Each week, TSN.ca takes a look at the top available players in fantasy football ahead of the weekly waiver deadline.

Quarterbacks

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars (at San Diego)

Last Week: 14-4, 223 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INT

Bortles played only the second half of the Jaguars blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week, but showed an ability to move the offence that Chad Henne did not. Bortles has now been named the starter for the Jaguars and is worth a stash on your fantasy bench as he settles into the role of starting quarterback. The Jaguars will likely be playing from behind in many games this season, meaning Bortles will be given plenty of opportunities to throw the ball.

Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins (at New York Giants)

Last Week: 30-of-48, 427 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Cousins, who was on the Waiver Wire last week, followed up his strong Week 2 performance against the Jaguars with a dominant Week 3 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Having proved to be more than a one-week-wonder, Cousins needs to picked up a played as mid-range QB1 in a favourable matchup against the Giants in Week 4. Cousins remains available in the majority of fantasy leagues.

Running Backs

Lorenzo Taliaferro, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Panthers)

Last Week: 18 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD

Taliaferro took over as the Ravens lead back in the absence of Bernard Pierce in Week 3. The rookie out-touched Pierce's backup Justin Forsett 18-to-11, while scoring the lone rushing touchdown for the Ravens. Taliaferro is worth picking up, but could struggle to get touches once Pierce returns, which could be as soon as Week 4. Taliaferro had no touches through the first two weeks of the season. The Ravens face the Carolina Panthers this week, who allowed 264 rushing yards in Week 4.

Donald Brown, San Diego Chargers (vs. Jacksonville)

Last Week: 31 carries, 62 yards, 5 receptions, 27 yards

Brown received a career-high 31 carries against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. He struggled with just 2.0 yards per carry, but should continue to see plenty of attempts with starter Ryan Matthews injured and fellow back Danny Woodhead on injured reserve. Brown will likely make more of his carries in Week 4 against the Jaguars.

Alfred Blue, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo)

Last Week: 13 carries, 78 yards, 1 reception, 10 yards

Playing in place of Arian Foster, Blue was the clear lead back for the Texans against the New York Giants. Though he will likely return to his backup role in Week 4 as Foster returns, Blue is worth keeping on your bench in case Foster is re-injured. The Texans also plan to lower Fosters' touches after a combined 55 carries through the first two weeks.

Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Falcons)

Last Week: 12 carries, 35 yards, 3 receptions, 36 yards

Asiata has established himself as the Vikings starter as long Adrian Peterson remains away from the team and could see a further spike in carries with starting quarterback Matt Cassel sidelined. Asiata should be on the FLEX radar in Week 4, as the Vikings play a Falcons defence that has struggled against the run this season.

Wide Receivers

Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles (at San Francisco)

Last Week: 8 receptions, 59 yards, 2 TDs

Matthews' eight catches against the Redskins stand out as he tied Jeremy Maclin for the team-high. The six-foot-three rookie appears to have moved ahead of Riley Cooper on Nick Foles' target list and will likely continue to receive red-zone targets in the Eagles explosive offence. Matthews is a WR3/FLEX option heading into Week 4 against the 49ers, but has WR2 upside.

John Brown, Arizona Cardinals (Bye)

Last Week: 4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD

Brown has three touchdown catches through three weeks this season. He has benefited from working in an offence with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, whom defences shift their coverages to. The rookie could also see an increase in targets following the Cardinals Week 4 bye. Brown is a WR3/Flex option through three weeks.

Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville Jaguars (at San Diego)

Last Week: 5 receptions, 35 yards, 1 TD

After missing the first two weeks of the season with a hamstring injury, Shorts made his 2014 debut against the Colts. Due to his injury, Shorts is available in the majority of fantasy leagues and could see a production boost with Bortles under centre. Shorts is the Jaguars top and most experienced option receiving option, meaning Bortles could gravitate to him.

Tight End

Owen Daniels, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Carolina)

Last Week: 1 reception, 8 yards

With Dennis Pitta finished for the season with a hip injury, Daniels will take over the starting duties for the Ravens at tight end. Daniels likely won't post the same numbers as Pitta would have, but should still receive targets in the Ravens offence. Daniels caught two touchdown passes in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should be considered a TE2 moving forward.

Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Tennessee)

Last Week: 4 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD

Allen and Colby Fleener are both featured heavily in the Colts offence at the tight end positions. Through three weeks, Allen appears to be the safer play despite being held without a reception against the Eagles in Week 2. Allen has eight catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns through three weeks. Colby Fleener could also be worth a pickup after a four receptions for 49 yards in Week 3 against the Jaguars. Allen and Fleener are both boom-or-bust TE2's entering Week 4.