Tyreek Hill enters Week 3 against Buffalo with both upside and
concern. While his elite speed remains, Miami’s sputtering
offense and a stingy Bills defense make this a tricky matchup.
Hill bounced back in Week 2 versus Tennessee, catching six of
seven targets for 109 yards -- including a 47-yard grab -- after
being held to just 40 yards in Week 1. His expanded slot usage
suggests Miami is working him into shorter, higher-percentage
looks. That raises his floor but potentially caps his ceiling.
History also isn’t on his side. Since joining Miami, Hill
has yet to eclipse 82 yards in seven games against Buffalo, including
a combined 116 yards on 11 targets in 2024. With the Bills’
secondary rebounding after a shaky opener, Hill feels more like
a volatile WR2 than the locked-in WR1 he’s drafted to be.
Injuries and matchup woes make Waddle a risky start in Week 3.
He salvaged his Week 2 performance against New England with an
18-yard touchdown but finished with just 68 yards on six targets
while dealing with a shoulder injury. Week 1 was even worse, as
he managed just 30 yards.
The Bills’ defense is a tough draw, allowing a mere 45.5%
completion rate against the Jets in Week 2. Waddle also struggles
historically against Buffalo, averaging just 54 yards per game
with two total touchdowns in seven career meetings. With his health
in question and Miami projected as heavy underdogs, Waddle profiles
best as a WR3/flex in deeper leagues.
MIA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.4
MIA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.14
MIA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.20
MIA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.11
Dalton Kincaid has earned steady involvement early in the season,
but his fantasy ceiling remains capped. He scored in Week 1 (4-48-1)
and saw a team-high six targets in Week 2, though that only translated
to 37 yards. His 17% target share is encouraging, but he’s
not yet breaking out as a top-tier fantasy tight end.
Miami’s defense has been inconsistent against the position
-- rookie Tyler Warren torched them for 7-76 in Week 1, but they
shut down Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry in Week 2. Kincaid should
see volume, but expectations should be tempered in what could
be a lower-scoring passing day for Buffalo.
Fade: All Bills WRs
Buffalo’s receivers are tough to trust in Week 3. The offense
is leaning on James Cook and the run game, while Josh Allen spreads
targets too thin for consistency.
Keon Coleman
(24% tgt share) flashed in Week 1 (8-112-1) but fell flat in Week
2 (3-26-0) as Buffalo went run-heavy and blew out the Jets 30-10.
Khalil Shakir
has a modest PPR floor in deep leagues but minimal upside, especially
if game script tilts toward the ground again. His underneath role
limits his upside, especially in a game where the Bills are double-digit
favorites.
This unit lacks clarity and reliable volume, making them fades
outside of desperation starts.
Fantasy managers who remember Daniel Jones’ 2022 playoff
run know how productive he can be when things click. Pairing him
with Shane Steichen may have unlocked that ceiling again, especially
with his sneaky rushing ability giving him a strong fantasy floor.
Unless you’re starting Allen, Jackson, or Herbert, Jones
is a solid option against a Tennessee defense that wore down late
last week against the Rams. Tyler Warren, meanwhile, looks poised
to graduate into the “no brainer” tier soon. His usage
continues to rise (93% of snaps in Wk2), and he’s got a
good chance of finding the end zone here.
Pittman started hot with a 6-80-1 line in Week 1 but cooled off
in Week 2 as Josh Downs led the team with eight targets. Expect
production somewhere in between going forward, though his target
share will likely remain inconsistent with Warren’s role expanding
and Downs firmly in the mix. Pittman profiles as more of a bye-week
filler than an every-week starter right now.
Pierce has had some splash plays in his career, particularly
in non-PPR formats where his downfield usage can pop. But with
Warren carving out a big role and the Colts likely to lean on
Jonathan Taylor if they get a lead, Pierce is unlikely to provide
meaningful fantasy points this week. He’s better left on
benches.
IND FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.22
IND FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.19
IND FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.18
IND FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.26
The Colts shut down Courtland Sutton in Week 2, but Ridley’s
role in this offense is different -- closer to Troy Franklin’s
style than Sutton’s. With Elic Ayomanor emerging as a secondary
threat, Ridley should see more favorable coverage. If Tennessee
falls behind, volume will work in his favor and I won’t be surprised
if we see his 2025 season breakout here. Cam Ward continues to
grow, and recognizing Ridley as his best separator is part of
that maturation process.
Pollard offers a solid weekly floor, though his Week 2 usage
(just one target in the passing game) shows his upside may be
capped in this offense. He’s fine as a safe flex option
(39 touches in 2 games), but managers seeking ceiling plays may
want to look elsewhere. Ayomanor is an intriguing stash if he’s
still on waivers. His path to becoming a fantasy WR3 by midseason
is clear, but trusting him this early comes with plenty of risk.
Ward shouldn’t be in fantasy lineups yet. He has tools
but isn’t ready to provide consistent production. Okonkwo
has long been a “breakout candidate,” but three touchdowns
across his last 36 games tells the story -- he’s simply
not startable in fantasy.
DK Metcalf looks poised to attack the Patriots’ secondary with
his size and big-play ability. In Week 1 against the Jets, he
hauled in four passes for 83 yards on seven targets, flashing
his red-zone presence. In Week 2, he again operated as Aaron Rodgers’
top target, catching three passes for 20 yards and a two-yard
score on six targets.
The Patriots have allowed the second-most receiving yards per
game to wideouts through two weeks, with particular vulnerability
on the perimeter. With Pittsburgh favored and Rodgers likely to
test New England deep, Metcalf has legitimate 100-yard upside
for the first time as a Steeler.
Rodgers has shown both flashes of vintage brilliance and the
warts of a declining passer through two weeks. He completed over
73% of his passes for four TDs in Week 1, but crashed back to
earth in Week 2 with just 54.5% accuracy and two picks.
New England’s defense has been a pass funnel, allowing
a league-high 10.3 yards per attempt and a 75.8% completion rate.
With QB injuries piling up around the league, Rodgers is very
much a streaming option. He carries volatility, but the matchup
boosts his appeal as a one-week rental QB1.
Fade: Steelers RBs
The Steelers’ backfield of Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell,
and rookie Kaleb Johnson is one to avoid this week. Johnson has
been invisible, logging one carry for two yards in Week 1 and
no touches in Week 2. Warren has been the most effective, tallying
25 carries for 85 yards plus six catches for 108 yards and a TD,
but he’s losing work to Gainwell and hasn’t separated.
The Patriots have allowed just 84 rushing yards to RBs across
two games while funneling production to the air. With Pittsburgh
leaning on Rodgers and Metcalf, this RB committee carries little
fantasy appeal.
PIT FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.5
PIT FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.10
PIT FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.11
PIT FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.11
Drake Maye has opened his rookie year with promise, and Week
3 sets up as another strong spot. Through two games, he’s
completed 49-of-69 passes for 517 yards, three TDs, and one pick,
adding 14 rushes for 42 yards and a score. His Week 2 breakout
vs. Miami -- 19-of-23 for 230 yards, two TDs, plus 10 carries
for 31 yards and a TD -- highlighted his dual-threat upside.
The Steelers have surrendered 245 passing yards and 31.5 points
per game. After Justin Fields torched them with mobility in Week
1, Maye’s legs could be the difference again. He’s a high-upside
QB1 this week.
Stefon Diggs leads New England in volume with 10 receptions for
89 yards on 12 targets through two weeks, boasting a 30.3% target
share. But he’s yet to find the end zone and the Patriots’
quick-passing scheme has muted his trademark big-play ability.
The Steelers’ secondary, bolstered by Jalen Ramsey, has given
up 245 passing yards per game but remains disciplined against
perimeter threats. Diggs is still a WR2 based on volume, but his
ceiling is capped unless Maye takes more shots downfield.
This backfield split has limited fantasy appeal. Stevenson has
been effective as a receiver (8-122-0 on 10 targets) but underwhelming
on the ground (18-67-0, 3.7 YPC). Henderson, meanwhile, has been
an afterthought with eight carries across two games, mainly in
passing situations.
Against a stout Steelers front that thrives against the run,
New England will likely lean pass-heavy. Neither back is more
than a desperation play in Week 3.
For the Jets to have any shot at upsetting Tampa Bay, they absolutely
have to focus on running the ball and in doing so, keeping Baker
Mayfield off the field. New York held the ball for barely 21 minutes
in last week’s loss to Buffalo, a formula for failure that they
can’t repeat here. With Justin Fields (concussion) sidelined and
Tyrod Taylor under center, expect a conservative script that keeps
Taylor in the 20-25 attempt range, leaving Hall and Allen with
a combined workload in the 30-35 carry range. Hall is the clear
must-start, but Allen is worth flex consideration this week given
the expected volume.
Defenses know that Garrett Wilson is the Jets’ lone proven
weapon in the passing game, so he continues to see double coverage
that limits his upside. With Taylor unlikely to be allowed to
air it out, Wilson’s ceiling is capped, and rookie TE Mason
Taylor is still a developmental piece. Tyrod is little more than
a game manager in this offense, which makes the Jets’ passing
game a full fade outside of Wilson’s name value.
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.14
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.6
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.16
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.8
Mike Evans remains as steady as they come. While he hasn’t produced
splashy fantasy numbers yet this season, his Week 2 matchup came
against one of the league’s toughest cover corners in Houston.
Sauce Gardner will pose a challenge here too, but if Emeka Egbuka
suits up, Gardner may not shadow Evans every snap. Evans has topped
1,000 yards in each of his 11 NFL seasons, and it’s rare to see
him held in check for three straight games. He’s a strong start
despite the matchup.
Egbuka appeared on the injury report this week with hip and groin
issues, so his status needs monitoring. When healthy, he’s
a locked-in starter. Otton continues to run a ton of routes --
91% snap share in Week 2 -- but hasn’t turned the usage
into meaningful production yet. White handled goal-line work last
week and showed better efficiency, but with Irving cementing himself
as the more dynamic back, White looks like a touchdown-dependent
flex play rather than a reliable option.
Brock Bowers enters Week 3 as the Raiders’ best fantasy
option, continuing to flash elite talent despite nagging injuries.
In Week 2 against the Chargers, Bowers played through limited
practice and a questionable tag, gutting out five receptions for
38 yards on seven targets. That followed up an explosive Week
1 debut against the Patriots where he caught five passes for 103
yards on eight looks.
This week, the matchup is in his favor. The Commanders just gave
up 124 yards and a touchdown to Tucker Kraft in Week 2, and their
secondary has struggled overall. Washington’s defense has been
far more vulnerable through the air than on the ground, setting
up Bowers for another high-volume role as Geno Smith’s most reliable
middle-of-the-field option.
Ashton Jeanty has the workload fantasy managers want, but the
production hasn’t quite followed. In Week 1, he logged 21 touches
(19 carries for 38 yards and a score, plus two receptions for
two yards). In Week 2, his usage dipped to 15 touches (11 carries
for 43 yards and three receptions for one yard). More concerning:
his snap share dropped to 54%, with Zamir White and Dylan Laube
mixing in once Las Vegas shifted to a pass-heavy game script.
The Commanders’ defense has been stingy against the run,
holding backs to just 114 rushing yards and one touchdown on 38
carries over two games. Jeanty’s volume should keep him
in RB2 territory, but with limited explosiveness and the risk
of a committee approach if the Raiders fall behind, expectations
should be tempered.
Jakobi Meyers has seen heavy volume to start 2025, with 22 targets
turning into 14 catches for 165 yards across two games. The problem:
no touchdowns and limited big-play opportunities. That keeps him
in WR2/FLEX range, but his ceiling is capped. With Bowers trending
healthier and other young receivers earning more involvement,
Meyers could see a slight dip in target share.
The matchup doesn’t help either. Washington’s secondary has allowed
just 235 yards and one touchdown to opposing wideouts through
two weeks, despite facing Malik Nabers in Week 1 and Green Bay’s
deep receiver room in Week 2. That stingy play, paired with the
Raiders likely funneling volume to Bowers and Jeanty, makes Meyers
a riskier start than his target share suggests.
LV FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.15
LV FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.29
LV FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.5
LV FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.29
With Austin Ekeler sidelined by an Achilles tear, rookie Jacory
Croskey-Merritt steps into a featured role in Washington’s backfield.
He impressed in his Week 1 debut against the Giants with 10 carries
for 82 yards and a touchdown, flashing burst and red-zone upside.
His Week 2 workload shrank (four carries, one target) as Ekeler
handled the majority before getting hurt late, but that changes
now.
With only depth additions behind him, Croskey-Merritt is poised
for 15–20 touches in Week 3. The Raiders’ run defense has been
rock solid, but the sheer volume opportunity makes JCM a strong
RB2 with touchdown upside as Washington looks to control the tempo
at home.
Update: Jayden
Daniels has been ruled Out. Marcus Mariota will start.
Normally, Jayden Daniels is a locked-in QB1 thanks to his dual-threat
ability, but a Week 2 knee sprain complicates things. Through
two games, Daniels has thrown for 433 yards and three touchdowns
(no picks) while rushing for 85 yards on 18 carries. His legs
are a major part of his fantasy value, and that’s now in
question.
Daniels missed practice through midweek, and Dan Quinn has delayed
a final decision until Friday. If he plays, a reduced rushing
role could cap his ceiling and make him more of a high-variance
QB1. If he sits, fantasy managers are left with Marcus Mariota
and an offense that suddenly looks far less dynamic. Injury updates
will be critical right up to kickoff.
McLaurin has had a slow start to 2025 (seven catches for 75 yards
on 13 targets, no scores). That’s concerning enough, but
paired with the uncertainty at quarterback, he becomes a fade
this week. If Daniels is limited or out, Washington’s passing
game takes a significant hit, and if Mariota is under center,
volume could shrink further.
The Raiders’ pass defense has given up 242.5 yards per
game through two weeks, but McLaurin hasn’t shown chemistry
with Daniels yet, let alone with Mariota. In a matchup where Washington
is likely to lean on the run, McLaurin feels more like a desperation
FLEX than a must-start.
Kyren Williams remains the engine of the Rams’ backfield,
commanding 35 of the team’s 36 RB carries through two weeks.
He’s logged 35 rushes for 132 yards and a touchdown plus
three receptions for 17 yards, while playing 82% of snaps in Week
1 and 81% in Week 2. Sean McVay clearly trusts him as the every-down
option.
Philadelphia has given up 17.5 fantasy points per game to running
backs this season, showing vulnerability to lead backs. With Williams
locked into 20+ touches and red-zone opportunities in what projects
as a competitive matchup, he profiles as a high-upside RB1 this
week.
Matthew Stafford has been sharp to start 2025, completing 71%
of his passes (44-of-62) for 543 yards, three touchdowns, and
one pick. His efficiency on play-action remains a strength, but
the matchup with Philadelphia is less friendly.
The Eagles rank seventh in pressure rate through two games, forcing
quarterbacks off schedule. They’ve allowed 17.8 fantasy
points per game to QBs, but much of that production has come from
mobile passers which is not Stafford’s game. With the Rams
likely to lean on Kyren, Stafford is a touchdown-dependent QB1
whose floor is steady but whose ceiling looks capped against this
pass rush.
Fade: All other Rams
The Rams’ offense is highly consolidated, which is great
for predictability with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams.
For everyone else, though -- Tyler Higbee, Blake Corum, and other
fringe options -- there’s not enough volume to justify a
start against Philadelphia. Keep your focus on the big three.
LAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.32
LAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.31
LAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.25
LAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.18
Dallas Goedert is trending toward a Week 3 return after missing
Week 2 with a knee sprain, and the matchup sets up nicely. The
Rams have limited wide receivers to just 19.4 fantasy points per
game but have given up 11.2 per game to tight ends. That funnels
opportunities to Goedert’s part of the field.
In Week 1, he caught all seven of his targets for 44 yards against
Dallas, and historically he’s been productive vs. the Rams
(18 catches for 178 yards and a TD in four career games). If Hurts
leans on short-to-intermediate throws to counter the Rams’
secondary, Goedert could push for TE1 numbers with red-zone upside.
DeVonta Smith has opened 2025 quietly, with just seven receptions
for 69 yards on nine targets across two games. The 20% target
share is encouraging, but the explosive plays that fuel his ceiling
haven’t been there.
Now he faces a Rams secondary allowing only 147 passing yards
per game. With the Eagles favored and likely to feature Saquon
Barkley, Smith profiles as a volatile WR2/3 -- playable, but not
with the upside fantasy managers drafted him for.
A.J. Brown has been one of fantasy’s early disappointments.
He’s totaled just six receptions for 35 yards on nine targets
through two weeks, despite commanding a 36.4% target share and
37.6% air-yard share in Week 2. His inefficiency (1.23 YPRR) underscores
how Philadelphia’s run-heavy script is limiting wideout
production.
This week won’t be easier. Expect Brown to see plenty of
Cobie Durant, part of a Rams secondary that has held opponents
to 147 passing yards per game. That defensive strength, combined
with a likely Barkley-centric approach, makes Brown a risky WR2
in Week 3. He’s a prime buy-low candidate for the long run,
but expectations need to be tempered here.
Michael Penix Jr.’s quick release, highlighted repeatedly on
Monday night, makes Pitts a natural fit in this offense. That
chemistry showed up in the first half before disappearing after
halftime, but there’s reason for optimism. Opposing tight ends
have torched Carolina so far this year -- Brenton Strange (59
yds) in Week 1 and Trey McBride (78 yds) in Week 2 both led their
teams in receiving yards. With Atlanta still settling in under
Penix, Pitts is positioned for another strong opportunity.
It’s tough to put London here -- he’s too talented
to bench, but there are some red flags. His Week 1 drops, including
a potential game-winning touchdown, appeared to impact his usage
in Week 2, and he may still be less than 100% after leaving the
opener early with a shoulder issue. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson
looks ready for a career year, and Pitts is also commanding work.
London should still be started in most formats, but managers may
need to temper expectations until he’s fully healthy and
more involved.
Carolina continues to function as a funnel defense to the run,
as seen in Travis Etienne’s dominant Week 1 performance (16-143-0).
While James Conner was more contained in Week 2 (11-34-1), Bijan
Robinson is on another level and will likely be the focal point
of Atlanta’s offense this week. That leaves limited volume for
Penix, who should be efficient but not high-upside, and Mooney,
who’s buried behind Robinson, London, and Pitts in the target
pecking order.
ATL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.26
ATL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.27
ATL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.17
ATL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.32
McMillan played 72 snaps in Week 2, true alpha receiver usage.
Even against an improved Atlanta secondary, he’s clearly Bryce
Young’s top option and should be started with confidence. Meanwhile,
Sanders saw nine targets and caught seven, emerging as a reliable
secondary weapon as Xavier Legette (15 tgts, 4 receptions) continues
to struggle. Sanders has the opportunity to grow into a weekly
TE1 option.
Both Young and Hubbard delivered solid fantasy lines in Week
2, but much of it came in garbage time after the game was out
of reach. Hubbard in particular has now posted back-to-back salvaged
stat lines, which feels more like fool’s gold than sustainable
production. Young still has developmental upside and Hubbard retains
volume-based flex appeal, but managers should be cautious about
trusting either as more than depth pieces this week.
Dowdle has settled into a clear backup/change-of-pace role rather
than a true 1B option, limiting his fantasy value even in deeper
formats. Legette was expected to step up after Adam Thielen’s
departure, but his usage and efficiency haven’t shown meaningful
growth. Neither player should be in fantasy lineups this week.
With Joe Burrow (toe) out a minimum of three months recovering
from surgery, Higgins falls from the ranks of the no-brainers,
at least temporarily. He’s certainly capable of continuing to
deliver must-start numbers, and he did catch a touchdown pass
last week from Jake Browning, but less experienced quarterbacks
tend to lean on top receivers, and in Cincinnati, that’s Chase.
Just look at Week 2 when Chase had 14 catches on 16 targets while
Higgins had three receptions on eight. With a full week to gameplan
around Browning’s strengths, perhaps we’ll see a more even distribution.
For now, though, let’s downgrade Higgins from a top-15 or -20
play to more of a WR3.
Thrust into action when Burrow went down, Browning helped bring
the Bengals from behind to topple the Jaguars last Sunday. The
path wasn’t without its bumps, though, as Browning threw
three interceptions to go along with two touchdowns -- he also
plunged in from one yard out with under 30 seconds left for the
winning score. This isn’t the first time that a Burrow injury
has given Browning the top job. He made seven starts at the end
of 2023, averaging 267 yards, 1.7 TDs, and 1 INT per game. Those
are decent numbers, and he could be a waiver wire target. Facing
Brian Flores’ attacking and exotic defense, however, this
isn’t a week to press your luck.
CIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.12
CIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.3
CIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.14
CIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.15
With Aaron Jones (hamstring) landing on IR, Mason is now the
lead back. Through the first two weeks, he’s been the more effective
of the two, carrying the ball 24 times for 98 yards. He held down
the fort nicely in San Francisco a year ago when it was Christian
McCaffrey that was sidelined, and he’s well positioned to do so
again. With Minnesota forced to use their own backup quarterback
this Sunday, you’d think they’ll try to lean on Mason to control
the clock and limit what they ask of Carson Wentz. Mason is a
high-end RB3 with RB2 potential.
It’s been a painfully slow start for the Vikings passing
game in general, and Hockenson in particular as the tight end
has just four catches for 27 yards on the young season. With J.J.
McCarthy (ankle) out of action, perhaps we’ll see Wentz
lean on the tight end more often than the first-year starter has.
Wentz hasn’t played much meaningful football over the last
three years, and the idea of him checking down to short and intermediate
threats like Hockenson and Adam Theilen is easy to envision. Hockenson
rates as a possible low-end TE1, though there’s some obvious
downside.
It should come as no surprise that it’s Wentz’s name
in this slot. The last time he started a game with actual stakes
-- we’re not counting the Week 18 appearances the past two
years for the Rams and Chiefs, respectively -- was in 2022, and
after beginning that year as Washington’s starter, he was
benched and upon returning was basically asked to hand the ball
off. We’ve seen what Kevin O’Connell can do with veteran
quarterbacks, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility
that he’ll maximize Wentz’s potential. Whether that
is anything beyond game manager is yet to be seen.
C.J. Stroud still has the tools to be an excellent quarterback,
but the Texans’ shaky pass protection continues to cap his
ceiling. The good news is that Jacksonville’s defense just
made Jake Browning (241 yds, 2 TDs, rush TD) look serviceable,
so there’s reason to believe Stroud can rebound after two
uneven outings. Christian Kirk’s return from a hamstring
injury should boost the offense, though it may benefit Nico Collins
most. Nick Chubb, meanwhile, looks like a touchdown-dependent
RB3 until he starts handling a larger workload - he has just 27
touches in two games.
Jayden Higgins hasn’t generated much fantasy buzz yet, and Kirk’s
return pushes him further down the depth chart. He’s worth stashing,
but inconsistency will linger until Houston solves its pass protection
issues. Dalton Schultz should, in theory, benefit from Stroud
needing quick outlets, but his lackluster showing to start the
season (3-28-0, 3-29-0) hurts his case. TE Harrison Bryant (39%
snap share Wk2) is also beginning to carve out a role, further
clouding Schultz’s outlook.
HOU FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.21
HOU FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.7
HOU FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.10
HOU FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.27
Few players have seen their stock rise more than Travis Etienne
over the past two weeks. Left for dead in fantasy circles not
long ago, he’s running with confidence in a contract year
and has re-established himself as the focal point of Jacksonville’s
offense. Houston’s defense is solid but just allowed 169
rushing yards to Tampa Bay on Monday night, making Etienne a safe
start.
Bhayshul Tuten has quickly gained momentum after the Jaguars traded
away Tank Bigsby and then gave him 10 touches for 74 yards and
a TD against Cincinnati. That production is unlikely to repeat
against Houston, but his role is secure enough to keep him on
the radar. Brian Thomas Jr.’s talent and heavy target volume (12
in Week 2) are undeniable, but his rapport with Trevor Lawrence
remains shaky. Travis Hunter is being deployed on shorter routes,
which could prove valuable against an aggressive Texans’ pass
rush. He also logged 39 defensive snaps last week, though that
workload could ease up against Houston.
Lawrence’s Week 2 stat line (271-3-2) was encouraging,
but expectations need to be tempered here. The Texans’ pass
rush just gave Baker Mayfield fits on Monday night, and Lawrence
could face similar pressure. He’ll be forced into more checkdowns
in what projects as a lower-scoring divisional battle.
Despite attempting just 53 passes this season (25th in the NFL),
Love ranks 12th in yards (480), and third in yards per attempt
(9.1). He’s consistently pushing the ball down the field, which
is something the Browns struggled with versus Lamar Jackson, who
turned 19 completions into 225 yards and 4 TDs. While the Packers
have been one of the most balanced teams in the NFL through two
games, they may need to put more on Love’s right arm this Sunday
with Cleveland allowing an NFL-low 2.1 yards per carry, and that
includes shutting down Derrick Henry a week ago (11 carries, 23
yards). The concern with Love is that Myles Garrett can be a game
wrecker, but given extra time to prepare and rest up there’s enough
potential to use Love as a viable QB1.
Golden didn’t catch a pass last week. He caught two for 16 yards
in the opener. And yet, if you watched the game, you saw how close
the rookie was to putting up a pair of long touchdowns -- Love
underthrew him on one and overthrew him on another. With Jayden
Reed (shoulder) out and Christian Watson (knee) still on the PUP,
Golden is the one that can stretch the field. While guys like
Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are probably safer plays, Golden
is the one with the upside. Facing a Browns team that likes to
play a lot of man coverage, the rookie is a lottery ticket option
for Week 3.
Fade: N/A
GB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.27
GB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.28
GB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.21
GB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.5
With nine catches, 117 yards, and no TDs, Jeudy was already teetering
on dropping out of the no-brainer category, but combine that with
a tough matchup and he’s not someone you have to lock into your
lineup this Sunday -- you could say much the same about Njoku,
but he plays a much shallower position, and Zach Ertz was the
main guy that gave Green Bay trouble last Thursday. Jeudy still
has the potential to deliver. With the Packers being one of the
league’s best pass-rushing teams thus far, Cleveland will likely
use a lot of quick throws. That could be enough for Jeudy to provide
some volume-based value as a No. 3 fantasy wideout.
On the heels of signing his contract, Judkins had as many carries
in Week 2 (10) as Jerome Ford (6) and Dylan Sampson (4) combined.
He was effective, too, turning those 10 totes into 61 yards and
adding 10 more as a receiver. With the Browns willing to make
him the nominal No. 1 back so soon after joining the club, it’s
not hard to imagine him seeing a higher percentage of the load
as the weeks go on. That’s the upside. The downside is the Packers
are the only other team in the NFL besides the Browns to have
allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards this season, and they did
it against the third and sixth ranked rushing offenses from 2024.
Using Judkins as a flex seems like a good way to hedge your bets
while still getting a potential lead back in your lineup.
Flacco scuffled in Week 2 to the point that Kevin Stefanski had
to make a statement after the game that the veteran would remain
the starter going forward. Things get no easier for Flacco this
Sunday. Even with Micah Parsons playing part time, the Packers
lead the NFL in pressures and are second in sacks. The last time
they took the field they held ultra-athletic Jayden Daniels (knee)
in check and delivered so many hits that he might not play in
Week 3. Green Bay will also be fresh after having played last
Thursday, giving them more time for rest and also to integrate
Parsons into the scheme. Flacco is a hard sell most weeks, but
this matchup is harder than most.
The big worry for Sutton’s fantasy managers is that his quiet
start -- 67 yards on 13 targets -- has come while Evan Engram
is still working back from injury. If Engram returns to full strength
and Troy Franklin keeps commanding looks (15 targets), Sutton
could be capped at 6–7 targets a week. For now, with Engram facing
new injury setbacks, Sutton has a chance to break out against
a middling Chargers secondary that hasn’t yet been tested by strong
WR play.
Bo Nix bounced back from a 3-turnover Week 1 with 3 TD passes
in Week 2, but still threw another pick. The matchup isn’t
kind: the Chargers picked off Geno Smith three times last week,
bringing their season total to four interceptions while holding
opposing QBs to 5.3 yards per attempt. Nix’s own YPA sits
at just 5.5. His mobility provides upside, but another sloppy
outing is very much in play, making him a risky QB1 streamer.
Troy Franklin is the riskiest but most intriguing WR option.
His snap share spiked to 83% in Week 2, he has nearly double Sutton’s
receiving yards, and he’s already found the end zone. With
Engram missing practice, Franklin is a flex-worthy upside play
in deeper leagues.
Dobbins is the volume play. He’s out-carried rookie RJ
Harvey 30–11 and out-targeted him 4–3, keeping him
in flex consideration even in a brutal matchup. The Chargers have
allowed the fewest fantasy points to RBs through two weeks after
ranking top five in 2024.
Despite averaging 7.1 YPC, Harvey is seeing just six touches
per game and a 30% snap rate. He’s strictly a stash until
his role grows.
Engram’s situation is even trickier. He played just 43%
of snaps in Week 2, then popped back up on the injury report.
Even if active, a limited role keeps him off the fantasy radar.
DEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.31
DEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.16
DEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.30
DEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.17
Justin Herbert looks rejuvenated in 2025, ranking 5th among QBs
in fantasy points per game. He’s averaging 9.2 YPA with five touchdowns
and 16 rush attempts through two weeks. The return of Keenan Allen
has clearly boosted the offense, while Herbert’s decision-making
has been excellent -- just three picks in his last 19 games outside
of last year’s playoff dud.
The Broncos’ defense is elite on paper but surprisingly
allowed 300 passing yards to Daniel Jones last week. They remain
a tough matchup, but Herbert’s history is encouraging --
he averaged 17.4 FPPG vs Denver last year without Allen. He’s
locked in as a top-12 QB again.
Hampton hasn’t produced (5.1 FPts/G) but he’s been
tough to bring down, breaking six tackles on 23 rushes. With Dre
Greenlaw out, the Broncos were gashed for 165 yards by Jonathan
Taylor in Week 2, which could give Hampton more room. Still, Najee
Harris looms, and a true committee could form. Hampton is a flex
at best.
Denver’s pass defense against wideouts remains strong. Alec Pierce’s
8.8 fantasy points is the high-water mark for opposing WRs so
far. Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen both have seen steady volume
(14 and 17 targets, respectively), but with Quentin Johnston also
at 14 targets and this secondary shutting down big plays, predicting
which receiver hits is a dart throw. McConkey and Allen are flex
options, but expectations should be modest.
Johnston is the odd man out against a defense that’s allowed
just 11 WR touchdowns in their last 19 games.
Harris finally saw an uptick in Week 2 (10 touches, 35% snap
share), but with limited burst coming off his summer injury and
the line generating just 1.4 yards before contact, he’s
still not startable. A true 50/50 split with Hampton may come
later, but for now Harris belongs on benches.
Juwan Johnson has opened the season hot, following up his Week
1 line of 8-76-0 with a 5-49-1 performance on 9 targets against
the 49ers. He’s now drawing a 25% target share from Spencer
Rattler, which firmly puts him on the TE1 radar. The matchup helps
too -- Seattle has already allowed 16 catches and 2 touchdowns
to opposing tight ends across the first two games. There’s
some uncertainty tied to Rattler’s long-term hold on the
QB1 job, but as long as he’s under center, Johnson looks
like a reliable option with top-10 upside in Week 3.
Chris Olave has been peppered with 23 targets in two weeks, which
is elite usage, but the results have been underwhelming: just
13 catches for 108 yards and no scores. While his 6.5 receptions
per game provide a sturdy floor, the ceiling has been capped by
Rattler’s lack of efficiency (5.3 YPA). Olave’s Week
3 matchup doesn’t do him favors either -- Seattle has allowed
the fewest points to wide receivers so far. He’s still a
must-start in most formats, but expectations should be tempered
against this secondary.
Rattler broke out with 3 touchdown passes in Week 2, but his
season-long efficiency remains dreadful at 5.3 yards per attempt
on 80 throws -- not far from the 5.8 YPA he posted last year.
The Saints are giving him volume (40 passes per game), but it
hasn’t translated into consistent fantasy success, and his
leash as the starter is always in question. The risk of a benching
keeps him outside fantasy viability.
NO FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.9
NO FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.11
NO FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.22
NO FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.7
Kenneth Walker is in a great spot this week. The Saints gave
up the 7th-most fantasy points to running backs last season and
are back near the bottom-10 again through two games in 2025. With
Derek Carr gone and New Orleans often losing time of possession,
opponents have leaned on the run to control game flow. That sets
up perfectly for Walker, who’s averaging 5.4 yards per carry on
the year. If Zach Charbonnet misses with a foot injury (he sat
out practice Wednesday and Thursday), Walker’s volume could spike
into clear RB2 territory with RB1 upside.
Charbonnet could be in flex consideration if he suits up, but
his availability is uncertain. His practice participation will
be critical to monitor -- if he’s limited or sits, his Week
3 value collapses, and Walker’s stock rises further.
Sam Darnold has been efficient through two weeks (7.9 YPA, 68%
completion rate, only 3 sacks), but turnovers remain an issue
(3 already) and the Seahawks are clearly built to lean on the
run. Against a Saints team likely to struggle offensively, Darnold
won’t need to throw enough to be fantasy-relevant.
Cooper Kupp’s Week 2 line of 7-90-0 on 9 targets was encouraging
after his quiet opener (2-15-0), but his floor remains shaky.
With Smith-Njigba dominating defensive attention and Seattle committed
to a run-heavy script, Kupp may continue to ride week-to-week
volatility. He’s a bench hold for now, not a recommended
start against New Orleans.
Rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo saw his role expand in Week 2,
with his snap share climbing from 31% to 40% while drawing his
first NFL start. His 2-31-0 line on 3 targets showed some promise,
but he remains a developmental piece in the offense. For now,
he’s best left on watch lists rather than active rosters.
The 49ers’ defense hasn’t looked quite the same without some
of their cornerstone pieces. In Week 2, Spencer Rattler managed
three touchdown passes against them, and now they face Kyler Murray
-- a more dynamic threat as both a passer and runner. Murray torched
San Francisco twice last season with 26.1 and 27.9 fantasy points,
and he has an even stronger supporting cast this year with Trey
McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. leading the way. He’s a top-end
QB1 play for Week 3.
At running back, James Conner remains the focal point of Arizona’s
backfield despite Trey Benson carving out an increasing role (8
touches per game). Conner has already scored twice -- one rushing,
one receiving -- while averaging 14 touches per game, with near-exclusive
usage in red-zone opportunities. His matchup is promising: the
49ers mostly contained Seattle’s running backs in Week 1, but
then allowed Alvin Kamara to post 99 rushing yards and 6 receptions
in Week 2. Given San Francisco’s struggles against RBs last year
(4th-most points allowed), Conner remains a volume-based RB2 with
touchdown upside.
The hype for Marvin Harrison Jr. dimmed in Week 2 after he caught
just two passes for 27 yards on five targets. Context matters,
though: he drew coverage from Jaycee Horn, who held Brian Thomas
Jr. to a 1-9-0 line the week prior. Still, it’s notable that Thomas
didn’t rebound the next week despite softer coverage, suggesting
Horn wasn’t the only factor. Harrison’s Week 1 line (5-71-1) against
a softer Jets secondary flashed his upside.
This week’s matchup with San Francisco offers a chance
for a bounce-back. If he produces, it could establish Harrison
as a steady WR2 moving forward. For now, treat him as a high-upside
flex until he shows consistent week-to-week output.
Trey Benson’s touches are trending upward, but James Conner
remains the clear lead back and looks effective even at age 30.
Benson’s current role is best described as a stash-only
handcuff -- unless Conner misses time, Benson’s fantasy
viability is capped outside of deep formats.
ARI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.16
ARI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.20
ARI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.12
ARI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.6
With Brock Purdy battling a toe injury, Mac Jones stepped in
last week and executed Kyle Shanahan’s offense efficiently.
Jones doesn’t bring Purdy’s mobility (just 8 rushing
yards per game for his career), but he distributes the ball quickly
and keeps the offense on schedule. Against an Arizona defense
that just allowed Bryce Young to score 25.3 fantasy points, either
quarterback should be viewed as a fringe QB1.
In the passing game, Ricky Pearsall has emerged as the 49ers’
most efficient option, leading the wide receiver group in yards
(160) on just 8 catches. Jauan Jennings holds a slight target
edge (15 to Pearsall’s 13) and already has a touchdown,
showing consistent involvement as the chain-mover. With George
Kittle sidelined and Jones likely leaning more on short and intermediate
routes, both Pearsall and Jennings project as WR2/flex plays.
Pearsall’s field-stretching ability gives him more boom
potential, while Jennings provides a steady floor.
Both Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell have snuck into the end zone
in back-to-back weeks, but neither has consistent usage or athletic
upside. Arizona has already been tested by athletic tight ends
-- Juwan Johnson (11.6 points) and Ja’Tavion Sanders (8.9
points) -- but Tonges and Farrell don’t fit that mold. The
Cardinals allowed the 4th-fewest points to the position in 2024,
and it’s unlikely Shanahan’s role-players continue
their hot streak. Without reliable target volume, both tight ends
are touchdown-or-bust dart throws best left on waivers.
Through two games, Williams has given Dallas everything they
could’ve hoped for when they signed him from the Broncos during
the offseason. Williams, who never looked like the same back after
tearing his ACL in 2022, has shown some burst and power, racking
up 151 yards rushing, 43 yards receiving, and three touchdowns.
Before the season, he was viewed as a fringe RB3/flex play operating
on borrowed time before the Cowboys turned the position over to
Jaydon Blue. Fast-forward to now, and Blue has been a healthy
scratch the first two weeks while Williams is performing like
a fantasy RB2. He’s already teetering on no-brainer status, and
with Chicago ranking 27th in the NFL in run defense (148.5 yards/game),
Williams could deliver again this week.
Although he caught a touchdown last Sunday, Pickens’ first
two games with the star on his helmet have been mostly underwhelming.
He posted a 3-30-0 line in Week 1, and then followed that up with
a 5-68-1 versus the Giants, ranking third on the team in both
targets and yards (he was fourth in receptions). In Pittsburgh,
Pickens was really the only true threat in the passing game. In
Dallas, he’s behind Lamb and Ferguson. The Bears offer a
chance for a breakthrough performance, though. They’ve allowed
10 touchdowns in the last five quarters with seven of them coming
in the passing game. This is a good week to slot Pickens into
your lineup as a WR3.
Fade: N/A
DAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.2
DAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.13
DAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.2
DAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.21
We’re just two games into Ben Johnson’s reign as Bears head coach,
and thus far the results have been decidedly mixed when it comes
to Williams. The former No. 1 overall pick has had some nice isolated
moments, but the offense has been unable to sustain drives, especially
as games wear on. He took a lot of hits in Chicago’s blowout loss
to Detroit last weekend and tossed a pair of interceptions, though
the second one was erased on a roughing the passer penalty, before
being replaced by Tyson Bagent. He has a good shot at getting
right this Sunday. The Cowboys allowed what used to be Russell
Wilson to throw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2.
Despite some underwhelming results to open the season, Williams’
upside makes him a legitimate choice for your QB1 spot.
Coming into the season, there were rumblings that Odunze was poised
to supplant Moore as the team’s true No. 1 receiver. Thus far,
it appears those reports carried some weight. Odunze has been
targeted 20 times to 11 for Moore, and the second-year wideout
has been on the receiving end of all three of Williams’ passing
touchdowns. All told, Odunze has a 13-165-3 line with Moore posting
an 8-114-0. The veteran is still involved on offense, but his
usage is down from 8.2 targets per game last year to 5.5, and
he actually ranks behind Olamide Zaccheaus (12). As has been established,
this is a plus matchup for the Bears passing game, and Moore still
belongs in your lineup as a midrange WR3, but his long-term outlook
has started to look a bit murky.
Isaiah Pacheco’s slow start has fantasy managers nervous,
but Week 3 sets up as a bounce-back spot against the Giants. Through
two games, he’s handled 22 carries for 71 yards (3.2 YPC)
and one touchdown, while maintaining a healthy 65% snap share
as Kansas City’s lead back.
The Giants’ run defense has been a sieve, surrendering
245 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 43 carries to RBs, plus
11 receptions for 68 yards. As fairly significant road favorites,
the Chiefs should lean on the ground game, putting Pacheco in
line for 15+ touches with legitimate multi-score upside. He’s
a high-end RB2 with RB1 potential this week.
Travis Kelce hasn’t been his usual dominant self to open
2025. He’s caught just seven passes for 68 yards and one
touchdown on 10 targets through two games, with Week 2 (3-29-0
on five targets) raising particular concern. His target share
sits at just 14.7%, far below his historical norm.
That said, the Giants have been soft against tight ends, giving
up 107 yards and a touchdown on 13 receptions through two weeks.
Kelce remains a TE1 -- but his reduced volume and reliance on
touchdowns temper expectations. He’s still a start, just not the
locked-in cheat code we’ve grown used to.
After a Week 1 target explosion (10-99-0,16 tgts), Marquise Brown
fell back to earth in Week 2 with just 5-30-0 on five targets.
His underlying metrics are concerning -- a 7.9% air-yard share
and 4.4-yard aDOT suggest he’s being used as a shallow-volume
piece rather than a field stretcher.
Even with the Giants allowing 277.5 passing yards per game, Brown’s
capped role makes him unreliable outside of very deep formats.
Kansas City’s passing game is too spread out, his scoring odds
are low and we may see the return of Xavier Worthy (shoulder).
KC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.11
KC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.25
KC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.9
KC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.30
Wan’Dale Robinson has quietly carved out a useful PPR role,
catching 14 of 18 targets for 197 yards and one touchdown through
two weeks. His Week 2 breakout (8-142-1) showed his ability to
rack up receptions underneath as Russell Wilson’s quick
outlet.
The concern is ceiling. New York is averaging just 18.5 points
per game, and Kansas City has allowed only 12 slot receptions
for 98 yards so far this year. With Malik Nabers drawing top coverage
and the Chiefs likely forcing a pass-heavy script, Robinson should
see volume -- but he’s best viewed as a low-upside flex
who relies on efficiency over splash plays.
Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are too volatile for fantasy lineups
against the Chiefs. Skattebo flashed in Week 2 (11-45-1 rushing,
2-14 receiving) but was invisible in Week 1 (2-(-3) rushing, 2-12
receiving). Tracy has been mildly useful in the passing game (6-47-0
on six targets) but ineffective on the ground (15-39-0 rushing).
Kansas City has limited RBs to just 80 rushing yards per game,
and with the Giants likely trailing, volume and efficiency will
both be hard to come by. This is a committee to avoid entirely.
When facing an opponent that’s scored 40 or more points
each week, it makes a lot of sense to try and keep the ball away
from them. To do that, the Lions will need to lean into their
two-headed rushing attack of Gibbs and Montgomery. It didn’t
work in Week 1, and Detroit got blown out. In Week 2, that duo
turned 23 carries into 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a
lopsided win. So, which version shows up this Monday night? Perhaps
something in between as the Ravens have allowed 111.5 rushing
yards per game and three TDs in the early going. You can feel
good about penciling Montgomery in as an RB3/flex with a little
upside.
Like pretty much everyone on the Lions offense, Goff has one
bad game on the books and one good one. In the team’s home
opener against Chicago, the veteran threw for 334 yards and five
touchdowns, assuaging fears that the team was lost without the
stewardship of Ben Johnson. As it happens, one of the low points
of Johnson’s run as offensive coordinator came in Charm
City back in 2023 when the Ravens outclassed the Lions, 38-6.
On that day, Goff threw for 284 empty yards without a TD. Both
teams have made changes since, including both respective coordinators,
but it’s still enough to give anyone thinking about starting
Goff something to ruminate on.
While fantasy owners will never scoff at 108 yards and a touchdown
from their wideout, Williams wasn’t actually all that involved
last Sunday, catching just two passes on four targets. He was
targeted five times in Week 1. In comparison, St. Brown was targeted
11 times in Week 2 alone. The point being that St. Brown is going
to get his, and Williams is more someone that needs to maximize
his opportunities. In Week 1 (4-23-0), he didn’t. In Week
2 (2-108-1), he did. In that 32-point loss in 2023, Williams failed
to catch any of his six targeted balls. He’s still playable
as a WR3, but this feels a little risky.
DET FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.17
DET FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.21
DET FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.7
DET FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.20
With four catches and 25 yards through two games, it has been
a painfully slow start to the 2025 campaign for Bateman. He’s
also the only one of the top five wideouts that doesn’t have a
touchdown catch -- Flowers and Tylan Wallace have one, and DeAndre
Hopkins and Devontez Walker each have two. Despite that, Bateman
is still functioning as the No. 2 receiver, with his eight targets
matching Hopkins, Walker, and Wallace combined. This is simply
playing a hunch that Jackson will want to get Bateman more involved
this Monday night. That’s risky rationale for a WR3 when all 32
clubs are in action, but the Ravens are a team capable of lighting
up the scoreboard.
From no-brainer to fade in two short weeks. As noted last week,
Andrews’ slow start is not without precedent. The veteran
finished last September with six receptions for 65 yards. Through
two weeks of 2025, he’s got two catches for seven yards.
A year ago, he went on to score 11 touchdowns in the final 12
games. We’ll see if he enjoys a similar renaissance this
season. Given how last year played out, you’d be wise to
hold onto Andrews, but slotting him into your lineup is a bad
bet, even though he posted a 4-63-2 line the last time these teams
squared off.
