What You Need to Know from Week 3

Miami at Buffalo

• Tua Tagovailoa avoided a repeat of his Week 1 debacle vs. Indianapolis, but the revival of the downfield passing game in Week 2 was more about the Patriots' deficiencies than the Miami pass offense coming around. 
• De'Von Achane will remain an RB1 in PPR leagues because of his heavy involvement in a limited passing game, but Ollie Gordon II got his biggest workload of the year and converted a goal to go carry. He had more red zone opportunities than Achane, so Achane's ceiling could be lowered, while Gordon has some desperation play value to go with Achane injury upside. Jaylen Wright's dynasty stock is fading.
• Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were productive enough thanks to touchdowns and short passing volume, and the Dolphins did hang with the Bills until late in the game, just as they did in Tagovailoa's one healthy game last year. Consider Hill a WR2 and Waddle WR3/Flex against the Jets on Monday night.
• The Bills are committed to balance unless game script forces them to abandon the run. They were balanced in a back-and-forth game with the Dolphins, and leaned on James Cook just as much as they did in the Week 2 blowout win. Cook has arrived as a strong RB1, and Ray Davis is a top value bench stash because he also fits that philosophy if Cook goes down.
• Dalton Kincaid was again a big part of the passing game. He's the only Bill pass-catcher we can play every week now. Khalil Shakir scored and was modestly successful for fantasy, so he's the next most reliable. Keon Coleman will be a boom/bust what-the-heck flex unless the Bills are facing a team that can force them to open up the offense in the second half to keep up. The Week 4 opponent, New Orleans, is not that team.

Cincinnati at Minnesota

• The Jake Browning-led Bengals offense turned the ball over five times, including a pick-six and a fumble return for a touchdown by Isaiah Rodgers. The loss was the worst in team history. We have to give some credit to Brian Flores and the Vikings defense, who will face the Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, in Week 4, but the Bengals offense was also as inept as the result implies. Browning isn't a trustworthy streamer against the Broncos on Monday night and isn't an essential hold in 1QB leagues.
• Chase Brown is finding nowhere to run and shouldn't be started until he does something on your bench to make you regret sitting him. The sell-low window has closed. If you think the Bengals offense will bounce back Monday night, get your buy-low offers in for Brown, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
• Chase had a fumble and wasn't impactful, but at least caught five balls. Higgins only got two targets, and like Brown, should be on your bench until he does something notable. You might still be able to turn Chase into a WR1 with better surroundings, but the buy-low window is also open.
• Noah Fant could play a similar role for this offense to the one that Jonnu Smith played for the Dolphins last year, but he also fumbled and left with a concussion. Keep him on your waiver wire watch list.
• Carson Wentz looked comfortable in the Kevin O'Connell offense, which should allow the team to take it slow with J.J. McCarthy's return as long as Wentz keeps it up. He wasn't a great fantasy play because the game got out of hand early, but he's a viable streamer against the Steelers in Week 4.
• Jordan Mason ran over a Bengals defense that continues to look like the most attractive one to target when we are setting lineups. Mason is a solid RB2 against the Steelers, and as long as Aaron Jones Sr. is out, which will be at least three more games.
• Justin Jefferson did enough not to be a bust, and it's good to see that Wentz is at least competent in case McCarthy's mostly rough first two-game trend continues after he's healthy.
• T.J. Hockenson finally had a good game and should be back in our circle of trust for Week 4, although this could be more about starting most offensive pieces against the Bengals - this potentially applies to Bo Nix, J.K. Dobbins, and Troy Franklin in Week 4.

Houston at Jacksonville

• C.J. Stroud isn't getting it done for fantasy. He's not an essential hold, although Tennessee has been a good matchup for opposing offenses, so Week 4 does represent a "get right" opportunity and possible QB2/Superflex start.
• Nico Collins was finally targeted like a WR1 and converted a long score to go with seven short catches, which is the kind of line we were looking for when we drafted him in the first round. He has a high ceiling in Week 4.
• Woody Marks got 30 snaps to Nick Chubb's 33, turning this into a two-man RBBC. Marks is the more promising bench stash, but Chubb is the better desperation play because of touchdown leverage and might be a better hold in deeper leagues. There's still no word about when or if Joe Mixon will play this season.
• Christian Kirk got eight targets in his return, but only caught three for short gains. He's a what-the-heck flex against the Titans now that he has knocked off the rust, but not an essential hold with the Texans' offense struggling to create fantasy overachievers.
• The Jaguars won, but there was little to celebrate about Trevor Lawrence or Brian Thomas Jr.'s struggles. The buy-low window is still wide open for Thomas, but he could be a falling knife.
• Dyami Brown left with a shoulder injury, and it was Parker Washington, not Travis Hunter, who took his snaps. We're waiting for more information on Brown's injury, but Washington has some value in very deep leagues, getting 11 targets (and catching only 4) in Week 3. His role has room to grow as long as Thomas is in a slump. Hunter is just a bench stash while we wait to see if he can build some momentum on offense.
• Brenton Strange led the team in receiving yards for the second time in three weeks. While that makes him a viable streamer against the 49ers, it's a sign that Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence aren't getting the value out of the assemblage of talent the team has at wide receiver.

Indianapolis at Tennessee

• Daniel Jones had another good day passing the ball, but it was just ok for fantasy because Jonathan Taylor got all three rushing scores, while the game got out of hand in the second half. Jones is a high-ceiling QB1 against Matthew Stafford and the Rams in Week 4.
• Taylor continues to display peak form. There's an argument for him as RB1 going forward as long as Jones keeps playing well. 
• Alec Pierce was producing in the downfield passing game, but left with a concussion. Adonai Mitchell will replace him, but the injury could result in more short/intermediate targets for Josh Downs against a good Rams edge rush.
• Tyler Warren missed some practice with a toe issue, but the Colts removed him from the injury report before the game. His snaps and targets were down a bit, but we should still keep him in lineups for Week 4, especially if he can get in three full practices.
• Cam Ward continues to be the most reliable matchup to target with opposing D/STs while he learns the ropes. He'll face the Texans' dynamic edge rush duo in Week 4. Right tackle has been a problem spot since JC Latham went out, so we'll be monitoring his practice status to see if he's closer to a return, because he is needed.
• Elic Ayomanor caught a touchdown for the second straight week. He's a better play than Calvin Ridley right now, but hold Ridley if you can because the downfield passing game should improve as the line gets healthier and Ward gets more seasoning.
• Chig Okonkwo's snap count dropped a little, but he got six targets for the second straight week, and turned them into a 5-66 line, which is more than good enough to be viable at tight end. He's worth a pickup. If the Titans are smart, they will target him a lot in the short passing game to set up run-after-catch opportunities and avoid the teeth of the Texans' pass rush.
• Tony Pollard scored to come through on an otherwise long day for the offense. He's a low-ceiling RB2/Flex against the Texans. Tyjae Spears will be eligible to come off of injured reserve next week and cut into Pollard's workload, but there's no word on his timeline to return yet.

Las Vegas at Washington

• Geno Smith and Tre Tucker hooked up for three scores against the banged-up and suspect Washington secondary, but otherwise the Raiders' offense was underwhelming. Michael Penix Jr. will look to bounce back against the Commanders next week, and Smith will face Chicago in another matchup that could be successful for quarterback streamers.
• Two of Tucker's scores came in garbage time, and he might be getting more targets because Brock Bowers isn't 100% right now. Tucker is worth picking up, but don't overspend. Bowers is a good buy-low with better days ahead.
• Ashton Jeanty actually has more rushing yards after contact than rushing yards right now. The offensive line isn't doing him any favors, although the Bears' run defense isn't that daunting. Keep Jeanty in your Week 4 lineup.
• Marcus Mariota was steady and smoothly executed the Kliff Kingsbury offense. He accounted for a rushing and passing score and should be a viable streamer or QB2/Superflex if he gets the start against the Falcons in Week 4. There's no word yet on whether Jayden Daniels will be ready to face Atlanta.
• Terry McLaurin left with a quad injury. We are waiting to hear about the severity, but don't expect to have him in Week 4, and maybe beyond. Deebo Samuel Sr. becomes a better play any time McLaurin is out, and youngsters Luke McCaffrey (who scored late in Week 3) and Jaylin Lane (who returned a punt 90 yards for a score in Week 3) will get more opportunities with Noah Brown not practicing last week and likely limited or out for Week 4.
• Zach Ertz was held out of the end zone for the first time this season, but if McLaurin is out in Week 4, Ertz is still a viable streaming tight end as one of the reliable targets who will help pick up the slack.
• The Commanders employed a close to equal three-way split in the backfield. Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored again, but didn't get the start; that went to Chris Rodriguez Jr. Jeremy McNichols had the biggest play with a 60-yard touchdown run. Deebo Samuel Sr. also got three carries. Croskey-Merritt is the best bench stash, but he's only a desperation play against the Falcons.

LA Rams at Philadelphia

• One week after the Rams made a concerted effort to get Davante Adams more involved, the passing game reverted to being very Puka Nacua heavy. Adams did score, but is closer to a WR3/Flex than a WR1 value in fantasy, while Nacua has an argument for the most valuable wide receiver in fantasy.
• Kyren Williams responded with a great game after Blake Corum cut into his Week 2 workload. Corum looks great and should be on benches as an injury upside stash, but Williams got four red zone opportunities to Corum's one, and had a touchdown called back by holding, so his value is trending back up to the top of the RB2 ranks. 
• Matthew Stafford was only modestly successful for fantasy, but the Rams had four field goals and two more field goal attempts blocked, so he is moving the offense. Against lesser defenses, he could be a streaming QB1 option. The Week 4 matchup against the Colts is worth targeting with top-notch slot corner Kenny Moore II out because of a calf injury.
• Jalen Hurts and the Eagles pass offense was morose again through two-plus quarters until the team fell behind 26-7, then everything started clicking. Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith all had their best games of the season. Expect another good passing game in Week 4 against a Bucs defense that is very hard to run on.
• Saquon Barkley hasn't gotten going yet, and he probably won't in Week 4 at Tampa. With Hurts reviving the passing game, consider making a buy-low offer for Barkley this week. His team could come back to you next week if Barkley disappoints.
• Dallas Goedert only caught one ball, but it was for a 33-yard score. He was on the field for over 90% of the snaps and should be a TE1 consideration in Week 4.

Atlanta at Carolina

• Michael Penix Jr. had his worst game as a pro by a large margin. Hopefully, he'll bounce back this week against a shorthanded and underperforming Washington secondary. He's a viable Week 4 streaming option. It's unclear whether this is Carolina's defense turning the corner or just an off day for Penix.
• Drake London and Darnell Mooney were both mediocre fantasy options, and Mooney had a couple of uncharacteristic drops. Expect both to have better games against a Washington secondary that is going to be forced to play defensive backs they didn't expect to depend on so early in the season.
• Kyle Pitts Sr.continues to have a larger snap and target share than he had last year. He's an upside TE1 play in Week 4.
• The Panthers' passing game was quiet because the Falcons never threatened to get into this game. Bryce Young has some streaming/QB2/Superflex appeal in a better matchup against the Patriots this week. Keep Tetairoa McMillan in your lineup, although he could face New England #1 corner Christian Gonzalez, who hasn't played yet this season because of a hamstring injury.
• Rico Dowdle got the rushing touchdown, which took the edge off of Chuba Hubbard's fantasy performance. Hubbard is still a solid fantasy RB2, while Dowdle is an injury upside bench stash. Both players' outlooks are improved long term with the Panthers' defense waking up.

Pittsburgh at New England

• The Arthur Smith/Aaron Rodgers pass offense barely tested a Patriots secondary that had given up the most big plays through the air of any team in the league coming in. They will have a stiffer test in Dublin, Ireland, this week against the Vikings. 
• DK Metcalf got another short score to salvage his fantasy week, but his ceiling is going to remain low as long as this is a horizontal pass offense. He's not an automatic start in Week 4.
• Drake Maye had another good fantasy start as he basically is the Patriots' offense right now. He should be a good play against the Panthers, but he was also sacked five times and faced pressure on most of his dropbacks.
• Hunter Henry caught two scores and had as many targets as Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Demario Douglas combined. He's the only reliable pass-catcher for fantasy on this team with an ugly four-way committee at wide receiver that isn't making many big plays.
• The Patriots committed five turnovers, including three fumbles by running backs. Two were from Rhamondre Stevenson, who was benched after the second. TreVeyon Henderson was the running back in the fourth quarter and should have a larger role in Week 4. We'll see if Stevenson's workload is cut significantly going forward.

Green Bay at Cleveland

• The Browns' defense is shaping up to be an avoid, even though Lamar Jackson threw for four scores against them in Week 2. Jordan Love was disappointing, but his matchup gets a lot better this week vs. the ailing Cowboys secondary. He's worth a QB1 spot if you don't have an obvious start or don't like your QB1's matchup. Jared Goff will try to solve the Cleveland defense this week.
• Tucker Kraft played and got his usual complement of snaps. The one touchdown went to fellow tight end John Fitzpatrick, so don't get too concerned about his down game. He is still a TE1 for Week 4.
• Matthew Golden was more involved and should be in lineups as a WR3/Flex with upside against Dallas, even though the passing game as a whole was poor in Week 3. Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs are worthy what-the-heck flex plays in Week 4.
• Quinshon Judkins was the only success against Green Bay, which was predictable, given their pass rush and Joe Flacco's advanced age. Judkins will be a solid RB2 play every week, with the Browns' defense keeping most games low-scoring. 
• With David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. splitting tight end targets and Isaiah Bond coming on to rival Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman for targets, there's no reliable play in the Browns' passing game.

NY Jets at Tampa Bay

• Tyrod Taylor was competent, especially getting the ball to Garrett Wilson on short passes. Wilson should be a PPR wonder as long as Taylor starts, and Taylor adds enough as a runner to be a viable QB2/Superflex/Streamer if he starts again vs. Miami on Monday night.
• Head coach Aaron Glenn did not close the door on Taylor replacing Justin Fields. Since Fields is only on a one-year deal, we should expect that we will get an improved Fields or a competent Taylor for most or all of the rest of the season. This helps Wilson's outlook, and also makes Breece Hall, who was tied for second on the team with six targets, a buy-low.
• Mike Evans left with a hamstring injury and will miss a couple of games. Chris Godwin could be ready to play in Week 4 and would be an instant start with Evans out. Sterling Shepard will start and be a what-the-heck flex in Week 4 if Godwin isn't ready to play.
• Emeka Egbuka missed some practice, and there was even a report that he would be limited in this game, but he was impactful in both fantasy and NFL terms. He could see his role grow even more with Evans out for a bit and Godwin knocking off the rust.
• The Bucs lost another starter on the offensive line, guard Cody Mauch. Hopefully, left tackle Tristan Wirfs will return in Week 4 to stabilize the offense. Baker Mayfield is a high-floor, but not high-ceiling, start until his wide receivers and offensive line get healthy.

Denver at LA Chargers

• The Broncos' pass offense was functioning well, but Bo Nix missed multiple open receivers. Expect a bounce-back game against the porous Bengals defense Monday night.
• J.K. Dobbins ran well and posted a solid RB2 game despite only getting 11 carries. He's a high-ceiling RB2 in Week 4. RJ Harvey is still just a bench stash, but hopefully, he can build some momentum in the easy matchup.
• Courtland Sutton got a WR1 target share in Week 3 after Troy Franklin had that distinction in Week 2. Sutton's strong performance reminds us to keep him in the lineup as a WR3/Flex through the ups and downs, while Franklin still got starter snaps, so he deserves WR3/Flex consideration in the good Week 4 matchup.
• Justin Herbert continued to scorch opposing secondaries in a pass-first attack. He could have his biggest game yet this season against the Giants.
• Herbert is supporting Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen as every-week starts, and it will be hard to put Ladd McConkey on the bench against the Giants. Get a buy-low offer in for McConkey if you can. He's too good to keep down with Herbert playing this well.
• Najee Harris was outplaying Omarion Hampton, and then went down with an Achilles tear. Hampton responded with a big game, including six catches for 60 yards. He's the clear lead back with Hassan Haskins and practice squad back Kimani Vidal behind him. The Chargers could still make a move at running back, but Hampton becomes an every-week must-start on this development.
• Oronde Gadsden helped replace an injured Will Dissly and got seven targets even though he was only on the field for 22 snaps. He's worth a stash in tight-end premium leagues and could become relevant in all leagues if his role grows.

New Orleans at Seattle

• Spencer Rattler wasn't able to put many points on the board against a fierce Seahawks defense, but the play from behind game script has been good for Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson's target and catch totals. Keep them in vs. Buffalo. 
• The big plays just aren't there for Rashid Shaheed, so he's more bye/injury depth than a what-the-heck flex.
• Alvin Kamara was bottled up in the running game and, for the second time in three weeks, was not very involved as a receiver. He's a low-ceiling RB2 start vs. Buffalo, and it's possible that you have a better play than him on your bench.
• Sam Darnold is playing well, which means Jaxon Smith-Njigba is on pace to be a top-five fantasy receiver.
• Zach Charbonnet sat with a foot injury, so Ken Walker III had a good fantasy showing, but only because he got two scores. Charbonnet is on track to return in Week 4 on Thursday night against Arizona, but Walker will remain an upside RB2 play. Charbonnet is worth adding if you have the bench space after his Week 3 status looked more ominous than it was.
• Tory Horton scored as a receiver and punt returner. He was close to Cooper Kupp in snaps and might be more worthy of a bench spot than Kupp right now.

Dallas at Chicago

• CeeDee Lamb left with an ankle injury and will miss at least two weeks. Dak Prescott isn't a fantasy QB1 with Lamb out, and he should be on your bench against the Packers. Jalen Tolbert was the replacement for Lamb, but KaVontae Turpin is much more explosive and the better pickup in deep leagues.
• Jake Ferguson caught a ton of short targets after Lamb left and should be in Week 4 lineups despite the poor matchup.
• George Pickens caught a score and had a decent game against a vulnerable Bears secondary, but he's not an automatic start against a Packers defense that doesn't allow the opponent time to throw downfield.
• Javonte Williams had another strong game, but the Cowboys lost another starting offensive lineman - first-round pick Tyler Booker - who will miss 4+ weeks with an ankle injury. Williams is still a decent flex play, but his value is trending down through no fault of his own.
• Caleb Williams had a command performance, albeit against a Cowboys pass defense that made Russell Wilson look dangerous in Week 2. Williams is a strong QB1 against the Raiders and may end up being the best pick at quarterback this year.
• Rome Odunze scored and led the Bears in targets. He's trending towards being a fantasy WR1 with Williams playing better each week.
• DJ Moore scored, but his target share is staying too low to be more than a WR3/Flex.
•  Luther Burden III scored on a flea flicker and could see his snap count increase soon at Olamide Zaccheaus's expense. Add Burden if bench size allows.
• D'Andre Swift was able to play after being limited all week in practice, but he only made an impact as a receiver. The running game should become more effective as defenses adjust to slow down the passing game, but it's also possible that the team gives rookie Kyle Monangai a longer look sooner or later.

Arizona at San Francisco

• James Conner went down with a season-ending foot injury. Trey Benson will take over as the everydown lead back and should be seen as a high-floor RB2 this week against Seattle on Thursday.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. dropped what could have been a long score, and he isn't getting enough targets to be a good fantasy play when he does that. Harrison isn't an automatic start in Week 4 against a tough defense. Harrison had seven catches for 96 yards combined in the two games vs. Seattle last year.
• Mac Jones led the 49ers to a comeback win and was good enough to feed Ricky Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey in the passing game. Jones aggravated a knee injury late, so expect to see Brock Purdy return to the lineup in Week 4 against Jacksonville. Purdy could be a solid QB1 play once his receivers and George Kittle get healthy.
• Jauan Jennings missed this game with an ankle injury. He was getting more targets than Pearsall, but Pearsall's ability in the downfield passing game still makes him the more valuable fantasy receiver when both are healthy.

Kansas City at NY Giants

• Patrick Mahomes II was most of the Chiefs' offense. But they led in the second half, and he didn't need to press the issue as a runner, so his fantasy stats were down in Week 3. Expect more in a Week 4 matchup against Baltimore that will ask Mahomes to keep up with Lamar Jackson.
• Kareem Hunt scored, but wasn't particularly effective. Isiah Pacheco was better than Hunt, but committed an error on a route that almost resulted in a defensive touchdown. Rookie Brashard Smith has more to offer athletically and in the passing game than either of the veterans, and he should get an extended look sooner or later. Consider adding him as a pre-emptive pickup.
• Tyquan Thornton had one score and was one yard short of a second score that was overturned via replay. He's a priority pickup this week and could still have value after Xavier Worthy from his dislocated shoulder.
• Check to see if the team that has Rashee Rice stashed is 0-3. They might be willing to deal him. Rice should be valuable in a Mahomes-centric offense when he returns in Week 7.
• Russell Wilson's Week 2 resurgence was a mirage - or even better, a reminder to target the Dallas pass defense. Jaxson Dart will start against the Chargers in Week 4 and should be added in superflex leagues. 
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. went down with a shoulder injury and will miss 2-4 weeks. Cam Skattebo was outstanding in his place and should take over the lead-back job for good. It appeared Skattebo had taken over in Week 2, but Tracy got the start and looked decent before going down. Tracy isn't an essential hold.
• Malik Nabers was shut down, with Wilson having no success throwing downfield. Hopefully, Dart rescues Nabers' value, but it's not a given. Wan'Dale Robinson was also a dud. We'll be interested to see what kind of value Dart can support in Week 4.

Detroit at Baltimore

• The Lions put together two 95+ yard drives and generally pushed the Ravens around with their running game. David Montgomery had a huge game on only 13 touches. He and Jahmyr Gibbs were the #2 and #3 running back plays of the week. We'll see how the team adjusts the game plan against the #1 rush defense in the league in Week 4 vs. Cleveland.
• Jared Goff wasn't asked to do as much as four touchdowns came on the ground. Goff is a boom/bust play against Cleveland in what could be a low-scoring game.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown was still a strong play despite the tilt towards the run, but Jameson Williams failed to build on two early nice gains. Williams is a boom/bust WR3/Flex against Cleveland, but better days are coming with this offense functioning like a well-oiled machine.
• Lamar Jackson was sacked seven times, tied for the most in his career. He was still a good fantasy play, but the Ravens' line has to play better for this offense to have more ceiling games.
• Derrick Henry lost a fumble for the third straight week and was quiet after a 28-yard score early seemed to portend a big game. Keep him in your lineup against Kansas City.
• Zay Flowers was barely targeted. After the first two weeks that promised to iron out the low-target games, we're back to Flowers as a boom/bust WR3/Flex going into Week 4.
• Mark Andrews was targeted a lot early and scored twice, including one garbage-time touchdown. Isaiah Likely should be back soon, rendering Andrews' fantasy value questionable, but if Likely isn't ready for Week 4, Andrews is still startable.
• Rashod Bateman was more active on intermediate passes in Week 3 and also caught a short touchdown. He's only a what-the-heck flex at best, but at least he gave you a reason to keep him on your roster in deeper leagues.

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