6 NFL Backups In 2025 That Could Change Your Fantasy This Week – Here’s Why

Created on:

By: Jessica Morrison

Panic rose as six unexpected backups mattered in Week 3. This sudden turnover matters now because multiple starters left with an ankle, a hamstring scare and a suspected Achilles injury, forcing immediate depth tests across rosters. Rookie Omarion Hampton rushed for 129 total yards and a touchdown after the Chargers’ lead back went down, underlining how quickly depth becomes destiny. Which of these handcuffs do you bench, burn or trade ahead of Week 4?

Why these top 6 backup picks matter after Week 3 injuries

Najee Harris suffered an apparent Achilles injury on Sep. 21; Chargers depth now matters.

Omarion Hampton rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown, immediately boosting fantasy value.

Terry McLaurin left with a quadriceps injury; targets shifted to Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane.

The 6 backup picks that reshaped Week 3 matchups and fantasy rosters

1 – Omarion Hampton: How a rookie sprinted into a must-start role

Omarion Hampton seized the moment after the Chargers’ starter went down, producing 129 total yards and a touchdown Sunday. That output instantly turns him from handcuff to high-end flex consideration for fantasy managers; pick him up now if he’s available.

2 – Cam Skattebo: Why a late Giants backup became a scoring threat

Cam Skattebo stepped in after an injury and scored a touchdown, showing NFL depth can flip game plans overnight. If you rostered for upside, Skattebo is worth a waiver bid this week for potential volume growth.

3 – George Pickens: Could he become the Cowboys’ WR2 if Lamb sits?

With CeeDee Lamb exiting with an ankle issue, George Pickens saw a clear upgrade in target share projections. Starting Pickens in deeper leagues is a low-risk move if Lamb’s status lingers into Week 4.

4 – Luke McCaffrey: The deep-league sleeper who suddenly matters

After Terry McLaurin’s quad issue, Luke McCaffrey absorbed extra routes and caught a touchdown, demonstrating immediate upside in deeper formats. Fantasy managers in single-QB leagues should monitor his target share ahead of roster decisions.

5 – Emeka Egbuka: When a rookie becomes a top target amid hamstring doubts

Mike Evans limped off with a hamstring concern, elevating Emeka Egbuka into potential primary target duties for the Bucs. If Evans misses Week 4, Egbuka could deliver WR2-level snaps and be a bargain add for streaming lineups.

6 – Kimani Vidal: Why Chargers’ depth could sustain the backfield – and your lineup

Kimani Vidal stands to inherit extra snaps behind Hampton, and coaching comments suggest a committee could emerge. That committee upside keeps Vidal as a speculative add for managers who need late-week insurance.

The key Week 3 figures that show backups changed the board

KPI Value + Unit Change/Impact
Top backup rushing yards 129 yards Hampton led Chargers’ rushing surge
Backup with biggest TD game 2 TDs Jordan Mason had two rushing TDs
New fantasy starters 3 players Multiple depth calls reshuffled rosters

Backups produced immediate fantasy-value swings across several teams this week.

How will these six sudden changes reshape fantasy lineups in 2025?

Depth just became the season’s underrated currency; managers must react fast to avoid missed starts and trade selloffs. If you owned any injured starters, will you trust a committee or chase the hot hand on waivers this week?

Sources

  • https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/page/FFSundayHighLows-46336184/nfl-week-3-fantasy-football-winners-losers-injuries-rankings-more
  • https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6648776/2025/09/21/fantasy-football-week-3-inactives-jake-browning-backup-quarterbacks-take-the-stage/

Leave a Comment