Two weeks into the 2026 season, the quarterback position has already thrown fantasy managers a few curveballs. Injuries, benchings, and a couple of surprise hot starts mean there’s real value sitting on waivers right now. Whether you lost your starter, you’re staring at a rough matchup, or you just want a better bench option in superflex, these are the fantasy QB waiver wire pickups for Week 3 2026 worth putting in a claim for.
If you missed our earlier look at the wire, check out our Week 2 waiver wire top pickups for the rest of the positions.
Yes, really. Deshaun Watson tops this list, and it’s not a joke.
After a Week 1 performance that most Browns fans would rather forget, Watson bounced back in a big way against Tampa Bay. He completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions in Cleveland’s 23-19 win, and he did it while going head-to-head with Baker Mayfield, the quarterback he replaced in Cleveland. That’s about as clean and efficient a game as he’s played in a Browns uniform.
What makes Watson interesting for fantasy isn’t just the box score. He looked decisive, he got the ball out on time, and he’s building real chemistry with receiver Denzel Boston, who went for 76 yards and a score in the first three quarters alone. When a quarterback’s confidence starts clicking, the fantasy points tend to follow.
The Week 3 matchup against Carolina is a manageable one, and Watson can still pick up yards with his legs when a play breaks down. He isn’t a locked-in QB1 yet, but he’s playing better than his reputation, and he’s scoring a respectable amount for a fantasy quarterback. He’s our top add.
This one depends on your league. If a panicked manager cut Kyler Murray after his Week 1 concussion, go get him right now.
Murray left the opener against Green Bay early after going just 3 of 5 for 18 yards with an interception, then sat out Week 2 while Carson Wentz started. The good news? According to NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk, Murray has cleared the concussion protocol, and head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed he’ll start Week 3 against Tampa Bay.
That’s a quarterback with legitimate QB1 upside who’s been sitting on a lot of benches and, in some leagues, on the waiver wire. He’s got the arm, the legs, and a Vikings offense that’s loaded with weapons. And the Buccaneers defense just let Watson carve it up, so the matchup isn’t scary.
The rushing floor is what makes Murray special for fantasy. Even on a day when the passing game sputters, he can pile up points with his legs. If he’s available, he should be your first claim, no questions asked. If he isn’t, Watson’s your guy.
Cam Ward’s Week 2 passing line against Philadelphia won’t win any beauty contests: 13 of 20 for 183 yards and no touchdowns. But fantasy managers who started him didn’t care, because Ward punched in two rushing touchdowns and accounted for both of Tennessee’s scores in a 24-20 loss to the Eagles.
Rushing touchdowns are the great equalizer at quarterback, and Ward’s showing he’ll take the ball in himself near the goal line. That’s a valuable trait for a second-year QB whose passing numbers are still catching up.
Now look at the Week 3 spot. The Titans head to MetLife Stadium to face a Giants team that’s reeling. New York just gave up 28 points to the Rams, and starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury that NFL Network reports could end his season, likely handing the job to Jameis Winston. It’s hard to find a team that looks more demoralized right now.
There’s a revenge angle, too. Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll coached the Giants from 2022 until his firing last season, and you can bet he’d love to put up points against his old team. Ward’s a strong streaming play in a spot that sets up well for the Titans’ offense.
Nobody saw this coming. Kirk Cousins is playing surprisingly well in Las Vegas, and the Raiders are 2-0 for the first time since 2021.
Cousins threw three touchdown passes in Week 2’s 26-14 win over the Chargers, going 19 of 29 for 253 yards. Through two games, he’s completed nearly 68% of his passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns. He’s the ninth quarterback since 1950 to throw three touchdown passes in each of his first two games with a new team, and only Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have done it at 38 or older.
He’s running an offense he knows well under Klint Kubiak, and it shows. Cousins isn’t going to give you anything on the ground, but when a veteran is this comfortable in the system, the touchdowns keep coming. A date with the Saints gives him another friendly window to stay hot, and he’s a smart pickup for superflex leagues or as a bye-week insurance policy.
If all four of these guys are gone in your league, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are two more names worth checking. Young’s thrown for six touchdowns through two weeks, and Stroud’s coming off a 353-yard performance. Both are rostered in well under half of leagues. Since we haven’t seen Penix yet, I’m leaving him off my list for now.
Watson’s the top add for most leagues because he’s widely available and trending up, but if someone in your league dropped Kyler Murray, that claim should come first. Ward’s the rushing touchdown upside play in a juicy matchup, and Cousins is the steady veteran who just keeps finding the end zone. Put your claims in early, because the managers who got burned by early-season QB injuries will be circling the same names.
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