NFL fantasy football news and player signals for Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Herbert is projected to finish as QB1 this week despite being 0-2 with the second-worst QBR in the NFL and interception issues. The source argues there are 'a lot of haters' and that Herbert, who has one of the biggest arms in the NFL, is 'due in such a meaningful way.' The Chargers face a favorable matchup this week, and the source is bullish on his breakout potential.

Wilson is a top-five fantasy wide receiver this week against the Lions; the Lions have given up the second-most passing yards per game through two weeks and are dealing with injuries on the back end of their defense. The Lions play a lot of man coverage, and Wilson has the skill set to exploit this. The game has shootout potential, and Wilson should get the lion's share of passing yards for the Jets.

Loveland is fantasy's biggest bust through two games with an 8% target rate and has combined with Rome Odunze for fewer than 16 total fantasy points through two weeks. The source would play Pat Freiermuth or A.J. Barner over Loveland this week against the Eagles, whose defense has been tough against tight ends.

Odunze is a sit this week; he and Colston Loveland have combined for fewer than 16 total fantasy points through two weeks. Odunze has a 12% target rate and has been heavily outproduced by Khalif Raymond. The Bears might be down to third-string quarterback Case Keenum, and the Eagles defense has been tough against outside receivers. The source would legitimately bench Odunze for tons of flex options.

Bowers has been banged up this season, which has been a buzzkill for those who drafted him highly. The source notes this as a disappointment, though the Raiders are sitting at 2-0 despite his injury issues.

Schultz is a flex play or even a start at tight end this week with 14 targets last week; the source recommends playing two tight ends if you have a better primary tight end option. The Colts linebackers have not been great this season, making this a favorable matchup, especially with the Texans' wide receiver position banged up and Nico Collins up and down.

Flowers is a start if healthy this week; he's been dealing with a hamstring injury but is the Ravens' passing offense. When Flowers was on the field in week one, the Ravens had 173 yards after the catch versus only 86 in week two when he was out. The source recommends putting him in the flex spot to wait for Saturday/Sunday injury updates, then starting him if he's healthy.

Williams is a sit this week against the Jets despite being a threat for a big play; he's posted consecutive single-digit fantasy performances and the matchup is poor. Against receivers aligned out wide, the Jets have allowed just 5.7 yards per target and a league-low 4% explosive catch rate. Only Seattle has allowed fewer downfield receptions, making this unfavorable for Williams' big-play upside.

McConkey is a borderline top-10 receiver this week despite LA's troubles and his rib injury; he's been very good when on the field with 3 yards per route run and a 26% target rate. Only Jackson Smith-Njigba has a higher EPA per route on at least 35 routes. The Bills have been wrecked by wide receiver ones (Nico Collins, Amon Ra), making this a favorable matchup.

Puka Nacua is mentioned as part of the tier of elite pass catchers (JSN-Puka-CMC) being considered for Week 3 starts, though the source ultimately selects JSN over Nacua for the wide receiver spot.

Dalton Schultz is mentioned as one of the highest-scoring tight ends in Week 2, establishing him as a relevant performer early in the season.

The source selects Tucker Kraft as the top tight end start for Week 3, citing his high route participation and the Packers' struggling offensive line as the primary driver. The source reasons that while the weak pass protection could theoretically force Kraft into more blocking, it will instead elevate his role as a safety valve target. The source specifically highlights PPR league appeal, projecting Kraft could "have a really big week" given his high field time and the Packers' pass protection issues. The source notes Kraft "got paid just before the season started" and has been "waiting for that breakout game."

The source locks in JSN (Jalin Hyatt) as the top wide receiver start for Week 3. Hyatt is facing a Commanders team that has allowed a 50% open target percentage through two weeks. The source notes that while the Commanders have limited yards after the catch, Hyatt represents a different caliber of receiver and is the preferred start over other options in the JSN-Puka-CMC tier.

The source identifies Christian McCaffrey as the top running back start for Week 3 based on matchup advantage against Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals rank 11th in yards per game allowed and have the second-worst quarterback pressure rating in the NFL at 27%, which the source believes will allow the 49ers offense to stay on schedule. The source projects this as "a big volume week for Christian McCaffrey" and expects him to be the player who keeps San Francisco's offense moving.

The source expresses extreme confidence in starting Josh Allen in Week 3 regardless of opponent difficulty, stating "I don't care if he's playing the 85 Bears...I don't care if he's playing the 2,000 Ravens...I don't care if he's playing the Legion of Boom." Allen has been "unbelievable" through two weeks, and the source believes "Josh Allen seems like the only player to slow down Josh Allen at this point," arguing that matchup concerns should be completely disregarded and he "has to be in your lineup."

Jonathan Taylor was the highest-scoring running back in Week 2, described as an absolute monster. The source notes his performance has prompted reflection on various positions and their fantasy impact.

Josh Downs' role is taking a massive step forward with Alec Pierce's injury. He ran the most routes of any Colts player last week with 28 and had the most targets with nine. The source views him as the Colts' go-to guy in the passing game, perfectly suited to Shane Steichen and Daniel Jones' air-focused offensive scheme. He is expected to be a huge volume player moving forward.

Chuba Hubbard was already liked by the source before Jonathan Brooks' IR designation. He was the go-to guy for red zone snaps, and now gets the lion's share of carries. With Carolina's potent offense and Bryce Young dealing well against zone coverage, teams focusing on slowing the passing attack will open the door for Hubbard to continue producing. The source likes him especially over the next three to four weeks.

DeVonta Smith has taken over as the true wide receiver one in the Eagles offense with A.J. Brown out. When Tennessee went to man coverage—the coverage A.J. Brown excelled against—DeVonta Smith was right there, especially on the Eagles' final drive which was built around him. The source expects the Eagles to run their passing attack through him moving forward.

Saquon Barkley is expected to maintain his fantasy value despite the Giants' quarterback uncertainty. The source projects that rushing opportunities will remain available for Barkley, particularly in red zone situations where the Giants will continue to utilize him. Additionally, Barkley will be involved in the passing game. However, his overall production ceiling is still affected by the quarterback's ability to execute the offense effectively.

Isaiah Likely is among the Giants pass-catchers whose fantasy production is dependent on Daniel Jones' performance and confidence as the starting quarterback. The source indicates that until Jones stabilizes and plays better, Likely cannot be reliably considered a high-impact fantasy option.

Daniel Jones is stepping in as the starting quarterback following Jackson Dart's injury, but the source expresses concern about his performance and confidence level. In his appearance against the Rams, Jones 'didn't look right' and 'didn't look confident,' appearing to be 'in his head too much.' The source emphasizes that for any Giants pass-catchers (Malik Neighbors, Isaiah Likely, or others) to produce fantasy value, Jones must play significantly better and establish confidence as the starter. His poor performance directly impacts the fantasy viability of all Giants offensive skill players.

Fantasy Football rest of season rankings and usage notes at the RB position: 📈 Ashton Jeanty 📈 Bucky Irving 📈 Bhayshul Tuten 📉 Travis Etienne 📉 Jacory Croskey-Merritt 📉 David Montgomery Beyond the Box Score: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYF5v2NBOJg&lc=Ugwg90NDfzzK-bKAvkh4AaABAg>

Fantasy Football rest of season rankings and usage notes at the RB position: 📈 Ashton Jeanty 📈 Bucky Irving 📈 Bhayshul Tuten 📉 Travis Etienne 📉 Jacory Croskey-Merritt 📉 David Montgomery Beyond the Box Score: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYF5v2NBOJg&lc=Ugwg90NDfzzK-bKAvkh4AaABAg>

Fantasy Football rest of season rankings and usage notes at the RB position: 📈 Ashton Jeanty 📈 Bucky Irving 📈 Bhayshul Tuten 📉 Travis Etienne 📉 Jacory Croskey-Merritt 📉 David Montgomery Beyond the Box Score: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYF5v2NBOJg&lc=Ugwg90NDfzzK-bKAvkh4AaABAg>

Fantasy Football rest of season rankings and usage notes at the RB position: 📈 Ashton Jeanty 📈 Bucky Irving 📈 Bhayshul Tuten 📉 Travis Etienne 📉 Jacory Croskey-Merritt 📉 David Montgomery Beyond the Box Score: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYF5v2NBOJg&lc=Ugwg90NDfzzK-bKAvkh4AaABAg>

Fantasy Football rest of season rankings and usage notes at the RB position: 📈 Ashton Jeanty 📈 Bucky Irving 📈 Bhayshul Tuten 📉 Travis Etienne 📉 Jacory Croskey-Merritt 📉 David Montgomery Beyond the Box Score: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYF5v2NBOJg&lc=Ugwg90NDfzzK-bKAvkh4AaABAg>

Jacob Gibbs + Data Suite 2.0 is such a deadly combination 🔥🔥🔥

Coleman's target share and production increased significantly from Week 1 to Week 2; he had one catch for one yard in Week 1 but six catches for 63 yards on six targets in Week 2, indicating growing involvement in the Bills offense.

Coleman did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury sustained during the Bills' Week 2 game against the Lions.

Moore had five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Texans but recorded no catches on 23 snaps in Week 2 against the Lions, suggesting either a decline in target volume or the shoulder injury impacting his availability late in the game.

Moore left the Bills' Week 2 home opener against the Lions with a shoulder injury. On the first full day of practice ahead of Week 3 against the Chargers, he was listed as practicing on a limited basis, though the broad nature of the 'limited' designation makes it unclear whether he will be available in four days.

WR with rib injury on full practice; status is stable with full participation.

WR with quad injury did not practice; despite being the fastest player at the 2026 NFL Combine with 4.26 speed, the source flags Thompson as worth monitoring, though he has limited production with only one catch for 13 yards through two games.

TE with forearm injury requiring surgery did not practice; the source notes Kolar had surgery on his forearm but will not be placed on IR, unlike fellow tight end David Njoku, indicating he may return sooner.

RB with ankle injury suffered in early August; the source reports Johnson seems well on his way to being inserted into the gameday roster after well over a month layoff, signaling imminent return to action.

WR with shoulder injury on limited practice; the source notes Moore may not be 100% or even play in Week 3, making his status a key monitoring point.

WR with ankle injury did not practice in Week 2; the source flags him as absolutely worth monitoring for Week 3 availability given the no-practice status.

One comment notes that if Puka is in, there is a decision to be made regarding McConkey's role. Suggests potential competition for targets if Nacua returns.

One comment references 'QJ's music' in a joking context, suggesting minimal fantasy relevance or discussion.

Mentioned as a preferred start over McConkey in several comments; one manager notes Parker Washington is outperforming expectations and is being started over McConkey at WR2.

Mentioned as a start/sit alternative to McConkey in multiple comments. No strong consensus on whether to start Watson or McConkey.

Emerging as a popular alternative to McConkey in start/sit discussions. Multiple comments suggest benching McConkey for Coker, with one noting Coker is now listed as questionable. Community sentiment suggests Coker has been outperforming expectations and is a viable flex option.

Multiple comments reference 'hospital balls' and poor accuracy to McConkey; one comment notes Herbert will have only ~1.5 seconds to find McConkey given the Chargers' weak offensive line. Concerns about Herbert's decision-making and protection issues limiting McConkey's upside.

Full practice Wednesday after rib injury; played through it in Week 2 with underwhelming performance. Article says he is close to full health and should be fully good to go for Week 3 vs. Bills. Community split: many confident he'll be fed heavily given Chargers' offensive struggles without him and Buffalo's weak defense; others concerned he was limited to third-down snaps only last week and question whether he'll see full snap count. Debate over starting him vs. Jalen Coker, Christian Watson, Parker Washington, and others.

Here's the WR version of this video: I dug into route data and historical comps for some of the most interesting early-season WRs: - Jalen Coker / Tetairoa McMillan - Christian Watson / Matthew Golden - DeVauhn Vele / Chris Olave and a whooole lot more <https://youtu.be/TVS7MmkRdwQ?si=DdRXVRLgVf8U8S7f>

Here's the WR version of this video: I dug into route data and historical comps for some of the most interesting early-season WRs: - Jalen Coker / Tetairoa McMillan - Christian Watson / Matthew Golden - DeVauhn Vele / Chris Olave and a whooole lot more <https://youtu.be/TVS7MmkRdwQ?si=DdRXVRLgVf8U8S7f>

The Dolphins have called the Chargers about Justin Herbert. Apparently they just farted into the phone.

Braelon Allen is discussed in Week 3 running back rankings.

Kaelon Black is discussed in Week 3 running back rankings.

Rachaad White is discussed in Week 3 running back rankings.

Jonah Coleman is discussed in Week 3 running back rankings.

Kyle Monangai is discussed in Week 3 running back rankings.

Rhamondre Stevenson is discussed in Week 3 running back rankings.

Aaron Jones is a big conversation topic in Week 3 running back rankings discussion.

Ashton Jeanty is a big conversation topic in Week 3 running back rankings discussion.

Derrick Henry has an ideal matchup in Week 3 against Dallas, which is allowing 173.5 rushing yards per game; this creates an obvious opportunity for Baltimore to recommit to Henry in the running game.

Woody Marks leads the Week 3 fantasy football RB streamers list; he is highlighted as a top streaming option for Week 3.

Jeremiyah Love should be kept on the bench for Week 3 fantasy football; he is highlighted as a sit for the week.

Tony Pollard is recommended as a start for Week 3 fantasy football.

MarShawn Lloyd must be benched in Week 3 fantasy football; he is highlighted as a fade for the week.

TreVeyon Henderson has great promise in Week 3 fantasy football and is a must-start RB for Week 3.

JK Dobbins falls in Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings and must be benched; he is highlighted as a fade for Week 3.

Quinshon Judkins cracks the top 20 in Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings; he is a must-start RB for Week 3 and caught all 5 of his targets for 27 yards in recent action.

Chuba Hubbard cracks the top 20 in Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings and rises in projections; he is highlighted as having great promise for Week 3.

Christian McCaffrey drops in Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings; he ranks No. 4 overall but has fallen from earlier expectations.

Kenneth Walker III ranks No. 3 in Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings; he has been the NFL's leading rusher after two weeks and the most targeted RB in the passing game for Kansas City.

Bijan Robinson ranks No. 2 in Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings, following Jahmyr Gibbs.

Jahmyr Gibbs leads Week 3 fantasy football RB rankings at No. 1 overall against the Jets; also leads the overall top 250 fantasy rankings for Week 3.

Emari Demercado is mentioned in the context of the Denver running back situation that requires further updates.

Kenneth Gainwell is considered strictly a backup running back at this point in the season.

Despite a useful performance last week, Rachaad White should be benched as part of a broader recommendation to avoid all Commanders players.

Stefon Diggs' recent high-scoring performance is likely his ceiling for the season; fantasy managers should fade him given the broader recommendation to avoid starting all Commanders players.

Jonah Coleman is dealing with an ankle sprain, which contributes to the overall uncertainty and difficulty in ranking the Denver Broncos' running back situation.

J.K. Dobbins sustained an injury during his last game, and his status remains subject to further updates.

RJ Harvey is dealing with a hamstring injury, making the Denver backfield situation difficult to rank.

MarShawn Lloyd should be benched; even if he serves as the lead running back in Green Bay, he is not considered a talented player.

Blake Corum is averaging only 7.5 fantasy points per game and should be viewed as a desperation play or a premium handcuff rather than a reliable starter.

Rico Dowdle is injured and missed Wednesday practice, requiring monitoring for fantasy managers.

Jaylen Warren is currently injured and missed Wednesday practice, making his availability for the upcoming week uncertain.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a sell-high candidate as he continues to split the backfield and lacks the explosive upside offered by teammates like Trevian Henderson.

Aaron Jones is dealing with an injury and saw no receiving work last week; fantasy managers must monitor practice reports to determine his availability for the upcoming game.

Alvin Kamara's absence in a previous game provided a specific context for analyzing Travis Etienne's snap count.

Travis Etienne remains a startable option despite a 59% snap share and concerns regarding the overall offensive outlook. He would be averaging 14 fantasy points per game if not for a called-back touchdown last week.

The Chicago Bears offense is projected to struggle significantly, with market makers forecasting only 18 points for the team this week.

DeAndre Swift is a sell-high candidate due to offensive regression in Chicago and a committee backfield with Kyle Manungai; the Bears' offense is projected to be among the league's worst.

Jerome Ford is difficult to rely on for fantasy lineups, though rankings assume he is fully healthy and playing this week following his early exit due to a chest injury in the previous game.

Trey Benson is expected to see an increased role as the season progresses. Despite current low expectations, his status as a top-five NFL draft pick and recovery from a high ankle sprain suggest he will become a strong fantasy option in the second half of the season.

Tank Bigsby is the clear lead back for the Jaguars and a must-start player. While he lacks full-blown receiving volume due to competition from Laquon Treadwell on third downs, his role as the primary runner is secure.

David Montgomery remains a must-start due to the Texans being favored, but his floor is lowered by Woody Marks's involvement and the potential absence of Nico Collins, which could make the offense struggle to move the ball.

Chuba Hubbard is a three-down feature back in a respectable, favored offense. He is a preferred flex start over wide receivers like Jameson Williams, Terry McLaurin, or Mike Evans due to his guaranteed workload while Jonathan Brooks remains sidelined.

Kyren Williams' 55% snap share last week was skewed by a blowout win where Blake Corum played late; a closer matchup against the Denver Broncos should result in a better role for Williams moving forward.

Breece Hall remains a must-start running back against the Detroit Lions due to his phenomenal role as a receiving back, which provides a high floor in full PPR formats even if the New York Jets are trailing.

Javonte Williams is a top-12 running back due to his near-total snap share in the backfield, including an 80% snap share last week and 16-17 opportunities in recent games.

Ashton Jeanty is a strong start who receives every touch out of his backfield; his health is confirmed following a minor ankle check.

James Cook is a top-10 running back projection this week as the Bills are seven-point favorites against the Chargers, despite Josh Allen potentially vulturing rushing touchdowns.

Devon Achane is a high-priority player who has averaged over 80% of snaps and recorded at least five targets in back-to-back games, though his fantasy production is currently hindered by the Miami Dolphins' poor offensive performance.

Jonathan Taylor is averaging 27 fantasy points per game, but his ranking is being tempered this week due to a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans.

Saquon Barkley is being ranked under the assumption that he is 100% healthy and good to go for his upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, though his status should be monitored throughout the week.

Chase Brown is an interesting breakout candidate due to his receiving usage through the first two weeks, despite a potentially tough road division matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Christian McCaffrey is an A-tier running back in a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, though there are concerns regarding his usage levels compared to previous seasons.

Despite being a favorite player, Bijan Robinson faces tempered expectations due to the Atlanta Falcons' struggling offense, even with Michael Penix Jr. potentially starting.

Kenneth Walker is an S-tier running back currently averaging 29 fantasy points per game; he has massive upside this week with the Chiefs playing in Miami, with potential to drop 40 points.

D'Andre Swift is a sell-high candidate and a low-ranked option for the week because the Bears' offense is projected to be horrendous without their starting quarterback; following his 32-point Week 1 performance, he is now difficult to rely on due to overall offensive regression and usage concerns.

Cam Akers is ranked low for the week due to a projected horrendous offense without their starting quarterback; while he is a startable option against the Titans, his long-term outlook is dampened by the Giants' poor offense and a rotation with Najee Harris that limited Akers to 59% of snaps last week.

The 49ers were eight picks away from drafting Cam Skattebo in the 2025 NFL Draft. Kyle Shanahan loved Skattebo, but the Giants selected him with the 105th pick, forcing San Francisco to pivot and take CJ West with the 113th pick instead. Had Skattebo landed in San Francisco, he would have paired alongside Christian McCaffrey to form one of the best running back tandems in the NFL.

Cam Skattebo has proven durability concerns were overblown after his horrifying Week 8 leg injury against Philadelphia last season cut short his rookie campaign. He appeared in only eight games as a rookie, rushing for 410 yards and five touchdowns while being an early Rookie of the Year candidate. Through two games this season, he has already rushed for 117 yards with one touchdown, demonstrating he has recovered and can perform at a high level.

Cam Skattebo has emerged as a physically dominant running back for the Giants in his second NFL season. Robert Saleh, now the Jets defensive coordinator, described him as a "Spark plug" for the Giants offense with old-school power: "He's like the old school Madden 2010 hit stick: lower your shoulder, run people over. Plays his a— off, lots of energy." Through two games this season, Skattebo has rushed for 117 yards with one touchdown and six first-down conversions against Dallas in Week 1, demonstrating recovery from his Week 8 leg injury last season that had raised durability concerns.

Wide receiver Jaylin Lane has been dealing with a groin injury since last week and is listed as limited in practice.

Running back Kaytron Allen was listed with ankle and knee injuries last week and is now dealing with a hip injury; listed as limited in practice.

Tight end Chig Okonkwo remains out with a hamstring injury that took him out of the Eagles game.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow and has been ruled out for Week 3 against the Seahawks.

Mingo is part of a balanced tight end and pass-catcher rotation; he plays roughly 20% of snaps alongside Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, and Hunter Luepke, serving specific blocking or deception purposes without filling up stat sheets.

Luepke is part of a balanced tight end and pass-catcher rotation; he plays roughly 20% of snaps alongside Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, and Jonathan Mingo, serving specific blocking or deception purposes without filling up stat sheets.

Schoonmaker is part of a balanced tight end and pass-catcher rotation; he plays roughly 20% of snaps alongside Brevyn Spann-Ford, Hunter Luepke, and Jonathan Mingo, serving specific blocking or deception purposes without filling up stat sheets.

Spann-Ford is part of a balanced tight end and pass-catcher rotation; he plays roughly 20% of snaps alongside Luke Schoonmaker, Hunter Luepke, and Jonathan Mingo, serving specific blocking or deception purposes without filling up stat sheets.

Williams faced significant run-game struggles in Week 2 against Washington; the Cowboys' offensive line missed blocks and couldn't generate push to open running lanes, forcing the offense to abandon the run and pass on 61% of first-down plays instead.

The Cowboys' WR3 is seeing heavy action, playing in over 70% of snaps in each of the first two games, indicating the team is very comfortable deploying three-wide receiver sets frequently.

Lamb is getting strategic rest with back-to-back games under 50 snaps—the first time this has occurred in three years—while remaining the offense's focal point. He has scored 3 touchdowns in 2 games, already matching his entire previous season total, and the source notes that 'less can be more' as improved health makes a preserved Lamb more effective.

Lamb is getting more rest with back-to-back games of less than 50 snaps—the last time that happened was three years ago. Despite reduced snap volume, he remains a huge focal point of the offense, having scored three touchdowns in the first two games, already matching his entire touchdown total from last year. The source notes that better health is evident and a more preserved Lamb is a good Lamb.

Mingo is part of a balanced arrangement of tight ends and pass-catchers (alongside Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, and Hunter Luepke) playing roughly 20% of snaps in each game. These players add extra blocking or deception depending on the play design; none will fill up a stat sheet but each has a specific purpose in the offense.

Luepke is part of a balanced arrangement of tight ends and pass-catchers (alongside Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, and Jonathan Mingo) playing roughly 20% of snaps in each game. These players add extra blocking or deception depending on the play design; none will fill up a stat sheet but each has a specific purpose in the offense.

Schoonmaker is part of a balanced arrangement of tight ends and pass-catchers (alongside Brevyn Spann-Ford, Hunter Luepke, and Jonathan Mingo) playing roughly 20% of snaps in each game. These players add extra blocking or deception depending on the play design; none will fill up a stat sheet but each has a specific purpose in the offense.

Spann-Ford is part of a balanced arrangement of tight ends and pass-catchers (alongside Luke Schoonmaker, Hunter Luepke, and Jonathan Mingo) playing roughly 20% of snaps in each game. These players add extra blocking or deception depending on the play design; none will fill up a stat sheet but each has a specific purpose in the offense.

The Cowboys' WR3 is seeing significant snap count volume over the first two games, playing in over 70% of snaps in each game. The source notes the team is very comfortable in a three-wide receiver set and uses it often, indicating Flournoy has a consistent role in the offense.

Williams struggled to find running room in Week 2 against Washington; the Commanders' aggressive play near the line of scrimmage thwarted all run efforts, and the Cowboys offense missed blocks and couldn't generate push to open running lanes for him. This forced the offense to abandon the run game and pivot to passing on first down.

Tight end Dalton Schultz missed Wednesday's practice for rest purposes.

Wide receiver Nico Collins missed Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury sustained in practice the previous week; he also missed the Week 2 loss to the Bengals.

Greg Cosell says Brock Purdy epitomizes quarterback play in the NFL “I’m so tired of hearing guys have great tools because they can throw it hard and they can run around. I speak to coaches and that would be so far down the list on what coaches look at when they think about quality quarterback play. Quarterback play, if you reduce it to its simplest level -- Brock Purdy epitomizes this, it’s throwing the ball to the right receiver at the right time with the right kind of throw. That’s what qu...

Charbonnet remains on the physically unable to perform list while rehabbing from ACL surgery in February. Coach Macdonald announced that Charbonnet will not be designated to return to practice this week, despite this being the first week he could have opened a 21-day window to practice. Charbonnet must miss at least four games but can return to play after the contest next weekend against the Chargers.

First-round draft choice Jadarian Price suffered a chest injury late in Sunday's game against Arizona and was listed as limited in practice. Coach Macdonald said Price will be out there in some capacity but did not specify the extent of his availability for the upcoming game.

Lock has served as the Seahawks' reliable backup quarterback, playing the remainder of the season opener against New England after Darnold's injury and starting the following week in a 31-7 victory at Arizona. Coach Mike Macdonald indicated that if Darnold shows he's able to play, Darnold will be the starter at Washington, suggesting Lock's role will revert to backup once Darnold is cleared.

Darnold returned to practice two weeks after suffering a soft-tissue glute injury (initially feared to be a hip dislocation) sustained during the season opener against New England on Sept. 9. He was listed as limited in practice and did not take every rep, with coach Mike Macdonald indicating the team will ramp up his workload as the week progresses. Macdonald stated the injury is 'on a good track right now, assuming today goes well,' and the team will decide by Friday whether Darnold is ready to play Sunday against Washington. If Darnold shows he's able to play, he will be the starter.

Josh calls Emmanuel Wilson the biggest sleeper at RB24 in usage. He's getting subbed in at the goal line and will get fourth-quarter work against the Commanders. With Jadarian Price's injury status uncertain, Wilson could be a touchdown-or-bust option if Price doesn't play.

Boone mentions Emmitt Johnson as a top backup and one-injury-away guy who could have flex value in good matchups. Similar to Kaylin Black, Johnson is positioned to benefit if the Seahawks get up big against the Dolphins, potentially getting fourth-quarter work.

Marshawn Lloyd is benched after his fumble, playing only 1 of 22 snaps. Caleb Johnson took over all the carries, signaling a significant role change for Lloyd.

Jonah Coleman suffered an ankle injury during the game and is now missing practice. This creates uncertainty in the Broncos backfield alongside J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, making it a three-person backfield with Tyler Bidet potentially getting passing down snaps when Harvey misses.

Hayden is confident J.K. Dobbins will dominate touches when healthy. Dobbins had cramps last week, which won't carry over. Every time he's available, he runs away with every touch including at the goal line. The main concern is the Broncos face the Rams and are expected to lose with only 21.5 projected points, and Dobbins doesn't catch passes. But Hayden expects Dobbins to be the starter and get most carries until proven otherwise.

Ramondre Stevenson saw a snap share flip in Week 1 due to a fumble, with Trevion Henderson taking over. Against Jacksonville's strong run defense, both backs are expected to be used, with the game plan determining week-to-week usage. The matchup is a primary reason both Patriots backs are ranked low.

Boone sees Trevion Henderson as a potential fantasy league winner type who could eventually take over the Patriots backfield. Despite the tough Jacksonville run defense matchup, Henderson showed explosiveness in his debut last week and the Patriots need that playmaking ability. Boone expects both Henderson and Ramondre Stevenson to be used quite a bit week-to-week based on game plan, but Henderson's upside is significant.

Hayden criticizes Travis Etienne's role, noting film showed him as a decoy on nearly three straight snaps in pony personnel with Alvin Kamara, with passes thrown to Kamara instead. Two other pitches went for losses (one fell incomplete, one bobbled for a 6-yard loss). The rotation appears set with Kamara getting every other touch on early downs and CJ Donaldson handling passing situations. Additional concern: the Saints lost left tackle Kelvin Banks for months. The only positive is the Saints are first in neutral pace and projected for 23 points, but Hayden doesn't love the role.

Boone has Tony Pollard at RB27 in C tier with a little bit of hope. Both Pollard and Spears are sitting out with soreness but likely won't miss the game. Against the Giants, Boone sees Pollard as having high-end RB3 upside, with RB2 potential if he finds the end zone. The Titans performed well against the Eagles last week with their backs combining for over 100 yards, suggesting they can stay competitive against New York.

Jadarian Price is ranked RB38 in consensus but RB26 for Boone, likely because consensus assumes he'll be out. Price is expected to practice all week and the team downplayed the injury as minor with a chance to play. The main concern is whether the Seahawks will give him a full workload even if he plays, given they're big favorites against Washington and Wilson had three goal-line attempts before the injury. Boone sees Price as a low-end flex option if healthy, not a must-start, but worth monitoring throughout the week.

Hayden calls Quinchon Judkins the sneaky play and potential shock performer of the week against Carolina. Despite 12 carries for 21 yards last week against Tampa Bay and being held below 50 rushing yards in 8 of his past 12 games, the Panthers allow 6.3 rush yards per attempt (highest in the league). Hayden had a bold summer prediction that Judkins could be a top-15 back, and this is the critical week to prove it. He also caught 5 receptions in the last game without Dylan Sampson in negative game script, showing some receiving upside. Hayden rates him as a flex start, not a bench player, contingent on Deshaun Watson playing turnover-free football.

Hayden and Josh expect Jeremiah Love to break out soon despite Algier playing 59-64% of snaps in the first two games while Love sits around 40%. They compare his situation to Bajon Robinson's rookie year, noting Love is a high draft capital pick who will eventually get his opportunity. Hayden sees Week 4 as more optimistic than Week 3 due to the 49ers defense, but expects Love to catch 4-6 passes against San Francisco if the Titans fall behind, which would signal the role shift coming.

Jones played 90% of snaps heading into halftime in Week 2, then missed a couple snaps before returning; since 2024 without Jordan Mason, he's been RB20 and RB13 in usage; the Buccaneers defense has weak linebackers, creating pass-game opportunities; Hayden We has a very aggressive ranking on Jones, viewing him as "too big to fail" if healthy, with potential to get highlighted in the passing game.

Jones left Week 2 game early and slammed his helmet, raising concerns he might be out, but he finished the game with 105 yards on 23 carries; he's dealing with soreness heading into Week 3, and Kevin O'Connell's wording about his status ("we'll just keep getting treatment around the clock and see if we can pick up his workload as the week goes on") suggests some uncertainty, though the expectation is he'll play given Green Bay has no viable backup.

Film review shows Irving has lost explosiveness compared to previous years; while he has a great first step and can avoid disruption, he's one of the slowest running backs in the NFL once he hits the second level, and lacks the game-changing moments and real explosives that defined his earlier play.

Irving owns only 37% of carries inside the red zone for Tampa Bay so far, which needs to increase for him to be a reliable fantasy asset; this limited goal-line role is a concern despite his first-step ability.

Faces tough Week 3 matchup against Vikings and Brian Flores defense; Vikings have allowed only 11.4 PPR points per game to running backs over last four games, which is worrisome especially given Baker Mayfield's pressure issues.

Dominant snap share and usage through two games: 61% and 79% of snaps, 183 yards and a touchdown; getting two-minute drill and goal-line work with Kenneth Gainwell not limiting him as expected pre-season. Hayden. We was wrong pre-season expecting Gainwell to step into Rashad White role.

Revenge game against Philadelphia Eagles provides a small projection bump; Ben Johnson may lean heavily on rushing attack given negative game script and potential Case Keenum start, creating pathway for Swift to produce despite tough Philly defense.

Ranked RB25 for Week 3 despite being a borderline low-end RB1/high-end RB2 for rest of season; gets a small revenge-game bump against Philadelphia but faces negative game script with Case Keenum likely starting (which depresses entire Bears offense). In six games since 2025 where Bears scored 21 or fewer points, Swift averaged 10.8 half-PPR points (RB23 pace); projected for 18.5 points against Vic Fangio's defense but remains in drive-by-drive rotation rather than workhorse role.

Hayden Weis describes DeAndre Swift as 'freaking awesome' and places him in B tier for the week. Swift has a revenge game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hayden Weis ranks Javante Williams lower than consensus (RB 16 vs. consensus RB 12) despite owning 66% of the team's red zone runs, citing concerns about what he's seen on film through two games. Williams is averaging under three yards per carry this year versus almost five yards per carry last year—a nearly two-yard drop that Weis attributes partly to offensive line injuries (Tyler Smith on injured reserve). The Ravens have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game to running backs since week 10 of last year (66 yards per game). Williams is RB 5 in expected points since 2025 but RB 10 in expected points this year. Weis views him as primarily a volume play in a better offense, hoping the rushing attack will improve as the passing game finds its stride.

Kenneth Walker's strong Week 1 split against Denver is likely an outlier; the Broncos defense, despite losing John Franklin Myers (DT) and an edge rusher, will not be a top-five unit against running backs, suggesting Walker's production may normalize downward in subsequent weeks.

Williams is ranked RB14 and has been a low-end RB1 in fantasy points per game for the last three years despite modest workloads (14 touches per week). He finishes as RB16 and RB8 because he scores touchdowns and is efficient. Blake Corum has become a viable RB3, but Williams remains the RB2 play in the backfield. Since week 10 of last year (including playoffs), Williams is RB9 in usage and Corum is RB14, suggesting the split will remain stable. The Rams are projected for 24 points (down from 30 PPG average), which removes a touchdown from the board—not necessarily from Williams individually. The Broncos are missing defensive pieces (John Franklin Myers, an edge rusher) and are not a top-five unit against RBs, but Kenneth Walker's week-one performance may have been an outlier.

Hubbard is ranked RB13 (ahead of consensus RB19) and is a standout pick. With Jonathan Brooks out for 6-8 weeks, this is now Hubbard's backfield. He's a top-15 fantasy back most weeks moving forward. Despite not getting massive volume (14-15 touches per game), he's RB1 in success rate and was already the RB12 in fantasy points per game two years ago on RB7 usage—exactly what he looks like now. He's played 75% of snaps inside the 10-yard line with all six backfield touches in that area. The Rams are projected for 24 points (down from 30), but Hubbard's efficiency and scoring opportunities remain strong. Cleveland allows 5 yards per carry (27th) and 28th in success rate with poor after-contact metrics.

Bigsby should be rostered as a handcuff to Saquon Barkley. If Barkley misses time due to his stinger, Bigsby would be a high-end RB3 play. In deeper leagues, Will Shipley also got work and snaps and could be stashed as a risky flex. Bigsby got more touches than Shipley when Barkley was out last week.

Barkley suffered a stinger and was undergoing an MRI as of Wednesday afternoon (recording time). The team indicated he would likely be okay, but his status for the Chicago game is uncertain. If he plays, the matchup is favorable: the Bears allow 2 yards before contact per attempt (second-worst in NFL), and Barkley ranks fifth in rushing yards expectation per attempt. However, the Eagles' left side offensive line has changed (center moved to left guard), which could affect run blocking. Tank Bigsby should be rostered as a handcuff; if Barkley misses time, Bigsby would be a high-end RB3. Will Shipley is a deeper option in super-flex leagues.

Hampton is ranked RB11 (two spots ahead of consensus RB13), but his fantasy stats mask underlying concerns. While he has volume (RB9 in carries), his film and metrics look negative—the opposite of Breece Hall's situation. He's fumbled in both games, and the Chargers offense has not delivered on expectations despite Mike McDaniel's scheme. The Bills defense has allowed 20+ fantasy points to a single RB in each game, but Hampton's overall approach and offensive fit are concerning. He's a volume play and a bet on the Chargers offense improving, but not an elite back. At a certain point, you can only fade him so much given the lack of competition in the backfield (Keaton Mitchell is part-time, Kamani Vidal is not getting touches).

Hall looks healthy for the first time in years and is performing well on film. He owns 62% of red zone carries and 50% of carries inside the 10-yard line. The Lions allow a league-high 2.7 yards before contact per attempt and rank dead last in explosive rush rate allowed (18.2%), creating potential for vintage Hall explosives. He's averaging 19 carries and 3.5 receptions, with potential for 6-8 catches in games where the Jets trail (likely against the Lions). The Jets are projected for only 20.5 points on the road, but Hall is a strong play given his health, volume, and the matchup.

Brown is a buy-low candidate despite running back 18 scoring under 17 points in both games. He faced tough run defenses (Buccaneers, Texans) and now gets the Steelers, who allow 23rd in yards per carry and 28th in first-down/TD rate on runs (28% conversion). Brown has RB5 usage with 11 targets through two games and a top-five ceiling. The Bengals are using more under-center formations designed to generate explosives from Brown, and his offensive line may be underrated. He's an excellent buy-low candidate with better matchups ahead.

Taylor faces a tough Texans defense, but the matchup may not be as difficult as expected. The Texans have defensive issues at tackle and edge depth, with Jadavion Clowney missing time. Taylor had 86 rushing yards plus 36 receiving yards against Houston in week 13 last year (when Daniel Jones was injured and the Colts used a backup QB in week 18). The Colts are ninth in scoring despite two difficult early matchups, and Shane Steichen's offense is competent, suggesting Taylor can still produce in this spot.

Taylor is one of only four running backs averaging over 25 fantasy points per game, with the next closest (DeAndre Swift) at 21 PPG—a significant gap. He's performed well against tough defenses (Ravens, Chiefs) and now faces the Texans, another tough matchup, but the Colts are catching them at the right time. Taylor has increased his passing game role with 7 catches for 63 yards through two weeks, putting him on pace for almost 60 catches (career high). He's also a pivotal red zone player, especially inside the 10-yard line, where he should see increased volume given Josh Downs is the WR1 and Tyler Warren has been the primary TD target.

Cook is projected to have a strong week against the Chargers, who have been a defensive liability and are projected for almost 29 points. Despite coming off a 20.4-point week on 22 touches in week one, Cook's fantasy points are anchored by that performance and will continue to rise as he moves toward the top 10 backs. The Chargers' weak defense and the Bills' offensive strength create a favorable matchup.

Ty Johnson has been dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn't played in 2024. Last week he was limited in practice. If Ty Johnson gets back healthy, he could eat into James Cook's receiving work, which is a concern for Cook's value since Cook's targets per route have remained the same as the last two years with no evolution in his passing game role.

Justin Boone ranks James Cook as RB7 for Week 3 against the Chargers, placing him in A tier but noting it's a tougher matchup. Cook had a quieter day against Houston in Week 1 but went off in Week 2 against the Lions (when basically everybody on the Bills went off except TJ Moore, who got hurt early). The Chargers held Ashton Gentey to 63 yards on 25 touches, suggesting Cook may not have a huge day. Boone has been struggling to place Cook relative to Jonathan Taylor and Ashton Gentey. Cook doesn't have much backfield competition other than Josh Allen, but Ty Johnson would get more involved in the receiving game if healthy. Ty Johnson has been dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn't played this year; he was limited in practice last week. Cook's targets per route are the same as the last two years with no evolution in his passing game role despite the addition of DJ Moore and Don Kincaid's breakout. The Bills are projected for almost 29 points.

Justin Boone notes that Mike Washington Jr. has not gotten involved in the Raiders backfield as much as expected through two weeks, which is surprising given how things progressed through the summer. Boone still views Washington as a player people should hold onto as a potential one-injury-away guy who could have significant value if Ashton Gentey gets hurt. Gentey had an injury scare last week but returned to the game.

Justin Boone ranks Christian McCaffrey as RB4 for Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite being RB9 in points per game through two weeks with snap shares of 55-52%, McCaffrey remains a stellar fantasy asset. Last week against Miami, he played over 75% of snaps and handled over 70% of backfield work before the 49ers got up big and involved other backs. Boone expects CMC to continue getting volume and scoring opportunities. McCaffrey has a 23% target share (RB3) and is catching 4.5 receptions per game (RB5). He's losing some between-the-20s work but retains high-value goal-line touches; last week he got three inside-the-5-yard-line touches while Kalen Black got none. Last year against Arizona, McCaffrey had 140 scrimmage yards and 10 catches in their first meeting, then 121 yards and 3 TDs in the second game. The 49ers are 8.5-point favorites with a 28-point projection.

Justin Boone ranks Bijan Robinson as RB3 for Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, but Hayden Witt argues he belongs in A tier rather than S tier. Robinson has 29 touches through two weeks, including 19 in the Week 2 blowout. The Falcons are the only team that has yet to run an offensive play in the red zone, which is concerning for touchdown upside. However, with Michael Penick's returning at quarterback, Robinson's upside is significant: he was RB1 in fantasy points per game (21.6 half-PPR) over 12 games with Penick's last year. The Falcons are only projected for 19.75 points, and the Packers defense has improved with Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator.

Hayden Witt suggests Emmitt Johnson could sneak into flex consideration in Week 3 against the Dolphins, putting him in the same conversation as Blake Corum. Johnson has looked good early in the season and could be flexed in this high-scoring matchup where the Chiefs are projected for 28.5 points.

Hayden Witt ranks Kenneth Walker as RB2 overall for Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs are 11.5-point road favorites with a 28.5-point team total. Walker is averaging around 31.5 opportunities per game and has career-high targets last week with RB1 overall usage. The Dolphins defense allowed Ashton Gentey to go RB5 in Week 1 and Christian McCaffrey RB3 last week. Walker has nothing negative to say about him; he's in the S tier with Gibbs.

Cooper Kupp was limited in practice with a back injury for the second week in a row, indicating a lingering issue heading into Week 3.

Drew Lock has been the starting quarterback in Darnold's absence and has weathered the storm well for the Seahawks through two weeks, positioning the team to face an 0-2 Washington Commanders team.

The rookie running back, who is rehabbing a chest injury, was seen in full pads at practice, giving positive indications that the Seahawks could have their backfield at full strength soon.

After two weeks of unclear reports, Darnold was confirmed to be healthy and returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a glute injury in Week 1. Whether he returns for Week 3 may depend on how cautious the Seahawks want to be rather than his actual health status; the team has managed well with Drew Lock and faces an 0-2 Washington Commanders team without starting QB Jayden Daniels.

Rams wide receiver limited in practice with back injury for second consecutive week; ongoing back issue raises durability concerns heading into Week 3.

Rookie running back rehabbing a chest injury was seen in full pads at practice, signaling positive recovery trajectory and potential for Seahawks backfield to reach full strength soon; injury status improving ahead of Week 3.

Seahawks starting QB returned to limited practice participation on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a glute injury in Week 1; unclear reports over two weeks have been resolved, confirming he is healthy enough to practice. Whether he plays Week 3 may depend on team caution rather than health status, as backup Drew Lock has managed the offense effectively.

Adams' availability alongside Puka Nacua is critical to the Rams' offensive attack against Denver; if both are healthy, the Rams can attack Denver's secondary vertically, but if either is out, the Rams must pivot to running and tight end usage, fundamentally changing the game plan.

Nacua's status is uncertain heading into the Rams-Broncos game; he did not practice but the team is hopeful he will play. His availability is critical to the Rams' offensive scheme—if he plays against Denver's secondary, the Rams can attack vertically; if he doesn't, they must rely on running and tight ends, fundamentally altering the game plan and betting implications.

The Chargers offense has improved significantly with a better offensive line and coaching; they have been operating without Bowers (tight end), yet the offense is described as 'definitely a way better offense,' suggesting improved efficiency and play-calling despite missing a key pass-catcher.

Cousins threw two interceptions against the Dolphins despite playing better against the Raiders; the source notes these were bad throws, suggesting inconsistency in execution even against weaker defenses.

Young and the Panthers face the Browns defense at home, which presents a much tougher test than the Panthers' previous opponents; Cleveland has historically strong home under performance (108-76-3 record, 59% win rate, 14% ROI since 2003) and the Panthers' average starting field position of the 43.5-yard line has been inflated by turnovers and weak defenses faced so far.

Watson's average depth of target remains shallow; he had one deep shot versus zone coverage and will face significant man coverage from the Browns at home, resulting in continued dink-and-dunk passing patterns rather than explosive downfield throws.

Watson had his best game in years last week; however, the speaker notes this is a fade spot for the week after, suggesting regression risk; Watson's average depth of target was limited with only one deep shot in the recent game.

Bryce Young is historically much worse on the road; against man coverage this season he has a 40% completion rate and 4.4 yards per attempt (only seen 20% of snaps), compared to 11.5 yards per attempt versus zone; the Browns played man 60% of snaps last week and are expected to play significant man coverage, which is particularly detrimental to Young's performance.

Goff led a fourth-and-18 conversion to the sideline against Buffalo while down 17, and the Lions covered the second half line with a backdoor touchdown to lose by 10, demonstrating offensive capability despite the loss; the speaker believes the Lions can move the ball and will try to outscore teams.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are referenced in the context of the Commanders' recent loss to Philadelphia in a tight game where the Commanders covered the spread.

Jamar Chase is noted for his hard-to-argue-with hands, including a touchdown last week; while his route running is second to none, the comparison to JSN's elite route running suggests Chase is slightly behind in that specific skill.

JSN (Jalin Hyatt) is described as the best receiver in the NFL; he is averaging 5.5 yards per route run without lead receivers around him, and no one can cover him due to his elite route running.

Geno Smith is not a favorite of Geico. They're, but he was expected to be fine in the opener given the Raiders' poor offensive line last year; Geico. They're believes the Jets offense can do some things despite weather issues in their recent game.

Jalen Daniels is out for the Commanders; his absence removes crucial escapability that would have been beneficial against Seattle's aggressive defense, and his legs are specifically noted as valuable for this matchup where the team lacks a traditional run game.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are mentioned in the context of the Commanders' recent losses; the Commanders lost to Philadelphia in a tight game and covered, indicating competitive performance despite the loss.

Drew Locke has been great this year and leads the league in a key statistical category; a sharp pro bettor compared him favorably to Darnold's rejuvenation arc, suggesting Locke is benefiting from right coaching and getting a second chance after being written off, with performance nearly equivalent to Darnold despite the latter's recent success.

Marcus Mariota will start for the Commanders with Daniel Jones out; while he is a similar style to Daniels and the playbook doesn't change much, his lack of escapability is a major liability against Seattle's aggressive defense, and he is described as screwed in this particular matchup.

DJ Moore is probable and expected to play in the Chargers-Bills matchup, indicating he will be available despite earlier injury concerns.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is nearly being written off as a bust or needing a change of scenery; the speaker is almost ready to make this assessment and notes he is killing the Cardinals' offense with his play, standing out negatively among Ohio State receivers.

Quinton Johnson is described as stinking in his role with the Chargers, contributing to offensive dysfunction; the speaker notes he is not executing at an acceptable level on the offensive line.

Since Tyreek Hill left Miami, the Chiefs are 45-30 to the under as a favorite and 41-24 to the under overall; this indicates a significant shift in offensive pace and scoring patterns post-Hill departure.

Mahomes is 0-4 ATS as a double-digit favorite on the road despite being 5-0 straight up in those spots; this trend suggests he wins games but fails to cover the spread in high-expectation scenarios.

Cam Ward is averaging only a 5-yard average depth of target and is not taking chances or throwing into tight windows. He is the complete opposite of Jameis Winston in terms of aggression, and Geico. They're believes he needs a mix of both approaches to be effective. Ward's conservative approach limits the Titans' offensive upside.

Jameis Winston is starting for the Giants after Jackson Dart's season-ending injury but Geico. They're believes he is 'shot' and doesn't fit the Giants' desired offensive identity of a physical rushing attack with tight end targets and play-action. While Winston has led the NFL in both touchdown passes and interceptions, he will take unnecessary risks and doesn't have the same arm strength he once possessed. There are also concerns about his focus and preparation given his recent media work.

Lamar Jackson faces a Cowboys defense that has already shown communication issues against mobile quarterbacks. The Ravens' offense is built to exploit this with play-action and Lamar's mobility, and Geico. They're sees no way for Dallas to generate stops against this scheme.

Derrick Henry is being used as a dominant force in the Ravens' run-heavy offense, described as having 'Scadaboo on steroids' capabilities. The Ravens can deploy heavy packages with Henry and Lamar Jackson to attack the Cowboys' weak linebacker group, which lacks the personnel to stop this ground-oriented attack.

Zay Flowers did not practice on the day of recording due to a hamstring injury but Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed hope that Flowers would play. His status is one to watch heading into the Ravens-Cowboys game in Brazil, with Friday being the key day for updates.

Drake May has posted negative EPA on dropbacks in six straight games dating back to the playoffs and continues to struggle against cover six. Despite facing the Jaguars, who are one of the heavier cover six teams under Campanelli, May has shown no solutions to this defensive scheme after the entire offseason to prepare. His hesitation and interception concerns are compounding his struggles against real competition.

Trevor Lawrence has faced Mike Vrabel's defense six times and maintained a 60-plus completion percentage in all six starts, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions over his last four starts against Vrabel. He was sacked only twice in those four games, indicating strong protection and efficiency in this matchup.

Baker Mayfield has historically struggled against man coverage, but faces the Dolphins' Brian Flores defense which runs very little man and predominantly zone. This creates downfield opportunities for Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense, making this a favorable matchup after Tampa Bay's Week 1 struggles.

Bijan Robinson and the Falcons skill position group are viewed as capable of moving the ball and keeping the game close against Green Bay despite Atlanta's offensive struggles through two weeks; the speaker expects Robinson to be part of the Falcons' offensive attack in Week 3.

Kirk Cousins' replacement of Cooper Rush is expected to be a significant upgrade; modelers project approximately 2.8 points of improvement in fantasy scoring, not just compared to Rush's recent play but specifically compared to an injured Cooper Rush. The previous backup, Jack Strand, was also nothing special when he played.

Jaden Reed is hurt, adding to Green Bay's injury woes heading into Week 3 on a short week after an overtime game.

Under Cooper Rush, Bijan Robinson was the primary outlet, receiving most of the quarterback's short, flat throws as the offense struggled to execute downfield concepts. This usage pattern reflects the limitations of the passing game rather than Robinson's role design.

Cooper Rush's performance was historically poor: basically an interception every nine throws, worst quarterback play with average target depth of four yards, essentially limited to throwing to Bijan Robinson in the flat or turning the ball over. His replacement will look significantly better than this baseline.

Bijan Robinson was the primary checkdown target for Cooper Rush in Week 2, receiving short-yardage passes in the flat as part of the Falcons' limited offensive attack.

Cooper Rush's Week 2 performance was historically poor: interception every nine throws, 4-yard average target depth, essentially limited to throwing interceptions or checkdowns to Bijan Robinson in the flat. This establishes the baseline from which Penix's performance will be measured.

Penix will start for the Falcons in Week 3 against the Packers, but significant uncertainty remains around his health, rust, and performance. The source notes that while Penix's output will likely improve over Cooper Rush's historically poor performance (interception every nine throws, 4-yard average target depth), there is still substantial uncertainty about what Penix will deliver in his first game action.

Lost in Week 2 with an injury, part of the cascade of receiver injuries that forced the 49ers to sign Brandin Cooks to address depth.

Lost in Week 1 with an injury, contributing to the 49ers' receiver depth crisis that led to the Brandin Cooks signing.

Lost in the preseason, creating receiver depth issues that prompted the 49ers to sign Brandin Cooks.

Listed as one of the 49ers' other proven pass catchers alongside Mike Evans for Sunday against the Cardinals, with Purdy's usual targets being Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.

Left last week's game with a hip issue that Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers would have to 'manage' this week in practice; status uncertain for Sunday against the Cardinals, with Cooks potentially filling depth if Evans is unavailable.

Will remain one of Purdy's usual targets alongside Christian McCaffrey in the 49ers' high-scoring offense that has scored the most points in the NFL through two weeks.

Will remain one of Purdy's usual targets alongside George Kittle in the 49ers' high-scoring offense; McCaffrey highlighted Cooks' 'speed' as a key addition to the offense, noting 'A lot of speed'; also shared experience learning Shanahan's system on the fly after being traded to the 49ers midway through 2022.

The source describes Purdy as 'the best quarterback to come through San Francisco since Young,' noting that the 49ers hope he will be; Cooks will be catching passes from Purdy in an offense that has scored the most points in the NFL through two weeks.

Has a track record of making an impact after arriving late in the season; after being waived by the Saints in November, signed with the Bills and caught 10 passes for 192 yards across five regular-season games and two postseason contests; in all but three of his 12 NFL seasons, has hauled in a reception of at least 50 yards; if he matches his Buffalo output, will become the sixth active receiver with 10,000 career yards.

Signed by the 49ers to address receiver depth after injuries to Ricky Pearsall (preseason), De'Zhaun Stribling (Week 1), and Demarcus Robinson (Week 2); Kyle Shanahan said Cooks 'is going to have an opportunity to get up [on the active roster] eventually' and will join the active roster 'as soon as he's ready' after learning the offense and getting into football shape; could be active as soon as Sunday against the Cardinals, though more likely over the next few weeks.

J.J. McCarthy is the most interesting trade option for the Giants, with multiple connecting factors: clear Harbaugh connection, Giants' pre-draft visit interest, and potential long-term vision; however, concerns include his limited 10 NFL starts with passing numbers similar to Richardson, the Vikings' reluctance to commit to him, and the Giants' already-missing 2027 fourth-round pick making significant assets difficult to justify.

Josh Johnson, described as 'the ultimate hired gun when your starter goes down,' is positioned as a street veteran signing option; he has been in every offensive system imaginable and once played college football for Jim Harbaugh almost 20 years ago, making him a familiar option for the Giants.

Jimmy Garoppolo is mentioned as a street veteran signing option the source views as more likely than a trade for the Giants to pursue.

Brandon Allen is a street veteran signing option the source views as more likely than a trade; he has strong connections with Giants QB coach Brian Callahan, making him an attractive plug-and-play option if the Giants' starter goes down.

The Baltimore backup Tyler Huntley has a past connection with Harbaugh but is probably not available for trade, despite the coach's history with him.

Gardner Minshew is mentioned among backup quarterbacks the source considers unlikely trade targets, with the implication that giving up assets for him would be unwise.

The Steelers could potentially offload Mason Rudolph, but the source suggests giving up much for him would feel foolish, making him an unlikely trade target for the Giants.

The Raiders are not trading Kirk Cousins at 2-0; they are still using him as their starter, making him unavailable as a trade option for the Giants.

The Colts' Anthony Richardson Sr. is a potential trade name but presents concerns: he hasn't played much in two years, is viewed more as a developmental piece than a plug-and-play option, and may not fit Harbaugh's stated preference for a 'veteran' quarterback despite his running skills.

The Vikings' Carson Wentz is mentioned as a potential trade candidate, though the source notes he was the one to replace Kyler Murray and lead the Vikings to a 2-0 start, making him unlikely to be traded away.

The Saints' Spencer Rattler is mentioned as a potential trade candidate the Giants might consider, though the source suggests quality backups are hard to find and teams are unlikely to trade away players who helped them succeed.

The Texans went 3-0 with Davis Mills replacing an injured C.J. Stroud, and both teams made the playoffs; Mills is similarly unlikely to be traded because the Texans would regret giving away a player who helped them reach the postseason.

The 49ers went 5-3 with Mac Jones after Brock Purdy got hurt, even beating the Rams in Los Angeles, making him a valuable backup who the 49ers likely view as untouchable despite potential free-agency loss; the source suggests Jones might be unavailable in a trade because the 49ers would rather retain compensatory-pick value if they lose him.

Winston's poor performance against the Rams—despite being among the five best-paid backups in the league—is a key driver of the Giants' urgency to add quarterback help and potentially salvage their season.

Giants starter suffered season-ending knee surgery, forcing the team to pursue quarterback replacements for the 2026 season.

Javonte Williams is ranked as RB16, lower than the consensus RB12, due to concerns over his performance, offensive line injuries, and a lack of rushing production despite holding a 66% red zone carry share.

While Hayden Winks notes that Devon Achane's usage remains strong (RB8 in usage, 5.2 targets/game, 15.5 carries/game), the source is significantly worried about his outlook due to a difficult upcoming schedule (Chiefs, Vikings, Bengals) and concerns that the Dolphins' offensive struggles will limit his touchdown potential and fantasy ceiling.

Blake Corum has emerged as a viable RB3 for fantasy purposes. While some speculate he could take over more work, the source believes the Rams intend to keep the current split with Kyren Williams as the lead back. Corum began officially mixing into the rotation in week 10 of last year.

Chase Brown is an excellent buy-low candidate; although currently ranked as RB18, the source ranks him as RB9. He maintains RB5-level usage, and the team's shift to more under-center formations is designed to generate explosive plays. He faces a favorable matchup against a Steelers defense that has struggled against running backs.

Ranked as RB14, Kyren Williams remains a low-end RB1 in fantasy points per game, but the source has moved him down in rankings due to a lower projected team point total (24 points) and the expectation that he may stay out of the end zone for the first time this season. Despite Blake Corum's involvement, the Rams intend to keep the current backfield split.

Jonathan Brooks is confirmed to be out for 6 to 8 weeks, which the source identifies as the primary catalyst for Chuba Hubbard becoming a locked-in fantasy starter.

The speaker regrets drafting Jalen Hurts in the seventh round of their expert draft, noting that selecting the quarterback prevented them from drafting Chuba Hubbard, which they now view as a major mistake.

Ranked as RB13 (consensus RB19), Hubbard is a top-15 fantasy back moving forward with Jonathan Brooks out for 6-8 weeks. He is the RB1 in success rate, plays 75% of snaps inside the 10-yard line, and faces a Cleveland defense allowing 5 yards per carry (27th in league). Austin Ekeler is not considered a threat to his workload.

D'Andre Swift is currently averaging 21 fantasy points per game, trailing the top four running backs who are all averaging over 25 points per game.

Shipley is suggested as a deep-league stash; he saw significant work and snaps recently, though he remains a risky flex option compared to other backfield alternatives.

The source recommends rostering Bigsby as a priority pickup; if Saquon Barkley misses time, Bigsby is projected as a high-end RB3 play, especially in a positive game script.

Barkley's status is uncertain due to a stinger injury that required an MRI; if he plays, he should be productive given the Bears' defensive vulnerabilities.

Ty Johnson is identified as a potential threat to James Cook's receiving role; currently dealing with a hamstring injury, his return to the field could lead to him eating into Cook's passing game opportunities.

Kimani Vidal is not currently a factor in the Chargers' backfield rotation and is not receiving significant touches.

Ranked as the RB11, J.K. Dobbins is a volume-based play. While underlying metrics and fumbles in both games are concerning, he remains the primary back in the Chargers' offense with limited competition for touches.

Braelon Allen is expected to cut into Breece Hall's workload, though the source notes this is largely due to the Jets' high overall usage of their running backs rather than a lack of confidence in Hall.

Breece Hall is a high-value trade target who looks healthy and explosive. He averages 19 carries and 3.5 receptions per game, commanding 62% of red zone carries and 50% of carries inside the 10-yard line. He faces a Lions defense that allows a league-high 2.7 yards before contact per attempt and ranks last in explosive rush rate allowed.

DJ Moore suffered an injury early in his recent game, which is a concern for his immediate availability and limited his production.

James Cook is ranked as the RB7, though the source expresses concern about his Week 3 matchup against the Chargers, noting they held Ashton Genty to only 63 yards on 25 touches. While he lacks backfield competition, concerns persist regarding his lack of evolution in the passing game, as his targets per route remain unchanged from previous years. He is coming off a 20.4-point performance on 22 touches, but Ty Johnson's potential return from a hamstring injury could further eat into his passing game opportunities.

Mike Washington Jr. has seen surprisingly low involvement in the Raiders' backfield, though he remains a recommended hold as a high-upside handcuff should Ashton Genty suffer an injury.

Jonathan Taylor is an A-tier running back (RB8 by the source, RB6 consensus) and one of only four backs averaging over 25 fantasy points per game. He is seeing increased passing game involvement, with seven catches for 63 yards through two games, putting him on pace for a career-high 60 receptions. He remains a pivotal red zone threat inside the 10-yard line and is considered close in value to Ashton Genty and James Cook, with rankings largely matchup-dependent.

Derrick Henry is averaging 20 carries and over 100 rushing yards per game. His receiving usage is notably up, with four catches for 38 yards through two games compared to 15 catches all of last season, providing a boost to his fantasy floor. While he remains a 'one of one' bellcow, his outlook is tied to the health of left tackle Ronnie Stanley.

Christian McCaffrey is ranked as the RB4 for Week 3 against the Cardinals. Despite reduced snap shares (55% and 52%) due to blowout game scripts, he maintains a 23% target share and 4.5 receptions per game. He continues to dominate high-value touches inside the five-yard line. His volume is currently capped by the team's intentional workload management to keep him healthy for the postseason.

Bijan Robinson is ranked as the RB3 but is placed in the 'A tier' rather than 'S tier' due to concerns over quarterback play and the Falcons' inability to run offensive plays in the red zone.

Kenneth Walker III is ranked as the RB2 for Week 3, averaging 31.5 opportunities per game. He is coming off a career-high in targets and is the RB1 in overall usage. He benefits from a favorable matchup against the Dolphins as an 11.5-point road favorite. While his Week 1 usage against the Broncos may be an outlier, he remains a high-volume asset.

Justin Boon ranks Jahmyr Gibbs as the RB1 overall for Week 3, placing him in the 'S tier' as a high-upside play. Gibbs is a huge home favorite in a high-scoring game environment and is currently on pace for 2,542 scrimmage yards, challenging the single-season record. He previously demonstrated his ceiling against the Saints' defense with 186 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown with the "Trump Dance" during Detroit's 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders in November 2025, a game Trump attended. St. Brown subsequently apologized for the celebration.

Giants team leader Jameis Winston spoke during a team meeting on the second day of OTA practices where Dart addressed the team regarding his Trump rally appearance. The team worked through the issue and moved forward, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Dart's sophomore season ended after suffering a knee injury during the Giants' first offensive drive on Monday Night Football against the Rams on Sept. 21. He will undergo surgery to repair damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus in his left knee, per The Record citing a person familiar with the situation.

Jordan Love Tucker Kraft Kaleb Johnson Marshawn Lloyd Christian Watson Bijan Robinson Drake London Kyle Pitts tomorrow’s going to be a movie

Jordan Love Tucker Kraft Kaleb Johnson Marshawn Lloyd Christian Watson Bijan Robinson Drake London Kyle Pitts tomorrow’s going to be a movie

Jordan Love Tucker Kraft Kaleb Johnson Marshawn Lloyd Christian Watson Bijan Robinson Drake London Kyle Pitts tomorrow’s going to be a movie

Jordan Love Tucker Kraft Kaleb Johnson Marshawn Lloyd Christian Watson Bijan Robinson Drake London Kyle Pitts tomorrow’s going to be a movie

John Harbaugh announces Jaxson Dart will miss the entire 2026 regular season due to surgery and will be placed on injured reserve; Harbaugh does not rule out Dart for the postseason if the Giants make the playoffs.

Sean Payton characterizes Bo Nix's first two games as 'two different games,' noting one performance 'can't get in our rear-view mirror quick enough' but emphasizing the second half of the second game was strong; Payton expects a different opponent ahead but acknowledges it will be a 'real good opponent.'

Sean Payton describes Jonah Coleman as 'impressive in the game' and states he is 'uninterested in the reports with injuries,' suggesting confidence in Coleman's ability despite injury concerns.

Sean Payton emphasizes Sutton's unselfishness and ball-wanting mentality as core strengths, describing him as 'tremendous' in appreciating winning and fitting the Broncos' receiver profile since Day 1.

Sean Payton praises Waddle's unselfishness as a strength of his DNA, noting he appreciates winning and wants the ball; Payton describes him as 'tremendous' in this regard and says it has been 'very clean' since Day 1 with the Broncos.

Jaylen Waddle has unlocked the Denver Broncos offense, opening up passing lanes for other receivers. The article headline and subheading emphasize that the offense took off with Waddle's arrival, benefiting the entire passing game and suggesting his presence elevates the entire receiving corps.

RJ Harvey was out during Denver's win over Jacksonville, with Jonah Coleman filling the void. Sean Payton confirmed Harvey is one of three backs capable of functioning as a 'bell cow' type back and should remain ahead of Coleman on the depth chart barring injury, though the coach acknowledged uncertainty about the running back rotation going forward.

J.K. Dobbins remains the lead back on Denver's depth chart ahead of Jonah Coleman, though he was nicked up and unable to finish the Jacksonville game. Sean Payton confirmed Dobbins is one of three backs capable of functioning as a 'bell cow' type back, but barring injury, he and RJ Harvey should retain their depth chart positioning over Coleman in 2026.

Rookie Jonah Coleman took a lion's share of carries late in Denver's win over Jacksonville while RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins were unavailable or limited. Head Coach Sean Payton confirmed all three running backs can function as 'bell cow' type backs capable of handling a majority of carries, signaling Coleman's long-term viability as a workhorse option if injuries strike ahead.

John Harbaugh announced that Jaxson Dart will miss the entire 2026 regular season due to injury requiring surgery and placement on injured reserve. Harbaugh did not rule out Dart for the postseason if the Giants make the playoffs, but the full regular season absence removes him from fantasy consideration for the 2026 season.

Sean Payton identified Courtland Sutton as a strength on offense for his unselfishness and consistent desire to be involved since joining the team: "I think it's a strength of [WR] Courtland [Sutton]'s. In their DNA, those are guys that appreciate winning. Part of that goes into who we're looking for. We want receivers that want the ball. That part was very clean with Jaylen, and it has been since Day 1 with Courtland. I mean holy cow. Those guys are tremendous in that regard." Payton's strong endorsement and emphasis on Sutton's ball-wanting mentality from day one supports consistent target opportunity.

Sean Payton highlighted Jaylen Waddle as a strength on offense for his unselfishness and desire to be involved: "I think it's a strength of his [WR Jaylen Waddle], and I think it's a strength of [WR] Courtland [Sutton]'s. In their DNA, those are guys that appreciate winning. Part of that goes into who we're looking for. We want receivers that want the ball. That part was very clean with Jaylen, and it has been since Day 1 with Courtland." Payton's emphasis on Waddle wanting the ball and his clean execution of that trait supports target volume upside.

Sean Payton offered direct praise for running back Jonah Coleman's in-game performance: "He was impressive in the game. I'm uninterested in the reports with injuries." This statement signals Payton's confidence in Coleman's ability and dismissal of injury noise, suggesting Coleman remains a focal point in the Broncos' running back rotation despite external injury chatter.

Sean Payton evaluated Bo Nix's performance through two games as mixed but emphasized the second-half showing as the key takeaway: "Two different games really. The other one can't get in our rear-view mirror quick enough. It's still kind of there, but the horizon's going to dissipate. What matters most is that second half. He played really good in the second half." Payton noted the upcoming opponent will be different but real good, suggesting Nix's trajectory and second-half competence are the primary focus moving forward.

The Denver Broncos offense is described as 'unlocked' with Jaylen Waddle. The offense took off with Waddle's arrival, and his presence is opening up passing lanes for other receivers, suggesting increased offensive efficiency and opportunity for complementary pass catchers.

J.K. Dobbins got nicked up in Week 2 game against Jacksonville and was unable to finish. Sean Payton confirmed Dobbins can handle bell cow workload and majority of carries, positioning him as a primary back ahead of Jonah Coleman on the depth chart.

RJ Harvey was out in the Week 2 game against Jacksonville. Sean Payton confirmed Harvey can handle bell cow workload and majority of carries, positioning him as a primary back ahead of Jonah Coleman on the depth chart.

Rookie RB took a lion's share of carries late in Week 2 win over Jacksonville and was the driving force behind Denver's game-clinching four-minute drive. Sean Payton confirmed Coleman can handle bell cow workload and majority of carries, though he remains behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey on the depth chart barring injury.

Jameis Winston will take over as the Giants' starting quarterback for the foreseeable future after Jaxson Dart's season-ending knee injury. The Giants signed Winston to a two-year, $13 million contract extension just weeks ago, signaling confidence in him as the backup. Safety Jevon Holland stated the team loves Winston and voted him captain, saying 'Jameis is going to do a phenomenal job when he steps in there. He's been leading us in multiple ways already, so it's not uncommon. It's not like a new voice or anything like that, so I think it will fit swimmingly.'