WEEK 3 RECAP
49ers 30, Giants 12: George Kittle’s 90 receiving yards against the G-Men are the most for a tight end in a game this season.
Browns 27, Titans 3: Cleveland is the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through three games. It has two unappealing matchups against the Ravens and 49ers sandwiched around a bye week coming up. The schedule is on the softer side after that so pounce if this defense becomes available over the next few weeks.
Lions 20, Falcons 6: Rookie Sam LaPorta is the overall TE2 in fantasy with at least five receptions in every professional game he’s played in.
Packers 18, Saints 17: Alvin Kamara is set to return, but he’s never been a 20-plus carries per game type back. With Jamaal Williams on IR, dynamic rookie Kendre Miller could see double-digit touches per game with a valuable early-down role, making the third-round pick in April’s draft deserving of flex consideration at least until Williams returns.
Dolphins 70, Broncos 20: It’s mind-blowing Miami scored 70(!) points against a defense filled with professional footballers AND Jaylen Waddle was inactive.
Chargers 28, Vikings 24: With Mike Williams done for the season after tearing his ACL, talented rookie Quentin Johnston will have every opportunity to secure a full-time role opposite Keenan Allen. However, Joshua Palmer will likely see a bigger bump in snaps and targets initially. Williams only played six snaps in a stretch from Week 9 to Week 13 last season, and Palmer was the overall WR10 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR). Allen played in three of those games.
Patriots 15, Jets 10: Garrett Wilson’s investors are in fantasy purgatory. Wilson is the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR30 in PPR) through three games, which isn’t objectionably bad, but it feels like there’s no where to go but down with Zach Wilson under center. This makes him an immovable object when it comes to trades so you just have to ride this out. He still deserves flex consideration on a weekly basis.
Bills 37, Commanders 3: This was the best possible game script for Antonio Gibson, and he still didn’t produce.
Gibson only has 96 total yards on 14 touches and no touchdowns through three games. He’s also been put into fumble jail twice so far. He only has value as Brian Robinson’s handcuff until further notice.
Texans 37, Jaguars 17: The main reason Tank Dell (overall WR13 in PPR) and Nico Collins (WR19 in PPR) have been so productive this season is because their rookie quarterback appears ahead of schedule. CJ Stroud is currently leading a surprisingly high-volume attack for Houston. He’s tied for fourth in attempts (121), fifth in completions (78) and fifth in ing yards (906) through three games. Stroud is the overall QB10 in fantasy since Week 2.
Colts 22, Ravens 19 (OT): Rashod Bateman received three targets for the third straight week despite playing almost 70 percent of the snaps with Odell Beckham Jr. being inactive against Indianapolis. Bateman only has 59 yards on seven receptions through three games, and it’s starting to look like the former first-rounder is an afterthought in Baltimore’s revamped attack.
Seahawks 37, Panthers 27: Adam Thielen is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR7 in PPR) through three games, and it hasn’t mattered who was under center.
Chiefs 41, Bears 10: Roschon Johnson’s playing time and participation in a struggling Chicago offense has slowly but surely increased each week. Johnson overtaking Khalil Herbert feels inevitable at this point. Oh, and Taylor Swift attended this game.
Cardinals 28, Cowboys 16: James Conner has produced at least 70 total yards or a TD in every game this season and is currently the overall RB8 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR). Arizona has performed better than d, but keep in mind it’s a long season, and Conner’s injury track record is well known. This feels like a sell-high moment if you’re considering cashing out.
Steelers 23, Raiders 18: Josh Jacobs is the overall RB32 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) through three games, but is still dominating Las Vegas’ backfield in snaps and touches. Jacobs got off to a slow start last season before going off the rest of the way. This is an excellent buy-low opportunity.
Eagles 25, Buccaneers 11: D’Andre Swift played the majority of snaps in the first and third quarters, with Kenneth Gainwell playing the majority of snaps in the second and fourth quarters in his return. Swift produced 138 total yards on his 17 touches (one reception) with Gainwell gaining 48 total yards on his 15 opportunities (one reception). Gainwell still deserves to be rostered, but he’s essentially a handcuff to Swift at this point with potential flex appeal in deeper leagues.
Bengals 19, Rams 16: Kyren Williams played every offensive snap for Los Angeles after playing 76 offensive snaps against the 49ers the week before. Rookie Zach Evans is the only running back on the roster capable of pushing Williams for playing time at some point this season. I’m considering Williams an obvious starter in fantasy lineups going forward as long as the Rams don’t add someone to the roster.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 4:
DETROIT AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).
Who to start: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) is a flex option with upside as the overall RB33 in standard formats (RB26 in PPR). David Montgomery (DET) needs to be in your lineup if he’s active. Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB10 through three games. Both Aaron Jones (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) are obvious starters if either is active. Jordan Love (GB) is the overall QB4 with 20-plus fantasy points in every game this season. Romeo Doubs (GB) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) through three games and would still warrant flex consideration if Watson is active.
Who to sit: I’m fading Josh Reynolds (DET) against a secondary that has held wide receivers to single-digit receptions in two of three games. There are better streaming options than either the Lions D/ST or Packers D/ST this week. AJ Dillon (GB) is only averaging 2.7 yards per carry and hasn’t scored a TD this season despite Jones missing two games. Jaylen Reed (GB) only has flex appeal if Watson remains out.
Sleeper: Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
ATLANTA AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Calvin Ridley (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Despite the mixed results, Drake London (ATL) still maintains WR3/flex upside with 14 targets the last two games. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is the overall QB20 through three games, but I’m going to give him one more week before I become concerned.
Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. I’m fading Christian Kirk (JAC) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Zay Jones (JAC) will likely miss another week with a knee injury. Tank Bigsby (JAC) remains TD-dependent with only nine carries and no receptions through three games. The Jaguars D/ST is on the cusp of streaming consideration, but I’d focus on higher upside options if you’re considering it.
Sleeper: The Falcons D/ST is a sneaky streaming option against an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
MIAMI AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).
Who to start: Not sure how you’re going to leave De’Von Achane (MIA) on your bench after the performance he just had against the Broncos. If you drafted the Bills D/ST, you’re rolling with the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy at home despite the matchup. Gabe Davis (BUF) is the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR36 in PPR) through three games.
Who to sit: There are less riskier options available than the Dolphins D/ST on the road in a potentially high-scoring affair. Damien Harris (BUF) remains TD-dependent with an average of five touches per game. Latavius Murray (BUF) remains TD-dependent with only 17 touches through three games. Dawson Knox (BUF) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions for 46 yards through three games.
Sleeper: Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in two of three games.
DENVER AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI).
Who to start: Javonte Williams (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) and Courtland Sutton (DEN) face a defense that has allowed 444 yards to wide receivers the last two games. Russell Wilson (DEN) is the overall QB9 in fantasy through three games. DJ Moore (CHI) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Khalil Herbert (CHI) and Roschon Johnson (CHI) are both flex options against a defense that just got toasted by the Dolphins backfield. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains a streaming candidate against a reeling defense at home.
Who to sit: Samaje Perine (DEN) only has value in the deepest PPR formats until further notice. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until his usage goes up. Darnell Mooney (CHI) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight targets in three games. Chase Claypool (CHI) remains TD-dependent with only four receptions for 51 yards in three games.
Sleeper: The embarrassed Broncos D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
BALTIMORE AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Amari Cooper (CLE).
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside in a difficult matchup with double-digit targets in two of three games. The Ravens D/ST faces an offense that is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Deshaun Watson (CLE) is the overall QB11 through three games. Jerome Ford (CLE) is the overall RB4 in standard formats (RB5 in PPR) since Week 2. The Browns D/ST is the seventh-highest scoring defense in fantasy.
Who to sit: Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) hasn’t practiced this week with an ankle injury that sidelined him against the Colts. I’m fading Gus Edwards (BAL) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Justice Hill (BAL) appears in danger of missing another game with a foot injury. David Njoku (CLE) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading Kareem Hunt (CLE) until we see a higher usage rate. Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five receptions in three games.
Sleeper: Elijah Moore (CLE) has at least seven targets in every game this season.
CINCINNATI AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Derrick Henry (TEN).
Who to start: Tyler Boyd (CIN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Bengals D/ST faces an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) maintains WR3/flex upside with 25 targets in three games.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only six receptions in three games. Tyjae Spears (TEN) remains TD-dependent outside of the deepest PPR formats. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) is the overall QB29 through three games.
Sleeper: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
L.A. RAMS AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Zack Moss (IND).
Who to start: Tutu Atwell (LAR) is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) through three games with at least eight targets in all three. Matthew Stafford (LAR) is facing a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Anthony Richardson (IND) was the overall QB8 through his first two starts before missing last week with a concussion. The Colts D/ST is currently the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy with at least nine points in every game.
Who to sit: Tyler Higbee (LAR) has missed practices with an Achilles injury. Van Jefferson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only six receptions (12 targets) through three games.
Sleeper: Josh Downs (IND) deserves flex consideration with 24 targets through three games.
TAMPA BAY AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Chris Olave (NO), Alvin Kamara (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Thomas (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least five receptions and eight targets in every game. Jameis Winston (NO) deserves streaming consideration at home, surrounded by weapons and against his former team, if you’re hurting at QB.
Who to sit: I’m fading Baker Mayfield (TB) against a tough defense on the road. Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Rashid Shaheed (NO) is a boom-or-bust candidate after only receiving two targets (no receptions) last week against the Packers. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions through three games. I’m fading Kendre Miller (NO) until we see if he’ll receive consistent touches with Kamara back.
Sleeper: The Buccaneers D/ST is currently the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy and faces turnover-prone Winston.
WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: Both Terry McLaurin (WAS) and Jahan Dotson (WAS) deserve flex consideration against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in three games. Sam Howell (WAS) is a sneaky streaming option against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with at least 15 touches in both games he’s played this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Antonio Gibson (WAS) only has value in the deepest PPR formats until further notice. I’m fading a decent Commanders D/ST against a prolific offense on the road. Curtis Samuel (WAS) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 receptions (12 targets) in three games.
Sleeper: Logan Thomas (WAS) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
MINNESOTA AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN), Miles Sanders (CAR).
Who to start: Both Alexander Mattison (MIN) and Cam Akers (MIN) are usable against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. It’s a more difficult matchup than you think, but that isn’t a reason to bench Kirk Cousins (MIN), the overall QB1 in fantasy through three games. Jordan Addison (MIN) has at least six receptions, 52 yards or a TD in all three games this season. The Vikings D/ST deserves streaming consideration against a rookie QB. Adam Thielen (CAR) is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR9 in PPR) through three games.
Who to sit: KJ Osborn (MIN) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions in three games. Hayden Hurst (CAR) remains TD-dependent with only 13 targets in three games. Bryce Young (CAR) only has value in superflex formats against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: DJ Chark Jr. (CAR) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
PITTSBURGH AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Steelers D/ST,
Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. George Pickens (PIT) maintains WR3/flex upside with eight receptions (16 targets) for 202 yards and a TD the last two games. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) is the overall TE7 in standard formats (TE15 in PPR). Dameon Pierce (HOU) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB31 in standard formats (RB28 in PPR). Both Nico Collins (HOU) and Tank Dell (HOU) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. CJ Stroud (HOU) deserves streaming consideration at home in deeper leagues despite the difficult matchup. Robert Woods (HOU) deserves flex consideration in PPR formats with 25 targets in three games.
Who to sit: Kenny Pickett (PIT) is the overall QB24 in fantasy through three games. Devin Singletary (HOU) remains TD-dependent with only 84 total yards in three games.
Sleeper: Jaylen Warren (PIT) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB27 in PPR formats.
LAS VEGAS AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC).
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) deserves streaming consideration with a matchup if he makes it out of the NFL’s concussion protocol. Austin Ekeler (LAC) is an obvious starter if he’s active. Joshua Palmer (LAC) deserves flex consideration with Mike Williams on IR.
Who to sit: Joshua Kelley (LAC) becomes TD-dependent if Ekeler returns. We need to see what type of boost in playing time Quentin Johnston (LAC) receives with Williams on IR before we utilize the dynamic rookie.
Sleeper(s): Gerald Everett (LAC) and Donald Parham Jr. (LAC) face a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends.
NEW ENGLAND AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.
Who to start: Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE3 in fantasy through three games. My gut tells me Brandin Cooks (DAL) has his first good game of the season against one of the many teams who have traded him, especially if Bill Belichick decides to take away Lamb or Pollard.
Who to sit: I’m fading the Patriots D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. I’m fading Kendrick Bourne (NE), JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) and DeVante Parker (NE) in a low-volume ing offense against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Mac Jones (NE) faces a defense that has only allowed two ing TDs in three games. Mike Gesicki (NE) remains TD-dependent with only 10 targets in three games. I’m fading Dak Prescott (DAL) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Michael Gallup (DAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with a single reception in two of three games. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Despite a difficult match, my spidey senses tell me Ezekiel Elliott (NE) finds the end zone in his return to Dallas.
ARIZONA AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: James Conner (ARI), Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Marquise Brown (ARI) is the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) through three games. Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: I’m fading Zach Ertz (ARI) against a defense that has only allowed 62 yards to tight ends in three games. Rondale Moore (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 targets in three games.
Sleeper: Elijah Mitchell (SF) could be a lottery ticket in deeper leagues with the potential for double-digit touches and a score if this one gets out of hand early.
KANSAS CITY AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Chiefs D/ST.
Who to start: Isiah Pacheco (KC) is the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) through three games.
Who to sit: I know one of them might have a big game, but I’m fading Skyy Moore (KC), Kadarius Toney (KC) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) because of inconsistent usage and they’re facing a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jerick McKinnon (KC) can only be trusted in deeper PPR formats until further notice. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) remains TD-dependent because he only had 10 touches the first two games before receiving 16 in garbage time against the Bears.
Sleeper(s): I actually trust Rashee Rice (KC) and Justin Watson (KC) more than the trio above — Rice leads Chiefs’ receivers in targets (14) and Watson is averaging 22.6 yards per reception.
SEATTLE AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Darren Waller (NYG).
Who to start: Geno Smith (SEA) deserves streaming consideration against a mediocre defense. The Seahawks D/ST is a streaming option against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Daniel Jones (NYG) deserves streaming consideration at home against a team traveling from the west coast. Matt Breida (NYG) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in three games.
Who to sit: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) remains TD-dependent with only nine receptions (14 targets) for 57 yards in three games. Saquon Barkley (NYG) is likely at least a week away from returning. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate despite a good matchup — he’s had exactly three receptions in every game. Parris Campbell (NYG) only has value in deeper PPR formats despite the matchup.
Sleeper(s): Zach Charbonnet (SEA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs if you need a flex in deeper standard formats. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) had four receptions (five targets) in his first game action since Week 11 of last season and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers — Robinson is the most talented receiver on the Giants’ roster.
