Week 3 Preview and Who is Still a Sleeper?

Friday, Sep 22, 2023 at 8:47 am ET

Two weeks of football isn't enough to tell us who is good and who isn't. After two weeks last season, Carson Wentz and James Robinson were top-five fantasy players at quarterback and running back, respectively. Neither player is on a team right now after big drops in production soon after Week 2 in 2022.

I bring this up to say: don't overreact to what players have done so far and who might be high in the rankings. Logan Thomas of Washington is a great example, and a player I'll mention later. Thomas is the third-highest scoring tight end in standard scoring after two pedestrian games. He is one of only 14 tight ends to catch a touchdown, and only two players have two touchdowns. Thomas has had one good season in his career, and it was 2020. There is no reason to expect him to produce like even a top-10 tight end all season given his history and this Commanders team.

Some owners might grab Thomas (who was a free agent in most leagues in Week 2) thinking they're getting a steal and permanent tight end option, but they are likely to be back hunting for a player again next week. React to what has happened so far, but don't overreact; we know more than just the last two weeks.

Off to the Week 3 preview. Fantasy rankings and points are from Fantasy Pros, and defensive fantasy performances against positions are from Pro Football Reference.

Early Games

Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens

Obvious Starters

Mark Andrews Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB: Jackson has only scored the 21st-most points among quarterbacks, but he was ninth last week after a dismal Week 1. Jackson is always a threat to run all over the field and should be in your fantasy lineup.

Mark Andrews, Ravens TE: Andrews missed Week 1 but returned with five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. He's an every week starter.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Zay Flowers, Ravens WR: Flowers has 13 receptions for 140 yards and has played himself into weekly consideration. He has a great matchup against a Colts team that has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2023 (and tied for the league high with four receiving touchdowns). Flowers won't be in your lineup every week, but he has a chance to do big things against Indianapolis. (I don't trust Rashod Bateman or Odell Beckham, but they will also benefit from the soft matchup.)

Others to Consider

Anthony Richardson, Colts QB: This all hinges on his health. Richardson left in the second quarter of Week 2 with a concussion and hasn't practiced this week. Even if he does play, he's at risk of leaving again with a head injury just a week later, and the Ravens have allowed the 10th-least fantasy points to quarterbacks. It's probably better to have a different option this week.

Zack Moss, Colts RB: Moss missed Week 1 but started for Indianapolis in Week 2 and ran for 88 yards and a touchdown. Starting running backs are gold, but the Ravens aren't the team to mess with. They have allowed the eighth-least rushing yards to running backs (tied with Washington) and the fifth-least fantasy points to backs through two weeks. With Richardson questionable, there might not be a lot of room to run against Baltimore. I'm sitting Moss.

Michael Pittman, Colts WR: I doubted Pittman coming into the season, but he's the 15th ranked receiver in standard scoring and 10th in PPR through two games. With the unsure quarterback situation this week and a tough Ravens D, I am struggling; I want to bet against Pittman again, but he has had double-digit targets in each game, and the Ravens have allowed the eighth-most receiving yards and 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. I'm betting the defense is better and Pittman won't see 11 targets again, and I'm looking at him as just a WR3/flex option.

Tennesee Titans vs Cleveland Browns

Obvious Starters

Derrick Henry, Titans RB: Henry has had at least 95 scrimmage yards in both games and scored a touchdown last week. He's a weekly starter.

Deshaun Watson, Browns QB: Watson scored 12.6 fantasy points Week 2, less than just five other starting quarterbacks. He only ran for 22 yards and lost two fumbles, so his work on the ground was a negative. That won't happen often; Watson will more often be closer to his Week 1 rushing performance (45 yards and a touchdown, no lost fumbles) which will leave him with a high floor. The Titans have given up the fifth-most passing yards and 12th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023, making for a good matchup.

Jerome Ford, Browns RB: Nick Chubb's injury was gruesome for everyone and heartbreaking for Browns fans. Ford is the beneficiary of the unfortunate situation and steps in as Cleveland's top running back. He had 16 carries for 106 yards and added three catches for 25 yards and a touchdown last week, so it's reasonable to expect Ford to play like a fantasy starter immediately. Expecting him to be Chubb is unfair, but Ford should be in your lineup.

Amari Cooper, Browns WR: Cooper was part of the rainstorm in Cleveland Week 1 and had a quiet game, but he rebounded with seven catches for 90 yards in Week 2. Tennessee has allowed the third-most receiving yards and fantasy points to wide receivers this year. The Titans allowed the third-most receiving yards and MOST fantasy points to receivers in 2022. Cooper is a must-start, and Elijah Moore is worth considering in deep and three-receiver leagues.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

The good matchups for Browns players make them Obvious Starters, though Moore could fit here. In fact, Moore feels as much like a sleeper as any player this week and could rack up volume against a bad Titans' pass D. I feel good about Moore as a WR3 at worst.

Others to Consider

DeAndre Hopkins, Titans WR: Cleveland has allowed the fourth-least receiving yards and third-least fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Hopkins had great volume in Week 1 (13 targets, almost twice as many as any other Titan) but fell back to Earth in Week 2 with just five targets. That was still the most on the team but only one more than three other teammates. Hopkins can do damage with the former volume, but he will struggle to consistently produce fantasy points at the latter. I don't see him excelling against a great Browns defense.

Denver Broncos vs Miami Dolphins

Obvious Starters

Tua Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins QB: Tua was the top quarterback in Week 1 with 466 yards and three touchdowns. He was outside the top 20 fantasy QBs in Week 2 with a more pedestrian 249 yards and one touchdown. Denver has allowed the 12th-most passing yards and 13th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023, a decent but not great matchup. I want to call Denver a good defense, but they allowed those numbers to Jimmy Garoppolo and Sam Howell, not exactly top passers. Tua has a chance to break out any week with his great receivers, and I think he will have a good day against the Broncos.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins WR; Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins WR: Hill had 215 yards and was the top receiver in fantasy in Week 1. He disappointed with just 50 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 (just kidding: Hill is great). Waddle was the top yardage producer on the team Week 2 (86 yards) and would be a number one receiver if Hill wasn't a freak. Both of these guys start every week.

Raheem Mostert, Dolphins RB: Mostert is the fourth-highest scoring running back in standard scoring (sixth in PPR) through two weeks. He had a middling Week 1 but scored a touchdown to boost his score; Mostert then went off last week for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Mostert is the unquestioned starter on a high-powered offense and will get a chance to score touchdowns most weeks. He should be started in every league unless you have a GREAT running back situation.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Javonte Williams, Broncos RB: The Dolphins have allowed the third-most rushing yards and fantasy points to running backs this season. Returning from a major injury, Williams had 17 touches in Week 1 against 12 for Samaje Perine in the opening game. Williams then had 14 touches versus just four for Perine in Week 2. That trend is likely to continue, with Williams leading the way and Perine subbing in. A bad Miami run defense against a high-volume back sets up well for Williams (though he has been inefficient in 2023).

Others to Consider

Russell Wilson, Broncos QB: Wilson had just 177 passing yards in Week 1 before going for 308 and three touchdowns last week. Miami has allowed league-average passing yards and fantasy points to quarterbacks. Everything is right in the middle here. There are worse options than Wilson, but you can probably find a better QB in Week 2.

New England Patriots vs New York Jets

Obvious Starters

Garrett Wilson, Jets WR: Wilson is close to being bumped from "obvious starter" status. It's not his fault, but his quarterback, Zach Wilson, has proven he isn't an NFL-level quarterback. The receiver was saved from a 2.5-point PPR day in Week 2 by a 68-yard touchdown, one of two catches. Wilson's ceiling and floor dropped dramatically with the Aaron Rodgers injury.

Hunter Henry, Patriots TE: Just 11 teams have allowed a touchdown catch by a tight end, and the Jets are one of four teams to allow more than one. They have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Henry was the top-scoring fantasy TE in Week 1 and second highest in Week 2. He is one of only two tight ends with two touchdowns (T.J. Hockenson is the other). Henry has become a weekly starter.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots RB: The Jets have allowed league-average fantasy production to running backs, and Stevenson is the clear lead back in New England. He out-touched Ezekiel Elliott 18 to five in Week 2, and that doesn't seem likely to go too far the other way. Stevenson is getting a starter's workload (though his efficiency hasn't been great).

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

These are two good defenses that don't offer many soft matchups other than those mentioned in the blurbs.

Others to Consider

Breece Hall, Jets RB: Hall returned from a major knee injury with a bang, gaining 127 yards on 10 carries and adding a reception for 20 yards. Week 2 was a complete 180, as Hall had just four carries for nine yards and no catches. Jets coaches said the low share was due to game situation and not a sign of things to come, but it was surely disappointing for Hall owners. New England has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards and 11th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2023. The Patriots have a good defense, though, and Zach Wilson is just so bad. No openings will be created for Hall in the passing game, and I can see him and all Jet running backs struggling.

Buffalo Bills vs Washington Commanders

Obvious Starters

Josh Allen, Bills QB: Allen is 13th in quarterback scoring through two weeks and was seventh in Week 2. He was drafted as a top-three QB and will play every week, but owners are waiting for a huge performance.

Diggs Stefon Diggs, Bills WR: Diggs had a more mediocre 66 yards after going over 100 in Week 1, but he is one of the top receivers in the league on a good offense.

Brian Robinson, Commanders RB: I wanted to put Robinson in the Obvious Starters group last week but balked at the last minute and moved him to the "others." He responded with 87 yards and two touchdowns. Buffalo has allowed the 12th-most rushing yards to running backs. Robinson had 20 touches in each of the first two games while his backup, Antonio Gibson, had just nine total. Robinson is a true lead back and second among fantasy backs in standard scoring.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

These are two tough defenses, and there aren't many good matchups.

Others to Consider

James Cook, Bills RB: Cook had 159 total yards in Week 2, but he didn't score a touchdown while both Damien Harris and Latavius Murray ran one in. This is a much tougher Commanders defense: they have allowed the eighth-least fantasy points and ninth-least rushing yards to running backs. Cook had just 46 rush yards on 12 carries against a stout Jets defense in Week 1, and I think he will be closer to that performance than his Week 2 breakout.

Logan Thomas, Commanders TE: I mentioned Thomas in the open, and I see a rough week coming. He won't be in the top five in scoring at the position after Week 3.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders WR; Jahan Dotson, Commanders WR: These are two talented receivers, but I have a hard time trusting them because Sam Howell is a question mark at quarterback. Howell had 299 yards on 7.7 yards per attempt against Denver Week 2, but he had just 202 yards on 6.5 yards per attempt in a Week 1 slog against the Cardinals. The Bills have allowed the third-least receiving yards and eighth-least fantasy points to wide receivers this year. McLaurin is a WR3/flex, and Dotson might be at that level but is probably closer to a non-starter in Week 3.

Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions

Obvious Starters

Bijan Bijan Robinson, Falcons RB: Robinson had his official coming-out party against the Packers in Week 2: 19 carries for 124 yards and four catches for 48 yards. He is a weekly starter, even if he continues splitting time.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions RB: David Montgomery left Week 2 with a thigh injury, and there's a good chance he misses Week 3. I'm going on that assumption and proclaiming Gibbs a top-10 sleeper against Atlanta. The Falcons have had some luck shutting down backs this season, but Gibbs will get a lot of touches both on the ground and through the air, and he is a player to start.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions WR: St. Brown had 71 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and followed it up with 102 yards last week. Just start him.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Drake London, Falcons WR; Kyle Pitts, Falcons TE: I've been against these two players all season but not because of their talent. Atlanta has thrown at one of the lowest rates in the league the last season-plus, and that lack of opportunity, along with quarterback Desmond Ridder's lack of downfield throwing, limits the upside and consistency of both pass-catchers. Ridder's career yards per attempt is 6.4; quarterbacks who finished near that mark in 2022 include Baker Mayfield and Wentz.

London had a good Week 2 with 67 yards and a touchdown, and he has a good matchup in Week 3. The Lions have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to receivers this season, though just a league-average number of receiving yards. In 2022, however, Detroit allowed the second-most receiving yards and third-most fantasy points to receivers. They made upgrades in the offseason, but they have dealt with injuries in the secondary.

The same story applies to Pitts, who has just four catches and 59 yards through two weeks. The Lions have allowed the most receiving yards and second-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2023, so Pitts has as good of a matchup as he will all season. The volume will probably still be low, however, and I'm still skeptical. London is a WR2/3, and Pitts will be starting in most leagues.

Others to Consider

Sam LaPorta, Lions TE: LaPorta started his career with back-to-back five-catch games and gained 63 yards last week. The Falcons are league-average against tight ends this season, but they gave up the seventh-most receiving yards and third-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2022. LaPorta isn't a great option, but you can also find much worse.

Tyler Allgeier, Falcons RB: Allgeier has had good volume while splitting time with Robinson and was the better half in fantasy Week 1 with 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He had a quiet Week 2 with just 48 yards on 16 carries. Allgeier will probably continue getting carries, but Robinson may begin stealing more as the season rolls on. Detroit has been close to league average against running backs this season, and that was the case last year too. Allgeier is under RB2/flex consideration.

New Orleans Saints vs Green Bay Packers

Obvious Starters

Olave Chris Olave, Saints WR: Olave has nearly 200 receiving yards through two games after a 1,000-yard rookie season. He is a weekly starter.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Kendre Miller, Saints RB: Jamaal Williams started the first two games for New Orleans, but he was hurt in Week 2 and appears unlikely to play in Week 3. The rookie Miller missed the first two games but has practiced in full and looks ready to suit up in Week 3. Tony Jones had two touchdowns in Week 2 but was very inefficient, so Miller would seem in line for starting work. The Packers have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards, second-most receiving yards, and seventh-most fantasy points to running backs this year. Part of that is from playing the excellent Atlanta running game, but Miller and the Saints have a chance to do a lot of damage on the ground.

Taysom Hill, Saints TE: Hill is interesting as a tight end option because he ran the ball nine times in Week 2 with the team's running backs limited. With Williams out, Hill could get more than a handful of opportunities. The ability to start Hill at tight end is a boon at a light position; if you don't have a very good TE on your roster, consider grabbing Hill for his rushing production and ability to throw and catch passes.

Others to Consider

AJ Dillon, Packers RB: Dillon isn't an option for me if Aaron Jones plays, but it looks as though Jones will miss his second straight game, setting up Dillon for a starter's workload. He disappointed in that role in Week 2 with just 55 yards on 15 carries. The Saints have been close to league-average against backs this year and have allowed the 10th-least fantasy points to the position. Dillon would be an RB2/flex with Jones out, but I'm not excited about counting on him.

Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed, Saints WRs: The Packers have allowed the fifth-least receiving yards and seventh-least fantasy points to wide receivers in 2023. Thomas and Shaheed have each had a decent game to start the season, and they are real options as WR3/flex players. Green Bay doesn't seem like the team to test with second and third options, though, and you can probably find a better matchup in Week 3.

Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Obvious Starters

Etienne Travis Etienne, Jaguars RB: Etienne was halted in Week 2 after a big opening game with just 42 yards on 14 touches. He is still a weekly starter, though, and is dominating the touches on this Jacksonville team.

Evan Engram, Jaguars TE: Engram has 13 targets, 11 receptions, and 106 yards through two weeks. He is going to be targeted every week, and a light position doesn't have many players set up to be more consistent than Engram. The Texans have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to tight ends, and they are one of 11 teams to have allowed a touchdown to a tight end in 2023.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

C.J. Stroud, Texans QB: Stroud has the fourth-most passing yards on the third-most attempts in the league through two weeks. Part of that is due to the Texans being down and having to throw to catch up, but the dude is slinging it around. The Jaguars have allowed the 10th-most passing yards and sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023. He's not exactly a sleeper due to his large volume, but it's fair to call him that; Stroud won't start in a lot of leagues, and there are far worse options if you need a streamer.

Others to Consider

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars QB: I had considered Lawrence a weekly starter coming into the season, but he has scored outside the top 20 quarterbacks through two weeks. After a decent Week 1, he was legitimately bad against the Chiefs last week with just 216 yards on 41 attempts with no touchdowns. Houston has allowed the 11th-least passing yards and 18th-least fantasy points to QBs this year, not daunting numbers. They allowed the least fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2022, though, and have a good defense. They have played Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes so far and held up admirably. Some owners might not have a better option, but I see Lawrence struggling in fantasy Week 3.

Calvin Ridley, Jaguars WR: I prematurely annointed Ridley a weekly starter, then he had just two catches for 32 yards in Week 2. Houston has allowed lower-than-league-average numbers to receivers in 2023, and I see Ridley struggling alongside his quarterback. He is a low WR2 at best this week, and maybe more like a WR3/flex. Christian Kirk had a big Week 2, but I'm not trusting his consistency.

Nico Collins, Texans WR: Collins has taken advantage of his quarterback's volume, hauling in 13 receptions (on 20 targets) for 226 yards and a touchdown. The Jaguars have been close to league-average against receivers this season, and Collins's production will probably rely on volume again: if Stroud continues to throw a lot, Collins will keep producing. If that slows down, though, which it almost has to, Collins will be more of a WR3/flex.

Dameon Pierce, Texans RB: Pierce has been brutal through two games with 26 carries for just 69 yards. I saw him as a weekly starter coming into the season (as did many others), but he hasn't been fantasy-relevant this season. Jacksonville has allowed the fourth-least rushing yards and third-least fantasy points to backs through two weeks. This looks like another bad performance waiting for Pierce, and I'm sitting him.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Minnesota Vikings

Obvious Starters

Justin Herbert, Chargers QB: On top of Herbert being a weekly starter, Minnesota has been a sieve defending the pass since the start of last season. Herbert has a chance to be the top passer in Week 3.

Keenan Allen, Chargers WR; Mike Williams, Chargers WR: Allen balled out in Week 2 with eight catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Williams matched those eight catches and had 83 yards of his own. As with QBs, wide receivers have been feasting on the Vikings for over a year, and these players both have a chance at another big week.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings TE: Hockenson had eight catches in Week 1 and followed it up with seven for 66 yards and two touchdowns last week. He is a weekly starter at tight end.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings WR: The Chargers have allowed the most fantasy points to receivers in 2023, and Jefferson is set up well to score his first TD of the season.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings QB: Cousins has the second-most passing yards, tied for most touchdowns, and most fantasy points through two weeks. The Vikings love throwing the ball. Los Angeles has allowed the most passing yards and second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023, and Cousins is poised for another huge day.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Jordan Addison, Vikings WR: As mentioned above, the Chargers haven't been able to stop the pass this season; Tua Tagovailoa went for 466 in Week 1, and Ryan Tannehill had 246 yards on just 24 attempts in Week 2. Addison has at least 60 yards and a touchdown in each of his first two games. Addison is a super-strong WR3 this week who makes a case as a top-20 player at the position. K.J. Osborn had his own touchdown in Week 2, and he is a WR3/flex option if you're short this week.

Others to Consider

Joshua Kelley, Chargers RB: I would have rated Kelley as a must-start player in Week 2 if I had known Austin Ekeler was going to be out, but he disappointed in the lead role with just 39 yards on 13 carries. He is definitely worth considering as a RB2/flex option this week if Ekeler is indeed out (as it looks like he will be), but he's a bench player if Ekeler does suit up. Play Kelley if you don't have two or three strong options at running back.

Alexander Mattison, Vikings RB: The Chargers have been a little worse than league-average against running backs in 2023, but Mattison has disappointed in fantasy. His 19 carries have only gained 62 yards. He caught a touchdown in Week 1, but his six receptions have only gained 21 yards. Minnesota traded for Cam Akers this week, but it's likely he sees a small workload while Mattison dominates the touches again. Time is ticking, and Mattison has competition now; I don't trust him as a fantasy player in Week 3.

Late Games

Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks

Obvious Starters

Ken Walker Kenneth Walker, Seahawks RB: Carolina has allowed the 10th-most rushing yards, tied for most rushing touchdowns, and second-most fantasy points to running backs in 2023. Walker has a firm grasp on the top spot in Seattle, and he will have the benefit of facing this weak Panthers run defense in Week 3.

DK Metcalf, Seahawks WR; Tyler Lockett, Seahawks WR: The Panthers have allowed the seventh-least receiving yards and second-least fantasy points to wide receivers this year, making this a seemingly tough matchup. While Carolina does have a decent defense, they have played the bad Atlanta passing game and just-OK Saints passing game and probably aren't quite this good against the pass. These are two talented receivers who have proven they can both produce on the field together, and they are both near-weekly starters at worst.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

No great matchups in this one other than Walker.

Others to Consider

Miles Sanders, Panthers RB: Sanders had a great 2022 with Philadelphia and has alternated good (22 touches for 98 yards in Week 1) and bad (17 touches for 44 yards in Week 2) games this season. Seattle has allowed rushing yards and fantasy points at a rate a little higher than league-average this season, and Sanders will get the ball, but I see him as a low RB2/flex player to consider.

Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals

Obvious Starters

Pollard Tony Pollard, Cowboys RB; CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys WR: This article gets long, so let's not waste too much time here: these players are both near the top of their position and weekly starters.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Dak Prescott, Cowboys QB: Prescott is hit-and-miss in fantasy, but he has a good matchup this week against Arizona. The Cardinals have allowed the 11th-most passing yards and third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. It could turn into a game where Dallas gets way ahead and doesn't have to throw much, like Week 1, but Dallas won by 20 last week and Dak still threw 38 times. This is a good matchup for the Cowboys QB, but he's not a top-five fantasy option.

Others to Consider

James Conner, Cardinals RB: Conner had a big Week 2 with 106 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. He has carried the ball 30 more times than backup Keaontay Ingram through two games. That alone puts Conner in consideration every week. He's not a Week 3 starter, however, because of the nature of the beast he's facing. Dallas has allowed the second-least rushing yards and least fantasy points to backs through two weeks. According to Pro Football Reference, they have allowed over 22% less fantasy points per game than the second-place Titans. Stash Conner safely on your bench and wait for next week.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals TE: I didn't believe in Ertz coming into the season with an uncertain quarterback situation, but he was seventh in PPR scoring in Week 2 and is seventh in that format on the season. (Standard scoring rates Ertz much lower.) The Cowboys have been brutal to play against, but they have allowed league-average production to tight ends. I am not recommending him, but I can see why some would play him. You can find a better Week 3 option.

Chicago Bears vs Kansas City Chiefs

Obvious Starters

Pacheco Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB; Travis Kelce, Chiefs TE: Kelce returned after missing Week 1 and scored a touchdown, though he had just four catches for 26 yards. This is the top duo in the league and will be in your lineup any time they are on the field.

Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs RB: Pacheco is the clear lead back in Kansas City, and he has a big matchup in Week 3. Chicago has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2023, and that includes the most receiving yards to the position. That would seem to point to receiving back Jerick McKinnon, but Pacheco has caught five passes this season compared to McKinnon's four, and he will get the bulk of the touches, along with chances to score. Get him in your lineup in Week 2.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Any Chiefs WR: Skyy Moore scored a touchdown last week after rookie Rashee Rice did it in Week 1, but it's hard to know who to trust amongst the Kansas City receivers. Kadarius Toney touched the ball six times in Week 2, more than any other receiver. The team looked to get him involved, even after a disastrous Week 1. Chicago has been terrible on defense going back to last season, and there will surely be opportunities to catch the ball from Mahomes. Any of these guys are reasonable to consider for your WR3/flex spot, but beware that a complete flop is just as likely as a big performance.

Others to Consider

Justin Fields, Bears QB: I saw Fields as a weekly starter and threat to jump into the top-three in fantasy quarterback scoring. Instead, he has been the 15th and 20th ranked QB in the first two weeks and run the ball just 13 times. He's on pace to run 50 times less than he did in 2022, 31.25%. If he lost that percentage of his rushing yards and touchdowns last year he would have finished with 786 yards and 5.5 touchdowns. That's still great ground production, but it's a loss of 50.7 fantasy points. Take away those points and Fields drops from QB6 to QB13 in 2022, a player who would be borderline to be drafted in a 10-team league.

D.J. Moore, Bears WR: Moore had six catches for 104 yards last week after an anonymous first game with the Bears. I was way down on Moore this season because he was going to an offense with much less volume than he had in the past. He has alternated a bad and good game so far, but I don't trust him to be consistent. He will have good games because he is very talented, but his developing quarterback will keep him from reaching previous heights.

Sunday Night

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders

Obvious Starters

Josh Jacobs, Raiders RB: Negative-two yards. Less than zero. That's what Jacobs gained on nine carries against the Bills in Week 2. Buffalo has a good defense, but that's a horrificly bad performance for the player who led the league in rushing yards last season. One silver lining for Jacobs is that he touched the ball 14 times and no other Vegas back did more than four times. Pittsburgh has allowed the most rushing yards and fantasy points to running backs this season, so Jacobs is primed to bounce back.

Davante Adams, Raiders WR: Adams had a concussion scare at the end of Week 2, but it's sounding as if he'll be good to go against Pittsburgh. As long as he's on the field, Adams is a top receiver in the league.

George Pickens, Steelers WR: I was super high on Pickens coming into the season, and he is currently acting as the top receiver in Pittsburgh with Diontae Johnson out. Pickens had four catches for 127 yards and a touchdown against a tough Browns defense in Week 2, and I see him continuing the good vibes against a bad Raiders defense. Vegas has given up four receiving touchdowns to WRs, tied for most in the league, and the ninth-most fantasy points to the position.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Najee Harris, Steelers RB: I almost called Harris an Obvious Starter, but his weak performance so far and the emergence of backup Jaylen Warren made me retract just a bit. The Raiders have allowed the third-most rushing yards (tied with the Dolphins) and fifth-most fantasy points to running backs this season, meaning these two backs are both fantasy-relevant in Week 3. Harris is going to get the start, but don't be surprised to see touches start getting split more evenly. Harris is a RB2 and Warren is in flex consideration this week.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers TE: I'm not recommending Freiermuth this week. He had one catch for three yards in Week 1 and one catch for two yards in Week 2. The Week 1 catch was a touchdown, inflating his fantasy score, but Freiermuth hasn't shown anything this season. The Raiders have allowed the 10th-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends through two weeks. They are one of 11 teams to allow a touchdown to a tight end across the first two games. This is a decent matchup, but, again, I'm completely avoiding Freiermuth.

Others to Consider

We've covered everyone to consider in this game. Some might say QB Kenny Pickett has a good matchup, but I'm not willing to make a case for him.

Monday Night

Philadelphia Eagles vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Obvious Starters

Jalen Hurts, Eagles QB: Hurts was near the 20th quarterback in Week 1 but rebounded for a top-four performance in Week 2. He was drafted as a top QB and should continue starting every week.

A.J. Brown, Eagles WR; DeVonta Smith, Eagles WR: Smith has flipped the script from last season and been the Eagles' top receiver through two games. Brown and Smith both had four catches in Week 2, but Smith produced 131 yards and a touchdown while Brown went for just 29 yards. Things will balance out; both players are immensely talented, and there's plenty to go around.

Mike Evans, Bucs WR; Chris Godwin, Bucs WR: Philadelphia has given up the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Evans has reminded us that he is great no matter who throws him the ball, as he has scored in both games and has 237 yards. Godwin has five catches and over 50 yards both weeks, but he hasn't hit the heights of his fellow receiver. It's a little scary against a tough Eagles defensive line, but I'll say both players are must-start, with Evans a solid WR2 and Godwin low on that end but firmly in the WR3 group.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Cade Otton, Bucs TE: The Eagles have allowed the most receptions, second-most receiving yards, most touchdowns, and most fantasy points to tight ends through two weeks; that alone merits Otton's inclusion here. Philly has faced the top two scoring tight ends in fantasy to open the season (T.J. Hockenson and Hunter Henry), but Philly was better than league-average against tight ends last season. Otton had six receptions last week but just two for 19 yards in Week 1. I think this is the week things straighten out and Philadelphia gets closer to league-average against the position, and I'm not recommending Otton despite the numbers in his favor.

Others to Consider

Dallas Goedert, Eagles TE: Goedert was shut out in Week 1. He had six catches in Week 2, but they only went for 22 yards. It's been a bad start for a player many owners drafted to be a weekly starter. Tampa has been league-average against tight ends in 2023, but they did allow the eighth-most fantasy points to the position last year. I'd stay away if you can find another option, but some owners won't have that luxury.

D'Andre Swift, Eagles RB: The Bucs have allowed the sixth-least rushing yards and ninth-least fantasy points to running backs this year. Swift touched the ball twice in Week 1 and did nothing, but he broke out in Week 2 (with Week 1 starter Kenneth Gainwell out) for 175 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Gainwell may return this week, so it's hard to know who will get the bulk of the work. Swift is in an unsure situation against a good defense, and that's too scary for anything more than a flex player (same for Gainwell).

Rachaad White, Bucs RB: The Eagles have allowed the least rushing yards and fourth-least fantasy points to backs in 2023. White had 17 carries in each of the first two games and produced 73 yards and a touchdown last week after just 39 in Week 1. He has also caught seven passes for 40 yards. Most importantly, White has dominated the touches in the Tampa Bay backfield. Against this tough defense, I have a hard time thinking of him as anything more than a flex, though. He will touch the ball, but there won't be a lot of room to run Monday night.

Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals

Obvious Starters

Puka Puka Nacua, Rams WR: In a game with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Nacua is the best fantasy option on the field. He has caught 10 of 15 targets and 15 of 20 targets through two weeks; that's fantasy-altering volume. Nacua is as safe as anyone this side of Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill.

Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals WR; Tee Higgins, Bengals WR: Speaking of Chase and Higgins, they have struggled at times this season as their quarterback has battled injury, a rainstorm, and tough defenses. Higgins was shut out in Week 1 but had eight targets, just one less than Chase, who had only five catches for 39 yards. Chase essentially repeated that performance in Week 2 (31 yards), but Higgins turned things around with eight catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Let's tie in Joe Burrow, Bengals QB, here. The Rams have allowed the sixth-least receiving yards to wide receivers this season, and Burrow, who missed most of the preseason with a calf strain, is dealing with the injury again and questionable for Week 3. I'm tempted to move this entire group to the Others to Consider, but I can't downgrade them that much yet. These receivers were drafted among the top-12 at the position, and most owners don't have the option to sit them. If Burrow misses the game, however, take a close look at your roster and see if you have a realistic replacement for Chase or Higgins.

Joe Mixon, Bengals RB: No matter the quarterback situation, Mixon will be involved. He has dominated the touches among Cincinnati backs and had at least 73 yards in each game (95 in Week 2). He's not a top-five back, but Mixon is a weekly fantasy starter until further notice.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Matthew Stafford, Rams QB: Stafford has better artificial stats than he does fantasy stats: 641 yards, but just one touchdown and two interceptions, placing him 20th among quarterbacks in fantasy scoring. The Bengals have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and are still settling in new pieces in the secondary, so Stafford has a chance for another big day. Getting in the endzone will be key for his fantasy production because Stafford won't add much with his legs. You might have a better option, but Stafford is a good streamer if you have a rough matchup or lose Burrow to injury.

Others to Consider

Kyren Williams, Rams RB: Williams officially took over the top role in Week 2, as Cam Akers was a healthy scratch before being traded to Minnesota. Williams will lead the charge moving forward; only one other Rams running back had one touch in Week 2. Williams has run in three touchdowns, and the Bengals have given up the fifth-most rushing yards to running backs in 2023. Williams is a strong flex player and probably an RB2 on many fantasy teams.