Fantasy Football Week 3 Review
Unlike Week 2, Week 3 of the fantasy football season was much more kind in terms of the injury bug. While there were still a few injuries, it was not nearly as devastating as it was in Week 2.
From a real football standpoint, it was surprising to see the Arizona Cardinals get lit up by the Buffalo Bills as they fell to 1-2 on the season and, hey, 0-2 against the AFC East.
There were plenty of high-scoring games that were filled with excitement throughout, including the Miami-Cleveland matchup in which we saw Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor play multiple positions.
Hopefully this review of Week 3 will help set you up with solid field position (see what I did there) for Week 4.
Hope you won this week!
Week 3 Stars
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You always expect your top-drafted players to perform well. Later in drafts, you look to grab high-upside players that have the capability of putting up monster weeks. Every week we have the usual studs and some outliers perform out of this world. Sometimes, these otherworldly performances will single-handedly win your fantasy matchup. If you have two of them? Well, you can sit back and simply enjoy the rest of your day.
Hopefully you had any one of these players.
Quarterbacks
Trevor Siemian, Denver Broncos
If you started Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian anywhere, not only are you a crazy person, but you're a genius. The former thought-to-be commercial real estate salesman tossed four touchdown passes against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. Owned in just 5 percent of Yahoo leagues, I cannot imagine how many actually had the guts to start him. Good for him, though—the Broncos are 3-0.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
In an NFC North battle, the Detroit Lions and quarterback Matthew Stafford came up short against the Green Bay Packers 34-27 after trailing by multiple touchdowns early in the game. Although the Lions lost, your fantasy team likely didn't if you have Stafford. He was forced to throw because of the multiple-touchdown deficit, and this led to nearly 400 yards passing and three touchdowns for the gunslinger.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Stafford threw for nearly 400, but Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for four touchdowns. This was a battle among the two NFC North quarterbacks, although Rodgers finished with fewer fantasy points than Stafford. To this point we've been waiting for Rodgers to start playing like the Rodgers we all know, and it appears he's turned the corner. The No. 2 quarterback taken in most drafts, Rodgers is back. Have fun.
Running Backs
DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray was propelled to RB1 status in points-per-reception (PPR) leagues because of his five receptions for 41 yards. Other than that, Murray had a solid day on the ground against the Oakland Raiders, carrying the ball 16 times for 114 yards a score. In PPR leagues, this is three straight games in which Murray has posted 20 or more fantasy points. Regardless of fellow running back Derrick Henry being on board, it's not impacting Murray's value. He'll have a tougher task next week when the team travels to Houston to take on the Houston Texans.
LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
First off, the Buffalo Bills absolutely demolished the Arizona Cardinals, winning by more than two touchdowns to secure their first victory of the season. In the process, running back LeSean McCoy enjoyed a nice day on the ground, carrying the ball 17 times for 110 yards and two scores. To this point, McCoy has been fairly productive, accruing enough stats to be recognized as the RB14 through the first two weeks. Next week in New England, McCoy will be tasked with carrying the ball more. He could be in for an RB2-like game.
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
Despite being on the losing end of the Bills' throttling, Cardinals running back David Johnson still managed just shy of 90 yards rushing, but he helped his stat line erupt with two scores on the ground in addition to three catches for 28 yards. Johnson is an RB1 on a weekly basis, regardless of opponent.
Wide Receivers
Marvin Jones, Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones had 205 yards receiving against the Packers. To put that in perspective, that's the most in a single game by a wide receiver since Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown had 284 yards in Week 9 of 2015. It's clear that fellow wide receiver Golden Tate is a nonfactor and Jones is the No. 1 option in Detroit. He's a WR1 from here on out.
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos
After expressing his displeasure with his role in the offense leading up to Week 3, it appears the Broncos and Siemian responded. And by responded, I mean targeting wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders 13 times, with him hauling in nine for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Siemian had one hell of a game, and that performance is unlikely to be replicated. Moving forward, Sanders is a WR3.
Terrelle Pryor, Cleveland Browns
With Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver phenom Corey Coleman absent, fellow receiver Terrelle Pryor posted an incredible line playing quarterback, wide receiver and even safety. After it was all said and done, Pryor had eight catches for 144 yards, 35 passing yards and also ran a touchdown in on 21 rushing yards. He simply did it all. With Coleman out for the foreseeable future, Pryor is the main option on the Browns offense (for whatever that's worth). Going up against the Washington Redskins next week with injuries to cornerback Bashaud Breeland and safety DeAngelo Hall, Pryor has WR3 appeal coming off a personal-best game in Week 3.
Tight Ends
Zach Miller, Chicago Bears
After being behind the entire game, Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer was forced to throw. Fortunately for him, he had a reliable pass-catching tight end in Zach Miller on the other end who corralled eight catches for 78 yards and two scores. This is what we've been waiting for from Miller. However, in the Bears offense, it's not wise to rely on him as an every-week starter.
Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Believe it or not, a game featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the visiting Los Angeles Rams was a high-scoring shootout. When the clock struck zero, the Rams were victorious 37-32. Remember: These teams scored single-digit points in Week 2. Due to the nature of the shootout, Brate caught five passes for under than 50 yards, but he found the end zone twice. This will not be replicated moving forward.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
In dominating fashion, the Kansas City Chiefs hosted and beat down the New York Jets. In the midst of battle, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was actually used appropriately, catching six balls for 89 yards and a score. Kelce's talent is enough that we expect him to have big weeks often, but due to the lack of downfield-passing prowess from Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, it can be frustrating to be a Kelce owner. Going up against Pittsburgh next week, the Chiefs may need to throw to keep pace—Kelce should be a part of that. He's a TE1 in Week 4.
Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
In his best game since Week 11 of 2015, Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph caught seven passes for 70 yards and a score against the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers. Although he enjoyed a fine game in Week 3, it's tough to count on Rudolph on a weekly basis. He's a bye-week filler at best.
Top Defense
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST
Thirty-five points. Yes—Thirty. Five. Points. That's what the Kansas City Chiefs defense and special teams scored in Week 3 against the New York Jets. An incredible six interceptions of Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick helped inflate their point total. Mind you, six picks in a game hasn't happened since December 12, 2004 by Chris Chandler for the St. Louis Rams. The Chiefs have a feisty defense and should be started on a weekly basis.
Week 3 Flops
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Let's face it—your fantasy players cannot always score touchdowns or rack up a ton of points. However, we would like it if they at least helped us out a little in our matchups. Because of some of these flops, it could ultimately cost us a win and subsequently ruin our weekend.
Who were this weekends "weekend destroyers?"
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers
No, ESPN's fantasy app didn't crash again—Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin had zero fantasy points and just one target. The Panthers did battle with the Minnesota Vikings and it was the Vikings defense that completely smothered Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and company. After back-to-back games with at least one touchdown to open the year, this goose egg is certainly disheartening and the biggest dud of the weekend.
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
Remember when it was mentioned that Newton was smothered all afternoon? Well, that translates to hardly any fantasy points from the presumptive QB1 to open the year. If not for a goal-line rushing TD, it could have been much worse for Newton, as he tossed three interceptions in the game. Newton has not suffered such bad luck since Week 7 of the 2015 season, when he threw three picks against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both Newton and his No. 1 receiver Benjamin will have a shot at redemption next week against the Atalanta Falcons.
Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers
Get this: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for four touchdowns and wide receiver Randall Cobb didn't catch any of them. Not only did he not catch any of them, but he had just one catch in the entire game for 33 yards. This is the third week in a row that Cobb has failed to score and eclipse 60 yards receiving. After three games, it's time to panic over Cobb. He's a WR3 at best moving forward.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
After going for nearly 200 yards receiving last week in quarterback Sam Bradford's debut, wide receiver Stefon Diggs was held to just 40 yards receiving on four catches. Although it was against the Panthers, the secondary isn't all that intimidating. Diggs offers much more upside in PPR leagues, but Week 2 was definitely his ceiling.
Golden Tate, WR, Detroit Lions
I'm just about done with Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate. His perceived No. 1 wide receiver role has been totally conceded to fellow wide receiver Marvin Jones. Through three games, Tate's highest receiving total has been 41 yards in Week 1. He's not being used vertically and isn't even an appealing play in PPR leagues any longer. It's tough to assign him anything above a WR4 tag, and it doesn't seem to be looking up anytime soon.
Ryan Mathews, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz continued his rampage through the NFL, crushing the in-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers by nearly a billion touchdowns. In the process, however, running back Ryan Mathews was a ghost after the first quarter after not playing in a single snap. He finished with negative-five yards rushing on two carries. It's unsure if this is injury-related, but it could be a changing of the guard in the Eagles backfield. Let's take a wait-and-see approach for now.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Heading into Week 3, it was highly assumed that the Steelers were going to handle the Eagles with ease. However, they did the exact opposite. Steelers signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger threw for 257 yards in the process, but he didn't find the end zone and threw a pick. Hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, it is another difficult matchup for Roethlisberger going up against the Chiefs' ball-hawking cornerback Marcus Peters.
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
After getting down early and never having a pulse in the game, Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams' fantasy day was over quickly. All in all, he was only able to collect 21 yards on the ground and catch four balls for 23 yards. With fellow running back Le'Veon Bell returning in Week 4, it's time to say goodbye to DWill.
C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos
Heading into Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was thought that Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson would need to carry the load in order to keep the Broncos offense moving against a tough Bengals defense. But instead, quarterback Trevor Siemian lit the defense up for four touchdowns, leaving Anderson with just 41 total yards. Anderson will rebound next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unless, of course, Siemian throws for another four touchdowns.
Matt Forte, RB, New York Jets
Coming off a three-touchdown performance, many were excited to see if New York Jets running back Matt Forte could keep his hot streak up. Well, he didn't. Due in large part to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's six interceptions, the Jets offense was hardly able to stay on the field, and Forte ended with 64 total yards. Forte has another tough task in Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks. He'll be an RB2.
Biggest Surprises of Week 3
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We see them all the time. For me, I see them when I look at the Millionaire Maker standings on DraftKings and say to myself, "How the hell did they know to start [insert player here]?"
Anyway, here are five surprises from Week 3.
Trevor Siemian, QB, Denver Broncos
Featured on the Biggest Stars slide, Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian was an obvious surprise. Like, come on—four touchdown passes? This is a guy who was supposed to just not screw it up for the Broncos, not single-handedly win football games. Unlikely to repeat, it was fun to see nonetheless.
Darren Sproles, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Throughout his career, Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles has been a lightning rod with take-it-to-the-house speed. So his final stat line of six catches for 128 yards and a touchdown isn't as surprising as others, but it's still surprising nonetheless. Sproles hasn't had that kind of line since Week 2 of 2014, when he had over 150 receiving yards. With fellow running back Ryan Mathews disappearing in the game, Sproles' value could have taken a huge step forward to hopefully make this production more of a norm than a surprise.
Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns
Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor is another player from the Stars list, but we cannot say enough about this guy. Just think, Pryor came into the league as a quarterback, played the position for the Oakland Raiders for a few seasons, made a switch to receiver and finally poured it on this week playing multiple positions. This was likely the best game of his NFL career.
Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers had a chance to win this football game.
Well, before kickoff happened. Yes, the 49ers got their butts handed to them by the Seattle Seahawks. What makes running back Carlos Hyde a surprise is that he was able to sneak in two rushing touchdowns amid the team's struggles. No, it's not a surprise for Hyde to perform—he's talented—but to score points in the way he did was a surprise—and likely a thorn in the side of many fantasy football owners who were going up against him.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Since coming over to the Seattle Seahawks a few seasons ago, tight end Jimmy Graham has not been able to find his niche within the offense. In Week 3, Graham caught six passes for 100 yards and a score in a rout of the 49ers. Graham has the talent to perform like this on a weekly basis, but the Seahawks need to utilize him more. Hopefully they do—football is better when Graham is his old beastly self.
Key Injuries in Week 3
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In Week 2 we saw injuries happen at an extremely high rate. It seemed like half of the league's starting running backs were hurt last week. Fortunately, Week 3 was more kind on that front, but there were still a few players who were bit by the injury bug.
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
During the team's thrashing of the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had his left ankle rolled up on by a 49ers defender. If you'll recall from Week 1, Wilson suffered a gnarly right ankle injury that left his Week 2 status up in the air, though he played regardless.
As a result of the injury, Wilson suffered an MCL sprain, but he's said he'll be "good to go," according to Around The NFL.
This is worth monitoring as the week goes on. Rookie quarterback Trevone Boykin finished the game in Week 3. If poised to start Week 4, the Seahawks offense will take a hit with Boykin under center.
Bashaud Breeland, CB and DeAngelo Hall, S, Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins suffered a couple of injuries to their secondary in veteran safety DeAngelo Hall and starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Breeland has a high right ankle sprain.
Unfortunately for Hall, it is believed he has a torn ACL, according to Pro Football Talk.
In Week 4, the Redskins will host the Cody Kessler-led Cleveland Browns. After his performance in Week 3, Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor could be in for another good game going up against a beat-up Redskins secondary.
Jared Cook, TE, Green Bay Packers
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook was spotted wearing a walking boot after the team's 34-27 win over the Detroit Lions. To this point, Cook has been a nonfactor. Hopefully he isn't seriously injured for his own sake, but you're not starting him anywhere in Week 4.
Fool's Gold in Week 3
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Throughout the season we'll find ourselves owning that one player who is incredibly unpredictable but is able to randomly go off.
In this slide, we will identify a few players that performed well this week but are unlikely to keep it up moving forward.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos
With the Denver Broncos making the move to start quarterback Trevor Siemian, it was assumed that the Broncos' wide receiving corps would take a hit in fantasy football. Until Week 3, that was the case. However, Siemian tossed a career-high four touchdowns. Given that this was likely an anomaly, Siemian will return to his game manager self. As a result, Sanders will go back to struggling to make a dent in the stat sheet. Don't depend on Sanders much moving forward, but enjoy this one.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph is a matchup nightmare at just over 6'6", but he's never been able to put up consistent fantasy production. Although he's dealt with poor passing play and now has Sam Bradford, Rudolph just isn't a focal point of the offense. His seven-catch, 70-yard, one-score performance will not be replicated and could possibly his best game of the season. He's a bye-week fill-in that has some upside.
Trevor Siemian, QB, Denver Broncos
I've mentioned him a few times already in this slideshow for a number of different reasons. First of all, there's no way you started Siemian this week. Second, it's not going to happen again. Don't worry about it, just enjoy this if you owned Sanders or fellow wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Top Pickups
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After each week, there are new players that break out and make their names known in the fantasy football world.
Fortunately for you, this slide will discern whether you should pick those players up or not worry about them.
Here are five pickups to consider after the majority of Week 3's action.
Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns
Although it's the Cleveland Browns, wide receiver Terrelle Pryor made his presence known with a commanding 30-plus-point performance in PPR leagues in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. With Corey Coleman out for some time, Pryor needs to be rostered. He'll take on a beat-up Washington Redskins secondary in Week 4.
Wendell Smallwood, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Perhaps lost in the massacre of the Pittsburgh Steelers was a potential changing of that guard at the running back position for the Philadelphia Eagles. Running back Ryan Mathews did not play a single snap after the first quarter. Why? We're not sure. What we are sure of, though, is that fellow running back Wendell Smallwood exploded onto the scene for 79 yards and a touchdown. If something is wrong with Mathews, Smallwood is a must-have on waiver wires this week. He offers little in the passing game, so his PPR upside is limited, but if he is the starting running back for any amount of time, he'll be of value. Put in a claim for the rookie.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings
While I don't see him as more than a bye-week fill-in, Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph has scored in back-to-back games. Finding a productive tight end is not exactly the easiest thing to do in fantasy football, but with new quarterback Sam Bradford, Rudolph has his best shot at relevancy. He could end up being a low-end TE1 by the end of the year.
Quincy Enunwa, WR, New York Jets
Owned in less than 35 percent of Yahoo leagues, New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa has proved to be productive even as the team's No. 3 wide receiver option. In Week 3, Enunwa was still targeted 11 times despite only catching four balls. Targets equal opportunity. You could do a lot worse at your WR4 spot than Enunwa.
Jamison Crowder, WR, Washington Redskins
After scoring in back-to-back games, we can no longer ignore Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder. Despite the depth at the position, Crowder is probably the most consistent wide receiver on the Redskins roster. He's averaging over five catches and 58 yards receiving per game.
Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears
I was never a fan of Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford leading up to the season. After two straight games of mediocre production, the Bears let rookie running back Jordan Howard have his chance, and he rolled up 92 total yards on 13 touches. He's in the RB2/flex talk now and should have a chance to secure the starting job moving forward.
Detroit Lions D/ST
To this point, the Detroit Lions defense has given up over 30 points in two of their three games this season. However, going on the road against the Chicago Bears and quarterback Brian Hoyer, the Lions are in a good spot to create some turnovers. The Bears are not a good team, and the Lions defense has numerous playmakers. They should score double-digit fantasy points in Week 4.
Sell-High Targets
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There is often a limited window to deal a player. At points, a player is almost unable to be dealt due to a lack of production. However, many of your league mates will remember what they most recently saw and want to get that player on their team.
This is where you can swindle your fellow league mates, acquire solid, consistent value and crush them later.
Here are a few players you should trade as soon as possible if you own them.
Emmanuel Sander, WR, Denver Broncos
I don't want to keep repeating myself, so I'll sum it up quickly. Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian won't throw four touchdown passes again. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will not have a similar stat line this season. Get a more consistent option.
Tavon Austin, WR, Los Angeles Rams
After mustering a mere nine points through their first two games, the Los Angeles Rams came out and scored a 37-burger on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On one play in particular, a Buccaneers safety could not tackle wide receiver Tavon Austin and it resulted in a score. Outside of weird trick plays and rushing attempts, Austin may not find the end zone again this season in the passing game. If you have a league mate who is a believer in Austin, trade him. Now.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
It's the same deal here as Sanders. However, Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has a bit more name appeal. You may be able to deal him for a more high-profile player that will perform on a more consistent basis. See what you can get. I look forward to seeing the comment section with proposed trade offers.
Buy-Low Targets
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Great fantasy assets can't always put up 20 or more points every week. Sometimes things happen. Whether it be injuries or a change in game script, it's just the nature of the beast.
In this slide, there are three players who were duds this week but whose season-long outlook is strong. After their most dismal performance in Week 3, now is the time to strike.
C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos
Due to an amazing performance by Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian, running back C.J. Anderson wasn't asked to do much. Moving forward, Anderson will see a consistent 15-20 carries per game. Week 3 was the exception. Relied on by some as their RB1 this week, they could be angry that he didn't perform and may want to look elsewhere. Go get him.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
After coming off a nearly 200-yard receiving game in Week 2, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs was held to just 40 yards receiving on four receptions in Week 3. Moving forward, Diggs is a solid PPR play. Outside of his huge Week 2 performance, a fellow owner in your league may not value him as highly, especially after his overall dud in Week 3. If you're in a PPR league, target Diggs this week.
Will Fuller, WR, Houston Texans
Having played on Thursday Night Football, it may be easy to forget Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller's lackluster performance. Fuller had gone over 100 yards in the first two games of his NFL career, but he was held to just 31 yards in Week 3 against the New England Patriots. Fortunately, the Texans don't play the Patriots again this season. Playing opposite fellow wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Fuller's production will continue. Convince a fellow owner that you're "taking a risk" and that his hot streak could be coming to a close. Sneaky, right? Don't give up a ton, but Fuller will provide value down the stretch.
Statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus. Ownership percentages courtesy of Yahoo.
Follow me on Twitter @RichardJanvrin.
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