Dynasty Fantasy Football Guide to Week 3: Waiver Targets, Buys, and Sells
The fantasy football process looks (roughly) the same, regardless of the format you play--fantasy football waiver wire research on Tuesdays, trade considerations throughout the middle of the week, and setting lineups toward the end of the week.
That said, there are subtle nuances that dynasty fantasy football managers have to pay attention to in order to alter their strategy. To assist, I'll be consolidating everything a Dynasty Fantasy Football manager needs to know to prepare for the week at hand.
Dynasty Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Target For Week 3
Luke Schoonmaker, TE - Cowboys
Dynasty managers are constantly looking for viable options at TE to stash on their bench for later or, better yet, plug right into their lineups.
While it hasn't quite worked out yet for Luke Schoonmaker, attrition in front of him could open the door to viable targets on a team that's top-heavy with talent.
Entering the league, Schoonmaker slotted in as the TE7 in our Rookie TE Model.
As a rookie, Schoonmaker only saw 15 targets, but did manage to turn two of his eight receptions into TDs. Running behind Jake Ferguson last season meant very few opportunities for the rookie.
However, an opportunity has presented itself. Ferguson (knee) was inactive this week which paved the way for Schoonmaker to make his debut as TE1. The second-year player stepped up in a big way by hauling in all six of his targets for 43 yards. His 14% target share wasn't anything special but it was good to see him contribute in an increased role. Much depends on Ferguson's health, but Schoonmaker is a solid dynasty stash regardless.
Trade Targets for Dynasty Fantasy Football
Jaylen Wright, RB - Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins traded up to select Jaylen Wright in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. One of the younger players in this draft, he posted a 4.38 40-yard dash and topped 95th percentile scores in the 40-yard dash, speed score, and burst score.
His age and speed score jump off the screen in our Rookie RB Model.
Wright turned in an impressive preseason as well. In Preseason Week 3, he turned 11 touches into 77 yards and looked like he belonged on the field. It always helps when a player both passes the eye test and shows up well in the box score.
While he was a healthy scratch in Week 1, dynasty managers shouldn't lose sight of the long-term upside with this talented rookie.
In Week 2, De'Von Achane handled a team-high 29 touches with Raheem Mostert not suiting up. While Jeff Wilson was the presumptive next-man-up, Wright was the only other RB to earn rushing attempts besides Achane.
Wright is young, explosive, and tied to an efficient rushing attack. The loss of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) for an undetermined length of time certainly limits this offense overall, but I would still be looking to snag Wright in dynasty formats with so much attention on Achane.
Blake Corum, RB - Rams
The Rams landed Blake Corum in Round 3 of the NFL Draft after an incredible career at Michigan, which culminated in a National Championship back in January.
In his final three college seasons, Corum totaled:
- 648 rushing attempts
- 3,660 rushing yards
- 59 total TDs
He entered the league as the No. 3 RB in our Rookie RB Model.
In Week 1, Corum didn't see a single offensive snap. While he did receive nine snaps on special teams, it was certainly a bit disappointing for those who were looking for something/anything on the offensive side of the ball.
Conversely, incumbent Kyren Williams garnered 18 carries and Ronnie Rivers secured two. In Week 2, Corum did get eight carries but the game was well out of hand at that point. Rivers did not see a carry this week and failed to secure his long target.
This offense is too fantasy-friendly to not want a relatively inexpensive piece of it and a few quiet weeks to begin his career could be just what patient dynasty managers need to make a move.
Player to Trade Away in Dynasty Leagues
Quentin Johnston, WR - Chargers
Despite a pretty solid profile and a No. 3 ranking in our Rookie WR Model, Quentin Johnston couldn't put it together in his rookie season.
He finished 2023 with a mundane line of:
- 67 targets
- 38 receptions
- 431 yards
- 2 TDs
Now in his second season, there were a few reasons to be optimistic about a bounce-back campaign. First, the team lost both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, two long-time target hogs for Justin Herbert. Second, simply put … another year of growth and maturity for Johnston.
However, the arrival of Jim Harbaugh (HC), Greg Roman (OC), along with RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards signified that this offense was going to lean on the rushing attack in a big way. Through two weeks, that's certainly the case.
In two games, Herbert has averaged just 23 passing attempts per game. Conversely, the Chargers have averaged 35 rushing attempts per game. To top things off, they're 2-0 so the approach seems to be working.
All that being said, I'm fine selling Johnston off a two-TD performance. There simply will not be enough consistent passing volume for him to be a weekly contributor. There's a chance someone in your league still has hope for the former first-round player but I think this is the ideal time to sell while we still have an incomplete sample size to work with.
Fantasy Football Breakout Watch
Ty Chandler, RB - Vikings
Perhaps one of the most surprising teams through two weeks is the Minnesota Vikings who sit 2-0 after knocking off the 49ers on Sunday. Sam Darnold is having the sort of career-resurgence Vikings fans hoped for after J.J. McCarthy was lost for the season.
However, the nicks and scrapes on offense are starting to pile up.
- T.J. Hockenson is still without a timetable to return
- Jordan Addison (ankle) missed Week 2
- Justin Jefferson (quad) left Week 2
I trust Kevin O'Connell to move the ball regardless of who is suited up and that means we could be seeing more of Ty Chandler.
In Week 2, Chander out-carried Aaron Jones 10-9 and out-gained him 82-32. It's worth noting that Jones had five receptions and Chandler had none, but Jones also lost a fumble.
Regardless, with the injuries starting to mount on offense, don't be surprised to see Chandler more involved in the game plan moving forward.