Week 3 in the NFL was an erratic one for fantasy owners and now with the first round of byes coming up, everyone is scattering for waiver-wire pickups and trades. Let’s just hope no more big-name players get injured.

Must-Add Players

Kelvin Benjamin – WR – Panthers (56.3% Owned)

I was high on Benjamin before the season started, and he has been excellent through three games. With long-time Panthers receiver Steve Smith departing after 13 years with the club, Benjamin was primed for success. Being the clear-cut No. 1 WR for the Panthers, Benjamin has hauled in 253 yards and two touchdowns. In standard leagues, he has the sixth most fantasy points among all receivers. His five plays of 20+ yards is good for fourth in the league, showing his big-play potential. Having 13 more targets than the Panthers second most-targeted receiver, Benjamin is certainly going to continue being Cam Newton’s go-to guy.

Matt Asiata – RB – Vikings (44.7% Owned)

With Adrian Peterson’s season in doubt, Matt Asiata is the clear-cut No. 1 RB on the Minnesota Vikings. Since Peterson’s dilemma, Asiata has run the ball 25 times while Jerick McKinnon, the Vikings’ No. 2 RB, has run the ball only four times. In his first two games starting, he played the ninth and tenth best run defenses respectively, yet still managed to rack up 19 fantasy points, which is solid for a RB2 or a flex candidate. In the next two weeks, he will play the 19^th and 30^th best run defenses, which gives him the opportunity to contribute huge games. With Matt Cassel hurt, Teddy Bridgewater will be starting his first game. The Vikings’ coaching staff will most likely want to ease the rookie Bridgewater into the starting role by handing the ball off more often than in recent games. Look for Asiata to have a big impact.

Niles Paul – TE – Redskins (11.8% Owned)

Did you know Niles Paul has the 10^th most receiving yards in the NFL? What about that he is No. 2 in yards gained among all tight ends? No? I’m sure most people don’t, because if they did, he would be owned in more than 12% of all leagues. With Jordan Reed already ruled out for the Redskins’ Thursday night game against the Giants and highly doubtful for Week 5, Paul’s value will continue to rise. With Kirk Cousins being more of a pass-first quarterback and Jordan Reed hauling in 75% of throws toward him (compared to 68% for Pierre Garcon and 63% for DeSean Jackson), Cousins will continue to look for him as a cushion, and Paul will continue his success.

Buy-Low Trade Options

Eddie Lacy – RB – Packers

There is no denying Lacy’s struggles. He has 113 yards (3.1 AVG) and zero touchdowns in three games. What changed from his rookie year when he gained nearly 1,200 yards and scored 11 TDs in 15 games? The difference is Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is averaging 60 fewer yards through the air and is at a 4.9TD% compared to a 5.9TD% from last year. Once Rodgers starts to put pressure on the defense like we all know he will, the running game will open back up for Lacy. In the upcoming weeks, the Packers will play the 26^th, 16^th, 20^th and the 27^th ranked run defenses. Take advantage of his weary owners and snag him up while you can.

Montee Ball – RB – Broncos

The running back behind Peyton Manning will usually always have ample opportunities for success, being that Manning will always be the main focus of the defense. The Broncos’ last two games have been against tough opponents, the Chiefs and the Seahawks, forcing Manning to throw the ball more than usual to stay in the games, which hurt Ball’s stats. Moving forward, he should get more attempts and touchdown opportunities. If Knowshon Moreno had 1,000+ yards and 10 TDs behind Manning last year, Ball should be in for a big year too. Get him while his owners are in doubt.

Keenan Allen – WR – Chargers

Allen’s explosive rookie year last season gave the Chargers a reliable wide receiver, their first since Vincent Jackson’s departure in 2011. Being their prized-possession, the Chargers will look to give their young star everything he needs to be successful. It can’t get worse than it is right now, only 109 yards and zero touchdowns through three games. Look to package a couple expendable bench players and snag the blooming star.