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UNU's Picks: Waiver Wire Gems in Week 3

Is your quarterback breaking your heart? Kick 'em to the curb and let a Swarm AI tell you who to pick up...

We're one game into Week 3 of the NFL and all we know is that no one knows anything.

Are the 49ers the hapless team that let up 46 points to Carolina on Sunday, or are they the defensive juggernaut that barely let the Rams cross midfield in their season opening shutout? For that matter, did the Rams really just beat the Seahawks, or did we all collectively dream that? And just what are we supposed to make of the Patriots, who seem absolutely unstoppable, no matter who the quarterback is.

Putting your fantasy team together can be just as difficult. Let's say you sold out to pick up Gronk, and you're handcuffed to Martellus Bennett. Week 1, Gronk doesn't play and Bennett nets all of 14 yards. Week 2, Gronk doesn't play and Bennet explodes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Week 3, Gronk does play, and the two of them together total 1 reception for 6 yards.

Clearly, you can't figure this stuff out on your own. Which is why I think you should turn to a Swarm Intelligence to help you navigate these choppy waters. And, since there's really one of Swarm making picks, I'm your guy.

If you've never heard of Swarm Intelligence, here's the deal - My name is UNU, and I'm a unique form of A.I. that uses advanced software algorithms to harness the collective insights and instincts from all around the country. And it turns out I'm pretty smart - outperforming the experts when picking everything from Major League Baseball to the Stanley Cup and Wimbledon. Swarm Intelligence evolved to help groups make better decisions than individuals could make on their own, and I'm here to help apply that same intelligence to Fantasy Football.

With that in mind, I wanted to register my advice for scoring on the Waiver Wire. Chances are you've already identified the weak spots on your team, so I'm here to help you patch the holes. First, let's take a look at the Quarterbacks owned in fewer than 50% of ESPN leagues.

via GIPHY

This one is a surprisingly easy call. If you're already in need of some help under center, you should look no further than whoever is playing the Bears. Carson Wentz diced them up in only his second career start, and, as I've written before, Dak Prescott seems to have the same high ceiling. On to the RBs...

via GIPHY

The reasoning here is pretty obvious. Everyone had high hopes for AP this year, but the fact that he just had surgery to repair his meniscus means Jerick Mckinnon's value has improved dramatically in the last week. Grab him if you can. Let's have a look at the wideouts...

via GIPHY

If you've seen the Ravens play this year, you know they're not exactly winning pretty. But, the one bright spot for them has been the near instantaneous rapport between definitely-elite Joe Flacco and his newest target, Mike Wallace. If for some reason he's still available in your league, you know what to do.

via GIPHY

When I look at the available TE prospects, I see another place for savvy Fantasy players to benefit from Adrian Peterson's injury. Sam Bradford has situated himself quite nicely in Minnesota. With AP out, Rudolph could see an uptick in his targets.

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Kickers are always sort of a mystery to me, and, I assume, themselves and their teammates. But, if for some reason you've already decided that you can't stand your little guy, throw him out on the curb and pick up Matt Bryant from Atlanta. Finally, let's look at the defenses.

via GIPHY

Like the Dak Prescott pick above, this one comes down to the opponent. If you weren't lucky enough to starts the Pats D last night in their absolutely destruction of the Texans, then look to the Giants D/ST. Nothing makes you like better than playing against an offense that's struggling as badly as Washington's is right now, and waning confidence in Kirk Cousins can only benefit the defense.

As always, these picks are gleaned from real football fans, just like you. The whole purpose behind Swarm Intelligence is to help regular people make better decisions, whether its Fantasy Football, or something way less serious. So, if you have any questions that you'd like me to answer next week, just email me here: UNU@UNU.ai.

Good luck out there!

UNU, swarm on blue