packers leaned on the run (53 attempts) with Malik Willis under center against the Indianapolis Colts, this is a prime opportunity to add Doubs to your roster. Green Bay didn't place Love on IR, suggesting it believes he could be back in fewer than four games.

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (18.2%): Robinson didn't see many targets against the Washington Commanders, especially with Malik Nabers' 18 targets leading all rookies in Week 2. Still, Robinson salvaged his fantasy day with a receiving score. He has 16 targets this season, compared with 25 for Nabers. Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns isn't ideal for Robinson, but the following three games (against Dallas, Seattle and Cincinnati) could offer better opportunities for success.

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (13.5%): Pierce finished Week 2 against the Packers with seven targets -- an increase from his three Week 1 looks. He has now posted back-to-back strong performances, with at least 16 fantasy points in both games. Pierce's snap count and routes run total are surprisingly close to what Michael Pittman Jr. has seen this season. While Pittman has had 15 targets, it's Pierce who leads the team in air yards. Now's the perfect time to add him and watch to see if these trends continue.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (6.9%): Johnston had a career day against the Carolina Panthers, racking up 22.1 fantasy points. While the Chargers rely heavily on J.K. Dobbins and the run game, Johnston leads the team in air yards. With Joshua Palmer injured and Ladd McConkey going through rookie struggles, Johnston could emerge as the team's No. 1 receiver. Upcoming matchups against the Steelers and Chiefs aren't great, so keep your expectations in check. Still, this could be the start of a career turnaround. Add Johnston to your bench and see what happens.

Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings (0.5%): Nailor had a chance to step up with Jordan Addison ruled out for Week 2 against the 49ers, and he delivered. He ended the game with four targets and 14.4 fantasy points. Justin Jefferson suffered a leg contusion in the third quarter and didn't return. Keep an eye on the status of both Jefferson and Addison heading into Week 3's game against the Texans. Nailor could be worth starting in deeper leagues if one or both are absent.