B/R Fantasy Football's Cheat Sheet to Winning NFL Week 3
Week 2 of the 2024 season was one of the weirder ones in recent memory.
There were surprises galore. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs were all but invisible against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals and Malik Nabers of the New York Giants both had big second games. Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints dropped a piano on a supposedly stout Dallas defense.
That zany Week 1 had a massive impact on the fantasy landscape. Some managers who benefitted from big games are sitting pretty now at 2-0. Others dealing with disappointments are 0-2 and trying to keep the season from coming off the rails. Plenty more are 1-1 and trying make sense of the first two weeks of the 2024 fantasy campaign.
The best thing we can do is to take what we've learned and seen over these past two weeks and apply it moving forward. Keep the good times rolling. Put an end to the bad ones.
That's the plan here—with a game-by-game look at this week's matchups. The favorable plays. The unfavorable ones. The sleepers. And the stats that could define Week 3.
We're on to MetLife Stadium.
New England Patriots at New York Jets
1 of 16
Both the Patriots and Jets have some significant injuries on defense, whether it's edge-rusher Jermaine Johnson in New York or linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley in New England.
However, on the offensive side of the ball, both teams are in relatively good shape heading into Thursday night's AFC East showdown.
Start of the Week
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: There isn't a ton to like here fantasy-wise in what should be a relatively low-scoring affair. But Stevenson has been a big part of New England's offense through two games, averaging 23 carries and over 100 rushing yards per game.
Sit of the Week
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Rodgers notched his first win as a Jet a week ago, but at times this season he has looked very much like a 40-year-old quarterback who missed almost the entire 2023 season. Rodgers is averaging less than 175 passing yards and just 1.5 touchdown passes so far this season.
Sleeper
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Henry had a big game last week against the Seattle Seahawks, drawing 12 targets, catching eight passes and topping 100 receiving yards. The ninth-year veteran is essentially New England's most reliable pass-catcher—again.
Stat to Know
122.5—the number of passing yards per game the Patriots are averaging this year, which ranks 29th in the league after two games. The Pats may be more competitive this season than last, but the New England offense is once again among the most anemic in the game. Stevenson is the only reliable weekly starter on New England's roster, and it could be difficult for him to maintain success if he's constantly facing eight-man fronts.
New York Giants at Cleveland Browns
2 of 16
The New York Giants will head to Cleveland in Week 3 with a new kicker—Graham Gano landed on injured reserve after injuring his hamstring in last week's loss to the Washington Commanders.
The Browns, meanwhile, were short tight end David Njoku in last week's win over the Jaguars, and he will miss Week 3 as well after not practicing all week.
Start of the Week
Cleveland Browns Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: The Browns put the clamps on the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, giving up just 13 points. Cleveland's defense has high-end talent at all three levels, and the Giants are once again a hot mess offensively.
Sit of the Week
Devin Singletary, RB, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Singletary was solid last week against Washington, rushing for 95 yards and finding the end zone. That was against arguably the worst defense in the league. The Browns possess arguably the best. He's a so-so "flex" option in Week 3 at best.
Sleeper
Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: Robinson caught just two passes last week, but he found the end zone and is quietly averaging double-digit PPR points over the first two weeks of the season. If the Giants are going to move the ball on Cleveland, it will likely have to be through the air.
Stat to Know
18. That's the number of targets rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers received last week against Washington, catching 10 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Nabers faces last year's No. 1 pass defense from a year ago this week, but the Browns are banged up on the back end—cornerback Denzel Ward is nursing a shoulder injury.
Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans
3 of 16
The Packers used a run-heavy game plan last week to down the Indianapolis Colts with Malik Willis at quarterback, and the team may well be forced to use a similar strategy in Week 3. There has been optimism that Jordan Love might return this week, and he's a game-time decision.
The Titans are a little banged up headed into this matchup as well—running Tyjae Spears appears to have avoided a major injury, but after spraining his ankle last week against the Jets, Spears is questionable for Week 3. He did get a full practice in Friday, however.
Start of the Week
Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Jacobs essentially was the Green Bay offense a week ago, carrying the ball 32 times and topping 150 yards on the ground. The Titans are 10th in the league in run defense after two weeks, but this is an occasion where volume trumps matchup.
Sit of the Week
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Doubs led all Green Bay pass-catchers in receiving yards last week, but he was targeted just three times. Doubs will likely see a lot of Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed Sunday, and the Green Bay passing game managed just 122 yards with Willis under center in Week 2.
Sleeper
Green Bay Packers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]: Green Bay's defense hasn't been great two weeks into the season, but Titans quarterback Will Levis has been a comedic turnover machine this season, and no team has given up more fantasy points to defenses than Tennessee.
Stat to Know
Two—the number of catches that Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has through two weeks, for 17 receiving yards. Hopkins hauled in 75 passes, scored seven touchdowns and topped 1,000 receiving yards last year, but the 32-year-old was banged up entering the 2024 season and has been a complete non-factor in Tennessee's struggling passing attack.
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Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts
4 of 16
Key Injuries
Both the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts are dealing with injuries at wide receiver. Josh Downs of the Colts has yet to play this season due to a high ankle sprain, while Chicago's Keenan Allen missed Week 2 with a heel injury.
Pierce is off the injury report, although Michael Pittman Jr. is now questionable with back and calf issues. He's expected to play, but Allen has been ruled out.
Start of the Week
D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Swift hasn't gotten going over his first two games with the Bears. But if ever there was a week for Swift to break out, this is it—the Colts have surrendered a whopping 237 yards per game on the ground this season.
Sit of the Week
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Williams remains an immensely talented young quarterback with a bright future—slow start or no. But until the Bears passing attack shows some signs of life, Williams either belongs on fantasy benches or your league's waiver wire.
Sleeper
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: If Downs returns in Week 3, that could muddy the waters here somewhat. But over the first two games of the 2024 campaign, Pierce has been Anthony Richardson's favorite target, logging eight catches for 181 yards and scoring a touchdown in both games.
Stat to Know
Sixth—that's where Anthony Richardson ranks among quarterbacks after two games. Richardson's three interceptions last week certainly weren't ideal, but the second-year pro has averaged just over 200 passing yards a game and nine yards per carry. If there's a surprise with Richardson so far, it's that he's not running as much as many expected—five attempts on the ground per game.
Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings
5 of 16
Key Injuries
There are significant fantasy-relevant injuries for both teams in this battle of 2-0 clubs. The visiting Texans could be down their top two running backs—Joe Mixon suffered a sprained ankle last week against the Bears, while Dameon Pierce missed Week 2 with a hamstring strain. Pierce has already been ruled out, and Mixon is doubtful.
For the Vikings, the issues are in the passing game—star wideout Justin Jefferson spent time on the injury report this week with a quad contusion, while Jordan Addison sat out last week's upset of the San Francisco 49ers with an ankle injury and will miss Week 3 as well.
Start of the Week
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: The Vikings have been vastly better against the pass this year than last, but if Mixon and Pierce miss Week 3, Houston will have to lean more on Stroud and the passing game, which could mean a fat stat line for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Sit of the Week
Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Jones came back to earth a bit last week after a big Vikings debut against the New York Giants. The sledding won't be easy against the Texans—Houston is giving up just 87.5 rushing yards per game and the third-fewest PPR points to running backs.
Sleeper
Jalen Nailor, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: With both Jefferson and Addison banged up, Nailor could be a bigger part of the Minnesota passing game in Week 3. The third-year pro has only 75 receiving yards through two games, but Nailor has quietly found the end zone in back-to-back contests.
Stat to Know
252. That's how many receiving yards Nico Collins has two weeks into the season—most in the NFL. Collins has caught at least six passes and logged at least 117 receiving yards in both games this year, he's averaging a robust 18 yards a catch, and no wide receiver in the AFC has more PPR fantasy points.
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints
6 of 16
Key Injuries
As the Philadelphia Eagles try to wash off the stink of last week's collapse against the Atlanta Falcons, they will likely be without their No. 1 receiver. A.J. Brown missed Week 2 after pulling his hamstring in practice, and he's been ruled out of Sunday's game.
The Saints could be short-handed as well—tight end Taysom Hill landed in the hospital last week after suffering a chest injury, and while the injury isn't believed to be serious, Hill's status for this week is cloudy at best.
Start of the Week
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Just as exactly no one expected, only Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has more fantasy points among quarterbacks than Carr after two weeks. The Eagles remade their secondary in the offseason, but last week at least it didn't look much better than last season's sieve.
Sit of the Week
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Even with Brown on the shelf last week, Goedert managed just four targets, three receptions and 38 yards against the Falcons. At this point, Goedert is a marginal TE1—and it doesn't appear that will change any time soon.
Sleeper
Britain Covey, WR, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,200]: With A.J. Brown out last week, Covey was second on the Eagles behind DeVonta Smith in both targets and receptions. The third-year pro didn't log a lot of yardage, but with Brown likely out again in Week 3, Covey has some sneaky value in PPR scoring systems.
Stat to Know
91—that's how many points the Saints have scored in blowout wins over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys to open the season. What's even more surprising about that early success is that star wideout Chris Olave has been relatively quiet, with just six catches for 92 yards over the first two games combined. Klint Kubiak's offense is firing on all cylinders—and then some.
Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
7 of 16
Key Injuries
There are quarterback issues for both teams in this matchup.
For the visiting Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert suffered an ankle injury last week. Herbert himself said the injury is a high-ankle-sprain, and he's legitimately questionable for Sunday's game. So is wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who has elbow and calf issues.
The Steelers have won their first two games with Justin Fields under center, but there's some question as to whether he'll get a third start. Russell Wilson was limited in practice all week, and there's a chance he makes his 2024 debut Sunday. It's more likely that Fields gets one more chance to show he should be QB1 in the Steel City.
Next week could be very interesting in Western Pennsylvania.
Start of the Week
JK Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: The Steelers admittedly aren't an easy team to run on. But Dobbins looks as good as he ever has, leading the NFL in rushing through two weeks while averaging almost 10 yards per carry. Sometimes, you just gotta ride the hot hand.
Sit of the Week
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: The Steelers are winning games, but two weeks into the season Pittsburgh is dead last in the AFC in passing. That doesn't bode well for Pickens' odds of a big Week 3 against a Chargers team allowing the second-fewest PPR points to wide receivers.
Sleeper
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Last week, we finally saw a glimpse of why the Chargers made Johnston a first-round pick in 2023. He's not especially likely to find the end zone twice again against the Steelers, but last week at last Johnston appeared to have Justin Herbert's confidence.
Stat to Know
260.5. That's how many total yards of offense the Steelers have averaged through two games—dead last in the AFC. Pittsburgh is 2-0 because of defense and the run game, but the Steelers' offensive struggles will catch to them eventually—never mind the cap it puts on the fantasy ceiling of every Pittsburgh player not named Najee Harris.
Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8 of 16
Key Injuries
The visiting Broncos have struggled offensively to open the season, but health-wise at least the team is in good shape—there are no fantasy-relevant injuries of note.
The same can't be said for the 2-0 Buccaneers—starting running back Rachaad White suffered a groin injury last week against the Lions. However, White returned to the game, and while he may miss some practice time this week, White is off the injury report and expected to play against the Broncos.
Start of the Week
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Williams has struggled mightily to open the season, barely averaging two yards a carry over the first two games. But he's a good bet to get untracked Sunday in Tampa—the Buccaneers have given up the second-most PPR points to running backs in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,200]: Evans is an awfully difficult player to sit, but it's worth pointing out that no team has given up fewer PPR points to wide receivers, and Evans will probably see a lot of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II in coverage on Sunday.
Sleeper
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: Tampa's defense has been good but not great this season. But the Denver offense would love to just be good—two games in the Broncos are 29th in the league in total offense and have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to defenses this season.
Stat to Know
51.0—the passer rating of Broncos quarterback Bo Nix through his first two games. Nix is completing less than 60 percent of his passes, averaging less than 200 passing yards per game and has yet to throw a touchdown pass in 2024. He has, however, been picked off four times. It hasn't been pretty.
Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders
9 of 16
Key Injuries
The Panthers head to Sin City with a new starter at quarterback In Andy Dalton. However, on the injury front things are quiet for Carolina's floundering offense—there are no injuries of note to report.
The same holds true for the Raiders fresh off their surprising victory over the Baltimore Ravens. When Vegas hosts the Panthers on Sunday, it will be at full strength offensively.
Start of the Week
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Bowers has been as advertised for the Raiders—he's second in PPR points among tight ends after two games. The Panthers have also been kind to opposing tight ends, surrendering the third-most PPR points to the position.
Sit of the Week
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: The Raiders have admittedly struggled against the run this year, ranking 29th in the league through two weeks. But that run defense was better last week against the Ravens, while the Panthers have had exactly zero success moving the ball on the ground.
Sleeper
Andy Dalton, QB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: Starting Dalton in fantasy leagues requires a level of bravado that borders on insanity. But the Panthers aren't without talent in the passing game, and Carolina will probably be playing catch-up Sunday. Who's up for some garbage-time numbers?
Stat to Know
6.5. That's the number of points the Panthers averaged over the first two weeks of the 2024 season—last in the NFL. The Panthers also averaged a league-low 176 yards of offense per contest. Benching Bryce Young two weeks into his second season is a disaster for the Panthers. But the team effectively had no choice.
Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks
10 of 16
Key Injuries
The Dolphins are reeling as they prepare to take on the Seahawks. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is on injured reserve after another scary-looking concussion last week. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert missed Week 2 with a chest injury and is doubtful. Fellow running back Jeff Wilson Jr. hurt his oblique last week, but he's off the injury report and good to go.
The Seahawks aren't without issues of their own—running back Kenneth Walker III sat out Week 2 with an oblique injury, and while he got in a limited practice Friday he's officially doubtful to face the Falcons.
Start of the Week
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Charbonnet has only 50 rushing yards on 22 carries, but he has found the end zone in both games this year and faces a Dolphins defense in Week 3 that just gave up a massive stat line to Buffalo Bills running back James Cook.
Sit of the Week
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,400]: Hill is almost impossible to sit in season-long formats. But for the foreseeable future he'll be diving at wormburners from Skylar Thompson, and this week the Dolphins face a Seattle team that ranks 28th in PPR points surrendered to wide receivers this season.
Sleeper
Seattle Seahawks Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Seahawks have their issues defensively, and the Dolphins still have an offense loaded with skill-position talent. But with Thompson under center for the Dolphins, the Miami offense has major problems. Take advantage of those problems if you're the type who streams defenses.
Stat to Know
120.5—the number of passing yards per game that Thompson has averaged in two regular-season starts over his career. So long as he's under center, the fantasy value of players like Hill and Jaylen Waddle is decimated, and even running back De'Von Achane takes a hit—teams will no doubt sell out to stop the run and make Thompson beat them throwing the ball.
Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys
11 of 16
Key Injuries
The Ravens are arguably the most desperate team in the NFL entering Week 3—at 0-2 Baltimore's Super Bowl aspirations are in serious trouble before we have even hit October. But the Ravens are at least relatively healthy—no Raven that matters to fantasy managers is banged up.
The Cowboys are licking their wounds as well after being shelled at home by the New Orleans Saints. But the team should have its starting tight end back in Week 3—Jake Ferguson is tentatively expected to return after missing Week 2 with a knee injury.
Start of the Week
Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Part of Baltimore's issues the past two weeks has been related to an inability to get Henry going. But his first big game in a Baltimore uniform could be looming—no team has given up more fantasy points to running backs through two weeks than the Cowboys.
Sit of the Week
Dallas Cowboys Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: Dallas was dominant defensively in Week 1 against the Browns, but it all fell apart last week against the Saints—44 points and well over 400 yards allowed. Now Dallas has to face the reigning MVP and one of the NFL's most dangerous offenses. Both defenses are risky plays at best this week.
Sleeper
Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: Tolbert was quietly solid a week ago, leading the Cowboys in targets and setting career highs in catches (six) and yards (82). This week Tolbert and the Cowboys face a Ravens defense that has struggled a bit against the pass this season.
Stat to Know
85. That's the number of rushing yards per game that the Cowboys are averaging—good for 25th in the NFL. It was no secret that the Ezekiel Elliott/Rico Dowdle backfield was a question mark for the Cowboys in 2024. That question appears to have been answered—and it means increased pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb to carry the Dallas offense.
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
12 of 16
Key Injuries
There is no shortage of fantasy-relevant players dinged up in this game. Christian McCaffrey's calf injury landed the star running back on injured reserve—he's out until Week 6 at least. The team will also be without wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who suffered a calf injury last week against Minnesota. And tight end George Kittle, who was ruled out Saturday with a hamstring issue.
The Rams have no shortage of injury issues of their own—the team's top two wideouts (Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp) are both out indefinitely with knee and ankle injuries. Add in a decimated offensive line, and the Rams are in a ton of trouble.
Start of the Week
George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Kittle found the end zone for the first time this season last week, and with Samuel out, he could see a bump in target share against a Rams defense that has given up the fourth-most PPR points to tight ends.
Sit of the Week
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: The 49ers have actually allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year. But between a lack of receiving options and no blocking in front of him, Stafford just can't be trusted as a fantasy starter right now.
Sleeper
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: With Samuel likely out at least a couple of weeks, Jennings steps into the No. 2 role at wide receiver for the 49ers. Jennings has already hit double-digits in PPR points once this season, and he could easily do so again in a favorable fantasy matchup with the Rams.
Stat to Know
7—the combined number of times that Stafford has been sacked in losses to the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals this year. The blocking hasn't helped running back Kyren Williams this year either—he's averaging just 2.5 yards per carry. The Rams are rapidly becoming a fantasy wasteland, and it's hard to see the path to a turnaround coming any time soon.
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
13 of 16
Key Injuries
The Detroit Lions got quite a scare last week when star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown hobbled off the field. But Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that St. Brown's leg injury isn't believed to be serious, and he should be out there Sunday in Arizona.
The Arizona Cardinals are riding high after blowing out the Los Angeles Rams last week. When the team tries to make it two wins in a row over 2023 playoff teams Sunday, it will be at relatively full strength—the only injured Cardinal is wide receiver Greg Dortch, who is questionable with a hamstring pull.
Start of the Week
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,400]: After just one catch in Week 1 against the Bills, Harrison erupted for two touchdowns and 130 receiving yards in the first half last week. Only one team has allowed more PPR points to wide receivers this year than the Lions.
Sit of the Week
David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: The Cardinals have been solid against the run this season, giving up the ninth-fewest PPR points to running backs. The Lions will be able to move the ball in Week 3—but the best path to doing so will be through the air.
Sleeper
Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Dortch had a big Week 1 but a quiet Week 2 after the Redbirds raced to a massive early lead. This week's tilt with the Lions has the potential to be a shootout—one where the starting wideouts for both teams post solid fantasy stat lines.
Stat to Know
158.3. That's the passer rating that Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray posted last week against the Rams. It also happens to be as high of a passer rating as a quarterback can have in a football game. Murray shredded the Rams through the air and on the ground last week in his most impressive performance since before his ACL tear in 2022.
Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons
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Key Injuries
Fresh off a massive win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Falcons have a chance to make another statement Sunday at home against the two-time Super Bowl champions. They will do so at full strength offensively—Atlanta's injury report is blank on that side of the ball.
The Chiefs, sadly, cannot say the same. After fracturing his fibula last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, starting running back Isiah Pacheco will miss 6-8 weeks. Wide receiver Marquise Brown may not catch his first pass as a Chief until 2025—after shoulder surgery he's not expected to play in the regular season.
Start of the Week
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Mahomes' numbers this season have been modest by his standards. But he has a good chance at bouncing back Sunday night against a Falcons defense that has given up the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: It was London who caught the game-winner last week against the Eagles, but the sledding will be tougher against the Chiefs, Trent McDuffie is an excellent young cornerback, and Kansas City has allowed the 10th-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this year.
Sleeper
Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: If the Chiefs concentrate their defensive attention on London this week, that should mean single coverage most of the game for Mooney in a contest where the Falcons are going to have to throw the ball to have a chance to log a victory.
Stat to Know
39—the number of receiving yards that Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has through two games this season after catching one ball for five yards last week against the Bengals. Maybe it's just a slow start. But it could be that Father Time is finally catching up to the 35-year-old. Regardless, there are more than a few Kelce managers looking ahead to Week 3 with substantial trepidation.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills
15 of 16
Key Injuries
The Jaguars have some injury issues ahead of Monday's trip to Western New York. After missing Week 2 with a hamstring injury, veteran tight end Evan Engram is questionable for Week 3 after missing practice all week. So is reserve running back Tank Bigsby, who hurt his shoulder last week against the Cleveland Browns.
The Bills are all kinds of beat up defensively, but to date the injuries haven't extended to the offensive side of the ball. Buffalo is good to go on that side of the ball as it attempts to remain undefeated.
Start of the Week
James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: The Jaguars are just an average fantasy matchup for running backs, but if last week's throttling of the Miami Dolphins was any indication, the Bills are content to run the offense through the ground game right now.
Sit of the Week
Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: It's not bad enough that the Bills have given up the third-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this season. Kirk has been all but invisible in the Jacksonville offense, including one catch for minus-one yard last week against Cleveland.
Sleeper
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: Coleman was targeted just once against the Dolphins, but he was a significant part of the Buffalo offense in the season opener and draws a Jaguars team in Week 3 that has given up the eighth-most PPR points to wideouts through two weeks.
Stat to Know
139. That's how many passing yards (with one touchdown) that Bills quarterback Josh Allen passed for last week against the Dolphins. Yes, the game script in that contest was—weird. But two weeks into the season, Allen has yet to pass for even 250 yards in a game. Passing numbers are down across the league in the early going this season, and even the first quarterback drafted in most leagues has not been immune.
Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals
16 of 16
Key Injuries
The final game of Week 2 is relatively short of injuries to fantasy-relevant players. There's just two of import—Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has yet to play this season as the result of a hamstring injury, but there's a chance both he and Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (calf) play after limited practices Friday
The Monday night kickoff doesn't help matters for fantasy managers.
Start of the Week
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: After a sketchy Week 1 against the New England Patriots, Burrow's numbers were better a week ago. That improvement should continue this week against a Washington defense that doesn't appear to be any better than last season's league-worst unit.
Sit of the Week
Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: McLaurin is off to a slow start to the season, as is the entire Washington passing attack. That's not going to change against a Bengals defense that just limited Patrick Mahomes to the fewest passing yards he has ever had in a full game.
Sleeper
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Iosivas only caught two passes for seven yards against the Chiefs last week, but both of those grabs went for scores. If Higgins sits again, Iosivas could have the best game of his career against a Commanders secondary that is just flat-out bad.
Stat to Know
133—the number of rushing yards that Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. had on 17 carries in last week's win over the New York Giants. Robinson has averaged almost 15 carries per game and is picking up a cool six yards per carry on the ground. If he can keep that up moving forward, Robinson could be one of this year's fantasy breakouts in the backfield.
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Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
