NFL Scores Week 3: Results and Top Fantasy Football Stars for Sunday Games

Many fantasy owners were given nightmare scenarios in Week 2 when several of the league's top-tier players went down early with injury. As a result, the likes of Ryan Mathews, Knowshon Moreno, Robert Griffin III and more didn't suit up in Week 3.

This scenario surely sent a ripple effect through the fantasy realm, allowing unheralded players the chance to step into the limelight and come away with big points. As a result, the solid performances by the likes of Lorenzo Taliaferro, Jordan Matthews, John Brown and others have given us a wild week of fantasy football once more.

In the wake of Sunday's games, we can expect plenty of fantasy owners to hit the waiver wire once again looking for potential replacements for their ailing starters. But before that madness ensues, let's take a look at the final standings from all of Sunday's contests and highlight some fantasy standouts.

Winner	Score	Loser	Notable Fantasy Performer
Ravens	23-21	Browns	Lorenzo Taliaferro (91 rush yds., TD)
Bengals	33-7	Titans	Giovani Bernard (47 rush yds., rec., 7 rec. yds., 2 TD)
Cowboys	34-31	Rams	DeMarco Murray (100 rush yds., 4 rec., 31 rec. yds., TD)
Lions	19-7	Packers	Reggie Bush (61 rush yds., 6 rec., 38 rec. yds., TD)
Giants	30-17	Texans	Rashad Jennings (176 rush yds., TD)
Saints	20-9	Vikings	Drew Brees (27/35, 293 yds., 2 TD)
Patriots	16-9	Raiders	Julian Edelman (10 rec. 84 rec. yds.)
Colts	44-17	Jaguars	Andrew Luck (31/39, 370 yds., 4 TD, 15 rush yds.)
Chargers	22-10	Bills	Fred Jackson (34 rush yds., 8 rec., 78 rec., yds., TD)
Eagles	37-34	Redskins	Jeremy Maclin (8 rec., 154 rec. yds., TD)
Cardinals	23-14	49ers	John Brown (4 rec., 52 rec. yds., 2 TD)
Chiefs	34-15	Dolphins	Knile Davis (132 rush yds., TD)
Seahawks	26-20	Broncos	Russell Wilson (24/34, 258 yds., 2 TD, 1 INT, 40 rush yds.)
Steelers	37-19	Panthers	Antonio Brown (10 rec., 90 rec. yds., 2 TD

Quarterback

Andrew Luck

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

After he began the season with the first back-to-back losses of his NFL career, and set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, we can all agree that a big day was expected from Luck. He delivered in a big way.

From the contest's onset, the quarterback torched the Jaguars secondary. As efficient as ever, he completed 31 of his 39 passing attempts, racking up 370 yards and four touchdowns for his very happy fantasy owners. There were plenty of yards to go around for his teammates, and Luck utilized all of them, hitting nine different targets during the game.

Luck's game statistics equaled that of a former Colts great, via ESPN Stats & Info:

With Ahmad Bradshaw looking good on the ground, the Colts offense is finally balanced. Expect Luck to continue to put up some nice numbers going forward, as defenses won't be able to sit back in coverage quite as often.

Running Back

DeMarco Murray

Scott Kane/Associated Press

Murray's fantasy owners must have been rather nervous throughout the early portions of Sunday's contest against the St. Louis Rams. With the Rams out to an early 21-0 lead, it appeared the game would be put in the hands of quarterback Tony Romo. Apparently, that wouldn't be the case.

The running back was given 24 carries against St. Louis, and he made the most of them, rushing for 100 yards and a score. He was instrumental in the passing game as well, catching four passes for an additional 31 yards.

Dan Hanzus of Around the NFL tweeted the question on everyone's mind:

With three straight 100-yard performances on which he's carried at least 22 times, Murray is looking to be one of fantasy football's most valuable running backs so far. Expect Dallas to continue utilizing his services, making him a must-start each and every week.

Wide Receiver

Jeremy Maclin

Michael Perez/Associated Press

A shootout was expected between quarterbacks Nick Foles and Kirk Cousins on Sunday, and while several wide receivers stood out in the contest, Maclin was simply unstoppable.

The veteran was targeted 10 times, hauling in eight receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. That's the epitome of efficiency. He had plenty of doubters heading into the regular season due to his shaky injury history; however, he's looked every bit the part of a reliable No. 1 receiver through three games this season.

Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com was certainly impressed with Maclin's performance:

The Eagles' high-octane offense will keep firing away through the air, and Maclin can be expected to be the team's biggest beneficiary throughout the season. He's already a high-end WR1 and his performance Sunday only solidified that status.

Tight End

Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

Due to Luck's prowess Sunday, many of his receivers had big days. His two tight ends were among them. With near-identical performances, Fleener caught four passes for 49 yards and a score, while Allen racked up four receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown of his own.

Fleener was targeted a team-high seven times, and Allen's six targets were good enough to tie him for second on the squad with T.Y. Hilton. It's difficult to predict which of these tight ends will produce on any given week, as they tend to cancel each other out. Although, Allen may be considered a better option going forward considering a mishap by Fleener on Sunday, via Around the NFL:

Defense/Special Teams

Cincinnati Bengals

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Don't look now, but the Bengals may be the most dangerous team in the NFL. Through three weeks, this defense hasn't given up more than 16 points, and its ball-hawking secondary has erupted.

On Sunday, the Bengals held the Tennessee Titans to just seven points—a garbage-time touchdown run by Shonn Greene—and picked off quarterback Jake Locker twice. A solid secondary, great run defense and elite pass rush give the Bengals one of the most valuable fantasy football defenses through three weeks.

Kicker

Adam Vinatieri

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Luck, Fleener and Allen weren't the only Colts to rack up fantasy numbers Sunday against the Jaguars. Indianapolis marched down the field over and over in Jacksonville, giving Vinatieri plenty of opportunities to score points.

The veteran kicker connected on all three of his field goals, with his long kick being a 48-yarder, and added five extra points to pad his numbers. Fantasy owners would be thrilled by that kind of performance from a kicker on any given week.