Your fantasy team sucks. It’s okay, this is a safe space. After a week of surprising upsets, devastating injuries and putrid quarterback play, most fantasy football managers are in some state of shell shock. We know the first few weeks of every NFL season can be a bit wacky but something about this year feels different. That is why it is more important than ever to have a game plan going into Week 3 and be able to identify the hidden gems amidst the sea of mediocrity. It’s why you’re here after all – to sift through the trash and find the players that the rest of the fantasy world has tossed aside so hastily. 

Caleb Williams, QB Chicago Bears 

Outside of Tua Tagovailoa who had his brains scrambled on national television last Thursday, the most frequently dropped quarterback of the week was also the most coveted quarterback prospect in decades. Caleb Williams has gotten off to an objectively dreadful start, failing to break 300 passing yards collectively in his first two NFL games. The Bears offensive line hasn’t been much help, allowing significant pressure in more than half of Williams’ passing attempts this year. The offense has looked disjointed and the once promising receiving core looks out of sync with its young signal caller. But this is where dumpster diving becomes an art form. While every TV pundit and casual football fan is writing off the Bears’ quarterback, we have the chance to grab a generational talent while his stock is at his lowest. The Bears have a cupcake schedule coming up. They are slated to play the Colts, Rams, Panthers, Jaguars and Commanders between now and Halloween. If ever there was a get right portion of the schedule this is it. Grab Caleb Williams now and watch him blossom into the role he was always destined to play – superstar. 

Chase Brown, RB Cincinnati Bengals 

People have a tendency to write off white running backs. They especially like to write off white running backs who get off to a slow start. In this case, Chase Brown is being dropped at far too high a rate (8th most this week) for both those reasons. The 0-2 Bengals have not inspired very much offensive confidence this season and their running game has somehow been more lackluster than their passing game. Brown has only carried the ball seven times this year but he has made the most of that opportunity averaging 6 yards per carry, mostly from the middle of the field. As the Bengals begin to realize that the current starter, Zack Moss is a washed up scrub, you can bet on Chase Brown to see more opportunities and show off his superior speed. Pick him up before the rest of the fantasy world realizes as well. 

Christian Watson, WR Green Bay Packers 

The Packers offense is not going to light up many scoreboards while quarterback Jordan Love is sidelined. In fact, they threw the ball only 14 times with Malik Willis under center and none of those throws went in the direction of Christian Watson. Such is life when you have an inadequate quarterback running the show but it will not be life for much longer with Love returning to practice this week. Even if the Packers leader is unable to suit up on Sunday against the Titans, Christian Watson is a great stash on your bench as you clear out some of the inevitable riff raff that has collected over the first few weeks. Eventually, Jordan Love will return from the knee injury he suffered in Brazil two weeks ago and eventually the Packers offense will return to the dynamic outfit that baffled opposing secondaries last season. Last year, Watson was second amongst all receivers in points per reception and eighth in end zone targets despite playing in only 9 games. Toss him into an open bench spot while everyone else is tossing him in the trash.