The 2025 season is upon us. Are you ready? Hopefully, you’re in for a winning campaign. But those of us who play Dynasty know it’s a 365-day-a-year endeavor. So, this is the time to make pickups and stashes that could pay off this season. Week 3 is in the books. Below are some players worth seeking out moving forward. All roster percentages courtesy of Sleeper.
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Roster Percentage: 3
About: This comes up for two reasons. First, with all the injuries at quarterback already, talk of teams trading for Cousins has increased. Second, Michael Penix, Jr., looked so bad on Sunday that the Falcons were forced to bring Cousins in. After the game, it was made clear Penix is still the starter—for now. But it’s a sign Cousins is worth a deep stash.
Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
Roster Percentage: 8
About: That sound you heard Sunday was J.J. McCarthy’s ankle getting worse. OK, that’s a joke. But Wentz came in and led the Vikings to a win on Sunday, where the team put up 48 points. That wasn’t all due to him, but it’s a sign that perhaps he’s a better option in this offense. Either way, McCarthy is likely to be out for at least another week. Wentz feels like a decent spot start against an iffy Steelers’ defense.
Running Backs
Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders
Roster Percentage: 11; 10
About: I had these guys last week, and doubtless they were trendy waiver wire pickups. But it’s clear that after Sunday, they will be involved in the backfield. McNichols was the leading rusher and scored a touchdown. Rodriguez led the team in carries. Both should be rostered.
Hassan Haskins, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster Percentage: 0
About: This comes up because Najee Harris is done for the year. Yes, it’s wheels up on Omarion Hampton. But Haskins is the only other back on the roster at present. The Chargers probably will and should pick someone up, but Haskins should also be rostered.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants
Roster Percentage: 2
About: Tyrone Tracey is hurt and will miss time. Yes, Cam Skattebo is likely to be the best option and has already appeared to be the best option. But Singletary is a veteran who knows the system and has produced before. He is worth a pickup.
Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 0
About: This is another injury-related pickup. James Conner is injured and will be out for the year. Trey Benson is the big winner, but Demercado is the RB3. We’ve seen him contribute before, making him worth a pickup for a running back-needy team.
Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Roster Percentage: 6
About: The Chiefs’ offense hasn’t been great. While Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt top the running back depth chart, neither has been impressive. The team has started giving more touches to Smith, a rookie with greater potential upside. He’s worth a deep league stash.
Zavier Scott, Minnesota Vikings
Roster Percentage: 3
About: With Aaron Jones on IR, it was Jordan Mason who stepped up and got the bulk of the carries. But behind him is Scott. We only got a few carries on Sunday, but he’s got a role for the next few weeks. He’s also one big hit away from being a primary ball carrier. He’s worth a stash.
Wide Receivers
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
Roster Percentage: 6
About: Tucker exploded for three touchdowns on Sunday. That’s good, but he’s been a factor all season. He has 20 targets in three games. For a team that needs receivers and options in the passing game, he’s stepping up. While we were hot on rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton, it’s been Tucker who’s stepping up. He’s worth a roster spot.
Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roster Percentage: 2
About: Shepard is deep on the depth chart for a team loaded at receiver. And yet, he’s got 15 targets in three weeks. With Mike Evans nursing an ankle injury, Jalen McMillan on IR, and Chris Godwin still working back from injury, that leaves Shepard in a prime spot to keep producing. He lacks the upside of Emeka Egbuka, but he’s a decent deep league flex option.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
Roster Percentage: 2
About: The acquisition of George Pickens and the integration of KaVontae Turpin really killed Tolbert’s target share early this season. But with CeeDee Lamb suffering a high ankle sprain, that opens up some more options for Tolbert in the passing game. If you roster Lamb, he’s worth a pickup.
Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson, San Francisco 49ers
Roster Percentage: 2, 0
About: Bourne was added to the 49ers’ roster amidst a rash of injuries at receiver. That’s led to nine targets over the past two weeks. It’s still going to be some time before the 49ers get their key receivers back up and going, and for now, Bourne is helping pick up the slack. He’s worth a stash. Robinson, meanwhile, was an off-season acquisition. He was suspended for three games due to the personal conduct penalty. His suspension is up. That makes him a sneaky pickup this week.
Tight Ends
Oronde Gadsen II, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster Percentage: 2
About: Gadsen was a deep roster hold for some, but he had a strong camp and preseason, and seemed to be buried on the depth chart. With injuries ahead of him, Gadsen got into the game Sunday and saw seven targets, catching five passes against a solid Broncos’ defense. He seems the most explosive tight end on the roster and is a good stash for the season.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
