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Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Fantasy football sleepers, Week 3: Wide Receivers

With numerous injuries plaguing each receiver corps, backups could be the key to success in your Week 3 matchup.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

When opportunity presents itself, you pounce. And in the case of Week 3, there are more than enough opportunities for everyone. If you're in the demographic that's concerned about a stud (sorry, A.J. Green owners), here are a few fill-ins that could prosper in Week 3.

Amazing how opinions change after one poor performance. Cooks went from Offensive Rookie of the Year to waiver fodder in a matter of 60 minutes. Nevertheless, Cooks quietly played the most snaps among New Orleans Saints wide receivers on Sunday, finishing with 15 more than Marques Colston. And with the Saints returning to the Superdome, where they average just over 35 points per game, look for Cooks to once again solidify himself as a WR2.

The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't exactly been the epitome of offense, but Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns undoubtedly take a backseat with the return of Shorts. With few experienced receivers to throw to, Shorts should be the focal point against an Indianapolis Colts defense that still can't muster anything resembling a pass rush. By sheer default, his return could easily produce WR3 numbers in PPR formats.

Torrey Smith might return to relevancy eventually, but until then, what was supposed to be the lesser Smith continues to shine. Leading the Baltimore Ravens in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, S. Smith has another great matchup against rookie Justin Gilbert this Sunday. If Joe Haden sticks with Torrey, S. Smith should remain the No. 1 target in Baltimore and, in turn, finish as a high-end WR3 in all formats.

Once DeSean Jackson left the game with a shoulder injury last week, Andre Roberts stepped in and accumulated five targets in only three quarters of play. Pierre Garcon will remain their go-to receiver, but if Jackson sits against Philadelphia, look for Roberts to steal a few reps. As their main deep target, consider Roberts a flex in both deep and daily leagues.

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