Tag: NFL Week 3

Where Chargers stand in NFL power rankings after Week 2

The Los Angeles Chargers bumped up a few spots in some power rankings, despite the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers battled with the Chiefs in a tight matchup, but they were unable to prevail, dropping the contest by the score of 23-20.

After the loss, let’s see what the nation thinks of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 15 (Previous: 18)

“As part of his unexpected but impressive debut Sunday, rookie Justin Herbert became first Bolts QB to score a rushing TD since 2011.”

Touchdown Wire: 13 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers lost 23-20 in overtime, but Herbert completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, becoming the first rookie to throw and run for a touchdown in the first half of his first NFL game since Bob Clatterbuck of the Giants did it in 1954. His interception was a horrid throw into triple coverage, but regardless of Herbert’s growing pains, kudos to Lynn for handling the situation with aplomb, as seems to be his way.”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 20)

“That’s why you always stay ready, kids. Justin Herbert didn’t know he was making his NFL debut until right before kickoff on Sunday, which made the resulting performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs all the more impressive. Herbert kept his poise and made a number of quality throws, giving the offense a spark it didn’t have under Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Taylor spent part of his Sunday in a hospital dealing with chest pains, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the veteran will remain the starter if healthy. To which we ask … why? Herbert is the future of the franchise, and he’s now proved he can learn on the job while keeping the Chargers competitive. Tyrod Taylor is a good man, but he’s not the right man for these Chargers at QB1.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 22)

“Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March.”

CBS Sports: 15 (Previous: 15)

“It looks like Tyrod Taylor is back in at quarterback after missing last week, but they have to feel good about the way rookie Justin Herbert played. He is the future.”

Sports Illustrated: 15

“One whiffed coaching decision from being 2-0 with a win over the Chiefs and an ascending rookie quarterback. Kudos to Anthony Lynn for not abandoning Tyrod Taylor yet, but also nice work in getting Justin Herbert ready with almost zero practice reps during a pandemic.”

Sporting News: 16 (Previous: 13)

“Justin Herbert may not have the starting gig for good, Anthony Lynn says? What the? Going back to Tyrod Taylor, even if healthy, would not make any sense. Plus, it’s the Panthers in Week 3, a great game for Herbert to keep building confidence. The rookie leaning so well on running game, defense and good receivers had to be inspiring, right?”

Texans vs. Steelers: Point spread, over/under for Week 3

The Houston Texans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 at Heinz Field. How do odds-makers see the game going?

The Houston Texans are seeing the odds trending in their favor.

The defending AFC South champions are going to Heinz Field for a Week 3 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being nine-point underdogs in Week 1 at the Kansas City Chiefs and then seven-point underdogs at home against the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans’ odds to win keep improving.

According to BetMGM, the Steelers are 3.5-point favorite to beat Houston. Pittsburgh’s odds are tied with Baltimore and Atlanta for the fourth-slimmest odds of Week 3. Only Buffalo (-2), Tennessee (-2.5), and Jacksonville (-3) have slimmer odds for the week.

The point total for Houston-Pittsburgh is tied for the sixth-lowest point total of Week 3 at 45.5, which would actually be the third-highest points combined in the series. The two teams went over in 2008 when the Steelers beat the Texans 38-17 and then in 2014 when Houston lost 30-23 at Pittsburgh on a Monday night.

Four other contests have been below the over/under set for Week 3. In 2017, the Steelers crushed Houston 34-6 on Christmas Day. In 2005, Pittsburgh beat the Texans 27-7. In 2002, Houston dominated the Steelers 24-6, and in 2011, the lowest point total of the series was set when Houston beat Pittsburgh 17-10.

The over/under may be a little generous. Pittsburgh has scored exactly 26 points in their first two games, while the Texans have scored 20 and 16 in each of their first two games.

For more information on the rest of the NFL and college football, please check out our sister site, the Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Rest of season rankings: Week 3

The fantasy football landscape will look much different after several huge injuries.

NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

Fantasy football rest of season rankings

Quarterbacks

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Lamar Jackson, BAL
8
2
 Patrick Mahomes, KC
10
3
 Russell Wilson, SEA
6
4
 Kyler Murray, ARI
8
6
 Murray’s willingness to run really elevates his outlook
5
 Dak Prescott, DAL
10

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
6
 Deshaun Watson, HOU
8
5
 how badly does Watson miss Hopkins?
7
 Josh Allen, BUF
11
8
 I like what I’m seeing, I just want to see it against better competition
8
 Aaron Rodgers, GB
5
his receivers are dropping too many balls
9
 Matt Ryan, ATL
10
10
 Cam Newton, NE
6
16
 this is as good as Newton has looked in several years
11
 Tom Brady, TB
13
12
 B. Roethlisberger, PIT
8
13
 Gardner Minshew, JAC
7
20
 I could see Minshew putting up big numbers in a season where W’s don’t matter
14
 Drew Brees, NO
6
15
 Daniel Jones, NYG
11
let’s see how the loss of Barkley changes the Giants attack

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
16
 Jared Goff, LAR
9
Sunday had a 2018 vibe to it; Goff has my curiosity
17
 M. Stafford, DET
5
10
 the return of Golladay will help, but there’s something missing in Detroit
18
 Carson Wentz, PHI
9
11
 I don’t like anything about Wentz’s first two games
19
 Joe Burrow, CIN
9
27
20
 Ryan Tannehill, TEN
7
22
 I’m still not sure the Titans want to throw this much
21
 Baker Mayfield, CLE
9
that looked like a run-first team last Thursday
22
 Philip Rivers, IND
7
23
 Jimmy Garoppolo, SF
11
it doesn’t sound like Jimmy G will miss time
24
 Derek Carr, LVR
6
25
 Justin Herbert, LAC
10
34
 Lynn says Taylor is the starter, but there’s no way that lasts

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
26
 T. Bridgewater, CAR
13
27
 M. Trubisky, CHI
11
31
28
 Kirk Cousins, MIN
7
take away Week 1 garbage time & Cousins has been the NFL’s worst QB thus far
29
 Sam Darnold, NYJ
11
30
 Drew Lock, DEN
8
24
 Lock is expected to miss 3-5 weeks with a shoulder injury
31
 Dwayne Haskins, WAS
8
32
 R. Fitzpatrick, MIA
11
33
 Tyrod Taylor, LAC
10
that’s going to be Herbert’s job sooner than later
34
 Jeff Driskel, DEN
8
NR
35
 Nick Foles, CHI
11
36
 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
11

Running backs

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
10
with the injuries to McCaffrey & Barkley, Elliott inherits the top spot
2
 Alvin Kamara, NO
6
5
3
 Dalvin Cook, MIN
7
I’ll be shocked if Minnesota’s offense doesn’t run through Cook in Week 3
4
 Aaron Jones, GB
5
8
 he’s getting more action that I thought he might to open the year
5
 Derrick Henry, TEN
7
6
 C. Edwards-Helaire, KC
10
not a great Week 2, but I’m still elevating him into the top tier

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
7
 Austin Ekeler, LAC
10
8
 Josh Jacobs, LVR
6
13
 as long as he stays healthy, Jacobs should see a ton of work
9
 Joe Mixon, CIN
9
10
 Nick Chubb, CLE
9
Cleveland’s offense ran through Chubb in Week 2
11
 Miles Sanders, PHI
9
12
 Chris Carson, SEA
6
his receiving exploits are carrying him statistically right now
13
 M. Gordon III, DEN
8
14
 C. McCaffrey, CAR
13
1
 a high ankle sprain will keep him out 4-6 weeks & there’s no reason to rush him back
15
 James Conner, PIT
8
shook off an ankle injury to reaffirm he’s the clear RB1 in PIT when healthy
16
 Kenyan Drake, ARI
8
11
17
 Todd Gurley II, ATL
10
16
 can we get Gurley the ball as a receiver?!?
18
 Raheem Mostert, SF
11
22
 Mostert may miss a week, but he’s a big play waiting to happen
19
 Kareem Hunt, CLE
9
20
 Jonathan Taylor, IND
7
23
 Taylor logged 28 touches in his first start
21
 D. Montgomery, CHI
11
26
 I’m far from sold on Chicago’s offense, but Montgomery looks like a workhorse

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
22
 Le’Veon Bell, NYJ
11
23
 D. Singletary, BUF
11
24
 David Johnson, HOU
8
25
 Mark Ingram, BAL
8
26
 James Robinson, JAC
7
55
 Robinson has impressed and certainly looks to be the featured back
27
 James White, NE
6
28
 Antonio Gibson, WAS
8
29
 Tarik Cohen, CHI
11
30
 Cam Akers, LAR
9
28
 Akers was knocked out of Week 2 early w/ a rib injury; he’s day-to-day
31
 J.K. Dobbins, BAL
8
27
 I might’ve been a little aggressive in my initial outlook for Dobbins
32
 L. Fournette, TB
13
42
 it feels like Fournette taking over is a matter of when, not if
33
 Latavius Murray, NO
6
34
 Ronald Jones, TB
13
Arians says Jones is still the guy; color me skeptical
35
 Myles Gaskin, MIA
11
NR
 Gaskin seems to be the top back to own in Miami

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
36
 Tevin Coleman, SF
11
34
 Coleman is expected to miss multiple games with a knee injury
37
 Boston Scott, PHI
9
38
 Mike Davis, CAR
13
NR
 Davis should get first crack filling in for McCaffrey
39
 Phillip Lindsay, DEN
8
he’s set to miss 2-4 weeks with a sprained toe
40
 Sony Michel, NE
6
41
 Dion Lewis, NYG
11
NR
 Lewis saw most of the work after Barkley went down; we’ll see what else they do at RB
42
 Zack Moss, BUF
11
43
 Jamaal Williams, GB
5
44
 Kerryon Johnson, DET
5
45
 Jerick McKinnon, SF
11
64
 injuries have presented McKinnon with a real opportunity to carve out a role
46
 Adrian Peterson, DET
5
47
 Joshua Kelley, LAC
10
61
 the only reason he’s not higher is uncertainty when Justin Jackson returns
48
 Malcolm Brown, LAR
9
53
 Brown broke his pinky but should be available in Week 3
49
 Matt Breida, MIA
11
50
 D’Andre Swift, DET
5
Swift looks like he’s going to be the third-down back in Motown
51
 Nyheim Hines, IND
7
38
52
 Carlos Hyde, SEA
6
53
 A. Mattison, MIN
7
54
 Frank Gore, NYJ
11
55
 D. Johnson Jr., HOU
8
41
 Johnson was a P in Week 2 w/ an ankle injury & I don’t like Houston’s offense
56
 D. Henderson, LAR
9
66
 it’s hard to get a read on LA’s backfield given the injuries
57
 Benny Snell Jr., PIT
8
58
 Jordan Howard, MIA
11
36
 13 carries, 11 yards in two games
59
 Bryce Love, WAS
8
60
 Chris Thompson, JAC
7
32
61
 Peyton Barber, WAS
8
62
 Tony Pollard, DAL
10
63
 Chase Edmonds, ARI
8
64
 Darrel Williams, KC
10
65
 Damien Harris, NE
6
66
 Wayne Gallman, NYG
11
NR
67
 AJ Dillon, GB
5
68
 Jalen Richard, LVR
6
69
 Justin Jackson, LAC
10
what role, if any, will Jackson have when he returns?
70
 Giovani Bernard, CIN
9

Wide receivers

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Michael Thomas, NO
6
did not play in Week 2 and is unknown for this coming Sunday
2
 Davante Adams, GB
5
Adams’ hamstring injury is not believed to be serious, but he could miss a game
3
 DeAndre Hopkins, ARI
8
4
4
 Julio Jones, ATL
10
5
 Tyreek Hill, KC
10
6
 Mike Evans, TB
13
7
 Chris Godwin, TB
13
Godwin didn’t play in Week 2 due to a concussion but should return in Week 3
8
 Kenny Golladay, DET
5
Golladay is expected to make his 2020 debut this week
9
 D.J. Moore, CAR
13
10
 J. Smith-Schuster, PIT
8
12
11
 O. Beckham Jr., CLE
9
12
 Calvin Ridley, ATL
10
21
 it looks like ATL has joined TB as teams with two viable WR1s

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
13
 A. Robinson II, CHI
11
14
 Stefon Diggs, BUF
11
29
 Diggs just makes Buffalo’s offense so much more dynamic
15
 Tyler Lockett, SEA
6
16
 A.J. Brown, TEN
7
a bone bruise kept Brown out in Week 2; if he misses more time I’ll revisit
17
 Adam Thielen, MIN
7
18
 Cooper Kupp, LAR
9
19
 Amari Cooper, DAL
10
20
 DK Metcalf, SEA
6
24
 if Seattle’s pass-first approach continues, Metcalf could be a top-10 WR
21
 Robert Woods, LAR
9
22
 Julian Edelman, NE
6
30
 he and Newton were sure on the same page Sunday night
23
 DJ Chark Jr., JAC
7
24
 Brandin Cooks, HOU
8
Cooks looked more in tune w/ Watson on Sunday
25
 Keenan Allen, LAC
10
26
 Terry McLaurin, WAS
8
27
 T.Y. Hilton, IND
7
22
 ugly start to the season for Hilton

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
28
 Michael Gallup, DAL
10
through two weeks Lamb has outproduced Gallup
29
 Marvin Jones, DET
5
30
 Robby Anderson, CAR
13
38
31
 Golden Tate, NYG
11
32
 Jarvis Landry, CLE
9
33
 Diontae Johnson, PIT
8
46
34
 A.J. Green, CIN
9
35
 CeeDee Lamb, DAL
10
47
 he’s already looking like a weapon in Dallas
36
 Marquise Brown, BAL
8
37
 DeVante Parker, MIA
11
38
 Jerry Jeudy, DEN
8
57
 with Courtland Sutton done for the year, Jeudy should see a lot of action
39
 Jamison Crowder, NYJ
11
40
 Tyler Boyd, CIN
9
41
 Christian Kirk, ARI
8
42
 Anthony Miller, CHI
11
43
 Darius Slayton, NYG
11
44
 Mecole Hardman, KC
10
45
 Will Fuller, HOU
8
another week, another injury; he just can’t stay healthy
46
 John Brown, BUF
11
47
 Deebo Samuel, SF
11
48
 P. Williams, MIA
11
49
 Cole Beasley, BUF
11
50
 Henry Ruggs III, LVR
6
51
 Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB
5
72
 his ability to get vertical gives MVS some upside
52
 DeSean Jackson, PHI
9
53
 J. Washington, PIT
8
54
 Allen Lazard, GB
5
58
55
 Chris Conley, JAC
7

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
56
 S. Shepard, NYG
11
49
57
 Brandon Aiyuk, SF
11
58
 Bryan Edwards, LVR
6
55
59
 Corey Davis, TEN
7
70
 so far, so good for Davis
60
 M. Pittman Jr., IND
7
61
 J. Jefferson, MIN
7
62
 B. Perriman, NYJ
11
Perriman is week-to-week with an ankle sprain
63
 Mike Williams, LAC
10
64
 N’Keal Harry, NE
6
70
65
 Jalen Reagor, PHI
9
66
 L. Fitzgerald, ARI
8
67
 Sammy Watkins, KC
10
Watkins was knocked out of Week 2 with a head injury
68
 E. Sanders, NO
6
55
 it was discouraging to see Sanders do nothing on MNF w/ Thomas out
69
 Scotty Miller, TB
13
60
70
 Danny Amendola, DET
5
71
 Parris Campbell, IND
7
57
 a knee injury will keep Campbell sidelined for a while
72
 Randall Cobb, HOU
8
78
73
 Van Jefferson, LAR
9
74
 Russell Gage, ATL
10
NR
75
 Kendrick Bourne, SF
11
76
 KJ Hamler, DEN
8
NR
77
 Curtis Samuel, CAR
13
78
 Jakobi Meyers, NE
6
79
 Hunter Renfrow, LVR
6
80
 Alshon Jeffery, PHI
9

Tight ends

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Travis Kelce, KC
10
2
 George Kittle, SF
11
Kittle is expected to return in Week 3
3
 Darren Waller, LVR
6
6
 he’s the top target in Oakland
4
 Mark Andrews, BAL
8
5
 Tyler Higbee, LAR
9
6
 Zach Ertz, PHI
9
4
 a struggling offense & Goedert’s ascension were enough to drop Ertz a bit

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
7
 Noah Fant, DEN
8
I expect Fant to see a lot of action w/ Sutton done for the season
8
 Hunter Henry, LAC
10
9
 Jared Cook, NO
6
7
10
 Evan Engram, NYG
11
11
 Hayden Hurst, ATL
10
12
 Mike Gesicki, MIA
11

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
13
 Dallas Goedert, PHI
9
15
14
 T.J. Hockenson, DET
5
16
15
 Jonnu Smith, TEN
7
19
 Smith is off to a great start in a surprisingly pass-heavy offense
16
 Austin Hooper, CLE
9
his role thus far has been nearly nonexistent
17
 Rob Gronkowski, TB
13
are we sure he unretired?
18
 Chris Herndon, NYJ
11
13
19
 Jack Doyle, IND
7
Doyle couldn’t suit up in Week 2 due to an ankle injury
20
 Jordan Akins, HOU
8
21
 Tyler Eifert, JAC
7
22
 Irv Smith, MIN
7
another week of nothing & Smith is dropping into the bottom tier

Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth

Bye
24
 Eric Ebron, PIT
8
25
 Dalton Schultz, DAL
10
NR
 great first game following Jarwin’s injury; it’s something to monitor
26
 J. Sternberger, GB
5
27
 Greg Olsen, SEA
6
his one target Sunday night deflected off his hands into a pick six
28
 Ian Thomas, CAR
13
29
 Drew Sample, CIN
9
NR
 Sample joins the rankings following the season-ending injury to Uzomah
30
 Jimmy Graham, CHI
11
31
 Logan Thomas, WAS
8
NR
32
 O.J. Howard, TB
13
31
33
 Devin Asiasi, NE
6
34
 Dawson Knox, BUF
11
35
 Gerald Everett, LAR
9
36
 Darren Fells, HOU
8
37
 Jordan Reed, SF
11
NR

Defensive teams

Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement

Notes
1
 Ravens, BAL
8
2
 Steelers, PIT
8
3
 Bills, BUF
11
4
 Saints, NO
6
5
 49ers, SF
11
3
 those d-line injuries are a concern

Rk

Lineup regulars

Bye
6
 Patriots, NE
6
7
 Chiefs, KC
10
8
 Bears, CHI
11
9
 Colts, IND
7
16
10
 Rams, LAR
9
11
 Buccaneers, TB
13
12
 Chargers, LAC
10

Rk

Weekly matchup plays

Bye
14
 Seahawks, SEA
6
13
15
 Broncos, DEN
8
16
 Packers, GB
5
19
17
 Eagles, PHI
9
14
18
 Cardinals, ARI
8
19
 Texans, HOU
8
20
 Vikings, MIN
7
11
 the loss of Barr is a blow to an already struggling defense

 

 

Ravens vs. Chiefs 2020 odds: Ravens open as early favorites for Week 3

The Baltimore Ravens’ have the NFL odds in their favor for Week 3, opening as early favorites over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Two of the top teams in the AFC, nay the NFL, square off in the national spotlight when the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs for Week 3. With such a marquee matchup comes more attention on the Ravens’ odds. Given how well Baltimore has done through two weeks, there’s reason to place a Ravens bet online.

According to BetMGM, the Ravens open as 3.5-point favorites over the Chiefs in Week 3.

Baltimore has looked nothing short of brilliant this season. After a dominant finish to the 2019 regular season, the Ravens have gotten off to a fast start in 2020. Not only are they one of the few undefeated teams left in the league, sitting at 2-0, but they’ve also blown out both of their quality opponents this far by a combined final score of 71-22.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson has once again put himself in the MVP discussion this season, improving over last season’s MVP-winning effort. Baltimore’s defense looks even more complete than last year. Kicker Justin Tucker has proven himself to be the best leg in the league yet again. Coach John Harbaugh has these players fully bought into the scheme and the message.

Kansas City sits undefeated as well but has struggled a little more than it did last season. The Chiefs got off to a less impressive start against the Houston Texans in Week 1 and had to come from behind to just edge out the Los Angeles Chargers — who started their rookie quarterback after a last-minute injury to starter Tyrod Taylor — in overtime.

While it’s tough to bet against Patrick Mahomes, Baltimore looks like one of the only teams capable enough to beat him and the Chiefs this season. And if you believe they’ll do it by more than a field goal, the Ravens’ odds are in your favor, with a $100 bet returning $91 if they beat the spread.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Browns open as 7-point favorites over Washington in Week 3

The Browns are the second-biggest favorite in Week 3

The opening line for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Football Team matchup in Week 3 is out. Cleveland is a healthy favorite at home for Sunday’s meeting between the two 1-1 clubs.

The Browns are 7-point favorites to defeat the visiting Football Team at BetMGM. Cleveland is coming off an impressive 35-30 home win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday. The Football Team fell in a late Sunday game in Arizona, 30-15. Only the Indianapolis Colts (-10.5 vs. the New York Jets) are bigger favorites this week than the Browns in this week’s action.

The over/under on the game is currently set at 44.5, one of the lowest point total lines for Week 3.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.
Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence
on news coverage.

Fantasy football free-agent forecast: Week 3

Be sure to stay up on your waiver claims after a week of injury after injury claimed several starters.

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

Grab & Stash/watch list

Jeff Driskel, Denver Broncos

Driskel will replace the injured Drew Lock (shoulder) as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. The second-year passer was injured in Week 2 and will miss up to six weeks. Driskel has eight starts under his belt and has looked capable, especially Sunday in relief of Lock, finishing with 256 yards, two scores and an interception vs. Pittsburgh. The Broncos have plenty of weapons to make Driskel relevant, presuming Courtland Sutton’s knee injury proves to be minor. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are next, and it will serve as a good barometer of whether Driskel can serve as a competent fantasy backup or even a spot-starter once bye weeks arrive. He’s worth adding out of desperation but also could be left on the wire as a watch.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0-1

WATCH LIST

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Short and sweet: Tyrod Taylor (chest) will regain his starting job upon returning to the health. Even if Herbert gets the start in Week 3, he’s not a fantasy No. 1 but more of a low-tier QB2 in superflex vs. the Carolina Panthers. Let’s say he has a monster performance, because he does have the weapons to make it happen, one has to question if Taylor really does return to the lineup.

Availability: 99%

Running Backs

Priority Free Agent

Dion Lewis, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley (knee) going down opens the door for the veteran Lewis to see the majority of touches in this backfield. He won’t be a season-saver, by any means, but Lewis will be useful. He ran for 20 yards on his 10 carries, scoring once, vs. Chicago’s tough defense, adding another 9.6 PPR points via the aerial game. RB Devonta Freeman is expected to work out fir the G-men, which would cut into Lewis’ value. The decimated San Fran defense is ahead, and then the Giants travel to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Those to matchups should give us a clearer idea of his utilization, particularly if a vet is added. He’s a low-tier RB2/flex in both of them should New York wait on bringing in help.

Availability: 78%
FAAB: $15-17

Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams

A line of 12 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown was highlighted by a 40-yard jaunt. Henderson added two grabs for 40 yards, and he had three more touches than Malcolm Brown. While Brown was fine — 4.3 yards per carry on his 11 totes — he didn’t score and is overly dependent on finding the end zone. Henderson was a rookie with fanfare last year prior to getting hurt, and he is definitely more dynamic than Brown. That said, both will have serious roles while Cam Akers (ribs) is on the mend … however long that may be. LA faces Buffalo on the road in Week 3, so consider Henderson a fringe starter should Akers sit.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $6-8

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers

He was worth adding as a speculative buy last week, and the injury to Raheem Mostert (knee) makes McKinnon virtually a must-own in all formats. While Mostert’s injury is being described as a mild sprain, it still could cost him time. The 49ers cannot afford to lose any other players, and it will be all hands on deck to find a way going forward. McKinnon saw the ball only three times, making the most of it, with 77 yards and a score in Week 2. He travels to the New York Giants in Week 3.

Availability: 41%
FAAB: $12-13

grab & stash

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens

Edwards ran 10 times for 73 yards in Week 2 and saw the most carries of all Ravens running backs. He had eight more handles than J.K. Dobbins and should be part of a three-pronged attack the rest of the way. However, it’s going to be extremely challenging to play him without a bye week or an injury forcing your hand … as it turns out, injuries were the story of Week 2, and bye weeks start soon. Add Edwards and play him only if you must, but his four carries in Week 17 should help illustrate the inconsistency of his utilization on a weekly basis. Hopefully averaging 7.3 yards per attempt will earn him a larger role.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $2-3

Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers

Christian McCaffrey exited with an ankle/foot injury and will have tests done Monday to understand the extent of it. His immediate backup is the veteran Davis, and any running back with a hand on the reins of a starting lineup spot should be owned. The Panthers play the Chargers in Week 3, so playing Davis should be done obviously only if CMC is out and you’re in desperate need of a flier for a cheap score. If McCaffrey is out long term, Davis becomes the top free agent in all formats.

Availability: 82%
FAAB: $3-4

Wide Receivers

Priority Free Agent

Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars

He was included last week as a stash option, and Cole delivered once again. The veteran saw seven targets in Week 2, finishing with a line of 6-58-1, bringing his two-week total to 11-105-2. Jacksonville’s defense is lousy, and they’ll be in plenty of shootouts. Miami suffered a few injuries on defense of late, including cornerback Byron Jones, so shuffling up the secondary could help Cole. After that, the Jags face Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit before going on a Week 7 vacation.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $2-3

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons

Like Cole, Gage was included last week as a stash target. The Falcons, like the Jaguars, have an awful defense and will put their quarterback in plenty of pass-by-necessity situations. Use that to your advantage. There will be games in which he disappears, but the attention paid to Julio Jones frees up everyone, and the Falcons have little semblance of a running game at the moment. Gage finished Week 2 with a 6-46-1 line on his nine targets, bringing his two-game count to 21 looks from Matt Ryan.

Availability: 41%
FAAB: $2-3

grab & stash

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

The rookie suited up and saw six targets, hauling in four for 37 yards. Nothing exciting, but his feet are officially wet. The Colts lost last week’s standout receiver, Parris Campbell, to an apparent knee injury. He was carted off. Keep tabs on Pittman, but he is worthy of a look in deeper PPR setups as bench material with bye weeks on the horizon. Gamers looking for a flier in Week 3 could take a shot on him vs. the New York Jets.

Availability: 47%
FAAB: $1-2

Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers

The massive rookie is blazing fast, and it was on full display in Week 2. He landed an 84-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown, one of his three receptions on as many looks. There are too many weapons in this offense to trust him on a weekly basis as a starter, but he’s the embodiment of what to look for a in a “no risk it, no biscuit” scenario. Add Claypool and deploy him in a pinch.

Availability: 60%
FAAB: $1-2

watch list

Chris Hogan, New York Jets

For gamers in truly desperate situations, Hogan may be closer to a one-week play vs. the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets were down Jamison Crowder and Le’Veon Bell entering Week 2, and Breshad Perriman left early. The result was eight targets for the well-traveled Hogan. He finished with 75 yards on six catches. Indianapolis gave up points to Jacksonville receivers in Week 1 but stifled the entire Minnesota passing game this past Sunday. How much was the latter a product of Kirk Cousins being hilariously bad? In Week 3, presuming Crowder doesn’t return, someone has to catch passes from Sam Darnold. Thus far, Hogan is the safest bet to be that guy.

Availability: 97%

Tight Ends

Priority Free Agent

Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers

Well, this one could be a short-lived recommendation. The ultra-talented Reed managed to stay healthy for an entire game in replacement of George Kittle (sprained knee, bone bruise) and scored a pair of touchdowns. The star has a chance to play in Week 3, which would make Reed unplayable. The status of QB Jimmy Garoppolo is up in the air, too, although Nick Mullens has acquitted himself dating back to last year. Reed should be added in case Kittle misses more time, and running two TEs could become the norm when Kittle is back.

Availability: 77%
FAAB: $3-4

1-week plug & play/Grab & Stash

Jordan Akins, Houston Texans

The young tight end — a 2018 third-rounder — scored in Week 1 on one of his two grabs, and he returned to see seven targets, landing all in Week 2. He posted 55 yards. In Week 3, Pittsburgh is the opponent for Houston. The Steelers gave up a 4-570-1 line to Noah Fant in Week 2 and could help make Akins a viable starter once again.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2

Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts

A pair of injuries helped make Alie-Cox the leading receiver for Indy in Week 2, so it all could go away as fast as it appeared, depending on the prognoses for WR Parris Campbell (knee) and starting tight end Jack Doyle (ankle, knee). It is worth noting that Philip Rivers singled out Alie-Cox while discussing the offense during an interview prior to the season. The Colts host the New York Jets in Week 3, and Alie-Cox would be a viable TE1 on the lower end of the spectrum, should those two targets miss the contest.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $1-2

grab & stash

Drew Sample, Cincinnati Bengals

A second-round pick in 2019, Sample is more of an H-back than a traditional tight end. He landed seven of nine targets in Week 2, although they amounted to a total of 45 yards. He will replace C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) as the primary tight end option, a game after the injured starter posted a 4-42-1 line. Young quarterbacks tend to checkdown quickly to tight ends, and Joe Burrow’s anemic 5.2 yards-per-attempt average is indicative of more work for the Washington product.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play/grab & stash

Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys

Schultz was listed as on our watch list last week after the season-ending injury suffered by Blake Jarwin. The Cowboys have so many ways to attack that it was tough to see a major role for Schultz, although the one factor that was underestimated: just how poor the Cowboys can be on defense. Granted, some of their woes were due to field position, but they still allowed a mess of points in Week 2, and it required four different players to see at least seven targets. Schultz led the way with 10 looks on his path to a strong 9-88-1 line. He should be added and could take advantage of the Seahawks in a lineup-worthy way in the third game of 2020.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $0-1

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Rodrigo Blankenship, Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets

The Colts’ offense is still finding its way in 2020 and has stalled several times, affording Blankenship seven three-point attempts in his two games. The undrafted rookie has plenty of leg from distance, and his offense has kinks to work out, especially after losing three starters in the past two games. The Jets may be just good enough on defense to get in the way and force Indy to settle for three a couple of times. Either way, it appears this offense is poised to grant its kicker more than enough opportunities to matter to gamers.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $0-1

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers

After a quiet Week 1, Fairbairn booted three kicks from distance and overcame a tough matchup to be a top-10 fantasy kicker this week. Another awful matchup for Houston’s middling offense is on the docket, and it would be surprising if Fairbairn didn’t get called on several more times. The 2018 No. 1 fantasy kicker had an off-year in 2019 and deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets

The opening week may have led to people dropping Indianapolis after the Jaguars had their way with this unit. A rebound in Week 2 gives hope for what was a promising sleeper defense in the offseason drafts. New York has almost nothing of concern for Indianapolis, and Sam Darnold is being thrown to the wolves. After stampeding the Jets, look at Indy as a viable play vs. Chicago, Cleveland and Cincinnati over the three following games.

Availability: 42%
FAAB: $1

1-Week Plug & Play

Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Football Team

Last week, in this spot, the recommendation of Arizona vs. Washington was slightly risky as banking on an unproven fantasy defense can be tricky. It paid off with four sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries. In Week 3, go to the well once more. Cleveland dropped Joe Burrow three times in Week 2, also recording a fumble, and it should be able to harass Dwayne Haskins into mistakes in Week 3. If nothing else, there’s a good chance Washington won’t put up enough points, which can be beneficial in some leagues.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $0-1