Carolina Panthers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

• LV -6, O/U 40
• Carolina Panthers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• We’ll see what this offense looks like with Andy Dalton under center, but they could continue to be pace-up and pass-happy. Carolina ranks third in neutral pace and ninth in neutral passing rate.
• The Raiders have the 10th-slowest neutral pace, but surprisingly, they are first in neutral passing rate.

Panthers Players & Weekly Rankings

Raiders Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Brock Bowers

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Gardner Minshew II (QB)

Minshew has been surprisingly effective as a passer this season. He’s the QB17 in fantasy, which won’t surprise many people, but he’s also 13th in yards per attempt, third in passing yards per game, and fifth in CPOE. Mustache mania could be back. We’ll find out this week as he gets a Carolina secondary that is struggling outside of Jaycee Horn. Carolina has allowed the tenth-highest yards per attempt, the second-highest passer rating, and the sixth-highest CPOE.

Andy Dalton (QB)

The last time we saw Dalton with an extended run as an NFL starter was in 2022 with the Saints. Dalton was low-key balling that season. Among 41 qualifying quarterbacks, he was first in highly accurate throw rate and CPOE, eighth in yards per attempt, and 11th in passer rating. Dalton should be able to post solid QB2 numbers this week against a Raiders’ secondary that ranks 20th in yards per attempt while giving up the fifth-highest CPOE. Las Vegas also has the lowest pressure rate in the NFL.

Zamir White (RB)

The Raiders pumped up White’s snap rate last week, as he played 63% of the snaps and finished with 12 touches and 38 total yards. Antonio Pierce has stated that the team wants to get White to 20 carries weekly. We’ll see if he makes good on that promise this week. White has been running behind a bottom-five offensive line, as Las Vegas has the third-lowest yards before contact per attempt. White hasn’t been great either, ranking 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 30th in yards after contact per attempt. We’ll see if White can get going this week against a run defense that has surrendered the fourth-highest rushing success rate, the 13th-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the second-most rushing yards per game.

Davante Adams (WR)

Adams continues to roll along as the WR11 with a 25.4% target share, a 54.5% air-yard share, 2.35 YPRR, and a 37.8% first-read share. Carolina has utilized single-high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (72.9%). Against single-high, Adams’ numbers have jumped to insane levels with a 48% target share, a 64.8% air-yard share, 4.09 YPRR, and a 55% first-read share. Jaycee Horn hasn’t been shadowing. Adams will run about 72% of his routes against Horn (66.7% catch rate and 104.9 passer rating) and Mike Jackson (66.7% catch rate and 84.5 passer rating).

Diontae Johnson (WR)

Johnson has a 21.1% target share, a 21.6% air-yard share, 0.68 YPRR, and a 26.8% first-read share. I expect Dalton to hone in on Johnson this week and feed him. The rest of his numbers outside of his first-read share I’ll take with a grain of salt because the level of quarterback play in Carolina through the first two weeks was dreadful. Johnson is back on the WR3/flex radar for this week. Johnson will run about 67% of his routes against Jack Jones (55.6% catch rate and 64.6 passer rating) and Jakorian Bennett (37.5% catch rate and 54.2 passer rating).

Fantasy Football Week 3 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Chuba Hubbard (RB)

Hubbard is another disappointing rusher this season through two weeks. He has averaged 56% of the snaps, ten touches, and 45 total yards per game. Among 40 qualifying backs, he ranks 18th in explosive run rates and 25th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Carolina’s offensive line hasn’t helped him much, as they have generated the 12th-lowest yards before contact per attempt. We’ll see if he can post usable flex numbers this week against a Raiders’ run defense that has allowed the fifth-highest explosive run rate while ranking 14th in missed tackles allowed and 15th in yards after contact per attempt.

Jakobi Meyers (WR)

This passing offense has been all Adams and Bowers so far. Meyers has been an afterthought with an 11.3% target share, a 20.3% air-yard share, 1.36 YPRR, and an 11.1% first-read share. The matchup isn’t good enough to worry about Meyers as a flex this week. Carolina has utilized single-high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (72.9%). Against single-high, Meyers numbers still aren’t great, with 1.32 YPRR and a 15% first-read share. There are better flex plays to target this week for your lineups.

Adam Thielen (WR)

We have to see how many weapons Dalton can support before chasing tertiary weapons in the Carolina passing attack in any week. Thielen has only a 12.3% target share, a 20.3% air-yard share, 1.30 YPRR, and a 14.6% first-read share. Among 92 qualifying wide receivers, he ranks 47th in separation and 90th in route win rate. If his per-route metrics offered a little more hope, I could make at least some conceivable case for Thielen, but it’s not there for Week 3.

NE vs. NYJ | NYG vs. CLE | GB vs. TEN | CHI vs. IND | HOU vs. MIN | PHI vs. NO | LAC vs. PIT | DEN vs. TB | CAR vs. LV | MIA vs. SEA | BAL vs. DAL | SF vs. LAR | DET vs. ARI | KC vs. ATL | JAC vs. BUF | WAS vs. CIN

Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks

• SEA -4.5, O/U 42
• Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• The Dolphins rank 17th in neutral script pace and 12th in neutral rushing rate. With Skylar Thompson under center, I would expect them to slow down and run the ball even more.
• Seattle has been sprinting and tossing it all over the yard. They are second in neutral pace and ninth in neutral passing rate.

Dolphins Players & Weekly Rankings

Seahawks Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Tyreek Hill
• De’Von Achane

***I don’t care who is starting for Miami. Hill & Achane never leave your fantasy lineups.***

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Geno Smith (QB)

Smith is currently the QB9 in fantasy as he fills up the stat sheets. He’s seventh in passing yards per game, eighth in passer rating, second in CPOE, and 13th in fantasy points per dropback. Miami has been a relatively soft pass defense, allowing the ninth-highest yards per attempt and the seventh-highest passer rating and hero throw rate. The Dolphins’ pass rush is tenth in pressure rate, which is surprising. Smith has been adept at navigating muddy pockets this year, ranking third in pressured passing grade and ninth in pressured yards per attempt. He could easily post another QB1 outing in Week 3.

Zach Charbonnet (RB)

Last week, Charbonnet got the start and finished the week as the RB8. He played 96% of the snaps and finished with 19 touches and 69 total yards. His passing game usage really is what put him over the top (five receptions, 31 receiving yards). His tackle-breaking was horrendous, with a 5% missed tackle rate and only 2.05 yards after contact per attempt. If he gets a bell-cow role again this week if Walker is out, it might not matter, though. Miami has a middling run defense overall. They are 15th in explosive run rate and 14th in missed tackle rate while giving up the sixth-highest yards before contact per attempt. I’m not sure if Seattle can take advantage of that, though, as the offensive line has struggled to get push up front. Seattle has the fourth-lowest yards before contact per attempt. I’ll update Charbonnet’s outlook on Friday when we have more info about Walker.

DK Metcalf (WR)

Metcalf blew up last week, raising himself to WR15 in fantasy. He has commanded a 26.1% target share, a 40.9% air-yard share, and a 34.8% first-read share with 2.32 YPRR. Miami has utilized single-high on 57.8% of their defensive snaps. Metcalf has led the way again this year against single-high with a 29.7% target share, a 48.7% air-yard share, and a 37% first-read share. Metcalf should have no issues this week while running 90% of his routes against Kendall Fuller (25% catch rate and 45.8 passer rating) and Jalen Ramsey (100% catch rate and 118.8 passer rating).

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

Well, we finally got to see it. Smith-Njigba was utilized, and he looked like an absolute stud. He had a 36.4% target share, a 47.1% air-yard share, 3.08 YPRR, and a 39.3% first-read share. He was the WR8 for the week in fantasy. Moving forward, Smith-Njigba and Metcalf should lead this passing attack. Miami has utilized single-high on 57.8% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Smith-Njigba has a 27% target share, 2.14 YPRR, and a 29.6% first-read share. Smith-Njigba should pick on Kader Kohou (75% catch rate and 109.9 passer rating) all game in Week 3. Miami has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target to slot receivers this season.

Jonnu Smith (TE)

Smith is a shaky matchup-based tight-end streamer this week. It’s asking a lot of Skylar Thompson to support multiple weapons, but the matchup is right to consider him. Last week, Smith’s usage ticked up with a 61% route share, a 17.9% target share, 1.96 YPRR, and a 19.4% first-read share. Seattle has been giving to tight ends in each of the last two seasons. Last year, they allowed the seventh-most receiving yards and the 13th-most receptions to the position. So far this season, they have given up the fifth-most receiving yards and the sixth-most receptions. Hunter Henry destroyed them last week.

Fantasy Football Week 3 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Skylar Thompson (QB)

Even in the most desperate of situations in Superflex, I’m likely still not starting Thompson. Anytime he has gotten an extended look, it hasn’t ended well. In 2022, Thompson started in Week 18. He completed 64.5% of his passes for a measly 152 scoreless yards with 4.9 yards per attempt. This preseason, among 61 qualifying passers, he ranked 27th in passing grade, 37th in yards per attempt, and 25th in adjusted completion rate. I have to see it to believe it with Thompson before trusting him in any fantasy lineup.

Kenneth Walker III (RB)

Walker didn’t practice at all this week except for some limited side session work. He has been listed as doubtful. Seattle will likely hold him out this week.

Raheem Mostert (RB)

Mostert was limited all week in practice (chest) and has been listed as doubtful. Mostert likely doesn’t suit up this week, which means it should be the Achane show.

Jaylen Waddle (WR)

Waddle is the WR29 in fantasy points per game, drawing an 11.8% target share, a 19.3% air-yard share, and a 15.3% first-read share. These are all-around disappointing numbers, but his 2.78 YPRR loudly states that Waddle remains a talented receiver. Thompson starting for the foreseeable future really caps Waddle’s upside unless he earns a higher market share in this offense. Waddle is a volatile WR3/flex moving forward until Tua Tagovailoa is possibly back under center. Waddle will run about 82% of his routes against Tariq Woolen (44.4% catch rate and 13.9 passer rating) and Tre Brown (50% catch rate and 68.1 passer rating). Seattle has allowed the lowest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers this season.

Tyler Lockett (WR)

Lockett took a backseat last week to Metcalf and Smith-Njigba, and that’s likely the rotation for the rest of the season for this passing attack. Lockett had a 75% route share, but he only saw a 4.5% target share. Hold Lockett on the back-end of benches for now, but he could easily be droppable after Week 3.

Noah Fant (TE)

Fant is only a touchdown-dependent streaming tight end this season. He has only a 10.1% target share, a 10.9% first-read share, 0.50 YPRR, and has averaged 12.5 receiving yards per game. He has one end-zone target this year. Miami is a good matchup to consider him if you’re desperate. Last year, Miami allowed the 11th-most receiving yards and the sixth-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends.

NE vs. NYJ | NYG vs. CLE | GB vs. TEN | CHI vs. IND | HOU vs. MIN | PHI vs. NO | LAC vs. PIT | DEN vs. TB | CAR vs. LV | MIA vs. SEA | BAL vs. DAL | SF vs. LAR | DET vs. ARI | KC vs. ATL | JAC vs. BUF | WAS vs. CIN

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Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

• BAL -1, O/U 47.5
• Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• Baltimore is fourth in neutral pacer and 13th in neutral passing rate.
• Dallas ranks 19th in neutral pace and 11th in neutral passing rate.

Ravens Players & Weekly Rankings

Cowboys Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Lamar Jackson
• CeeDee Lamb

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Dak Prescott (QB)

Prescott has had a rough start to the season as the QB16 in fantasy points per game. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 22nd in yards per attempt, 25th in CPOE, and 23rd in fantasy points per dropback. As wild as it is to say, Baltimore’s pass defense could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Prescott. The Ravens pass defense hasn’t been the suffocating net of sadness of previous seasons. This season, they have allowed the third-highest yards per attempt, the ninth-highest passer rating, the third-highest CPOE, and the most passing yard per game. Prescott should have all day to dice them up, as Baltimore has the 11th-lowest pressure rate this season.

Derrick Henry (RB)

Henry rebounded with a better stat line in Week 1, with 46% of the snaps played, 19 touches, and 96 total yards. Henry is the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Among 40 qualifying backs, he ranks 15th in explosive run rate and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. His offensive line has the sixth-best yards before contact per attempt. This week’s matchup with Dallas should keep Henry rolling along the tracks. Dallas has the lowest stuff rate in the NFL while allowing the seventh-highest yards before contact per attempt, the fifth-highest gap yards per carry (5.9), and the highest success rate to gap runs (Henry 55% gap).

Zay Flowers (WR)

Flowers is the WR16 in fantasy points per game, leading Baltimore with a 26.7% target share, a 29.8% air-yard share, and a 33.3% first-read share. He has produced 1.56 YPRR while ranking 77th in separation and 78th in route win rate (among 92 qualifying receivers). Flowers saw his aDOT increase from Week 1 to last week, jumping from 6.1 to 10.7. Flowers is tied for the team lead with two end-zone targets. His startling inefficiency per route is worrisome, but it’s only been two games, so I’m preaching patience. Dallas has utilized Cover 3 or Cover 4 on 52.7% of their defensive snaps this season. Last year, Flowers led the team with a 22.9% target share against these coverages while posting 2.08 YPRR. Flowers will run about 68% of his routes against Trevon Diggs (70% catch rate and 46.7 passer rating) and Caelen Carson (63.6% catch rate and 115.7 passer rating).

Brandin Cooks (WR)

Cooks is the WR44 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 12.2% target share, a 15.4% air-yard share, and a 13.7% first-read share with 0.98 YPRR. This season, Baltimore has utilized two high at the eighth-highest rate (51.4%). This season, against two high, Cooks only has a 4.5% target share and zero first-read looks. If Cooks hits this week, it will be because of his role in the deep passing game. He is second on the team in deep passing targets (two). This season, Baltimore has seen the 11th-most deep attempts while surrendering the sixth-most deep passing yards and the second-highest adjusted completion rate for deep targets. Among 92 qualifying receivers, Cooks is 27th in separation and 38th in route win rate. He will run about 76% of his routes against Brandon Stephens (77.8% catch rate and 118.8 passer rating) and Marlon Humphrey (61.5% catch rate and 64.6 passer rating).

Jalen Tolbert (WR)

Tolbert took a step last week toward cementing himself as the WR2 in this passing attack. Against a talented Saints secondary, he led the team with a 19% target share, a 31.8% air-yard share, and a 26.9% first-read share while producing 2.16 YPRR. Last week, among 69 qualifying receivers, he ranked 26th in separation and 23rd in route win rate. This season, Baltimore has utilized two high at the eighth-highest rate (51.4%). This season, against two high, Tolbert has a 21% TPRR and a 40% first-read share (second on the team). He also has had a role in the deep passing attack with one deep target. This season, Baltimore has seen the 11th-most deep attempts while surrendering the sixth-most deep passing yards and the second-highest adjusted completion rate for deep targets. Tolbert is a stronger flex play that people realize as they will shy away from the Baltimore secondary on principle. He will run about 65% of his routes against Brandon Stephens (77.8% catch rate and 118.8 passer rating) and Marlon Humphrey (61.5% catch rate and 64.6 passer rating).

Mark Andrews (TE)

Andrews has disappointed so far this season as the TE15. Last week he did see an uptick in usage with a 14.7% target share, a 21.9% air-yard share, 1.96 YPRR, and an 18.2% first-read share. Andrews route share was a less-than-ideal 68.4%. That’s not amazing, but it’s workable with his 19% TPRR. It feels like just a matter of time before Andrews breaks out. The talent is still there. Among 38 qualifying tight ends, he ranks second in separation and fourth in route win rate. Dallas has utilized Cover 3 or Cover 4 on 52.7% of their defensive snaps this season. Last year, against Cover 3 and Cover 4, Andrews had a 21.4% target share, 2.35 YPRR (team-leading), and a 25.2% first-read share. In Week 1, Dallas allowed David Njoku and Jordan Akins to secure seven of their nine targets for 71 receiving yards.

Fantasy Football Week 3 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Rico Dowdle (RB)

Last week, Dowdle led the backfield with a 43% snap rate, 11 touches, and 59 total yards as the RB28 in fantasy. He led the way with 45% of the rushing down snaps while losing the battle to Elliott on passing downs (44% vs. 46%) and in the red zone (22% vs. 67%). Dowdle still hasn’t broken an explosive run or forced a missed tackle while recording 2.0 yards after contact per attempt. Those numbers aren’t great by any stretch, but they are still better than Elliott’s 2024 resume. We could continue to see Dowdle eat into Elliott’s work as we move through the season. Dowdle and Elliott are nothing more than touchdown-dependent flex plays this week. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-lowest explosive run rate and the second-best yards after contact per attempt and stuff rate.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB)

Elliott lost some early down work last week while retaining his lead on passing down snaps (46% vs. 44%) and in the red zone (67% vs. 22%). Elliott finished with an overall 40% snap rate, eight touches, and 32 total yards. Elliott has yet to bust an explosive run or force a missed tackle, which is gross, especially when paired with his 1.69 yards after contact per attempt. Elliott simply doesn’t have anything left in the tank, but Dallas keeps trotting him out there. If Dowdle shows anything in the coming weeks, he can and should take over the majority of the backfield work for Dallas. Elliott remains a touchdown-dependent flex this week with a brutal matchup. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-lowest explosive run rate and the second-best yards after contact per attempt and stuff rate.

Rashod Bateman (WR)

Bateman remains only a dart throw flex for fantasy. He has a 12% target share, a 28.2% air-yard share, 1.26 YPRR, and a 11.1% first-read share. He leads the team in deep targets (three) with his 17.7 aDOT. Dallas has allowed the ninth highest passer rating and the ninth-most deep passing yards so far this season. Lamar Jackson and Bateman have to connect on a deep toss this week for him to pay off. Bateman will run about 93% of his routes against Trevon Diggs (70% catch rate and 46.7 passer rating) and Caelen Carson (63.6% catch rate and 115.7 passer rating).

Isaiah Likely (TE)

Likely returns to bench status. Yes, I remember his wonderful Week 1 outing, but last week, he only had a 44.7% route share and 8.9% target share. Those aren’t numbers we can trust in fantasy weekly. Could he bounce back in Week 3? It’s possible, but I worry he continues to see a part-time route share, and Week 1 could be an anomaly this year. Dallas has utilized Cover 3 or Cover 4 on 52.7% of their defensive snaps this season. Last year, against Cover 3 and Cover 4, Likely had a 15% TPRR and only 1.48 YPRR. Sit Likely this week.

Jake Ferguson (TE)

Ferguson managed limited sessions in practice all week before getting upgraded to a full walkthrough practice on Friday. He doesn’t have an injury designation for Week 3, but that doesn’t mean that he’ll be a full-time player this week. Last week, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford split up the full-time tight-end duties. Schoonmaker had a 30.4% route share with a 14.3% target share. We could see Ferguson split the work with Spann-Ford and Schoonmaker as he’s eased back in. Last year, Baltimore allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

NE vs. NYJ | NYG vs. CLE | GB vs. TEN | CHI vs. IND | HOU vs. MIN | PHI vs. NO | LAC vs. PIT | DEN vs. TB | CAR vs. LV | MIA vs. SEA | BAL vs. DAL | SF vs. LAR | DET vs. ARI | KC vs. ATL | JAC vs. BUF | WAS vs. CIN

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

• SF -6.5, O/U 43.5
• San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• The 49ers have the fifth-slowest neutral pace and rank 19th in neutral passing rate.
• Los Angeles continues to sprint and pass a ton. They rank 11th in neutral pace with the second-highest neutral passing rate.

49ers Players & Weekly Rankings

Rams Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Jordan Mason
• Kyren Williams

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Brock Purdy (QB)

Purdy might be the QB19 in fantasy, but that doesn’t mean that he’s playing bad football. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, Purdy is fifth in yards per attempt, sixth in CPOE, and 12th in hero throw rate. Purdy could put up solid QB1 numbers this week. The Rams have allowed the highest yards per attempt, the ninth-most passing yards per game, and the third-highest passer rating. Purdy should have all day to throw against the Rams, which also have the 12th-lowest pressure rate.

Brandon Aiyuk (WR)

This could be a monster George Kittle game, but this could also be the eruption game for Aiyuk. He has only drawn a 13.8% target share, a 17.4% air-yard share, and a 16.7% first-read share with 1.09 YPRR. That doesn’t mean that he has been bad on a per-route basis. This season, Aiyuk ranks 13th in separation and fifth in route win rate among 92 qualifying wide receivers. Aiyuk hasn’t been drawing massive target shares, but the previous coverage matchups have leaned in the direction of Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Not this week. Aiyuk should go off this week. The Rams have the ninth-highest single-high rate (59.6%). Last year against single-high, Aiyuk dominated with a 26.2% target share, a 42.2% air-yard share, 3.71 YPRR, and a 29% first-read share. Aiyuk will run about 82% of his routes against Quentin Lake (60% catch rate and 99.6 passer rating) and Tre’Davious White (71.4% catch rate and 153.3 passer rating).

Demarcus Robinson (WR)

Robinson has a 14.5% target share, a 31.1% air-yard share, 1.33 YPRR, and a 14.6% first-read share. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp sidelined, those numbers should increase dramatically. Robinson has the talent to earn targets at a higher clip. Among 92 qualifying receivers, he is 36th in separation and 16th in route win rate. Robinson is tied for the team lead in end zone targets (two), so Stafford should be looking in his direction in high-leverage situations. The 49ers have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Robinson will run about 61% of his routes against Charvarius Ward (42.9% catch rate and 91.7 passer rating) and Isaac Yiadom (62.5% catch rate and 130.7 passer rating).

Jauan Jennings (WR)

Last week, Jennings had a 66% route share, an 8.3% target share, and an 11.5% first-read share. With Deebo Samuel out and George Kittle likely out (doubtful), Jennings gets elevated this week. He should be leaned on alongside Aiyuk this week. The Rams have the ninth-highest rate of single-high (59.6%). This year against single-high, Jennings has an 18% TPRR and 2.59 YPRR. Jennings is a solid flex this week against a secondary that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Eric Saubert (TE)

Ok, I know we’re getting deep in the weeds here, but Saubert is a matchup-based streaming option this week. Yes, I know he has a career 12.9% TPRR and 0.73 YPRR. It’s not pretty, but I won’t lie to you. The matchup is glorious. This season, the Rams have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and the third-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Their numbers last year lived in a similar area code as Los Angeles gave up the sixth-most receiving yards and the third-most fantasy points per game to the position. If Saubert gets in the end zone this week, he’s likely flirting with TE1 numbers.

Fantasy Football Week 3 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Matthew Stafford (QB)

It’s tough to start Stafford this week outside of Superflex formats. Injuries have decimated the Rams receiver room and offensive line. Stafford and this offense will experience growing pains with all of the shuffling of the depth chart. It’s not like Stafford has been playing lights out either before adding all of these elements into the equation. Stafford is the QB27 in fantasy points per game. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he is 19th in yards per attempt, 24th in CPOE, and 29th in fantasy points per dropback. Stafford has also faced the tenth-highest pressure rate. San Francisco has given up the fourth-highest yards per attempt, the eighth-highest passer rating, and the fourth-most fantasy points from passing. They have not been a good pass defense, but they could be elevated this week against an offense that features plenty of backups that have been elevated because of injury armageddon.

Jordan Whittington (WR)

I’m not starting Whittington in fantasy this week, but he’s worth a pickup for your bench. In the third quarter of last week’s game, he had a 100% route share and a 14.3% target share. With the Rams roster quickly being decimated by injuries, Whittington could emerge as a weekly flex play.

Tyler Johnson (WR)

Johnson is tough to play this week. Despite being a full-time player in Week 1 after the Rams were struck by injury, his routes were cut in Week 2. After Cooper Kupp left the game in the first half, in the third quarter when the Rams’ still had their starters in a blowout game, Johnson only had a 50% route share as he was splitting snaps with Tutu Atwell while Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Whittington were full-time players. Hold Johnson on the end of your bench this week but he’s impossible to start in Week 3.

Colby Parkinson (TE)

Parkinson has had an 80% route share, but he hasn’t been drawing volume. He only has a 9.2% target share, 0.88 YPRR, and an 8.3% first-read share. Parkinson could get more target volume with all of the injuries hitting this receiving depth chart, but he is more likely Cade Otton 2.0. Otton was a player that we streamed when the matchup was right last year. Parkinson could be that type of tight end this year, but sadly, the matchup isn’t good this week. Last year, the 49ers were 18th in receiving yards allowed to tight ends while giving up the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position.

NE vs. NYJ | NYG vs. CLE | GB vs. TEN | CHI vs. IND | HOU vs. MIN | PHI vs. NO | LAC vs. PIT | DEN vs. TB | CAR vs. LV | MIA vs. SEA | BAL vs. DAL | SF vs. LAR | DET vs. ARI | KC vs. ATL | JAC vs. BUF | WAS vs. CIN