The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap Week 3 (Fantasy Football)

Week 3, meet the Three Amigos: Andy, Mike, and Jason. They are the burger, brat, and wings of your fantasy lineups, and we’re here to recap what got served up from this week’s The Fantasy Footballers podcast.

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Monday: Studs & Duds + True DAWGS!

The Hitman is frustrated with Brian Thomas and realizes his age might be catching up to him. He announced, “I am going old school football, I am just evaluating people on how tough or soft they are…either you’re the DAWG and you got it, or you’re MEOW and GET OUT OF MY LIFE.”

In other words, forget the spreadsheets. Hitman’s analysis has officially gone full “get off my lawn” scout, separating the players who bite from the ones who purr.

News

Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury and will need surgery, sidelining him for an expected three months. With only 20 of 25 QBs ever returning from this injury (in their career) and the Bengals facing an uphill playoff battle, there’s little reason to expect him back this season. Justin Fields remains in concussion protocol, Aaron Jones exited with a hamstring injury, and Austin Ekeler‘s year is over after suffering an Achilles tear. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels is considered day-to-day following an MRI on his knee.

Studs

Top 5 QBs: Jared Goff, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, and Daniel Jones. Honorable Mention: Bo Nix.

Top 5 RBs: Jonathan Taylor, James Cook, De’Von Achane, Javonte Williams, and Christian McCaffrey. Honorable Mention: Rhamondre Stevenson, Bijan Robinson, Kenneth Walker, Jahmyr Gibbs, Chuba Hubbard.

Top 5 WRs: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers, Ja’Marr Chase, Rome Odunze, Davante Adams. Honorable Mention: Troy Franklin, George Pickens.

Top TEs: Tucker Kraft, Zach Ertz, and Juwan Johnson.

Duds

QBs: Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray, Michael Penix Jr.

RBs: Derrick Henry, Chase Brown, Breece Hall, Zach Charbonnet, Isiah Pacheco, RJ Harvey, Jordan Mason, Kyren Williams.

WRs: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Travis Hunter, DJ Moore, Keon Coleman, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Garrett Wilson, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Harrison Jr., Ricky Pearsall, Michael Pittman, Stefon Diggs, Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Calvin Ridley.

TEs: Sam LaPorta, Mark Andrews, T.J. Hockenson, Evan Engram, David Njoku, Kyle Pitts.

Tuesday: Week 3 Waivers & Streamers + Rookie Rundown

Owners with rookies who are underperforming, be patient. TreVeyon Henderson, RJ Harvey, and others are underperforming, but let’s put that into context. Ryan Heath brought this to light about some of today’s superstars in their first two games:

• Bucky Irving averaged five points per game.
• Rashee Rice had run 16 routes.
• Jahmyr Gibbs had a 37% snap share.
• DeVon Achane played five snaps.
• Justin Jefferson had six targets.
• Nick Chubb had five rush attempts.
• Christian McCaffrey averaged 2.7 per carry.

News

• Jayden Daniels: Sprained knee, day-to-day after MRI. He’ll likely miss Week 3, though his rushing attempts could return in the following weeks.
• J.J. McCarthy: Suffered a high ankle sprain and is out 2–5 weeks. Carson Wentz takes over as the starter.
• Joe Burrow: Turf toe will sideline him for the rest of the season: a brutal blow for the Bengals and fantasy managers alike.
• Brock Purdy: Unlikely to play in Week 3. Monitor the backup situation.
• Brett Rypien: The Footy Award-winning legend “Brett Rypien Farts” has signed with the Bengals. Yes, really.
• Justin Fields: In the concussion protocol. His Week 3 outlook hinges on practicing on Thursday or Friday.
• Aaron Jones: Will not play this week.
• Jauan Jennings: Still battling an ankle injury.
• Brian Thomas Jr.: Odd situation in Jacksonville: reportedly entered Week 2 with a wrist injury that wasn’t on the report. OC Liam Coen didn’t exactly inspire confidence when pressed by the media.
• Chris Rodriguez Jr.: Returns to the Washington backfield in Week 3, likely stepping into a bigger role with Austin Ekeler now out for the season.

Don’t forget to sync your league and get all the premium tools of the Ultimate Dashboard here. Make Tuesdays easy with waiver pickups across all of your leagues, all in one place!

Waiver Wire

Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

RBs

Jason guides us on a fart joke tour by moving from Rypien Farts to Bhayshul Tuten. Truly whimsical.

Time to check out the waiver wire, and the first name to circle is Bhayshul Tuten, who posted eight carries for 42 yards and a receiving TD in Week 2. With Tank Bigsby gone, there’s a path to relevance, though Travis Etienne still looks sharp enough to keep Tuten in more of a contingency role unless injury strikes. Over in New England, the Rhamondre Stevenson situation is baffling. Only rostered in 60% of leagues, that’s criminal. Reports swirled that TreVeyon Henderson would see more work, but his three holding penalties and pass protection blunders kept that from happening. Stevenson struggled in Week 1, but no starting RB should be sitting on the waiver wire, especially when guys like Kaleb Johnson – who isn’t even playing – are somehow more widely rostered. Speaking of Johnson, he’s an easy drop.

Trey Benson deserves a look after drawing six targets, which is nice for any back in PPR formats. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a deeper stash, with Washington’s backfield set to reshuffle in the wake of Austin Ekeler’s injury, though Jeremy McNichols could also be in the mix. For desperation volume, Tyler Allgeier continues to see real work, matching Bijan Robinson’s Week 1 carries and piling up 16 more in Week 2. It’s not always pretty, but Atlanta trusts him in the red zone. Both Blake Corum and Miles Sanders are premium insurance backs. Both guys who become top RB candidates with an injury to the starter.

WRs 

At WR, Elic Ayomanor needs to be on rosters everywhere after a 4/56/1 line in Week 2. He’s rostered in just 28% of leagues, which makes him one of the best pickups of the week. Romeo Doubs and Troy Franklin should also be near the top of the priority list – sing it with me, Hey, it’s Franklin. He led Denver in snaps and looks locked into a consistent role moving forward. Don’t forget about Wan’Dale Robinson, either. He’s running a full allotment of snaps. He is on pace for 153 targets, only this time those looks are actually coming downfield. Robinson posted 8/142/1 in Week 2 and is finally connecting on receptions over 20 yards, something that’s been missing from his career to this point.

Gander over the waivers for Cedric Tillman, who’s still available in roughly half of leagues. Darnell Mooney is a maybe add as he works his way back from injury, but the volume hasn’t quite solidified yet. Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks is another name to stash after catching four passes for 44 yards on six targets, stepping up early with Jayden Reed sidelined. Just don’t get fooled by Tyquan Thornton (Andy’s TD Guarantee), which was a one-week rental, not a long-term endorsement. And lastly, hold strong on Matthew Golden. The rookie hasn’t hit yet, but the volume and downfield opportunities are there, and the long TDs are coming as he looks to be the Packer’s Jameson Williams.

Check out AJ Passman’s Targets Per Route Run (TPPR) article that comes out every week.

TEs 

At TE, it’s getting ridiculous that Juwan Johnson is still unrostered in half of leagues. As Mike has been preaching, the utilization is undeniable: 20 targets through two weeks, a solid floor, and legit ceiling potential. He’s the top waiver add at the position this week. Behind him, Ja’Tavion Sanders flashed his athleticism, drawing nine targets in a game where Bryce put the ball in the air 55(!) times. For a safer, short-term option, Zach Ertz continues to serve as a reliable security blanket in Washington. However, there’s reason for concern without Jayden Daniels under center.

On the flip side, it’s time to say “k, bye” to Mark Andrews, Evan Engram, and Colston Loveland. Sad face. The usage and production are not sufficient to justify holding at this point.’

DSTs

If you are looking for DST in Week 3, Atlanta jumps out right away against Carolina. The Falcons’ pass rush has been excellent, and Bryce Young is still prone to mistakes under pressure. Tampa Bay is another strong option. The New York J-E-T-S, Jets go against a backup QB. Seattle gets New Orleans at home with Spencer Rattler under center, making them a viable start in front of the 12s. Even Arizona is playable against San Francisco, but with so many QB injuries around the league, there are plenty of streaming options available.

Full Stream Ahead

At QB, it is full stream ahead for Daniel Jones against Tennessee. Only Lamar Jackson is averaging more fantasy points per drop-back. Sam Darnold is also in play as he continues to look sharp and now gets New Orleans at home as a 7.5 point favorite. For a deeper streaming option, Mac Jones put together a strong performance after a shaky first quarter and benefits from Arizona losing multiple defensive starters. If he can keep the ball secure after two fumbles last week, he is worth a look.

Carson Wentz against the Bengals. He brings just enough rushing upside to make him dangerous. He is the Titanium Underpants of the Week, a true nasty boy play that could pay off if you are brave enough to plug him in. On the flip side, it is time to move on from Joe Burrow, J.J. McCarthy, and Brock Purdy. Injury concerns and lost playing time make them easy drops at this point in the season.

Wednesday: Unsolved Mysteries + TNF Preview, Top 5 Surprises

Free Agent pickup considerations if they were dropped include Woody Marks; he stepped in with Dameon Pierce scratched. Tory Horton showed life with four targets and a TD after a slow start. Matthew Golden has just four targets but leads the league in separation score and is a stash before the breakout. Jayden Higgins is worth watching as his role expands. And the (now?) Nasty Boy, Mark Andrews, always has TD upside.

News

Justin Fields is out for Week 3, giving Tyrod Taylor the start. The Vikings placed Aaron Jones on IR, sidelining him through the Week 6 bye. Jordan Mason has an opportunity to step up in Minnesota, though a shaky o-line should keep FootClan expectations in check. There is growing concern about T.J. Hockenson, whose production declined at the end of last season to the beginning of this one. Christian Watson will be back at practice by Week 6, and the Texans will soon welcome back Christian Kirk to their receiving corps. They need all the help they can get.

Unsolved Mysteries

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Drake London. Is the bridge falling down? (Nice one, Kyle). London is seeing targets, but his ADP carried too much weight from last season’s three-game sample size with Penix. With Atlanta’s defense playing well, the Falcons may lean heavier on the run game behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. It is also possible we are seeing week-to-week game planning, which means there will be spots ahead where the passing volume returns. He is a possible trade candidate.

Javonte Williams. He has back-to-back top-five finishes after managing just one such game in his entire career before this season. The usage is elite, with seven targets and 74% of snaps in Week 2, which is precisely what fantasy managers were hoping for when they took a chance on the Cowboys’ ambitious backfield. He looks like he has that DAWG in him, even if the explosiveness from his rookie year is not quite all the way back. For now, he is a firm hold for your lineup.

Is the Philadelphia Passing Game doomed? Through two weeks, the Eagles rank dead last in pass rate. Jalen Hurts has thrown for just 152 and 101 yards in back-to-back victories. They have only two completions of 10 or more air yards, and the offensive coordinator has already said there will be more designed runs for Hurts. Fantasy managers holding A.J. Brown should prepare for some growing pains with the coaching change. Still, this offense has too much talent to remain quiet forever; a sudden resurgence remains within the realm of possible outcomes for any game.

TNF Preview

0-2 MIA @ 2-0 BUF (BUF -12.5/OU 49.5)

Josh Allen owns this matchup, boasting 12 wins and two losses against Miami, and remains undefeated at home. James Cook is a set-it-and-forget-it option, while Keon Coleman is the only Bills wideout worth starting consideration. The rest of the receiving corps is too volatile due to the snap counts. Miami might get the firepower to push points on the board with Buffalo battling defensive injuries, so this game looks to shoot out with the total.

Thursday: Starts of the Week + Week 3 Breakdown, Trade Techniques

Trade Advice: When working the trade market, always check league records. A 2 – 0 team may be looking for a final piece to push them over the top, so you can offer a piece where they are weak. A 0 – 2 manager may already be panicking, so see what you can get by offering stability that makes them feel better about their roster. Use the standings as your guide to find the right partners at the right time.

News

Injury Report: The Dolphins are hopeful Jaylen Waddle can go on Thursday night. Emeka Egbuka, set for Monday night, did not practice in the media portion but is still expected to work later in the week. Injury tags: Jauan Jennings, Zach Charbonnet, Evan Engram, and Jayden Daniels, with Marcus Mariota the likely Week 3 starter for Washington. Limited participants included Xavier Worthy, Brock Bowers, and Brock Purdy, though the 49ers are preparing Mac Jones to start if Purdy is unable.

Starts of the Week

Mike: Dak Prescott, Jaylen Warren, Ricky Pearsall, Jake Ferguson
Andy: Jared Goff, Travis Etienne/Bhayshul Tuten, Rome Odunze, Juwan Johnson
Jason: Justin Herbert, Jordan Mason, Michael Pittman, Zach Ertz

Fantasy Forecast

2-0 GB at 0-2 CLE (GB -8.5, O/U 41.5)
The Packers’ defense is rolling, and Jordan Love is playing great, giving the Packers confidence to control this game. Josh Jacobs faces a tough draw defensively, and if GB pulls ahead, there is a real chance he is scripted out late. Matthew Golden has TD potential while leading the league in separation, while Quinshon Judkins looks the part of a steady start now that the off-field noise is behind him. Still, the safest play may be steering clear of most Browns in this spot.

2-0 IND at 0-2 TEN (IND -4.5, O/U 43.5)
Is this the week we see the real Daniel Jones, and it’s a trap? JT looks fantastic, but the Titans’ defense is playing well despite the 0-2 record. Tyler Warren didn’t practice Wednesday (went to vet…cause he a dawg) but looks to continue getting plenty of snaps. Tony Pollard is a fine RB2.

2-0 CIN at 1-1 MIN (MIN -3, O/U 42.5)
Managers may consider trading Ja’Marr Chase for CeeDee Lamb, Puka, Amon-Ra, or other WR1s with Jake Browning being the starter. However, in 2023, Jake Browning had plenty of top-10 QB finishes, ensuring the Bengals will continue to throw. Jordan Mason is a start of the week, and it’s time to find a TE replacement for Hockenson (but don’t drop him yet). Carson Wentz will start and hopefully gets Justin Jefferson back on track.  

1-1 PIT at 1-1 NE (PIT -1.5, O/U 44.5)
ALERT! This game is Andy’s almost upset of the week. The Steelers and Patriots both targeted their WRs only 39% of the time. Rodgers came back to earth in Week 2, showing there will be rough days. DK Metcalf is a fine play, but if Christian Gonzalez (NE CB) is in, he’ll be sketchy to put in your starting lineup. Rhamondre Stevenson is a fine play because the Steelers are bleeding out fantasy points to opposing RBs. We caution TreVeyon Henderson this week until we see more confidence from the coaching staff.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

2-0 LAR at 2-0 PHI (PHI -3.5, O/U 44.5)
Two good QBs, four great WRs, two good RBs, amazing offenses, what could go wrong? The Eagles are not throwing the ball down the field, so it will be interesting to see how the game script unfolds based on the Eagles’ TIP of 24. The Ballers suggest going Deebo over AJ Brown and maybe even Jakobi Meyers, too. Kyren will split 65% to Corum’s 35%. Against PHI, this could prove to be an uphill battle, so temper expectations for the Rams’ workhorse.

0-2 NYJ at 2-0 TB (TB – 7, O/U 43.5)
Tyrod Taylor steps in, and the hosts don’t feel great about the Jets’ offense. Garrett Wilson is still playable, but TB’s run defense may make it tough on Breece Hall. Bucky Irving is averaging 20 opportunities per game, so set it and forget it. Mike Evans was outside the top 40 for two weeks in a row, so it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back in Week 3. Chris Godwin might be back next week.

1-1 LV at 1-1 WAS (WAS -3, O/U 44.5)
If Jayden Daniels is active, and that’s a big if, you play him. If Mariotta takes over, putting Terry on the bench may be the best move. McLaurin started slow last year, so he may ramp up. BILL(!!!) will be the starting RB, but the coaching staff mentioned how he needs to learn to play without the ball. It will be interesting to see how Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez factor into the RB rotation. Ertz is a start of the week, so start with confidence. Jeanty is a good trade for candidate and keep starting him. Play Brock Bowers if he’s in – even if he isn’t 100%. 

Friday: Week 3 Matchups + Wheel of Shame Returns!

News

Tyler Kraft suffered an injury in practice, and we’re still waiting to find out if he’ll miss games. Josh Jacobs was limited with a knee injury, while Jayden Daniels hasn’t practiced, setting the stage for Marcus Mariota to start. Emeka Egbuka returned to practice, Brock Bowers was limited but expected to push through, and Tyler Warren also returned. Kyle Pitts is dealing with a toe issue that has kept him limited. Zach Charbonnet missed back-to-back practices, casting doubt on his Week 3 status. Brock Purdy looks on track to return in the coming week or so, and Xavier Worthy was limited but could suit up.

1-1 ATL at 0-2 CAR (ATL -5.5, O/U 43.5)
Bryce Young hasn’t looked like the QB who tormented Atlanta last year, and outside of garbage-time stats, the Panthers’ offense has been completely shut down. Tough sledding for CAR  with Xavier Legette struggling badly and sitting on just a 19-point implied total. Chuba Hubbard is the only Panther you can start with any confidence. On the Atlanta side, Bijan Robinson is a locked-in play, Tyler Allgeier is more of a desperation RB3/4 option, Drake London’s target share keeps him in lineups, and Kyle Pitts should still be started if active despite dealing with a toe injury.

0-2 HOU at 1-1 JAX (JAX -1.5, O/U 43.5)
Brian Thomas Jr. continues to command heavy targets (12 last week) despite a brutal drop, and he’s still a buy in fantasy over names like AJ Brown, given his usage. Travis Etienne is a start of the week, especially with Bhayshul Tuten banged up in practice, though Tuten would be viable if fully active. C.J. Stroud has struggled with consistency, topping 20 points in just one of his last 17 games, and this Houston passing offense looks shaky overall. Nico Collins remains the clear No. 1, Dalton Schultz will soak up some volume, but outside of Collins, it’s hard to trust Texans pass-catchers.

1-1 DEN at 2-0 LAC (LAC -2.5, O/U 46.5)
The Chargers are slight home favorites in what should be a fun divisional matchup, with both teams ranking top seven in pass rate over expectation. Justin Herbert is in a great spot at home. Denver’s defense has held QBs in check so far, but Herbert’s volume and efficiency keeps him in your lineups. Bo Nix has struggled badly under pressure, going just 4-for-11 with two picks when throwing outside the pocket, so protection will be key for Denver’s offense. Both backfields are messy: J.K. Dobbins has found the end zone twice but remains a question mark with RJ Harvey/Tyler Badie. Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris will continue seeing work, and based on Hampton’s struggles, Harris may get more work.

0-2 NO at 1-1 SEA (SEA -7.5, O/U 41.5)
The Saints limp into Seattle with just a 17-point implied total, and Spencer Rattler faces his first road test in one of the league’s loudest stadiums. Alvin Kamara remains a must-start, and Chris Olave is commanding heavy volume, though he’s turned double-digit targets into only modest production so far. Juwan Johnson is a start-of-the-week candidate at TE with Seattle giving up the most points to the position through two weeks. On the Seahawks side, Sam Darnold has clicked with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while Cooper Kupp saw a big bounce-back in Week 2, and Kenneth Walker continues to look explosive with RB1 potential this week.

1-1 DAL at 0-2 CHI (DAL -1.5, O/U 50.5)
Rome Odunze looks like a true breakout, while DJ Moore remains inconsistent despite creative usage. Chicago’s pass defense has fallen apart, and with Jaylon Johnson likely out, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are set up well. DeAndre Swift is RB23 through two weeks but continues to underperform, making him hard to trust.

2-0 ARI at 2-0 SF (SF -3, O/U 45.5)
Kyler Murray is a tough start, and Marvin Harrison Jr. has been inconsistent at best. James Conner remains a TD-dependent option. Despite poor rushing efficiency, you can keep him in lineups for now. CMC, duh, play him. SF has been strong against the pass, and with Brock Purdy possibly back, the 49ers are rightfully favored at home.

0-2 KC at 0-2 NYG (KC -6, O/U 45.5)
Patrick Mahomes is playable, but the Chiefs’ weapons remain unreliable outside of Travis Kelce, who sits fringe top-12. Hollywood Brown is a flex, and Xavier Worthy would start if active. For the Giants, Malik Nabers is locked in after a strong start, with Wan’Dale Robinson also flashing. Cam Skattebo is gaining snaps but faces a tough KC run defense.

1-1 DET at 1-1 BAL (BAL -4.5, O/U 53.5)
This is the highest total on the slate and should be a shootout. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers are locked into lineups, with Flowers looking like he’s breaking out. Mark Andrews’ role has dipped a bit, but he’s still playable, while Rashod Bateman remains invisible. For Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs are must-starts, Jameson Williams is a boom-or-bust flex, and Sam LaPorta should stay in lineups in a game with massive scoring upside.

 

Good luck in Week 3!

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