Joe Burrow is set to miss most of the NFL regular season, according to the latest reports. So if you drafted the Cincinnati Bengals' superstar QB in your fantasy league, you're likely feeling pretty bummed out right about now.
But there are ways to escape that turmoil and salvage your season. This week's fantasy football waiver wire run could be key, especially if you didn't draft a second quarterback for your roster based on the assumption you'd just play Burrow every week anyway. There are capable replacements, and even a few with upside.
To come up with some suggested replacements, we've used ESPN's roster percentage. Everyone listed below is rostered in less than 50% of leagues.
Joe Burrow fantasy injury replacements
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
The Jags' former No. 1 overall pick is rostered in about 36% of leagues, which feels low. He just threw three TDs in Week 2 against the Bengals.
Lawrence's connection with Brian Thomas Jr. hasn't been great, but there's still upside with the former Clemson star.
Matthew Stafford, Rams
A classic fantasy star, it's surprising to see Stafford available in so many leagues.
He's always going to be efficient and give you a touchdown or two each week. He'll never run, but Stafford has a strong floor.
Daniel Jones, Colts
Jones is proving to be a QB sneak expert from the goal line, which raises his fantasy value considerably.
He's also throwing the ball well, completing about 65% of his passes through two weeks. Jones has mockable name value, but right now, he's a solid fantasy quarterback.
Russell Wilson, Giants
Russ had a terrible Week 1 and still scored 11 fantasy points because he ran for 44 yards.
In Week 2, he threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
As long as Wilson is starting, he'll have a floor because he still runs, and a ceiling because he still throws down the field. And if he loses the job to Jaxson Dart, you can pounce on the talented rookie from Ole Miss.
FIND STREAMING QBs: Week 3 waiver wire
QB streaming suggestions to replace Joe Burrow in a deep league
If you're in a deep league, the guys above may be taken already.
There are two bottom-of-the-barrel options available in almost every league who aren't actually that bad:
Mac Jones, 49ers
Jones should start at least another week or two, and as long as he's at the helm of Kyle Shanahan's offense, he'll be productive.
He threw for 279 yards and three TDs in his 49ers debut. His floor is pretty safe. Week 3 opponent Arizona allowed Bryce Young to throw for 328 yards and three touchdowns.
Spencer Rattler, Saints
You scoffed at this, but it's not a bad option if you're desperate.
Rattler threw three TDs in Week 2, and in Week 1, he attempted 46 passes. The volume will be there, along with a slight rushing floor. The Seahawks are a stouter Week 3 opponent than what Jones is facing, though, if these are your two options.
If you pick up Rattler or Jones, you'll want to keep scouring the waiver wire as the season goes on. It may be too late to salvage your season, but with some timely pickups, it's not doomed.
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