Week 3 is in the books and fantasy players are combing the wires as bye week mania is beginning. We take a look at the top 5 players on the wire who could be fantasy studs.
WR Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns
Gordon's comeback from suspension was very successful as he caught 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. Gordon was targeted an astonishing 19 times in the game. Tight end Jordan Cameron was next with 11 targets. Davone Bess is the only other nominal receiving target on the Brown's roster. With trade rumors swirling, Gordon is still a safe pickup.
RB Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots
The Patriots backfield personifies the platoon running back situation with LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden and Steven Ridley sharing the touches. Bolden has the best value particularly in PPR leagues as he appears to be taking over the Shane Vereen role with 5 catches on 6 targets for 51 yards. He broke off 3 runs for 51 yards as well.
TE Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller is finally healthy enough to play though he is on a snap count. In Pittsburgh's loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday night he was targeted 4 times and had 3 receptions for 35 yards. Miller's production will increase and he could be a nice bye week replacement.
RB Bilal Powell, New York Jets
Chris Ivory is the better back but he is out again with another hamstring issue. Powell had 27 carries for 149 yards in the Jets big win over the Buffalo Bills. Powell also was targeted 3 times in the passing game and had 2 receptions for 9 yards.
WR Ryan Broyles, Detroit Lions
Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson broke his arm in two places late Monday night and will have surgery. With him out indefinitely Ryan Broyles will assume his spot in the slot position. The loss of Burleson hurts as he was the second leading receiver on the Lions with 19 receptions for 239 yards. He had been targeted 23 times. By contrast, Broyles has 3 receptions for 34 yards. That should change if Broyles can stay healthy with his knee issues. He is still worth a pickup with bye weeks looming.
Bonus pick:
RB Willis McGahee, Cleveland Browns
McGahee's debut was less than spectacular as he only rushed for 9 yards on 8 carries. It seems likely he will still win the starting role and the Browns do have a semblance of an offense now. He is worth a bench stash as injuries at running back continue to mount up and bye weeks kick in.