Tag: Fantasy Football Week 3

Gameday inactives, injuries and weather: Week 3

Week 3’s weather, injury updates and gameday inactives.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 3 gameday inactives, weather and notes

TODAY’S KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: WR DeAndre Hopkins (active), TE Evan Engram (active), WR Kenny Golladay (active), QB Lamar Jackson (active), WR Marquise Brown (active), WR Tee Higgins (inactive), QB Carson Wentz (active)
Afternoon games: RB Josh Jacobs, RB Darrell Henderson, RB Dalvin Cook
Sunday night: RB Elijah Mitchell
Monday night: none

Washington Football Team at Buffalo Bills (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 64 degrees, partly cloudy

Football Team

Inactives: TE Sammis Reyes, DE Shaka Toney, CB Darryl Roberts, DT Matt Ioannidis and OT Saahdiq Charles

Lineup notes: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (hip) went on IR and will miss at least eight weeks. WR Curtis Samuel (groin) is on IR, too, and will miss a couple more weeks. RB Antonio Gibson (shoulder) managed a full practice Thursday and Friday and is off the report.

Bills

Inactives: RB Matt Breida, OT Tommy Doyle, LB Efe Obada, DE Carlos Basham Jr. and DT Harrison Phillips

Lineup notes: WR Gabriel Davis (ankle) practiced fully Friday and is good to go.

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 69 degrees, partly cloudy

Bears

Inactives: QB Andy Dalton, S Tashaun Gipson, CB Artie Burns, TE Jesper Horsted, WR Breshad Perriman and DL Eddie Goldman

Lineup notes: QB Andy Dalton (knee) is out. WR Marquise Goodwin (ankle) overcame a questionable designation.

Browns

Inactives: S Richard LeCounte III, LB Sione Takitaki, OL Michael Dunn, DT Tommy Togiai, OG Chris Hubbard and DE Ifeadi Odenigbo

Lineup notes: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) came off the injury report and will make his season debut. WR Jarvis Landry (knee) went on IR and will miss at least three weeks. WR Anthony Schwartz (knee) and QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) practiced Friday and are good to go.

Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Ravens

Inactives: OT Ronnie Stanley, DL Derek Wolfe and S Ar’Darius Washington

Lineup notes: OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) is out for Week 3. WR Marquise Brown (ankle) was limited all week but will play. QB Lamar Jackson (illness) was able to practice fully Friday and is starting, despite a questionable tag.

Lions

Inactives: LB Jamie Collins, RB Jermar Jefferson, WR Tom Kennedy and LB Trey Flowers

Lineup notes: WR Tyrell Williams (concussion) landed on IR and will miss at least a couple more weeks. RB D’Andre Swift (groin) was limited again this week and also is active again. WR Kalif Raymond (thigh) is questionable after he was limited all week. Just like last week, he is again active.

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 71 degrees, clear

Colts

Inactives: RB Marlon Mack, WR Mike Strachan, CB BoPete Keyes, DT Taylor Stallworth, OG Braden Smith, OG Will Fries and DL Isaac Rochell

Lineup notes: QB Carson Wentz (ankles) will play with a pair of sprained ankles. QB Brett Hundley was activated from the practice squad and is expected to start if Wentz cannot. WR Zach Pascal (illness) practiced Friday and is good to go. Starting RT Braden Smith will not play. RB Jordan Wilkins, and not RB Marlon Mack, will serve as RB Jonathan Taylor’s primary backup.

Titans

Inactives: TE Anthony Firkser, WR Josh Reynolds, DT Naquan Jones, LB Derick Roberson, FB Khari Blasingame, CB Caleb Farley and OT Dillon Radunz

Lineup notes: WR A.J. Brown (knee) practiced fully Friday and will play. TE Anthony Firkser (knee) is again inactive.

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 78 degrees, clear

Chargers

Inactives: LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, QB Easton Stick, RB Joshua Kelley, DT Justin Jones, OT Brenden Jaimes, TE Tre’ McKitty and CB Chris Harris Jr.

Lineup notes: RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) practiced fully all week and is fit to play. LB Joey Bosa (foot, ankle) was idle all week and is questionable but active.

Chiefs

Inactives: OT Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, DE Frank Clark, C Austin Blythe, WR Daurice Fountain and CB Charvarius Ward

Lineup notes: No noteworthy injuries for fantasy

New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 73 degrees, clear

Saints

Inactives: QB Ian Book, DL Albert Huggins, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, CB Desmond Trufant and C Erik McCoy

Lineup notes: WR Michael Thomas (ankle) remains on the PUP and can return in Week 7. WR Kenny Stills has been activated from the practice squad. Starting C Erik McCoy remains out.

Patriots

Inactives: RB Rhamondre Stevenson, LB Ronnie Perkins, CB Shaun Wade, TE Devin Asiasi, OT Trent Brown and LB Josh Uche

Lineup notes: RB Damien Harris (finger) was a full participant Friday and will play.

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 70 degrees, clear

Falcons

Inactives: CB A.J. Terrell, WR Russell Gage Jr., DL John Cominsky, RB Wayne Gallman, WR Frank Darby and TE Parker Hesse

Lineup notes: WR Russell Gage (ankle) is expected to miss multiple weeks because of an ankle injury.

Giants

Inactives: CB Sam Beal, CB Josh Jackson, FS Nate Ebner, LB Justin Hilliard and RB Devontae Booker

Lineup notes: WR Kenny Golladay (hip) and TE Evan Engram (calf) were limited all week and drew the questionable tag, but both are active. RB Saquon Barkley (knee) practiced fully Friday and is off the injury report.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 64 degrees, clear

Bengals

Inactives: CB Nick McCloud, CB Trae Waynes, OG Fred Johnson, DT Tyler Shelvin, WR Tee Higgins and OG Xavier Su’a-Filo

Lineup notes: WR Tee Higgins (shoulder) was declared doubtful and is inactive.

Steelers

Inactives: CB Ahkello Witherspoon, LB Alex Highsmith, LB T.J. Watt, WR Diontae Johnson, QB Dwayne Haskins and OG Rashaad Coward

Lineup notes: WR Diontae Johnson (knee) has been ruled out. QB Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral) was limited Thursday but practiced Friday and is off the report. LB T.J. Watt (groin) has been downgraded to out. LB Devin Bush (groin) and CB Joe Haden (groin) will return.

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 78 degrees, clear

Cardinals

Inactives: WR Andy Isabella, CB Luq Barcoo, CB Tay Gowan, DE Victor Dimukeje, RB Eno Benjamin, QB Chris Streveler and OT Kelvin Beachum

Lineup notes: WR DeAndre Hopkins (ribs) was out of practice all week but will play through a questionable tag.

Jaguars

Inactives: DE Jordan Smith, CB Tre Herndon, DL Roy Robertson-Harris, CB CJ Henderson and DT Jay Tufele

Lineup notes: WR Laviska Shenault (shoulder) practiced fully all week and is good to go. Two of the top three CBs are inactive for Jacksonville.

New York Jets at Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 88 degrees, clear

Jets

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Jamison Crowder (groin) was out of practice all week and is doubtful to play. OT Mekhi Becton (knee) was placed on IR and will miss several weeks after knee surgery. RB Tevin Coleman (illness) is out. QB Zach Wilson (groin) practiced fully all week and is good to play.

Broncos

Inactives:

Lineup notes: TE Noah Fant (knee) practiced fully all week and is off the report. WR Jerry Jeudy (ankle) went on IR and is expected to miss several weeks.

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders (4:05 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Dolphins

Inactives:

Lineup notes: QB Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) is out for Week 3 after being placed on IR. WR Will Fuller (personal) is expected to debut this week. WR Preston Williams (foot) and WR DeVante Parker (shoulder) were full participants Friday and will play.

Raiders

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) was out of practice all week and is doubtful.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 68 degrees, clear (open-air dome)

Buccaneers

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Antonio Brown (illness) landed on the Reserve/COVID list this week. He did not travel with the team and has been ruled out.

Rams

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Darrell Henderson (ribs) sat all week and drew the questionable tag.

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (4:25 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 75 degrees, partly cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Seahawks

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Rashaad Penny (calf) has been ruled out again. WR DK Metcalf (knee) popped up Wednesday as a full participant. It’s unlikely to be something that will affect him this week, but it’s worth monitoring.

Vikings

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) didn’t practice all week, but they intend to play him. He’s questionable.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 69 degrees, clear

Packers

Inactives:

Lineup notes: LT David Bakhtiari (knee) remains on the PUP list, while OG/OT Elgton Jenkins (ankle) has been ruled out.

49ers

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Raheem Mostert (knee) was lost for the season and placed on IR. RB Elijah Mitchell (shoulder) was limited Friday but is doubtful. RB JaMycal Hasty (ankle) also has been put on IR. RB Trey Sermon (concussion) finished a full practice in Friday and is good to go. He may see all the looks he can get this week with the injury-depleted backfield. RB Kerryon Johnson was added to the active roster.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (8:15 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 84 degrees, mostly cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Eagles

Lineup notes: RB Miles Sanders (ankle) was a full participant Friday and Saturday. He will play in Week 3. LT Jordan Mailata (knee) has been ruled out. TE Zach Ertz was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Cowboys

Lineup notes: WR Michael Gallup (calf) went on IR and will miss a few weeks with a calf strain. WR Amari Cooper (ribs) fully practiced Friday and Saturday, evading an injury designation.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 3

How high will this Eagle fly in Week 3 fantasy lineups?

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start or bench. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as the fantasy football gamble of the week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 3

Tracking my predictions: 0-2-0
Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected or leaves with an injury

Not off to a great start, but that’s why this is about gambles and not locks … The Week 2 selection was Jared Cook, and while it amounted to a loss, my train of thought was on the right track.

The Chargers threw him a short touchdown pass that was called back for an illegal shift, but even with the would-be score, my projection remained outside of the “win” range. If the TD stood, his final line of 3-30-1 (12 PPR) still was short of the 16.4 points I projected. Instead, the final number was way off the mark by 10.6 PPR points.

One thing I hadn’t accounted for was the possibility Dallas would move linebacker Micah Parsons to defensive end to cover an injury. I was banking on the rookie’s experience getting used against him by the veteran Cook.

Shake off the second straight loss and on to Week 3 we go. …

WR Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

Let’s pick on the Cowboys again! In Week 1, Reagor landed all six of his targets for 49 yards and a score at the Atlanta Falcons. The next game brought the San Francisco 49ers to town, and the 2020 first-rounder was a total flop for fantasy purposes. He caught only two of his five looks, registering a whopping five yards of offense.

It wasn’t all bad, though, because Reagor would have scored a 36-yard touchdown if he had not barely stepped out prior to the catch to nullify the play. Even with one fewer target than in the previous contest, quarterback Jalen Hurts is clearly looking for the maturing receiver, and there’s a blossoming connection unfolding before our eyes.

[lawrence-related id=460587]

From the other side of the matchup, the Cowboys have surrendered the second-most yards to the position through two games of action. The three touchdowns allowed have come on 32 receptions, or one every 10.67 snags. That’s a neutral rate at 13th, but it leans toward the positive.

A definitively strong metric working in Reagor’s favor: 16 catches per game granted by this divisional foe. Only five teams have permitted more to the position. This opponent is ninth for average yards per reception, and just 10 teams have allowed more PPR points per catch.

Dallas lost pass-rushing team leader DeMarcus Lawrence in Week 1, and the defense is in only its third game of learning Dan Quinn’s system. There shouldn’t be a ton of pressure on Hurts, and even when he feels the rush, his athleticism allows for he and Reagor to go into scramble-drill mode. Downfield wideouts are exceptionally dangerous in this situation.

While the Eagles have played well on defense, Dallas’ offense is capable of posting points with the best of them, so there’s a slightly stronger than remote chance for a high-scoring contest. The Over/Under is 52.5 for this Monday Night Football tilt, and it’s tough to see either team scoring something like 38-14 or worse of a blowout, which suggests Philly is likely to score two or three times, at a minimum, if this game reaches the over (probably doesn’t). If that is indeed how it plays out, Reagor is bound to be a large part of the offense. If not, he’s still a factor and can’t score from anywhere on the field.

My projection: 7 targets, 5 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD (19.8 PPR)

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 3

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 3 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Kyler Murray @JAC DeAndre Hopkins @JAC
Russell Wilson @MIN Stefon Diggs WAS
M. Stafford TB Cooper Kupp TB
GREAT STARTS Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Jalen Hurts @DAL Marquise Brown @DET
Josh Allen WAS Tyler Lockett @MIN
Patrick Mahomes LAC Adam Thielen SEA
Lamar Jackson @DET Robert Woods TB
SOLID STARTERS Opp DK Metcalf @MIN
Aaron Rodgers @SF A.J. Brown IND
Trevor Lawrence ARI SOLID STARTERS Opp
Derek Carr MIA J. Jefferson SEA
Ryan Tannehill IND CeeDee Lamb PHI
Justin Herbert @KC S. Shepard ATL
Tom Brady @LAR Jalen Reagor @DAL
Daniel Jones ATL Mike Williams @KC
Dak Prescott PHI Kenny Golladay ATL
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp K.J. Osborn SEA
T. Bridgewater NYJ DeVonta Smith @DAL
Joe Burrow @PIT Marvin Jones ARI
Jimmy Garoppolo GB Brandin Cooks CAR
Kirk Cousins SEA D.J. Moore @HOU
Sam Darnold @HOU C. Sutton NYJ
Matt Ryan @NYG Julio Jones IND
B. Roethlisberger CIN Davante Adams @SF
Justin Fields @CLE A. Robinson II @CLE
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Calvin Ridley @NYG
Mac Jones NO Tee Higgins @PIT
Taylor Heinicke @BUF Chase Claypool CIN
Davis Mills CAR Jaylen Waddle @LVR
Baker Mayfield CHI Rondale Moore @JAC
Jacob Eason @TEN Mike Evans @LAR
Zach Wilson @DEN Robby Anderson @HOU
Carson Wentz @TEN J. Smith-Schuster CIN
Jacoby Brissett @LVR Tyreek Hill LAC
Jameis Winston @NE Keenan Allen @KC
Jared Goff BAL Tyler Boyd @PIT
RUNNING BACKS Cole Beasley WAS
BEST BETS Opp FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Dalvin Cook SEA D. Peoples-Jones CHI
C. McCaffrey @HOU O. Beckham Jr. CHI
Derrick Henry IND E. Sanders WAS
GREAT STARTS Opp M. Pittman Jr. @TEN
Ty’Son Williams @DET Cedrick Wilson PHI
Aaron Jones @SF Bryan Edwards MIA
James White NO D. Robinson LAC
Chris Carson @MIN DJ Chark Jr. ARI
SOLID STARTERS Opp KJ Hamler NYJ
Joe Mixon @PIT M. Valdes-Scantling @SF
Chase Edmonds @JAC R. Gage Jr. @NYG
Kenyan Drake MIA Deonte Harris @NE
D’Andre Swift BAL A.J. Green @JAC
Najee Harris CIN Jakobi Meyers NO
J. Williams NYJ Terry McLaurin @BUF
Nick Chubb CHI Henry Ruggs III MIA
M. Gordon III NYJ Quintez Cephus BAL
Myles Gaskin @LVR Darnell Mooney @CLE
Saquon Barkley ATL DeVante Parker @LVR
Kareem Hunt CHI Deebo Samuel GB
Ezekiel Elliott PHI Hunter Renfrow MIA
C. Edwards-Helaire LAC Diontae Johnson CIN
Austin Ekeler @KC Christian Kirk @JAC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Tim Patrick NYJ
Alvin Kamara @NE Mecole Hardman LAC
James Conner @JAC Ja’Marr Chase @PIT
Zack Moss WAS Amari Cooper PHI
Latavius Murray @DET Zach Pascal @TEN
Miles Sanders @DAL Quez Watkins @DAL
Nyheim Hines @TEN L. Shenault Jr. ARI
J.D. McKissic @BUF Corey Davis @DEN
Mike Davis @NYG Chris Godwin @LAR
Michael Carter @DEN Adam Humphries @BUF
Antonio Gibson @BUF Van Jefferson TB
D. Montgomery @CLE Freddie Swain @MIN
C. Patterson @NYG Sammy Watkins @DET
James Robinson ARI SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Peyton Barber MIA Dyami Brown @BUF
Elijah Mitchell GB A. St. Brown BAL
Damien Harris NO Brandon Aiyuk GB
Jonathan Taylor @TEN Parris Campbell @TEN
Tony Pollard PHI Gabriel Davis WAS
Jamaal Williams BAL Chris Conley CAR
L. Fournette @LAR Rashard Higgins CHI
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Kalif Raymond BAL
David Johnson CAR Chester Rogers IND
K. Gainwell @DAL Antonio Brown @LAR
Phillip Lindsay CAR Will Fuller @LVR
Giovani Bernard @LAR Darius Slayton ATL
Ronald Jones @LAR Nelson Agholor NO
Ty Johnson @DEN Jalen Guyton @KC
AJ Dillon @SF Randall Cobb @SF
Devonta Freeman @DET M. Callaway @NE
Sony Michel TB T. Marshall @HOU
Trey Sermon GB Trent Sherfield GB
D. Singletary WAS A. Schwartz CHI
D. Henderson TB Jamison Crowder @DEN
TIGHT ENDS Elijah Moore @DEN
BEST BETS Opp DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Darren Waller MIA BEST BETS Opp
T.J. Hockenson BAL Broncos NYJ
Travis Kelce LAC Panthers @HOU
GREAT STARTS Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Mark Andrews @DET Patriots NO
George Kittle GB Cardinals @JAC
Robert Tonyan @SF Raiders MIA
SOLID STARTERS Opp SOLID STARTERS Opp
Rob Gronkowski @LAR Ravens @DET
Logan Thomas @BUF Titans IND
Noah Fant NYJ Rams TB
Tyler Higbee TB Bills WAS
Kyle Pitts @NYG Steelers CIN
Jared Cook @KC FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Packers @SF
Dalton Schultz PHI Browns CHI
Mike Gesicki @LVR Bears @CLE
Pat Freiermuth CIN Buccaneers @LAR
Austin Hooper CHI Saints @NE
Dallas Goedert @DAL Chiefs LAC
David Njoku CHI Cowboys PHI
Jonnu Smith NO Bengals @PIT
Dawson Knox WAS Giants ATL
Jack Doyle @TEN SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Jets @DEN
Kyle Rudolph ATL Colts @TEN
Maxx Williams @JAC Seahawks @MIN
Tyler Conklin SEA Chargers @KC
Adam Trautman @NE Jaguars ARI
Cole Kmet @CLE Falcons @NYG
Juwan Johnson @NE Football Team @BUF
Evan Engram ATL 49ers GB
Anthony Firkser IND Vikings SEA
Zach Ertz @DAL Lions BAL
Tyler Kroft @DEN Eagles @DAL
Pharaoh Brown CAR Dolphins @LVR
Dan Arnold @HOU Texans CAR
Hunter Henry NO
C.J. Uzomah @PIT

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 149

Reassessing fantasy football values after an injury-filled Week 2.

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you B.P.N. NFL news, navigating fantasy value changes due to QB injuries, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or click here to listen

Gameday inactives, injuries and weather: Week 3

The last-minute updates on everything you need to know before setting your Week 3 lineup.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Week 3 gameday inactives, weather and notes

TODAY’S KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: TE Darren Waller, RB Josh Jacobs, WR N’Keal Harry
Afternoon games: WR Kenny Golladay
Sunday night: None
Monday night: WR Sammy Watkins

Chicago at Atlanta (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 76 degrees, partly cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

chicago

Inactives:

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy note.

atlanta

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Julio Jones (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and is questionable for Week 3. Expect him to be a game-time decision.

LA Rams at Buffalo (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 78 degrees, clear

los angeles

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Cam Akers (ribs) is out for Week 3. RB Malcolm Brown (finger) practiced all week and is good to go for Week 3.

buffalo

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Zack Moss (toe) was ruled out for Week 3.

Washington at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 76 degrees, partly cloudy

washington

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Steven Sims (toe) was limited in practice, and he’s questionable for Week 3.

cleveland

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Jarvis Landry (hip) practiced Friday and is able to to play in Week 3.TE David Njoku (knee) remains on the Reserve/Injured list. 

Tennessee at Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

tennessee

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR A.J. Brown (knee) did not practice all week and has been ruled out. Rookie RB Darrynton Evans (hamstring) returned to practice and will be ready to make his NFL debut.

Minnesota

Inactives:

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy note.

Las Vegas at New England (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 78 degrees, partly cloudy

las vegas

Inactives:

Lineup notes: TE Darren Waller (knee) returned to practice Friday on a limited basis and is questionable for Week 3. RB Josh Jacobs (hip) also returned to a limited practice, and he’s questionable as well. Both players are expected to play.

New England

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WRs Julian Edelman (knee) and N’Keal Harry (ankle) are both questionable after limited practice sessions all week. Harry could be a game-time decision.

San Francisco at NY Giants (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 77 degrees, partly cloudy

san francisco

Inactives:

Lineup notes: TE George Kittle (knee) will miss another game in Week 3 with a sprained knee. RB Raheem Mostert (knee) and RB Tevin Coleman (knee) and QB Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) are all out as well. WR Deebo Samuel (foot) is eligible to return from IR after Week 3.

new york

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Sterling Shepard (toe) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list after Week 2. He will miss at least three games. RB Saquon Barkley (knee) was placed on IR this week, too, and he is done for the remainder of the year.

Cincinnati at Philadelphia (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 77 degrees, humid and mostly cloudy

cincinnati

Inactives:

Lineup notes: TE C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list after Week 2 and will miss the rest of 2020.

philadelphia

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Jalen Reagor (thumb) will miss the Week 3 game. WR Alshon Jeffery (foot) is out again.

Houston at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 77 degrees, partly cloudy

houston

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Duke Johnson (ankle) was limited Friday and is questionable for Week 3. WR Kenny Stills (illness) was limited Friday and is questionable, as well.

pittsburgh

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) practiced Friday and will be available for Week 3.

NY Jets at Indianapolis (4:05 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 79 degrees, partly cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

new york

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Jamison Crowder (hamstring) and WR Breshad Perriman (ankle) were ruled out for Week 3. WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring) popped up as limited Friday and is questionable for the game. RB Le’Veon Bell (hamstring) will remain on the Reserve/Injured list at least until after Week 4.

indianapolis

Inactives:

Lineup notes: TE Jack Doyle (knee) practiced Friday and is listed as questionable. He is expected to return after it appearing to be a long shot earlier in the week. WR Parris Campbell (knee) was placed on IR this week and is out indefinitely.

Carolina at LA Chargers (4:05 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 75 degrees, clear (open-air dome)

carolina

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle) was placed on IR and is out at least three games.

los angeles

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Justin Jackson (quadriceps) didn’t practice all week and is doubtful. QB Tyrod Taylor (lung) didn’t practice and is out. TE Hunter Henry (ankle) practiced Friday and will play.

Tampa Bay at Denver (4:25 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 62 degrees, clear

Tampa Bay

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Chris Godwin (concussion) practiced Friday and is fit to play in Week 3.

denver

Inactives:

Lineup notes: RB Phillip Lindsay (foot) was limited Friday and is officially doubtful for Week 3. QB Drew Lock (shoulder) is out, and WR Courtland Sutton (knee) is done for the year after being put on IR. WR Jerry Jeudy (ribs) practiced in full Friday and is questionable.

Detroit at Arizona (4:25 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 97 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)

detroit

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is questionable. He is expected to be a game-time decision.

arizona

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Christian Kirk (groin) will miss Week 3 with a groin injury.

Dallas at Seattle (4:25 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 63 degrees, partly cloudy

Dallas

Inactives:

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy note.

seattle

Inactives:

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy note.

Green Bay at New Orleans (8:20 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

green bay

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Davante Adams (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and is officially listed as doubtful.

New orleans

Inactives:

Lineup notes: WR Michael Thomas (ankle) is out for Week 3 with a high-ankle sprain.

Kansas City at Baltimore (8:15 p.m. EDT)

Kickoff Weather: 76 degrees, clear

kansas city

Lineup notes: WR Sammy Watkins (concussion) was limited in practice Friday and Saturday. He’s questionable for Monday night and a game-time decision.

baltimore

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy note.

Fantasy football injury report: Week 3 Friday walkthrough

Keep up with all of the notable fantasy football injuries heading into Week 3.

Team-by-team review of any key fantasy player and their prospects for playing based on this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s final official injury report will be addressed unless the situation warrants.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and are not included.

ARIZONA CARDINALS
WR Christian Kirk (groin) will miss Week 3 with a groin injury.

ATLANTA FALCONS
WR Julio Jones (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and is questionable for Week 3. Expect him to be a game-time decision.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (Monday night)
No injuries of fantasy note.

BUFFALO BILLS
RB Zack Moss (toe) was ruled out for Week 3. LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder) was limited in practice and is questionable.

CAROLINA PANTHERS
RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle) was placed on IR and is out at least three games.

[lawrence-newsletter]

CHICAGO BEARS
No injuries of fantasy note.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
TE C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list after Week 2 and will miss the rest of 2020.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
WR Jarvis Landry (hip) practiced Friday and is able to to play in Week 3. TE David Njoku (knee) remains on the Reserve/Injured list.

DALLAS COWBOYS
No injuries of fantasy note.

DENVER BRONCOS
RB Phillip Lindsay (foot) was limited Friday and is officially doubtful for Week 3. QB Drew Lock (shoulder) is out, and WR Courtland Sutton (knee) is done for the year after being put on IR. WR Jerry Jeudy (ribs) practiced in full Friday and is questionable.

DETROIT LIONS
WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is questionable. He is expected to be a game-time decision.

GREEN BAY PACKERS
WR Davante Adams (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and is officially listed as doubtful.

HOUSTON TEXANS
RB Duke Johnson (ankle) was limited Friday and is questionable for Week 3. WR Kenny Stills (illness) was limited Friday and is questionable as well.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
TE Jack Doyle (knee) practiced Friday and is listed as questionable. He is expected to return after it appearing to be a long shot earlier in the week. WR Parris Campbell (knee) was placed on IR this week and is out indefinitely.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (played Thursday)
WR DJ Chark Jr. (chest, back) was held out of the Week 3 game Thursday night.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (Monday night)
WR Sammy Watkins (concussion) was limited in practice Friday. Check his status Saturday for Monday night.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
TE Darren Waller (knee) returned to practice Friday on a limited basis and is questionable for Week 3. RB Josh Jacobs (hip) also returned to a limited practice, and he’s questionable as well. Both players are expected to play.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
RB Justin Jackson (quadriceps) didn’t practice all week and is doubtful. QB Tyrod Taylor (lung) didn’t practice and is out. TE Hunter Henry (ankle) practiced Friday and will play.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
RB Cam Akers (ribs) is out for Week 3. RB Malcolm Brown (finger) practiced all week and is good to go for Week 3.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (played Thursday)
No injuries of fantasy note.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
No injuries of fantasy note.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
WRs Julian Edelman (knee) and N’Keal Harry (ankle) are both questionable after limited practice sessions all week. Harry could be a game-time decision.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – Monday night
WR Michael Thomas (ankle) is out for Week 3 with a high-ankle sprain.

NEW YORK GIANTS
WR Sterling Shepard (toe) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list after Week 2. He will miss at least three games. RB Saquon Barkley (knee) was placed on IR this week, too, and he is done for the remainder of the year.

NEW YORK JETS
WR Jamison Crowder (hamstring) and WR Breshad Perriman (ankle) were ruled out for Week 3. WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring) popped up as limited Friday and is questionable for the game. RB Le’Veon Bell (hamstring) will remain on the Reserve/Injured list at least until after Week 4.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
WR Jalen Reagor (thumb) will miss the Week 3 game. WR Alshon Jeffery (foot) is out again.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) practiced Friday and will be available for Week 3.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
TE George Kittle (knee) will miss another game in Week 3 with a sprained knee. RB Raheem Mostert (knee) and RB Tevin Coleman (knee) and QB Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) are all out as well. WR Deebo Samuel (foot) is eligible to return from IR after Week 3.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
No injuries of fantasy note.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
WR Chris Godwin (concussion) practiced Friday and is fit to play in Week 3.

TENNESSEE TITANS
WR A.J. Brown (knee) did not practice all week and has been ruled out. Rookie RB Darrynton Evans (hamstring) returned to practice and will be ready to make his NFL debut.

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
WR Steven Sims (toe) was limited in practice, and he’s questionable for Week 3.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 3

Check out where your roster fits into this week’s Start/Bench List.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS
WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS
Opp
 BEST BETS
Opp
Russell Wilson
DAL
 DK Metcalf
DAL
Dak Prescott
@SEA
 DeAndre Hopkins
DET
Kyler Murray
DET
 A. Robinson II
@ATL
GREAT STARTS
Opp
 GREAT STARTS
Opp
Cam Newton
LVR
 Calvin Ridley
CHI
Gardner Minshew
MIA
 CeeDee Lamb
@SEA
Lamar Jackson
KC
 Tyler Lockett
DAL
M. Trubisky
@ATL
 Terry McLaurin
@CLE
B. Roethlisberger
HOU
 Keelan Cole
MIA
Ryan Tannehill
@MIN
 Chris Godwin
@DEN
SOLID STARTERS
Opp
 J. Smith-Schuster
HOU
Patrick Mahomes
@BAL
 Amari Cooper
@SEA
Josh Allen
LAR
 DeVante Parker
@JAC
Carson Wentz
CIN
 Diontae Johnson
HOU
Philip Rivers
NYJ
 SOLID STARTERS
Opp
Drew Brees
GB
 Julian Edelman
LVR
R. Fitzpatrick
@JAC
 Corey Davis
@MIN
Aaron Rodgers
@NO
 Marvin Jones
@ARI
Matt Ryan
CHI
 O. Beckham Jr.
WAS
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Opp
 Julio Jones
CHI
Daniel Jones
SF
 John Brown
LAR
Justin Herbert
CAR
 Adam Thielen
TEN
Nick Mullens
@NYG
 Tyreek Hill
@BAL
Baker Mayfield
WAS
 Anthony Miller
@ATL
Jared Goff
@BUF
 Davante Adams
@NO
Deshaun Watson
@PIT
 Cooper Kupp
@BUF
M. Stafford
@ARI
 Michael Gallup
@SEA
Joe Burrow
@PHI
 R. Gage Jr.
CHI
Tom Brady
@DEN
 DJ Chark Jr. (QUE)
MIA
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Opp
 DeSean Jackson
CIN
T. Bridgewater
@LAC
 T.Y. Hilton
NYJ
Kirk Cousins
TEN
 L. Shenault Jr.
MIA
Jeff Driskel
TB
 M. Pittman Jr.
NYJ
Derek Carr
@NE
 Cole Beasley
LAR
Sam Darnold
@IND
 Keenan Allen
CAR
Dwayne Haskins
@CLE
 Mike Evans
@DEN
RUNNING BACKS
 Jarvis Landry
WAS
BEST BETS
Opp
 Tyler Boyd
@PHI
Alvin Kamara
GB
 Kenny Golladay
@ARI
Ezekiel Elliott
@SEA
 Adam Humphries
@MIN
Miles Sanders
CIN
 FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Opp
James Conner
HOU
 Tre’Quan Smith
GB
GREAT STARTS
Opp
 M. Valdes-Scantling
@NO
Kenyan Drake
DET
 Chris Hogan
@IND
Aaron Jones
@NO
 Will Fuller
@PIT
Austin Ekeler
CAR
 Steven Sims Jr.
@CLE
Derrick Henry
@MIN
 P. Williams
@JAC
SOLID STARTERS
Opp
 Robert Woods
@BUF
Chris Carson
DAL
 Danny Amendola
@ARI
Nick Chubb
WAS
 Brandin Cooks
@PIT
Jonathan Taylor
NYJ
 Mike Williams
CAR
James Robinson
MIA
 Willie Snead
KC
Joe Mixon
@PHI
 Robby Anderson
@LAC
D. Singletary
LAR
 Isaiah Ford
@JAC
D. Montgomery
@ATL
 D.J. Moore
@LAC
Myles Gaskin
@JAC
 A.J. Green
@PHI
Mark Ingram
KC
 Stefon Diggs
LAR
Zack Moss
LAR
 Allen Lazard
@NO
D. Henderson
@BUF
 N’Keal Harry
LVR
Kareem Hunt
WAS
 Jerry Jeudy
TB
Josh Jacobs
@NE
 Darnell Mooney
@ATL
Joshua Kelley
CAR
 Golden Tate
SF
M. Gordon III
TB
 E. Sanders
GB
L. Fournette
@DEN
 Darius Slayton
SF
Jerick McKinnon
@NYG
 L. Fitzgerald
DET
Dalvin Cook
TEN
 Marquise Brown
KC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Opp
 SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Opp
C. Edwards-Helaire
@BAL
 Scott Miller
@DEN
D’Andre Swift
@ARI
 Henry Ruggs III
@NE
Mike Davis
@LAC
 Chase Claypool
HOU
J.K. Dobbins
KC
 Jamison Crowder
@IND
Matt Breida
@JAC
 J. Washington
HOU
Jeff Wilson Jr.
@NYG
 Brandon Aiyuk
@NYG
Latavius Murray
GB
 Tee Higgins
@PHI
Tarik Cohen
@ATL
 Van Jefferson
@BUF
Sony Michel
LVR
 J. Jefferson
TEN
Ronald Jones
@DEN
 Sammy Watkins
@BAL
Malcolm Brown
@BUF
 D. Robinson
@BAL
Chris Thompson
MIA
 C.J. Board
SF
Carlos Hyde
DAL
 Zach Pascal
NYJ
Todd Gurley II
CHI
 Bryan Edwards
@NE
Dion Lewis
SF
 Christian Kirk
DET
Adrian Peterson
@ARI
 Hunter Renfrow
@NE
Antonio Gibson
@CLE
 Damiere Byrd
LVR
David Johnson
@PIT
 Curtis Samuel
@LAC
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Opp
 Braxton Berrios
@IND
Jordan Howard
@JAC
 KJ Hamler
TB
Cam Akers
@BUF
 Nelson Agholor
@NE
A. Mattison
TEN
 Randall Cobb
@PIT
Nyheim Hines
NYJ
DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Frank Gore
@IND
 BEST BETS
Opp
LeSean McCoy
@DEN
 Buccaneers
@DEN
Rex Burkhead
LVR
 GREAT STARTS
Opp
Devonta Freeman
SF
 Colts
NYJ
J.D. McKissic
@CLE
 Steelers
HOU
Kerryon Johnson
@ARI
 SOLID STARTERS
Opp
Gus Edwards
KC
 Bills
LAR
Jamaal Williams
@NO
 Chargers
CAR
Boston Scott
CIN
 Cardinals
DET
James White
LVR
 49ers
@NYG
TIGHT ENDS
 Titans
@MIN
BEST BETS
Opp
 Patriots
LVR
Travis Kelce
@BAL
 Browns
WAS
Mike Gesicki
@JAC
 FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Opp
GREAT STARTS
Opp
 Dolphins
@JAC
Jonnu Smith
@MIN
 Giants
SF
Jared Cook
GB
 Ravens
KC
Hayden Hurst
CHI
 Football Team
@CLE
SOLID STARTERS
Opp
 Jaguars
MIA
Noah Fant
TB
 Falcons
CHI
Hunter Henry
CAR
 Eagles
CIN
Tyler Higbee
@BUF
 SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Opp
Drew Sample
@PHI
 Saints
GB
Mark Andrews
KC
 Packers
@NO
Zach Ertz
CIN
 Bears
@ATL
George Kittle
@NYG
 Raiders
@NE
T.J. Hockenson
@ARI
 Broncos
TB
Mo Alie-Cox
NYJ
 Lions
@ARI
Dallas Goedert
CIN
 Texans
@PIT
Darren Waller
@NE
 Panthers
@LAC
Evan Engram
SF
 Vikings
TEN
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Opp
 Bengals
@PHI
Jordan Akins
@PIT
 Cowboys
@SEA
Jordan Reed
@NYG
 Chiefs
@BAL
Jimmy Graham
@ATL
 Jets
@IND
Dalton Schultz
@SEA
 Rams
@BUF
Austin Hooper
WAS
 Seahawks
DAL
Chris Herndon
@IND
Logan Thomas
@CLE
Robert Tonyan
@NO
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Opp
Eric Ebron
HOU
Greg Olsen
DAL
Kyle Rudolph
TEN
Tyler Eifert
MIA
O.J. Howard
@DEN
Ian Thomas
@LAC
Jack Doyle
NYJ

Targets, Touches and TDs: Week 3

A comparison of some fantasy-worthy weapons from 2019 to the start of his season.

The first few weeks of every NFL season introduce us to the fresh faces that will shape fantasy football’s future.

They also start to reveal which of the prior season’s fantasy disappointments and injured players are on track to bounce back and which likely will remain underperformers.

So to lead off this week’s installment of Targets, Touches and Touchdowns, we’re taking a closer look at how of eight of 2019’s more notable disappointments/injured players are faring so far in the new campaign and their prospects for the remainder of the season:

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 16th with 311.4 points (16 games)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 25th with 33.2 points

We may soon come to regard Mayfield’s Week 1 struggles against Baltimore (189 yards, TD, interception) as par for the course against a fearsome Ravens defense, but while his Week 2 outing against the Cincinnati Bengals (219 yards, 2 TDs, interception) was much improved from an efficiency standpoint, it’s the overall volume that’s concerning.

The Browns put up 35 points in the shootout win over the Bengals, but Mayfield only attempted 23 passes, ranking 29th among Week 2 quarterbacks through play Sunday. His aerial yardage (219, 23rd) and fantasy-point totals (19.4, 20th) ranked likewise.

Meanwhile, the Browns featured not one, but two top-five Week 2 fantasy backs in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who combined for 210 yards and three TDs in steamrolling the Bengals.

Through Sunday, Cleveland ranked eighth in league rushing play percentage (49.2) and that’s reflected in Mayfield’s season passing totals as he ranked 24th in attempts (62), 25th in completions (37) and 24th in passing yards (408). He doesn’t add much with his legs, either, with eight yards on five carries so far.

Overall, the Browns’ 353 rushing yards through two games trailed only the Packers (417), and that’s likely what Cleveland is shaping up to be under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, who served as the offensive coordinator of the run-heavy Vikings (48.3 rush-play percentage, fourth in the league in 2019).

Mayfield’s efficiency is bound to improve with defenses forced to focus on the Browns’ ground game, but it’s hard to see Mayfield finishing much higher that what he did a season ago as a mid-level fantasy QB2.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 29th with 207.6 points (8 games)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 17th with 41.8 points

At the time a back fracture cut his 2010 campaign a half-season short, Stafford ranked among the elite fantasy QBs, and his average of 25.9 points per game wound up trailing only Lamar Jackson (30.9) and Jameis Winston (26.1) at season’s end.

Stafford has looked good, health-wise, so far, but his numbers are well off his early 2019 pace.

Consider, though, that he’s faced two decent in-division defenses (Bears, Packers) that know him well, and – more importantly – he’s been without his top weapon so far in injured wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who’s tentatively due back from a hamstring issue this week.

The Lions defense appears to still have its shortcomings, and that should lend itself to some positive passing game scripts for Stafford. Regard him as an upper-echelon QB2 the rest of the way with some strong streaming appeal.

Houston Texans RB David Johnson

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 36th with 107.5 points in 13 games (standard scoring)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 21st with 21.9 points

Johnson was cast aside in Arizona last season, and was readily dealt to the Texans as the Cardinals jumped at the chance to acquire an elite wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. With the latter’s hot start in the desert for the 2-0 Cards, that trade is looking as lopsided as it was made out to be from the outset.

Johnson, meanwhile, had a solid Week 1 (109 total yards, TD) but was stifled (50 total yards) along with the rest of the offense in Sunday’s 33-16 loss to the Ravens.

With Duke Johnson hurt, David Johnson has been Houston’s unquestioned bellcow so far, logging 22 of the team’s 27 running back rushing attempts and all five of the non-wide receiver/tight end receptions.

Duke Johnson should be back soon from his ankle sprain suffered in the opener, but David Johnson still should dominate the backfield touches, and that rarity alone puts him in solid RB2 territory going forward.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB James Conner

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 34th with 113.5 points in 10 games (standard scoring)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 25th with 21.9 points

It looked to be déjà vu all over again in the season opener as Conner departed with an ankle injury after 15 snaps and 17 total yards on eight touches.

However, he bounced back solidly with a near-full week of practice and totaled 121 yards and a TD on 18 touches Sunday in a 26-21 win over the Denver Broncos. In all, Conner accounted for 16 of the team’s 19 running back rushing attempts and 18 of the 23 RB touches in the game.

In an offense that’s been rejuvenated with the return of QB Ben Roethlisberger, and should get fortified along the offensive front when linemen return from early-season injury absences, Conner should be a locked-in fantasy starter.

That is, of course, as long as he can stay healthy, which has been an issue the last two seasons when he’s missed a combined five games and left early in a number of others.

Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr.

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 31st with 128.5 points (standard scoring)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 34th with 15.6 points.

Following a Week 1 dud (three catches for 22 yards on 10 targets) against the Ravens, OBJ bounced back with a 4-74-1 stat line last Thursday on six targets vs. the Bengals.

Still, it was only Beckham’s fifth touchdown grab in 18 games since joining the Browns last season.

On the plus side, he is the team’s only pass-catcher with double-digit targets (16) through two games and has so far managed to avoid the injury bug that has struck a number of other top wideouts around the league.

The aforementioned likely decrease in the Browns’ overall pass volume figures to hurt others on the team more proportionally as OBJ should still get plenty of looks – more than enough to finish as a solid WR2 in a semi-bounce-back season.

[lawrence-related id=454241]

Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 63rd with 73.2 points in 12 games (standard scoring)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 13th with 23.7 points

JJSS struggled through a dismal 2019 with injuries and the failed Mason Rudolph-Duck Hodges backup plan under center.

A marked reversal of fortune was expected for Smith-Schuster, and that certainly looks to be the case so far after he burst out of the gate with six receptions for 69 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the opener.

There’s always the worry that another injury to the 38-year-old Roethlisberger could again sink the Steelers’ offensive ship – Rudolph and Joshua Dobbs are the backups – but as long as Big Ben remains upright, it’s full-speed ahead for Smith-Schuster as a fantasy wide receiver starter.

Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): Missed season

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 75th with 8.0 points (standard scoring)

Green hasn’t been on the same page so far with new QB Joe Burrow as he’s been targeted a team-high 22 times (tied for fourth among all league wideouts) – nine more than any other Bengal – and has caught only eight for 80 yards and no scores.

Perhaps, though, some of this is age and inactivity catching up with the 32-year-old Green who entered the season having not played a full regular-season game since October of 2018.

In any case, Green will need time to get back into game form, and while his days as a WR1 are likely long gone, he still has enough opportunity and talent to take his place on the list of weekly starting wide receiver considerations.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard

2019 fantasy position rank/points (Huddle Performance scoring): 30th with 50.9 points in 14 games (standard scoring)

Current fantasy position rank/points (through Sunday): 19th with 10.7 points

After opening the season with a 4-36-1 stat line on six targets, Howard was a Week 2 letdown with one 11-yard grab on three targets. And that was with Tampa’s top target, WR Chris Godwin, missing the game with a concussion.

Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate are still there as well, but that trio has combined for only seven receptions for 58 yards on 13 targets (all Howard and Gronk so far), and until we see more usage, the Bruce Arians-being-non-tight-end-friendly stigma is going to ring with some truth.

Howard likely will wind up leading the Bucs’ tight ends in fantasy points, but there’s serious doubt as to whether he will be start worthy on a week-to-week basis in standard-size fantasy leagues.

Extra Points

  • Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen leads the league with 729 passing yards after throwing for 312 and 417 yards in his first two games. In the first 29 contests of his career, including a playoff contest, Allen didn’t throw for more than 266 yards, averaging 197.5 yards per outing. Allen also currently ranks fourth among QBs with 75 rushing yards on 18 carries this season.
  • Fantasy’s No. 1 wide receiver through Sunday is the Atlanta Falcons’ Calvin Ridley with 47.8 points (63.8 in point-per-reception formats). Since entering the league in 2018, Ridley is tied with Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill with the most receiving TDs with 21. By comparison, Falcons teammate Julio Jones ranks 21stwith 14 scoring grabs over that span but has 136 more targets and 80 more receptions than Ridley.
  • On the subject of wide receiver teammate stat comparisons, Dallas Cowboys rookie CeeDee Lamb has five more targets (15-10), six more receptions (11-5) and 57 more receiving yards than Michael Gallup through two games. Fellow wideout Amari Cooper leads the team with 16 receptions for 181 yards on 23 targets.
  • Through Sunday, Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson was the only running back with multiple TD receptions (three) and ranks second at the position with nine catches and 81 receiving yards. In 33 career games entering the season, Carson had 64 receptions for 488 yards and three scores.
  • After a quiet Week 1, Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee exploded for three TDs and 54 yards on five catches Sunday in Philadelphia. Since Week 13 of last season, Higbee leads all tight ends with 91.6 fantasy points, catching 51 passes for 616 yards and five TDs in seven games.