Fantasy Football: Top Players to Pick Up and Start to Replace Injured Stars

Tons of NFL teams have been decimated by injuries early this season, leaving fantasy football managers to scramble to find replacements for their lineups.

With all the latest injury updates on Friday, there should be plenty of managers looking in free agency for solid replacements ahead of their Week 3 matchups.

Read more: Major Injury Updates on Fantasy Football Stars Ahead of Week 3

Here are players at each position to target who are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues.

1. Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings (15.3 percent owned)

Darnold has quietly been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season. Through two weeks, Darnold has completed 72 percent of his passes for 476 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He has a passer rating of 111.8.

This week, Darnold is going up a Texans defense that has allowed the 22nd-most points to fantasy quarterbacks this season. Expect Darnold to have another solid performance, especially with Justin Jefferson healthy and in the lineup.

2. Cam Akers, RB, Houston Texans (13 percent owned)

Akers is my favorite start this week as the Texans are likely to be without running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, the latter of which has already been ruled out.

Akers has looked sharp in limited action this season, rushing seven times for 32 yards.

Akers is due to be featured as the RB1 for Houston in what will be a revenge game against his former team, the Vikings. Expect a ton of touches and a solid fantasy output from him on Sunday.

3. Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers (31.3 percent owned)

The 49ers will be without running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel on Sunday. They’re also expected to be without tight end George Kittle.

That means three of the team’s top offensive weapons will be out, opening the door for a ton of targets for Jennings.

Jennings has developed into a favorite target of quarterback Brock Purdy and should thrive with his increase in touches.

Read more: ESPN Insider Believes 49ers QB Brock Purdy has Unique Chance Ahead of Him With Injures Mounting

4. Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (21.6 percent owned)

Gesicki had seven receptions for 91 yards in Week 2 and has started to develop a strong rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow. Even if wide receiver Tee Higgins plays on Monday night, Gesicki will still be a solid option at the tight end position.

More fantasy football advice: Tight Ends to Pick Up to Replace George Kittle, Evan Engram, Other Injured Stars

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