Tue Sep 16 11:13pm ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Prescott setup for a big Week 3
Well, that was a lot more like it this past week. We saw the scoring really pick up. But we shouldn’t be totally shocked by this because a lot of teams barely play their starters in the preseason. It might take some time for these offenses to come together because of that. Just keep that in mind for next season when you want to sell your fantasy team after the first week of the season.
Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
Alright, I’m starting to really believe in Daniel Jones. It is one thing to have a big game against the Dolphins, but his showing last week against the Broncos was really impressive. Jones just looks like a different quarterback this year. Maybe he becomes the Sam Darnold of 2025. It has been quite the start for Jones. Really impressive.
Justin Herbert is playing at an MVP level to start his season. He looks as healthy as he has been in a long time and using his legs like never before. This just adds to his fantasy value. Plus, the Chargers are having little success running the ball, becoming more of a pass-first offense with Herbert leading the way. All those fantasy owners that waited on a quarterback and grabbed Herbert in the later rounds should be pretty happy right about now.
So how is Jake Browning becoming the starter impact the Bengals fantasy players? I’m glad you asked. Obviously, he is a downgrade from Burrow, but I do think he is going to air it out and take chances. So while I expect a little bit of a hit with their fantasy players, I don’t think it just kills their fantasy value. The Bengals are really struggling to run the ball right now as well, which means Browning could get his chances. I’m a little worried but not in a full-blown panic because of the injury. I would be more worried if I had Burrow as my starting quarterback. That is going to be hard to replace. If you can go get Daniel Jones, he would be my first choice.
I don’t think James Cook is going to continue to lead all fantasy backs in scoring, but I do like his chances to be a top-five fantasy back. Cook just looks electric right now. He also gets his touches as a runner or receiver on a weekly basis. The volume and the fact he plays in a great offense really give him great value going forward. He had some concerns going into the season because of his holdout or whatever you want to call it, but that might end up meaning he was just a very good value for the fantasy owners that drafted him.
We got the Justin Fields experience last week. He looked tremendous in the opener but was awful last week. He was supposed to be a player that could still score even if he struggled passing, but his rushing totals from last week couldn’t make up for that awful showing as a passer. I would expect more of the same from him going forward. Fields is going to be all over the map throughout the fantasy seasons.
After watching the first two weeks, I’m targeting the Cowboys defense when I’m setting my fantasy lineups. That defense is just awful. They get no pass rush and the secondary has been brutal. It was pretty unreal to see the Giants throw all over Dallas last week. I think that says all you need to know about this defense. The Cowboys are going to be in some shootouts this year.
Baker Mayfield continues to be very underrated. He has been very good in recent seasons and his start to this year has been impressive. He led his team to a comeback win last week and has five touchdowns without a turnover to start his season. Mayfield is so tough, taking several big hits in that game last week. He just keeps going and making plays. His career revival in Tampa has been something else. Mayfield is an elite fantasy quarterback.
News and Notes: The Vikings signed quarterback Desmond Ridder on Tuesday. He gives the team some insurance at the position with J.J. McCarthy banged up. . . . .The Jaguars released safety Darnell Savage on Tuesday. He played a reduced role to start the season, so this is a money-saving move for the Jaguars. . . . .The Bengals signed quarterbacks Mike White and Sean Clifford on Tuesday. Both quarterbacks will compete for a depth role for the Bengals.
HOT PLAYS
Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott didn’t do much in the opener but showed his potential this past week. He scored 26.8 fantasy points and attempted 52 passes in the game. Prescott plays in a pass-first offense and has looked sharp in each of his first two games. He has been accurate and made big plays down the field. He is setup for another good showing this week against the Bears, a team that was torched through the air this past week by the Lions. The Bears allow the most fantasy points to quarterbacks to start the season.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Etienne has been a big surprise, ranking ninth overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has 214-rushing yards through two games, averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. He has looked explosive and is the clear top back for the Jaguars. Etienne should have another solid game this week against the Texans. Houston just allowed 169-rushing yards to the Bucs in Week 2.
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints. Kamara has been one of the bright spots for the Saints offense. He has been racking up the touches, having 27 his last game. He should continue to get a ton of volume in an offense that has been up tempo, giving the Saints a few more plays each week. This is a positive for Kamara, especially this week against the Seahawks. Seattle allows the third most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks of action.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze has been the go-to target for Caleb Williams this season. He is fourth overall in fantasy receiver scoring. He has touchdowns each of his first two games and 13 receptions on 20 targets. Odunze is moving into must-start territory, especially if you consider the Bears could be playing from behind often. Chicago should be involved in a shootout this week against the Cowboys, a team that couldn’t stop the Giants passing attack last week. Dallas allows the third most fantasy points to receivers and couldn’t stop Malik Nabers in Week 2. This bodes well for Odunze to produce a huge game.
Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman was held in check a little more last week after his huge Week 1 but still had four receptions for 40 yards on five targets against one of the best corners in football, Patrick Surtain. Pittman proved he can still help fantasy teams even in a tough matchup. He gets a much easier matchup this week against the Titans, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers.
COLD PLAYS
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles. The Eagles new offense looks pretty vanilla these days. Hurts has taken fewer chances down the field and is just 15th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring after two games. Hurts has not attempted more than 23 passes in any of the first two games. And he has failed to top 200-passing yards in any game. We look for more of the same this week against the Rams, a team that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Hurts could have another ho-hum performance Week 3.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Packers. Jacobs has touchdowns each of his first two games but his overall numbers haven’t been great. He has just one catch and hasn’t topped 15 fantasy points in any game. He has been held in check but his touchdowns have saved his fantasy numbers. Jacobs could have more tough sledding this week against the Browns, a team that just completely shut down Derrick Henry. Cleveland allows the second fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Browns haven’t allowed more than 50-rushing yards in a single game.
Nick Chubb, RB, Texans. It was great to see Chubb find the end zone last week, breaking a long run late in the game. He didn’t do anything before that run, though, finishing with 12 carries for just 43 yards. Chubb still seems to lack that burst from earlier in his career. He remains a hard player to trust, especially in an offense that hasn’t been very good this year. And you might want to stay away from Chubb this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has beefed up their defensive line and been great against the run, holding the Bengals to just 48-rushing yards last week.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints. The good news for Olave is he has been racking up the targets, having 23 in two games. He has 13 catches for 108 yards on the season. His numbers are fine but nothing eye-popping. His yards are down and he has yet to find the end zone. This makes him an iffy fantasy play, especially this week against a Seahawks team that is very good against the pass but can’t stop the run. Seattle allows the fewest fantasy points to receivers, so Olave could be setup for another so-so performance.
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals. Higgins found the end zone last week but has just three receptions each of his first two games. He is not off to a great start. And now Joe Burrow is out, which is a concern. Jake Browning targeted Ja’Marr Chase early and often once entering the game. You have to wonder if this is going to be the case going forward, which would be bad news for Higgins. Plus, Higgins gets the Vikings this week, a team that allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers.
SLEEPERS
Drake Maye, QB, Patriots. Maye had a really good showing this past week, scoring three touchdowns. He racked up 28.6 fantasy points and has at least 19.7 fantasy points each of his first two games. He looks to be taking a step forward in year two in the Patriots new offense. Things are looking up for Maye, especially this week against a Steelers defense that has been really leaky to start the season. The Steelers allowed 32 points in Week 1 to the Jets and 31 points last week to the Seahawks. Maye can produce well in this one.
Tyquan Thornton, WR, Chiefs. Thornton has been the big-play threat for the Chiefs early in the season. He scored his first touchdown of the season last week and could have had another, but Patrick Mahomes overthrew him. Either way, Thornton is getting his weekly chances. He has played at least 72 percent of the snaps each of his first two games. Look for him to get some more chances to stretch the field this week against a bad Giants secondary. New York allows the most fantasy points to receivers, making Thornton a good streaming play for Week 3.
Calvin Austin, WR, Steelers. Austin had just a catch last week after having four for 70 yards and a touchdown Week 1. The good news for Austin, though, is he actually played more snaps than DK Metcalf last week (92 percent). Austin has been on the field often and is the clear starter opposite Metcalf. Austin has some real potential this week against the Patriots, a team that has allowed at least 297-passing yards each of their first two games.
Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints. Johnson is second overall in fantasy tight end scoring after two games, so it is a little hard to call him a sleeper. But he still isn’t getting a lot of fantasy love just yet. We don’t think his start is a fluke, though, having 20 targets in two games. He scored his first touchdown of the season last week and could rack up the targets again Week 3. As mentioned, the Seahawks are good at the pass but have struggled to stop the tight end. Seattle allows the most fantasy points to tight ends this year. Johnson is a legit high-end TE1 for Week 3.
Ray Davis, RB, Bills. Davis got more work last week after getting just a carry in the opener. He ran nine times for 24 yards, getting some chances with the team up big late in the game. This could be a similar scenario this week for Davis. The Bills play the lowly Dolphins. You could see this game being a blowout, giving Davis a few more chances once again. He could get some garbage-time carries. Remember, garbage time matters too. It wouldn’t surprise to see Davis enjoy his best game of the young season against a team that gives up the sixth most fantasy points to running backs.
High/Low Scoring Games
Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.
High Scoring Games: Dolphins/Bills, Steelers/Patriots, Cowboys/Bears, Chiefs/Giants, Lions/Ravens.
Low Scoring Games: Falcons/Panthers, Saints/Seahawks.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott looks primed for more playing time in Week 3 against the Raiders with John Bates (groin) unlikely to play, according to head coach Dan Quinn. Bates is Washington's primary blocking tight end and is pivotal to what they do in the run game. Sinnott played only three snaps in the Thursday night loss against Green Bay, but did catch one ball for seven yards. Sinnott has played some in three tight end sets as a move blocker and isn't quite a direct replacement for Bates. Bates is an incredibly stout point of attack blocker for a tight end and is roughly 15 pounds heavier than Sinnott. The 2024 second-round pick is an elite athlete with some intriguing upside as a receiver, but has mostly been used as a move blocker with Washington. We will learn a good bit about how the coaching staff views Sinnott after this week's game.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt could be set for plenty of work in Week 3 after Austin Ekeler's unfortunate injury. Croskey-Merritt received only four carries and one target in Week 2's loss at Green Bay after a really strong NFL debut. He was effective on his limited touches, gaining over four yards per carry. With how often the Packers' pass rush was winning up front and hitting Jayden Daniels, it would have benefited them to run the ball more. Head coach Dan Quinn touched on this in his press conference on Monday, saying that he wanted more of a balance in terms of play calling. Washington dropped back to pass 52 times compared to 12 running back carries against the Packers. The rookie seventh-rounder should see an uptick in snaps with Ekeler out for the season, and the expectation is that he will be the starter. His role on passing downs is to be determined, as Jeremy McNichols is highly trusted in pass protection, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be back in the mix for touches. But he should get the opportunity to handle a career high in carries against the Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane is likely set for an increased number of routes in Week 3 against the Raiders with Noah Brown (groin) injured. Brown got banged up in Thursday night's 27-18 loss at Green Bay, where Lane caught just one of four targets for two yards. The fourth-round rookie ran the fourth most routes on the team behind Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Zach Ertz in that game. The team is thin at wide receiver, and Lane will have a chance to emerge in Brown's absence. He is likely best suited in the slot, which is also Samuel's best position. How offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury sorts that out, along with potentially managing the offense without quarterback Jayden Daniels, will be huge. There's a chance we see Kingsbury get Lane involved with some designed touches or use his speed to take a deep shot in an offense that needs more explosive plays. Lane is a name to watch on the waiver wire for the upcoming weeks.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. reeled in four of his five targets in Sunday's 22-6 victory over the Vikings. Those catches producedjust 37 yards, however, his involvement is encouraging thus far after underwhelming from 2022 through 2024. The former fourth-overall draft pick owns a 20.6 percent target share through the team's first two contests, a stark contrast to his 13.7 percent share from 2024. There was some thought that his seven-catch performance in Week 1 shouldbe at least partly attributed to the absence of Darnell Mooney, but with Mooney back on the field in Week 2, the 24-year-old garnered 23.8 percent target share, which was more than Mooney andeven more than No. 1 receiver Drake London. We've seen this movie before, though, where the 6-foot-6 tight end looks good for a couple of weeks and then fades into obscurity for a few weeks, so we'll see if it lasts. Week 3 brings a favorable matchup with Carolina, who just allowed eight catches for 123 yards to the Arizona TEs, so it should be a good test to see if Pitts' uptick in target share is for real or not.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant played just four offensive snaps in Week 1, but he logged two catches for 18 yards on three targets in Week 2. 10 different Broncos players recorded a reception in Week 2, so this could be a difficult group of pass-catchers for fantasy managers to evaluate outside of clear WR1 Courtland Sutton. A third-round pick out of Illinois, Bryant earned some preseason buzz for his performance in training camp. The 22-year-old looks like the WR4 in Denver behind Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. for now, and likely isn't worth rostering in redraft leagues in the immediate. However, Bryant is a name to monitor and could be worth stashing in the very deepest of league formats.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) suffered a high ankle sprain in preseason action and was placed on Injured Reserve before the start of the regular season. Given the nature of Spears' injury, he may be able to return as soon as he is eligible in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Titans have been a one-man show at running back so far this season, with Tony Pollard having logged 38 of the team's 40 rush attempts by running backs through the team's first two games. However, this was not the case down the stretch of 2024, when Spears logged double-digit touches in each of the final three games he played. Spears finished the 2024 season with 536 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns across 12 games and should have a consistent role in the Titans' offense once healthy in 2025. In fantasy leagues where he is available, Spears is a worthy stash in an IR spot ahead of his impending return.
From RotoBaller
Heading into Week 2, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown was a popular waiver-wire target following his 16-target, 10-catch performance in Week 1. Even with top Chiefs wideouts Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (suspension) sidelined in Week 2, Brown was not nearly as prolific against the Philadelphia Eagles, finishing with five receptions for 30 yards. Early indications are that Worthy could return for Kansas City's Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants, which could limit Brown's target volume even further. Still, the 28-year-old looks like the Chiefs' clear WR2 until Rice is eligible to return in Week 7. Brown profiles as a WR4/low-end flex option in Week 3, although his outlook would improve if Worthy misses another game.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on Injured Reserve prior to Week 2. As a result, the 31-year-old will not play until at least Week 6, when San Francisco is set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the 49ers' first game without Kittle in Week 2, tight ends Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges combined for six catches, 45 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Kittle's return timeline could coincide with returns for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee). That could mean that San Francisco's offense could be firing on all cylinders when it welcomes Kittle back to the lineup. For fantasy managers with an open IR spot, this could be an interesting time to try and buy low on Kittle.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) suffered a gruesome knee injury in December 2024, dislocating his knee and tearing his ACL, MCL, and LCL. The 25-year-old wideout was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list in August, meaning he is not eligible to return until Week 5. The most likely scenario remains that Dell will be out far longer than that. Given the timing of his 2024 injury, it would not be surprising if Dell does see any game action in 2025. Dell is worth stashing for future production in dynasty leagues, but he should not be on the radar of redraft fantasy managers unless there is a significant change in his return status.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III acknowledged that Zach Charbonnet is expected to continue splitting the backfield with him. Through two games, Charbonnet has outsnapped Walker (56% to 38%) and handled more carries (27 to 23). Head coach Mike MacDonald reinforced that approach, saying, "We're playing the long game. We want both backs to play the whole year." Walker also stated that he's buying into the committee approach to preserve his health. "I believe we have two great backs." Walker's history of injuries is expanding, as he missed six games in 2024 and multiple others earlier in his career. For fantasy purposes, Walker's upside is capped, and he should be valued as a high-end RB3 rather than his typical high-end RB2 profile.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) is expected to play a significant role in the team's passing attack once he returns from injury. The second-year receiver suffered a notable quad strain prior to the season and was placed on injured reserve. In his absence, Hunter Renfrow has stepped into a larger role, playing 79% of the snaps through two weeks and catching seven passes on nine targets for 48 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. While Renfrow has been serviceable, the Panthers view Coker as a core piece moving forward. Fantasy managers should consider stashing him ahead of his potential Week 6 return.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins CB Storm Duck (ankle) and S Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf) did not practice on Tuesday, Sept. 16. CB Ethan Bonner (hamstring), C Aaron Brewer (hip), DT Benito Jones (oblique), LB Chop Robinson (knee), WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder), TE Darren Waller (hip), WR Malik Washington (thumb) and RB Jaylen Wright (knee) were limited.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams has yet to carve out a meaningful role in the offense. Through the first two games of the season, the 2025 third-round pick has been on the field for just 13% of the team's snaps and has only one target to show for it. Williams has been buried on the depth chart behind veterans Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and younger receivers Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas, all of whom have earned more consistent playing time. Until his role grows, Williams holds little fantasy appeal and is droppable in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will return from suspension in Week 4 when the team faces the Pittsburgh Steelers in London. Addison is serving the final game of his three-game suspension for offseason DUI charges. As a key piece of the Vikings' offense, Addison has posted 133 receptions for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns through his first 32 NFL games. However, his fantasy outlook has dipped with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy battling inconsistency and a high-ankle sprain early in the season. Addison should be reinserted into lineups as a low-end FLEX option upon his return, with room for upside if McCarthy improves from under center.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is expected to return to a full workload in Week 7 after serving his six-game suspension for reckless driving charges stemming from the 2024 offseason. In his three full games last year, Rice was highly efficient, catching 24 of 29 targets for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs' passing attack has struggled in his absence, with Patrick Mahomes currently sitting outside the top 15 in passing yards through two weeks. Rice's return should immediately boost the offense, making him a high-end WR2 in fantasy and providing Mahomes with a much-needed reliable weapon. His presence will likely cut into the target shares of Travis Kelce and Marquise Brown, though both will remain heavily involved.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice urged fans to temper expectations for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk earlier this offseason, noting, "It's going to take some time for him. I'd rely on those other guys to do most of the work and blend (Aiyuk) back in." Aiyuk is still recovering from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered in Week 7 of last season and has yet to resume practicing. In his absence, the 49ers have started 2-0 with steady contributions from Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall. With no firm return timeline, Aiyuk remains an uncertain fantasy asset and should not be counted on for meaningful production in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa bounced back statistically in Week 2, completing 26 of 32 passes for 315 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the loss to the New England Patriots. While he topped 300 passing yards, he was sacked five times and sealed the defeat with a late fourth-quarter interception. Tagovailoa now faces the Buffalo Bills on a short week, a matchup that has consistently given him trouble. He has lost five straight starts against Buffalo, posting seven touchdowns and five interceptions during that span. With Miami's offensive line struggling to protect him, Tagovailoa is best left on fantasy benches in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has been listed as the team's starting back on this week's depth chart. The rookie played just 26% of the snaps in Week 2 but was effective with his touches, rushing 10 times for 66 yards in his NFL debut. Judkins signed his rookie deal shortly before Week 1 and eased into action against the Baltimore Ravens, but being elevated to the top of the depth chart is an encouraging sign for his role going forward. That said, Week 3 sets up as a tough spot. The Browns face the Green Bay Packers, who have been one of the league's stingiest defenses to start the season. With a negative game script possible, Judkins should be viewed as a low-end FLEX option in deeper leagues this week, though his long-term outlook is trending up.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson was listed as the No. 2 back on the Week 3 depth chart, slotting in ahead of veteran Jerome Ford but behind second-round pick Quinshon Judkins. However, the usage tells a different story. In last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Ford played 49% of the snaps compared to just 24% for Sampson, suggesting the coaching staff still trusts the veteran on passing downs. It's unclear whether the updated depth chart reflects a genuine shift or is more of a formality, but for fantasy purposes, Sampson managers should be cautious. With the Browns set to face the red-hot Green Bay Packers defense in Week 3, Sampson is highly unlikely to make a fantasy impact and is best left on benches in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) was limited in Tuesday's practice ahead of Thursday night's divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Waddle wasn't listed on Monday's injury report, but his appearance Tuesday raises some concern given the short week. The former 1,000-yard receiver briefly exited Week 1 with a shoulder issue before returning, and while he found the end zone in Week 2 against New England, he finished third on the team in targets behind Tyreek Hill and De'Von Achane. Waddle has also historically struggled against Buffalo's defense, putting up under 50 yards in their last three contests. With Miami's offense searching for rhythm and Waddle not at full strength, he profiles as more of a low-end FLEX option in Week 3.
From RotoBaller