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Each week, fantasy managers face the dilemma of whether to insert a bench stash into their starting lineup. Even if these players aren't household names or consistent starters, they can still be valuable plug-and-play options given the right circumstances.
Here are the top bench players to consider starting in Week 3.
Quarterback: Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold appears to be trending toward a return from his glute injury this week. If he can't go, Drew Lock would step in and offer similar upside. The appeal here isn't the player himself but the matchup: the Seahawks face the Washington Commanders, who have surrendered 27.2 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks—the second-highest mark in the league. Whether it's Darnold or Lock, either should be able to exploit Washington's vulnerable secondary.
Running Back: Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have made it clear they want to involve Johnson more to preserve Kenneth Walker II's health. Through two games, the rookie has logged 10 carries and four catches for 103 scrimmage yards. This week, Kansas City takes on the Miami Dolphins, who are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs (34.1). Expect a blowout, with the Chiefs likely leaning on the run and resting starters in the second half. Johnson could feast in that scenario.
Wide Receiver: Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns
Boston is off to a blazing start to his career. Last week, he hauled in five of seven targets for 95 yards and a score. That brings his season totals to seven receptions, 154 yards, and two touchdowns. He has quickly become Deshaun Watson's favorite target in Cleveland and should remain fantasy-relevant as long as Watson is under center. There is some concern about Watson's job security and whether Shedeur Sanders might favor other receivers, but that's not a worry for this week.
Tight End: Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers
Gadsden flashed as a rookie when given the chance, putting together a four-game stretch with 24 catches for 377 yards and two touchdowns. With both David Njoku and Charlie Kolar sidelined indefinitely, Gadsden could be in line for another league-winning run—especially while Ladd McConkey continues to deal with a rib injury.
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Mark Morales-Smith is a father of five, a former college football scout, and a semi-pro football player. He is a long-time competitive fantasy football player with over a decade of professional writing experience at multiple high-level sites, including Sports Illustrated, FullTime Fantasy, FantasySP, and more. Follow CoolCutter21.