Falcons @ Packers - (Green)
Line: GB -4.5
Total: 42.5

GB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.19
GB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.11
GB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.13
GB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.15

No Brainers: RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: TE Kyle Pitts

Like everyone on Atlanta's offense not named Bijan Robinson, Pitts is off to a slow start. In fact, he might be off to the slowest start of the group. In two games, the tight end has been targeted four times, catching one pass for 15 yards -- that ranks sixth on the club in receiving yardage. Quarterback play has been largely abysmal, and the return of Michael Penix Jr. should help. That's not a panacea, though, as Pitts was more effective when Kirk Cousins was under center in 2025, averaging 4.2 receptions for 42 yards with one total touchdown in nine games with Penix. T.J. Hockenson got some things done versus Green Bay's defense in Week 1, though, so there's some hope, but at best Pitts feels like a fringe TE1 candidate.

Fades: QB Michael Penix Jr.

It's hard to imagine that Penix won't run the offense more effectively than Cooper Rush or Jack Strand did. That doesn't mean he's worth a spot in your lineup. A year ago, Penix averaged 220 yards and 1 TD per game in nine starts, and he was never much of a runner, even before his latest ACL tear. Rust is also likely to be a factor. Penix last took the field on Nov. 16, 2025, meaning it's been over 10 months since he experienced NFL game speed. We saw how shaky Patrick Mahomes was in his return, and that was at home. Atlanta is in desperation mode, and I don't doubt we'll see a high effort level from players like Robinson, London, and Pitts. That should help, but I still wouldn't trust Penix in my lineup.

ATL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.15
ATL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.26
ATL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.20
ATL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.4

No Brainers: WR Christian Watson, TE Tucker Kraft

Favorites: QB Jordan Love / WR Matthew Golden

Love's numbers in New York were underwhelming (145 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs), but you can certainly chalk some of that up to poor weather and a revolving cast of characters along the offensive line as three linemen went out injured during the game -- it was so bad that at one point the Packers thought they might need to use Kraft at tackle. While the line remains a significant concern, expect the passing game to be featured after Carolina threw for 287 yards and three TDs in a blowout win over the Falcons this past Sunday. That approach should bear fruit for Golden as well. The second-year pro led the team in receiving in Week 2 with a 4-58-0 line, giving him 153 yards through two games. With Jayden Reed (back) out after suffering a scary injury against the Jets, Golden should be a solid WR3 play while Love carries low-end QB1 value.

On the Fence: RBs MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson

Green Bay's backfield is a mess. In Week 2, the trio of Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks combined to run for 63 yards on 18 carries (3.5 YPC). Lloyd and Johnson both fumbled. While Johnson had the most rushing attempts (8) and yards (32), it was Lloyd that scored a touchdown on a six-yard completion. It's hard to imagine the Packers won't lean on their passing game on Thursday night as they navigate multiple injuries along the offensive line, but the backs need to contribute. With no obvious daylight between Lloyd and Johnson, both carry some potential value into Week 3, though neither is guaranteed to do much of anything. I'd give Lloyd a slight edge in terms of a higher ceiling, but you're still talking about risky flex value with modest upside.

Fades: N/A

Prediction: Packers 27, Falcons 20 ^ Top

Chiefs @ Dolphins - (Caron)
Line: KC -9.5
Total: 45.5

MIA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.8
MIA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.2
MIA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.27
MIA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.13

No Brainers: QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Kenneth Walker, TE Travis Kelce

Favorites: RB Emmett Johnson

Because Mahomes, Walker, and Kelce are already locked into starting lineups, let’s talk about what happens after the Chiefs get ahead by multiple scores as they are protected in this contest.

Kansas City enters Week 3 as the week’s biggest favorite at 11.5 points. Better yet, they face a Miami defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs so far this season. Opponents have smashed the Dolphins on the ground while throwing against them at the lowest rate in football, almost all of which has come due to game script.

Walker has been a true workhorse with 290 rushing yards through two games, so there’s no question that he’s going to see his volume, but we’ve already seen how this coaching staff manages his workload once a game gets out of hand. During Kansas City's 31-10 blowout win over Denver in the opener, Emmett Johnson logged a 36 percent share. He is strictly a deep-league consideration, but managers desperate for a flex dart throw could see Johnson feast on second-half carries against the softest fantasy run defense on the slate.

On the Fence: WR Rashee Rice

Rashee Rice is on the field for nearly every meaningful play in Kansas City and while he didn’t do much in Week 1, we saw him bounce back in the box score last week by hauling in four of his six targets for 83 yards. However, his overall volume sits at a surprisingly miniscule eight total targets through two games, largely because this passing game went after the middle of the field in Week 2, and they just didn’t need to pass the ball down the field much at all in Week 1.

That target squeeze becomes even more concerning against a Miami defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers and the most fantasy points in the league to running backs. You don't necessarily have to bench Rice given his route participation and history of production, but with the Chiefs favored by double digits in a run-friendly matchup, you should temper expectations to a low-end WR2 or WR3.

Fades: WR Xavier Worthy

Fantasy managers looking solely at snap share and target totals might feel tempted to give Xavier Worthy a whirl in their flex spot after he found the end zone against Indianapolis. Worthy has indeed stayed on the field consistently, and he even leads all Kansas City wide receivers with 13 total targets and eight receptions through two contests, but a closer look at his actual production shows why chasing that usage is a trap in standard 12-team leagues.

Despite being known for his speed, Worthy has turned those eight catches into just 43 total receiving yards. His lone touchdown came on a one-yard pass. Against a Dolphins defense allowing the 27th-most fantasy points to wideouts, leave Worthy on your bench.

KC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.29
KC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.15
KC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.30
KC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.8

No Brainers: RB De'Von Achane

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: WR Malik Washington, WR Chris Bell (knee)

Malik Washington was quietly the top receiver in Miami during the offseason and now he’s carried that onto the field through the first two weeks, leading the entire team with 13 targets while staying on the field for 85 percent of Miami’s offensive snaps. His control of the targets should get even stronger now that starter Caleb Douglas missed Thursday's practice and is unlikely to suit up for this contest.

Douglas's absence also clears the path for fellow third-round rookie Chris Bell to step into a much larger role after seeing just three targets in his first two games. But while Bell remains nothing more than a deep-league dart throw, it’s only Washington who has any real value against a Kansas City secondary allowing the 30th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. He’s strictly a volume-driven full-PPR flex option, but he’s going to have opportunities.

Fades: QB Malik Willis

Fantasy managers in SuperFlex and two-quarterback formats often talk themselves into starting mobile quarterbacks regardless of the matchup, banking on rushing yardage to salvage an otherwise ugly day. We’ve even seen that from Malik Willis already this year. But relying on Malik Willis to pull that off this week is a recipe for disaster.

Miami has looked terrible in back-to-back double-digit losses and things only get harder against a Kansas City defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Willis will need to lean heavily on De'Von Achane checkdowns and an inexperienced rookie room to return any value through the air and this one could turn into a garbage time situation very quickly.

Prediction: Chiefs 33, Dolphins 16 ^ Top

Panthers @ Browns - (Green)
Line: CAR -1.5
Total: 42.5

CLE FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.11
CLE FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.22
CLE FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.6
CLE FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.19

No Brainers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, WR Jalen Coker (ankle)

Favorites: QB Bryce Young

Young has opened 2026 on a heater, throwing for 648 yards and six TDs through the first two weeks. It’ll take a longer stretch of sustained success to approach no-brainer status, but I’d be inclined to keep him in your lineup for Week 3. The Browns were lit up in the opener, allowing Trevor Lawrence to throw four touchdown passes, and this looks like the preferred way for Carolina to attack this Sunday. Obviously, you’ll want to consider your alternatives -- I’m not advocating to go with Young over Josh Allen or anything like that -- but riding the hot hand is a justifiable choice.

On the Fence: RB Chuba Hubbard

With the news that Jonathan Brooks (groin) will need surgery and miss at least six weeks, the running game is once again fully in the hands of Hubbard. The veteran has been decent in limited usage, compiling 151 yards and three touchdowns, but he should be more involved going forward. One area where he’s excelled is as a receiver, which could be a problem as only two teams have given up fewer receiving yards to backs than Cleveland (a combined 9-28-0). Despite some downside, you’ll still want Hubbard in your lineup as a low-end RB2 or strong RB3/flex.

Fades: N/A

CAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.7
CAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.1
CAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.21
CAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.24

No Brainers: RB Quinshon Judkins

Favorites: WR Denzel Boston

Although we’re still early in the season, to this point the breakout performer in Cleveland’s revamped receiver room has been Boston. The rookie leads the team in targets (11), yards (154), and touchdowns (2). Carolina has been Jekyll and Hyde to open the year, getting absolutely embarrassed by the Bears for 59 points and then turning around to hold the Falcons to just three. The Browns’ offense is more Atlanta than Chicago, but based on what Boston has done thus far, he’s earned a spot in your lineup as a WR3.

On the Fence: TE Harold Fannin Jr.

Fannin was a volume target a year ago. Thus far in 2026, he’s third in targets and has put together a combined 7-75-0 line. It’s too early to read too much into it but do keep in mind he played zero snaps with Deshaun Watson last year, which combined with the team spending first- and second-round picks at receiver, might result in Fannin filling a secondary role this season. Again, it’s too soon to give up on a player that caught 72 passes as a rookie. I’d be cautious about plugging him into my lineup, though.

Fades: QB Deshaun Watson

After a brutal opener, Watson played well in the team’s upset win in Tampa Bay, passing for 238 yards and a couple of touchdowns without a pick. He’s done some selective running as well, averaging 30 yards per game. We need to see more. It also doesn’t help that the Panthers have been by far the worst run defense in the NFL through two weeks, surrendering 347 yards and four TDs to opposing backs. This feels like a week to get Quinshon Judkins going. Keep Watson away from your starting lineup.

Prediction: Panthers 27, Browns 17 ^ Top

Titans @ Giants - (Caron)
Line: NYG -2.5
Total: 37.5

NYG FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.9
NYG FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.8
NYG FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.10
NYG FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.12

No-Brainers: N/A

Favorites: RB Tony Pollard

Tennessee is off to a predictably ugly start to the season, averaging just 15.0 points and a league-low 50 offensive plays per game. The negative game script from Week 1 and low pace kept Tony Pollard bottled up, but things got interesting this past week when the Titans were in a surprisingly competitive game with the Eagles. That game showed us what a potential Pollard workload could look like when the Titans stay close. Pollard's playing time climbed to 29 of 53 offensive snaps, and his rushing volume doubled.

While Tyjae Spears (ankle) remains a thorn in fantasy managers’ sides as a change-of-pace back, Pollard continues to dominate early-down opportunities. Cam Ward also vultured two one-yard rushing touchdowns in Week 2, so we could have been two slightly different play calls away from a huge game from Pollard.

Now the Titans get an interesting opportunity against a Giants defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. He’s not a sexy name right now in fantasy circles, but this is about as good of an opportunity as the Titans backfield is likely to see early on this season.

On the Fence: WR Carnell Tate

Rookie fourth-overall pick Carnell Tate has immediately stepped in as the primary outside weapon in Tennessee, leading the wide receiver room in playing time and targets in back-to-back contests. Unfortunately, all that playing time hasn’t yet resulted in fantasy production as he’s pulled in just seven receptions for 65 scoreless yards on 11 targets. Still, his every-down route participation is encouraging.

The biggest problem facing Tate right now is an offensive coaching staff that prefers to hide their second-year quarterback rather than let him air it out. Ward attempted just 20 passes last Sunday and is near the bottom of the league in passing yards through two weeks. However, with the Titans having an opportunity to stay close or even get out ahead on the scoreboard in this contest, things might be different. A road game against a Giants secondary allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers gives Tate a soft enough matchup to consider as a flex option, even if his ceiling remains capped.

Fades: WR Wan'Dale Robinson

Many fantasy managers love the “revenge-game” narrative, and Wan'Dale Robinson returns to New York to face the Giants in this one. It might be tempting to plug him into full-PPR lineups against a New York secondary surrendering the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, but last week's loss to Philadelphia exposed how weak Robinson's fantasy floor actually is in this offense. With the Titans averaging just 26 pass attempts per contest and Robinson drawing just one single target for a nine-yard catch this past week, Robinson belongs on the bench until we see him perform more consistently with his new team.

TEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.25
TEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.13
TEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.7
TEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.26

No Brainers: N/A

Favorites: WR Malik Nabers (shoulder)

With Jaxson Dart out for the season and Jameis Winston taking over under center, the unfortunate reality is that Malik Nabers may no longer be the stress-free weekly no-brainer that we drafted him to be. Nabers is coming off a horrible Monday night outing against the Rams in which he was held to a single, one-yard catch on four targets. It’s true that he briefly dealt with a shoulder injury, and that might have played a factor in his performance, but the truth is that Winston looking rusty and completing just 11-of-27 passes for 111 yards and an interception is probably a bigger culprit for Nabers’ Week 2 fantasy dud.

Fortunately, Nabers practiced fully by Thursday so we shouldn’t have to worry about his shoulder and his team-high nine targets in Week 1 prove that he’s still the focal point of the passing game in New York. Having a full week of starter reps should help Winston settle in against a vulnerable Tennessee secondary that is allowing 235.5 passing yards per game (20th in the NFL) and the fifth-most fantasy points per contest to wide receivers. This past week DeVonta Smith torched them for 10 receptions, 117 yards, and a score, so the ceiling is there for a big Nabers bounce-back game. Winston is a well-known gunslinger who takes aggressive downfield chances regardless of coverage, so Nabers should have plenty of opportunities to deliver at least high-end WR2 numbers.

On the Fence: RB Cam Skattebo

Cam Skattebo continues to function as the undisputed workhorse in the New York backfield through two weeks. The Week 3 matchup sets up well on paper with the Giants entering Sunday as 3.5-point home favorites against a Tennessee team that is unlikely to see a significantly positive game script that could cause Skattebo to have volume issues. Losing Dart might be good for Skattebo’s goal line potential, but having a mobile QB definitely helped create early-down running lanes, and Winston's inconsistencies could stall drives early. Skattebo's volume does, however, make him playable as an RB2 or flex starter, though his scoring ceiling is shakier in this new offensive situation.

Fades: TE Isaiah Likely

Look, I get it -- you’re probably not going to bench a tight end who’s given you 18 targets, 13 receptions, 111 receiving yards, and two touchdowns through two games. Even if that player, Isaiah Likely, is relatively unproven outside of those two contests, it’s tough to look past the fact that he was unstoppable in his Giants debut against Dallas. However, last Monday night's box score should make fantasy managers much more cautious as we head into Week 3.

While he saw 10 targets come his way, the quarterback change clearly had its effects, as Likely turned 10 targets into just five catches for 33 yards while second-year tight end Theo Johnson also saw the field and took four targets himself.

Winston historically prefers pushing the ball vertically to his wide receivers rather than checking down, and the matchup couldn't be much worse against a Tennessee defense allowing the 25th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. If you have another viable top-12 alternative, strongly consider that option and maybe re-evaluate Likely's role in this new-look Giants offense before deploying him in your lineup here in Week 3.

Prediction: Giants 20, Titans 17 ^ Top

Patriots @ Jaguars - (Woods)
Line: JAX -3.0
Total: 46.5

JAC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.22
JAC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.19
JAC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.15
JAC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.17

No Brainers: TE Hunter Henry

Favorites: RB TreVeyon Henderson

The New England backfield changed in Week 2. How permanent that change is remains the question.

Henderson played 60% of the offensive snaps and handled 16 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown after Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled early. He scored from 39 yards out, which did a lot of work for the final rushing line. His other 15 carries produced 37 yards. That's worth keeping in mind before declaring a complete takeover.

We should also keep in mind that Stevenson has a third-down role. He remained New England's primary back in those situations even after Henderson took over most of the early-down work.

Still, Henderson got the opportunity and did enough with it to force the issue going forward. The Week 1 Stevenson monopoly is gone for now.

I'm willing to use Henderson as an RB2/Flex, but this isn't a 60% workload that will automatically repeat.

On the Fence: WR Romeo Doubs

Doubs' first two weeks are a pretty good argument for looking past the final yardage total.
He didn't catch any of his three targets in Week 1 and had a costly fourth-quarter drop. A week later he caught three passes for 96 yards, with a 63-yard gain accounting for most of the production.

The opportunity created by A.J. Brown's trip to injured reserve is real but the passing environment hasn't been particularly good.

Drake Maye has 386 passing yards through two games with one touchdown and four interceptions. He's still capable of creating explosive plays, but New England hasn't shown us enough consistent passing volume to make four targets feel safe.

Doubs is a deeper Flex when you need ceiling. The floor is still pretty thin.

Fades: RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Henderson's section covers most of the concern here, so I'm not going to make you read the same backfield argument twice.

Stevenson fell to roughly 36% of the snaps and just over 30% of the opportunities after fumbling. The saving grace is that New England continued using him as the primary third-down back, which gives him a receiving floor Henderson hasn't taken away yet.

That keeps Stevenson rosterable and usable in deeper PPR leagues. It doesn't make him the RB2 we thought we had after Week 1. He's a risky Flex until we see how New England opens the game Sunday.

NE FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.30
NE FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.29
NE FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.22
NE FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.27

No Brainers: N/A

Favorites: WR Parker Washington, RB Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville has spent two weeks telling us Parker Washington is more than a secondary receiver. He played 80% of the snaps against Denver, ran a route on more than 90% of Trevor Lawrence's dropbacks and drew 12 targets. That's a 41.4% target share, and he turned it into seven catches for 98 yards.

The two-game totals are hard to ignore. Washington has 18 targets. Brian Thomas Jr. has 11. Jakobi Meyers has 3.

I don't expect Washington to own 40% every week, but we don't need anything close to that for him to matter. He's earning targets while playing nearly every passing snap. At some point we have to stop treating that like a surprise. He's a WR2 for me this week.

Tuten already had the carry advantage in Week 1. What changed last week was how comfortable Jacksonville looked giving him the field.

He out-carried Chris Rodriguez 15-6 in the opener, but the snaps were much tighter: Tuten played 28 to Rodriguez's 23, roughly a 48%-41% split.

Against Denver, Tuten played 30 snaps, handled 13 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, and his share of the normal early-down work climbed to 67.6%.

That's a cleaner lead than we saw in the opener. LeQuint Allen still owns an important passing-down role and was limited Thursday with a hip injury, although he's expected to play. That keeps me from projecting Tuten for a true workhorse workload.

But, he doesn't need one. He already led in carries. Now the playing time is starting to separate too. Tuten is an RB2/Flex.

On the Fence: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The volume gives me enough reason to keep BTJ alive.

Thomas saw eight targets against Denver after a shoulder issue helped muddy his Week 1 role. He caught three for 40 yards while Parker Washington commanded 12 looks. That's the concern. Washington is winning targets right now.

Thomas still owns the downfield role, and eight targets give him plenty of access to a ceiling game if Trevor Lawrence connects on one of the deeper opportunities. I'm not treating him like the automatic starter fantasy managers expected in August. He's a volatile WR3 until the production catches up to the opportunity.

Fades: WR Jakobi Meyers

Meyers played 54 snaps against Denver and ran a team-high 29 routes. He got one target.

Through two games, he has three targets while Washington has 18. Meyers' thumb had him limited again Thursday, but he's expected to play and has been managing the injury for weeks. That's not the main issue.

The counterargument came directly from Trevor Lawrence this week. He said Jacksonville needs to give Meyers more opportunities. I believe him. Meyers has been too reliable a target earner throughout his career for three targets in two games to feel normal. But I still want to see the correction before putting him into a fantasy lineup.

He's a bench player outside deeper leagues, with a chance to make this Fade look dated quickly if Jacksonville follows through on what Lawrence said.

Prediction: Jaguars 24, Patriots 20 ^ Top

Chargers @ Bills - (Caron)
Line: BUF -7.0
Total: 50.5

BUF FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.5
BUF FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.5
BUF FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.3
BUF FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.11

No-Brainers: RB Omarion Hampton

Favorites: TE Oronde Gadsden

Tight ends have quietly been a focal point of the passing attack in Los Angeles early this season and while that should have meant a quick fantasy surge from Oronde Gadsden, we saw him struggle to get on the field in Weeks 1 and 2. However, injuries to both David Njoku and Charlie Kolar completely changed the situation this week and going forward. With both tight ends sidelined, Gadsden steps into an every-down role as the clear lead option at the position. We already saw a glimpse of that shift last week when Njoku exited early, immediately pushing Gadsden onto the field for a much larger share of the offense late in the game.

Gadsden is a natural pass-catcher and already able to find the end zone once this season despite seeing only four total passes come his way. While the Chargers have preferred to play at a slow pace and keep passing volume to a minimum, traveling to Buffalo as significant underdogs against an explosive Bills offense should force them to be more aggressive. Herbert will likely be forced to air it out in the second half to keep pace, meaning streaming Gadsden as in deeper leagues is an interesting upside play.

On the Fence: WR Ladd McConkey (ribs), QB Justin Herbert

Ladd McConkey is easily the best and most dependable receiver on this roster both from a fantasy and real-life standpoint. He consistently earns targets and produces whenever he is on the field. The problem for fantasy managers is that he’s been dealing with a rib injury that has kept him sidelined for much of the first two games. It’s been bad enough that he hasn’t even played half of the offensive snaps in either of Los Angeles’ first two contests. While he is expected to suit up against Buffalo, rib injuries are notoriously pesky, especially for slot receivers taking hits over the middle. The injury carries real risk of an in-game setback or another minimized snap share, making him a scary WR2 this week. He’s still a WR3 given the favorable projected game script, but McConkey is definitely risky.

At a certain point, Justin Herbert has to shoulder some of the blame for the offensive incompetence in Los Angeles. Despite the offseason excitement surrounding his pairing with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, this passing attack looks completely out of sync. They’ve struggled with turnovers and they’re not generating explosive plays downfield. Only the solid likelihood of fourth-quarter garbage time against a high-scoring Buffalo team keeps Herbert in the conversation as a fringe starting option in single-quarterback formats.

Fades: WR Quentin Johnston, WR Tre Harris

With McConkey playing fewer than half the offensive snaps through two weeks, managers in deeper leagues might start to look at the heavy playing time for Quentin Johnston and Tre Harris and assume a breakout performance is coming. Both players have stayed on the field for the vast majority of the snaps over the first two weeks, giving them every opportunity to establish themselves -- unfortunately, we don’t get fantasy points for wind sprints, so their usage has produced next to nothing in the fantasy box score.

Johnston actually leads the team in targets through two games, but he has struggled mightily to convert those looks into catches. Harris hasn't fared much better despite his heavy route participation, as nearly all of his production through two games came on a single catch-and-run. Los Angeles has struggled to generate big plays and Buffalo's defense built to take away the deep shots. Don’t chase snap share, especially with McConkey still expected to play.

LAC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.12
LAC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.23
LAC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.8
LAC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.9

No Brainers: QB Josh Allen, RB James Cook, TE Dalton Kincaid

Favorites: WR Khalil Shakir

While much of the offseason attention in Buffalo centered on D.J. Moore, Khalil Shakir continues to play his role as the reliable underneath safety valve for Josh Allen. With Moore dealing with injuries, Shakir has seen a good share of passes come his way in each of the Bills’ first two contests. He currently sits tied for the team lead in targets among wide receivers and he now gets to face a Los Angeles secondary that has been destroyed through the air early this season, allowing third-most fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

With D.J. Moore nursing a shoulder issue and Keon Coleman dealing with an ankle injury, Shakir enters this week’s game as the healthiest and most established wideout on the team. In an offense averaging nearly forty points per game, Shakir is in a prime spot to see an uptick in targets.

On the Fence: WR D.J. Moore (shoulder)

Under normal circumstances, Moore would be locked into fantasy lineups against a struggling Chargers secondary. He looked like a natural fit as Buffalo’s top wide receiver in Week 1, as he stayed on the field for nearly the entire game. However, an AC joint sprain in his shoulder suffered before halftime against Detroit changes how things look for Week 3.

Even if Moore does suit up on Sunday, playing through an AC joint injury brings a ton of unpredictability to your lineup. He’s at added risk of an in-game setback or a heavily reduced snap count if Buffalo controls the game early. If he is active, benching a talent with his upside is tough in 12-team leagues, but the real possibility of a decoy role keeps him on the fence as a high-risk WR3.

Fades: N/A

Prediction: Bills 30, Chargers 20 ^ Top

Jets @ Lions - (Green)
Line: DET -6.5
Total: 49.5

DET FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.1
DET FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.12
DET FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.4
DET FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.1

No Brainers: RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson

Update: Adonai Mitchell is Inactive.

Favorites: WR Adonai Mitchell (finger)

Almost an afterthought in last year’s Sauce Gardner deal, Mitchell has looked good to open the new season, posting 60 yards in Week 1 and 63 last Sunday. He should have a chance to deliver even bigger numbers this weekend. The Lions have been awful on defense over the last six quarters (plus overtime), allowing 71 points in that stretch. As part of that, Detroit has allowed an NFL-worst 437 yards to opposing wideouts. This game reminds me of last year’s meeting with the Giants when Jameis Winston came to town and hung 366 yards on the Lions in a shootout. Geno Smith is still capable of having a big day, and right now his two top targets are clearly Wilson and Mitchell, who could be used as a WR3.

On the Fence: QB Geno Smith

Nobody has been worse defending quarterbacks than the Lions this year. That includes giving up 329 yards and 3 TDs passing per game -- they also got victimized by Josh Allen on the ground, and while Smith is far from Allen’s equal as a runner, he’s not incapable of scrambling when called upon. Smith tends to mostly operate as a game manager, but that’s not going to get it done against a high-powered offense. We’ve seen Smith elevate his game, even during a down year in Las Vegas, and in this matchup, he offers a puncher’s chance at QB1 value.

Fades: N/A

NYJ FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.27
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.30
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.23
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.31

No Brainers: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, TE Sam LaPorta

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: QB Jared Goff

Goff is off to a good start, tallying 533 yards, 6 TDs, and 0 INTs. Despite that, the Lions are one play from being 0-2. On the other side, the Jets have allowed just 285 yards passing, which is the second fewest in the league behind Seattle. Facing Cam Ward in Week 1 and then the Packers in rainy conditions helped, but even if you want to dismiss New York’s early success, there’s an X factor to consider. That being the return of Aaron Glenn, the team’s former defensive coordinator who took the Jets’ head coaching job following the 2024 season. If anyone should have insight into slowing Goff and this passing game, it’s Glenn. View Goff as a fringe QB1 option with some risk.

Fades: WR Jameson Williams

As part of ESPN’s bold predictions for all 32 teams, Dan Graziano said that Williams would finish as the team’s leading receiver ahead of St. Brown. Through two games, ASB has 19 receptions, 209 yards, and 4 TDs. Williams is sitting on a 6-78-0. It hasn’t just been a lack of opportunities, either. JaMo simply hasn’t played well, dropping multiple passes already in the young campaign. Williams is too talented to stay down forever, but do you really want to bank on him coming to life against a defense that has given up 101.5 receiving yards per game to receivers? At best, Williams should be viewed as a risky WR3 or flex.

Prediction: Lions 34, Jets 24 ^ Top

Texans @ Colts - (Woods)
Line: HOU -1.5
Total: 42.5

IND FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.2
IND FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.3
IND FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.2
IND FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.5

No Brainers: N/A

Favorites: TE Dalton Schultz

Schultz's 12 catches for 140 yards against Cincinnati look like an injury-created breakout with Nico Collins sidelined but the role was already there.

He saw eight targets in Week 1 with Collins active, then jumped to 14 last week. Eight of his 12 catches against Cincinnati came in the fourth quarter while Houston was chasing, so I'm not projecting another 140-yard afternoon. I am interested in 22 targets through two weeks.

Collins didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday with the hamstring and continues to trend toward another absence. Schultz also sat Wednesday, but that was a veteran rest day, not an injury.

If Nico remains out, Schultz has a realistic path back to double-digit targets. Even if Collins returns sooner than expected, Week 1 showed us Schultz doesn't need the injury to have a useful role. He's a TE1 this week.

On the Fence: N/A

Fades: QB C.J. Stroud

Stroud threw for 353 yards against Cincinnati and Houston scored six points. The Texans went 0-for-4 in the red zone and have now gone 16 straight offensive possessions without a touchdown. That's the problem with treating the passing-yard total as proof everything is fine.

The supporting cast isn't helping. Collins isn’t likely to play. G Ed Ingram already missed Week 2 with the groin injury and opened this week with another DNP, while T Trent Brown also sat Wednesday and was limited Thursday.

The current setup gives Stroud a narrow fantasy path because he isn't adding enough with his legs to make empty passing volume useful. I'm still starting him in Superflex leagues. In one-QB leagues, he's a streamer rather than a locked QB1.

HOU FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.4
HOU FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.31
HOU FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.1
HOU FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.18

No Brainers: RB Jonathan Taylor, TE Tyler Warren

Favorites: WR Josh Downs

Alec Pierce heading to injured reserve makes an already encouraging Downs trend even cleaner.

Downs went from four targets in Week 1 to nine against Kansas City in Week 2, catching seven for 72 yards. Through two games, his 13 targets account for a team-high 22% share.

There is still competition however. Tyler Warren has 12 targets and Keenan Allen has 11, so this isn't suddenly a one-man passing game. Allen is also facing a potential suspension stemming from his August arrest, although nothing has been imposed yet. Indianapolis added Darius Slayton after Pierce's injury as well.

That's why I'm more interested in the target earning than simply dividing Pierce's vacated work among everyone else. Downs was already moving up before the injury. Pierce being guaranteed to miss at least four games gives him more room to stay there. He's a WR3 with upside.

On the Fence: N/A

Fades: N/A

Prediction: Texans 20, Colts 17 ^ Top

Seahawks @ Commanders - (Caron)
Line: SEA -8.0
Total: 40.5

WAS FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.3
WAS FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.32
WAS FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.9
WAS FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.2

No Brainers: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Favorites: RB Emanuel Wilson

Targeting a Washington defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game in the league to opposing running backs normally sounds like a recipe for disaster, but the Seattle backfield creates an interesting potential exception. Rookie starter Jadarian Price has been limited in practice through Thursday with a chest injury and is no lock to suit up, while change-of-pace back George Holani has also been limited all week with a knee issue. When Price exited last Sunday's 31-7 blowout win over Arizona, Holani stepped into most of the passing-down snaps, but what happened once the Seahawks built a comfortable lead makes for an interesting situation here in Week 3.

Seattle got out to a big lead on Arizona and began leaning heavily on their ground game, but it wasn’t Holani who stepped in for Price -- it was Wilson. Wilson dominated the snaps, particularly in garbage time with a backfield-high 28 snaps, including 21 carries for 92 yards.

Seattle runs the ball at the second-highest rate in the NFL thus far and they enter Sunday as a 6.5-point road favorite. In another potential blowout script, and especially if Price misses the contest, Wilson offers sneaky flex upside as the healthiest back standing in a good offense, especially with Sam Darnold expected back on the field.

On the Fence: TE AJ Barner

While Washington has been excellent against the run, their secondary and linebackers have been torched by opposing passing games, including allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. That glaring weakness over the middle puts Barner on the streaming radar for managers looking for tight end help. Barner is locked into an every-down role on this offense and often serves as Seattle's short-yardage weapon. He even got a one-yard rushing touchdown last week.

Fades: WR Cooper Kupp

The Washington secondary has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers and that might tempt fantasy managers to dust off Cooper Kupp one more time. But this is not the projected game script to do that in. Kupp has become an afterthought in this Seattle passing game. Despite playing more than 70 percent of the offensive snaps over the first two weeks, he’s drawn just five total targets, resulting in four receptions for 55 yards. Leave Kupp on your bench even in a favorable matchup.

SEA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.28
SEA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.27
SEA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.32
SEA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.10

No-Brainers: N/A

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: WR Stefon Diggs

Veteran offseason acquisition Stefon Diggs has easily been the most productive piece of the Washington passing attack early this season, hauling in nine of his 15 targets for 102 yards and three touchdowns across the first two games. Even after Jayden Daniels exited before halftime against Dallas last week, Diggs maintained his momentum by connecting with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota on a 20-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, capping off a two-score afternoon. While the concerns about Mariota’s inefficiency are valid, that immediate chemistry with Diggs makes the veteran a viable option.

However, despite the small sample size of success with Mariota, the red lights are flashing heading into this Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks. Diggs saw his playing time dip from 63 percent of the offensive snaps in the opener down to 51 percent last Sunday, and now he faces perhaps the best secondary in the league who are allowing just 8.5 points and 214 scrimmage yards per game. Diggs is a boom-or-bust WR3 who likely needs another touchdown to pay off.

Fades: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB Rachaad White

With Jayden Daniels sidelined and Marcus Mariota stepping in, many fantasy managers will naturally assume Washington plans to hide its backup quarterback by leaning heavily on the ground game. While the coaching staff would certainly prefer that approach, the game script is unlikely to allow that against the defending Super Bowl champions. Jacory Croskey-Merritt will probably lead this backfield in carries, but empty rushing attempts between the 20s mean very little in a bad offensive environment that could easily get out of hand.

Being forced to abandon the run and throw the football could give White some opportunities, but it probably won’t deliver much of a ceiling, either. While White normally benefits from negative game scripts as a catch-up safety valve in PPR formats, Mariota is still a scrambling at heart and he’d rather tuck the ball and take off when pressure arrives rather than check down to his running backs. Without dump-off volume or many red-zone scoring opportunities, neither back offers startable upside this week. Leave both Commanders backs on your bench.

Prediction: Seahawks 24, Commanders 16 ^ Top

Bengals @ Steelers - (Green)
Line: CIN -3.0
Total: 42.5

PIT FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.32
PIT FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.7
PIT FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.31
PIT FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.29

No Brainers: QB Joe Burrow, RB Chase Brown, WR Ja'Marr Chase

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: WR Tee Higgins

This is purely matchup based, and you’re probably not sitting Higgins, but it’s at least worth building the case since it also affects Chase, who is matchup proof, and Burrow, who you’d be hard pressed to bench as well. For as bad as Pittsburgh’s offense has been early in 2026, the defense has been nasty. Even if you want to discard a dominant Week 1 performance against Cooper Rush, the Steelers didn’t let Drake Maye, who finished second in MVP voting last year, get much going, either. They held him to 208 yards as part of a three-sack, two-takeaway effort. While all three of Cincinnati’s offensive headliners remain playable, there should be some concern.

Fades: TE Mike Gesicki

If the idea of playing Gesicki crossed your mind after he posted a 5-78-1 line in Week 1, the fact that he followed that up with a game where he wasn’t even targeted should have brought you back to reality. While the veteran might sprinkle in the occasional big game, the odds are stacked against it. Stay away from Gesicki.

CIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.18
CIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.21
CIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.25
CIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.6

No Brainers: RB Jaylen Warren

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: RB Rico Dowdle (toe)

Dowdle (toe) got off to a slow start with the Panthers last year before breaking out in Week 5. The Steelers would love to see that happen sooner. With the passing game stuck in neutral, the team desperately needs the combination of Warren and Dowdle to pick up the slack. For two weeks, the Bengals have been extremely tough to run on, allowing an NFL-low 78 rushing yards to opposing backs. Only four teams have given up more receiving yards to RBs, though, so perhaps this is a chance for Dowdle to contribute as a pass catcher. He is dealing with a toe issue, meaning you’ll need to monitor his status, but if he suits up, Dowdle offers some risk/reward potential as a flex.

Fades: QB Aaron Rodgers (and the entire passing game)

If you’ve watched the Steelers play football this season, you probably don’t need to read any further. For everyone else, the reunion of Mike McCarthy and Rodgers has not drawn comparisons to their halcyon days in Green Bay. Through two games, Rodgers is averaging just 5.2 yards per attempt -- only above Jayden Daniels (5.1) -- with one TD; the offense has scored a meager 16 points. DK Metcalf has an 8-67-0 line on 19 targets. Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is battling a foot injury. It’s a mess. The Bengals, meanwhile, are the only team in the NFL to not allow a touchdown pass. I’d stay clear of this entire group, if possible.

Prediction: Bengals 20, Steelers 12 ^ Top

Cardinals @ 49ers - (Fessel)
Line: SF -7.5
Total: 48.5

SF FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.31
SF FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.14
SF FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.26
SF FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.30

No Brainers: TE Trey McBride

Favorites: WR Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson has seen seven targets in each of his first two games, though the production hasn't matched the volume, averaging 3.5-37-0. That should come around. Last season, Wilson averaged a similar 7.6 TGTS/G during his first 1,000-yard season.

Despite an impressive start from the 49ers secondary, San Francisco has faced a Rams team that clearly struggled with its travel plans to Australia and the Dolphins. The 49ers were middling against wide receivers last year and haven't made any notable upgrades. Wilson also torched them for 185 yards in Week 11 last season.

This is a solid spot for Wilson and QB Jacoby Brissett to get back on the same page, with Arizona likely chasing points throughout the day. Wilson is a flex play with plenty of upside.

On the Fence: RB Jeremiyah Love

Through his first two games, Love ranks as RB23 and has been narrowly out-touched by veteran Tyler Allgeier, 26-25. Love's involvement should continue to grow, but his talent will have to do much of the work in overcoming the Cardinals' offensive line.

Arizona has been overmatched by the run defenses of both the Chargers and Seahawks. San Francisco allowed the 12th-most FPts/G to opposing backs last year, but its front seven is healthier and now includes the return of LB Dre Greenlaw. The 49ers are currently 14th in FPts/G allowed despite facing Kyren Williams and De'Von Achane, with Achane managing just 10.8 fantasy points.

Love remains a borderline RB2 through the toughest part of a difficult 2026 schedule and is still coming off a high ankle sprain. Don't expect a breakout yet, but keep him in the lineup as a low-end RB2 or flex with big-play upside.

Fades: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

After a great summer, Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn't taken the productive strides fantasy drafters hoped for in his third year. Despite a sensational catch in the season opener, he has just four targets through two games.

The snap count is there -- Harrison's 77% rate trails only Michael Wilson's 89% among Cardinals receivers -- but he's still no better than third in the target hierarchy behind Wilson and TE Trey McBride. Kendrick Bourne has also seen 11 targets through two games.

Harrison's involvement may eventually come around, but there's no reason for Arizona to force the ball to its former first-round pick. For now, he's difficult to treat as more than a boom-or-bust flex option.

ARI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.14
ARI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.24
ARI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.5
ARI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.14

No Brainers: RB Christian McCaffrey

Favorites: QB Brock Purdy, TE George Kittle

Brock Purdy enters Week 3 as fantasy football's overall QB4 in FPts/G, continuing where he left off in an injury-shortened 2025. Last week, he needed just 22 passes to produce 28.5 FPts against Miami. This week, he draws a Cardinals team that just allowed 21 fantasy points to Drew Lock. Purdy is an easy QB1.

George Kittle's snap rate barely moved forward in Week 2 (48%), but the 49ers were again enjoying a lopsided victory. His receiving production was much more explosive, as he caught all four targets for 80 yards and a touchdown while breaking a couple of tackles.

Arizona hasn't been nearly as generous to tight ends this year as it was last season, when it allowed 13.8 FPts/G and the second-most fantasy points to the position. Kittle put up 21.7 FPts against the Cardinals in Week 11 last year, and Arizona has allowed a perfect 10 catches on 10 targets to tight ends through two games.

Kittle showed more than enough in Week 2 to remain fully committed to him against the Cardinals.

On the Fence: WR Mike Evans (hip), WR Deebo Samuel

After making an immediate impact in his first game as a 49er (6-49-1), Mike Evans left the Week 2 matchup with Miami due to injury. Before leaving, he had already produced 3-54-0 on three targets. At this stage of Evans' career, health is a particular concern and perhaps the only thing preventing him from finishing among the top 20 wide receivers.

This week, Evans draws a Cardinals secondary that has been torched by receivers, particularly opposing WR1s. Ladd McConkey scored 16.8 FPts and Jaxon Smith-Njigba exploded for 38.0, with both finding the end zone. That's the specialty of Mike Evans.

The only cloud over Evans in this matchup is his health. Assuming he plays, he's a WR2 with plenty of WR1 upside. He has yet to practice this week, so his status needs to be closely monitored.

With De'Zhaun Stribling going on IR, Deebo Samuel predictably saw his snap count increase to 60% in Week 2. The production didn't quite match the bump, as Samuel had 3-34-0 receiving on four targets, but he was once again involved as a runner. His four targets also tied for the team lead in a game where Purdy needed to throw only 22 passes.

There's still plenty to like about Samuel's start to 2026, but Evans' status looms large. If Evans is out, Samuel should see considerable volume as the top receiver remaining and carries WR2 appeal. If Evans plays, Samuel is better viewed as a WR3.

Fades: N/A

Prediction: 49ers 31, Cardinals 17 ^ Top

Vikings @ Buccaneers - (Woods)
Line: MIN -1.5
Total: 42.5

TB FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.16
TB FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.18
TB FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.24
TB FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.3

No Brainers: WR Justin Jefferson

Favorites: WR Jordan Addison

Week 2 didn't give Minnesota much of a passing environment, but Addison's role held up.
He played 90% of the snaps and ran 22 routes on Carson Wentz's 24 dropbacks. He saw five targets after getting only two in Week 1.

Now Kyler Murray is back after clearing concussion protocol. That's the part I'm interested in.

Addison is already running almost every route opposite Jefferson. What he hasn't gotten is enough passing volume from the offense around him. Murray's return gives that full-time route role a better chance to turn into actual targets and downfield production.

I'm not projecting a sudden target takeover with Jefferson on the other side but Addison is a strong WR3 with WR2 upside.

On the Fence: RB Aaron Jones (knee), TE T.J. Hockenson

If Jones were healthy, he'd be a No Brainer. He handled 23 carries for 105 yards against Chicago and played more than 80% of Minnesota's offensive snaps with Jordan Mason on injured reserve.

Then he showed up Wednesday with a knee injury and didn't practice. This is entirely an availability problem. The underlying role is excellent.

Minnesota doesn't have much behind him right now either. DeeJay Dallas was limited Thursday with a toe injury, and Mason remains on IR.

A return to full practice Friday puts Jones right back into my lineup. Another DNP or limited session followed by a questionable tag makes this a Sunday decision.

Hockenson still owns the receiving role at tight end. He ran 19 routes on 24 Wentz dropbacks last week and saw four targets, catching three for 29 yards.

Minnesota has simply spent the first two games leaning into the run and heavier personnel more than we'd like for fantasy.

Murray's return should give the passing game more life and Jones' knee issue could also push Minnesota away from the run if he's limited or unavailable.

I'm keeping Hockenson in my lineup, but I'm treating him as a low-end TE1 rather than assuming the old target volume immediately comes back.

Fades: N/A

MIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.17
MIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.28
MIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.11
MIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.22

No Brainers: N/A

Favorites: RB Bucky Irving

Irving's role is stronger than his fantasy totals have made it look. He played 77% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps against Cleveland and handled 21 of the 27 running back opportunities. He rushed 17 times for 89 yards and caught all four targets, even though those receptions somehow produced one yard.

Through two games, Irving has 25 carries and 11 targets. Kenny Gainwell has seven carries and five targets. That's a backfield moving toward one player.

Minnesota is a much tougher draw than Cleveland, but the matchup doesn't change the workload. Irving is playing early downs, staying involved in the passing game and getting the touches we want from a fantasy starter. He's an RB1 for me this week.

On the Fence: QB Baker Mayfield

Brian Flores is still going to make Baker solve pressure repeatedly. Minnesota has been one of the league's most aggressive defenses with its pressure packages, and that's a difficult matchup for an offense that hasn't generated many passing touchdowns yet. Mayfield has 398 passing yards and one touchdown through two games.

There is enough rushing in his game to keep the fantasy floor alive, and Tampa still has weapons. His Wednesday illness isn't a concern after he practiced fully.

I'm more worried about the matchup and the limited passing production we've seen so far. He's playable in one-QB leagues, but I'd check the streaming options before locking him in.

Fades: WR Chris Godwin

Godwin's playing time looks normal. His involvement doesn't. He ran 37 routes against Cleveland, one fewer than Emeka Egbuka for the team lead, and drew three targets.
Through two games, Godwin has seven total targets. Irving, Egbuka and Cade Otton each have 11.

Tampa isn't taking him off the field. Baker just hasn't been looking his way often enough to produce the fantasy role we're used to seeing from Godwin. Jalen McMillan also practiced fully Wednesday, keeping another receiver involved in the target picture.

Seven targets in two games isn't enough for me to keep starting the name. Godwin is a WR4 until the volume comes back.

Prediction: Vikings 23, Buccaneers 20 ^ Top

Raiders @ Saints - (Woods)
Line: NO -3.5
Total: 43.5

NO FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.21
NO FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.6
NO FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.12
NO FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.23

No Brainers: RB Ashton Jeanty

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: TE Brock Bowers, Raiders

Bowers was limited Wednesday and continues to trend toward making his season debut. If he's active, I'm starting him.

What I don't know is how quickly Las Vegas gives him the full job after the meniscus trim and two missed games. I'm not inventing a snap count before the Raiders give us one.

A full practice Thursday or Friday would remove most of my concern. If he stays limited through the end of the week, I'll still start him at a thin position while lowering the ceiling a bit. This is an injury-management decision, not a talent decision.

Fades: WR Tre Tucker

Tucker went from two catches for 27 yards in Week 1 to five catches for 119 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers. Guess which version everybody is going to remember.
His Week 2 playing time didn't suddenly turn into a dominant receiver role. Tucker played 58.7% of the offensive snaps, and he's at a 65.6% snap share with an 18.6% target share through two games.

The Raiders' heavy-personnel usage makes the route involvement better than the raw snap number suggests. It's still difficult to count on another 100-yard game from that workload.
Bowers returning adds another high-end target earner to the offense. Tucker has enough big-play ability to burn this Fade on one catch but the weekly floor is much lower than last Sunday's box score suggests. He's a volatile Flex.

LV FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.24
LV FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.20
LV FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.28
LV FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.20

No Brainers: WR Chris Olave

Favorites: QB Tyler Shough

New Orleans has put a lot on Shough's plate immediately. He's thrown 90 passes for a league-high 662 yards through two games, the most by a Saints starting quarterback through two games since Drew Brees opened 2009 with 669.

Shough also has four passing touchdowns and added the game-winning rushing score against Baltimore. Five total touchdowns in two weeks will play.

The rushing isn't just one scramble either. He carried nine times for 23 yards last week, giving fantasy managers another path to points when the passing touchdowns aren't there.

Las Vegas has played well enough that I don't expect another 400-yard afternoon but the Saints are giving Shough enough volume to keep the ceiling intact. I'm comfortable using him as a low-end QB1 or strong streamer.

On the Fence: RB Travis Etienne (hamstring)

This backfield was already difficult before Etienne appeared on Wednesday's injury report with a hamstring issue.

He still led New Orleans' backs with 37 snaps against Baltimore, playing 54% of the offense. He finished with eight carries for 25 yards and two catches for six.

Alvin Kamara played 20 snaps and touched the ball 14 times. C.J. Donaldson also played 20 snaps and mixed into passing situations. That's a lot of people sharing one backfield.

Etienne's limited Wednesday practice gives us another reason to be careful rather than a reason to automatically sit him. A full session later in the week would make me more comfortable.

If he's active without limitations, he's an RB3/Flex. Another limited practice Friday would push me toward a comparable alternative.

Fades: TE Juwan Johnson

Johnson has seven catches for 120 yards and a touchdown through two weeks. The Week 2 playing time is the part I don't love.

He played 84% of the offensive snaps in Week 1. Against Baltimore, that fell to 36 of 68 snaps, or 53%, while Noah Fant played 30.

Johnson ran 23 routes on Tyler Shough's 39 dropbacks and still made the most of them, catching all four targets for 66 yards. He also dealt with an illness during the week, so there is a reasonable explanation for at least some of the reduction.

I'm still watching it. The Saints have enough tight ends involved that I don't want to assume 120 yards through two games means Johnson has a locked full-time receiving role. If the Week 1 playing time returns, this Fade can disappear quickly. For now, he's a volatile, touchdown-dependent TE1/streamer rather than a player I'm starting automatically.

Prediction: Saints 27, Raiders 23 ^ Top

Ravens @ Cowboys - (Caron)
Line: BAL -3.5
Total: 53.5

DAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.6
DAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.9
DAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.16
DAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.7

No Brainers: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry

Favorites: TE Mark Andrews

With Isaiah Likely now in New York, Mark Andrews has reclaimed his role as the primary underneath-route chain-mover in Baltimore's passing attack. Through two weeks, the veteran tight end leads the team with 13 targets and 10 receptions for 98 yards. With no competition at the position behind him, Andrews plays practically every important snap and remains Lamar Jackson's most reliable safety valve, especially given Derrick Henry’s inadequacy in the passing game.

Andrews is a borderline fantasy starter to begin with right now, but he’s a particularly appealing option this week against a Dallas defense surrendering the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. The Cowboys have struggled mightily to get off the field, allowing a league-high 68 percent conversion rate on third downs, and efficient offenses like Baltimore’s are capable of exploiting that over the middle through players like Andrews. If Zay Flowers misses another contest with his hamstring injury, Andrews is in a prime spot to get receptions and potentially find the end zone for the first time this season.

On the Fence: WR Rashod Bateman

Rashod Bateman's fantasy outlook for Week 3 hinges on the health of Zay Flowers, who missed last week's game with a hamstring injury and has not practiced this week as of Thursday. With Flowers out, Bateman stepped into the top wide receiver role, resulting in a 93 percent snap share, which he turned into seven receptions on a team-high nine targets for 88 yards and a touchdown.

If Flowers is inactive again on Sunday, Bateman will remain the top passing game weapon against a Dallas defense that has really struggled to contain opposing passing games, making him a solid WR2 in a potential shootout environment. However, if Flowers manages to suit up, Bateman's floor falls out completely, dropping him back down to a low-end flex option.

Fades: N/A

BAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.20
BAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.16
BAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.19
BAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.16

No Brainers: QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb

Favorites: WR George Pickens

George Pickens has gotten off to a frustrating start, totaling just nine receptions for 68 yards and no touchdowns through two games. Even while Dak Prescott threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns against Washington last week, Pickens converted his six catches into just 40 yards after posting three grabs for 28 yards in the opener. This absolutely is not what fantasy managers envisioned from a premier vertical threat. But the positive outlook is that his underlying usage points toward a return to fantasy relevance as soon as this week.

Pickens still saw eight targets on Prescott's 31 pass attempts last week, trailing only CeeDee Lamb's for the team lead. More importantly, Dallas is throwing the ball at the sixth-highest rate in the league, so he’s going to continue to see plenty of opportunities. Dallas enters Sunday as a 3.5-point home underdog against Baltimore, so the Cowboys will have to keep their foot on the gas if they hope to keep the game close. Fire up Pickens as a high-upside WR2.

On the Fence: RB Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams continues to dominate the touches in the Dallas backfield, yet his rushing efficiency has been ugly through two weeks. He has logged exactly 12 carries in each contest and he’s converted those 24 total carries into a pathetic 71 total rushing yards. While two touchdowns and five receptions carried his fantasy line in the opener, a scoreless 50-yard afternoon in a Week 2 blowout Dallas victory exposed how fragile his rushing floor truly is.

Williams remains in the starting conversation as a volume-based RB2 or flex option simply due to the lack of backfield competition. Backup Emari Demercado has logged just five carries for 15 yards through two games and Williams has even played a bigger role in the passing game, catching eight of his nine targets for 51 yards. Still, Dallas ranks 27th in rush rate and 28th in offensive pace, so he isn’t a slam-dunk option against a solid Baltimore defense.

Fades: TE Jake Ferguson

Most fantasy managers will naturally lock Jake Ferguson into their starting lineups after he caught all four of his targets for 43 yards and two red-zone touchdowns against Washington last week. However, chasing a two-score day at tight end is often fool’s gold and that’s probably the case here with Ferguson. Through two games, Ferguson has drawn just six total targets -- catching two passes for six yards in the opener before finishing fourth on the team with four targets in Week 2 behind CeeDee Lamb (nine), George Pickens (eight), and third wideout Ryan Flournoy (six). He’s a touchdown-or-bust option most weeks and particularly when the Cowboys’ wide receiver duo is healthy, so leave Ferguson on your bench if you have another viable option available.

Prediction: Ravens 30, Cowboys 27 ^ Top

Rams @ Broncos - (Fessel)
Line: LAR -1.5
Total: 43.5

DEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.23
DEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.4
DEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.29
DEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.25

No Brainers: RB Kyren Williams

Favorites: WR Davante Adams

With Puka Nacua out last week, Davante Adams turned back the clock, turning 10 targets into 8-195-2. It was his 29th multi-touchdown game and the fourth-highest receiving total of his career.

The Broncos secondary will be a much stiffer test than the Giants, so don't expect anything close to last week's production. But with Nacua likely to miss at least one more week, Adams is arguably Matthew Stafford's top target. That makes him a WR2 even against Denver.

On the Fence: RB Blake Corum

Through two games, Blake Corum has rushed for 133 yards and shown a borderline flex floor. He's not been much of a receiver during his career, with just 16 receptions in 36 games, so much of his ceiling has to come through red-zone production on the ground.

Denver hasn't been as good against the run to start the year, surrendering 65 yards and a touchdown to Bhayshul Tuten in Week 2 after allowing Kenneth Walker to pile up 173 yards and a score in Week 1. Corum appears to be splitting the rushing workload with Kyren Williams, which is enough to give him solid flex value in this matchup.

Fades: QB Matthew Stafford, TE Terrance Ferguson

Matthew Stafford also turned back the clock last week, finishing with four touchdown passes and 327 yards. A single interception was his only notable blemish.

Facing Denver without Puka Nacua, though, is a tall order. Stafford's No. 2 target last week was young TE Terrance Ferguson, who posted a strong fantasy line of 6-54-1 and made several nice plays after the catch, but also had two drops.

Ferguson played 58% of the snaps, trailing only TE Colby Parkinson and rookie seventh-round WR Konata Mumpfield among Rams receiving threats behind Adams. It's plausible that Ferguson is Stafford's go-to target behind Adams, but the matchup and crowded tight end room make him a high-end TE2. Stafford remains a QB2 in a difficult matchup.

LAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.26
LAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.25
LAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.14
LAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.28

No Brainers: N/A

Favorites: N/A

On the Fence: QB Bo Nix, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB RJ Harvey (hamstring)

Bo Nix fared better against Jacksonville, more than doubling his passing yardage from the Kansas City game with 288 yards in the win. Still, he managed just one touchdown while throwing a pick. More concerning, Nix has rushed for just eight yards through two games, which may be limiting his overall production.

Nix has gone through stretches where his rushing production disappeared before. As a rookie, he had just nine rushing yards over a four-game stretch before running for 20-plus yards in each of the next four games, producing more than 21 FPts in three of them. Despite coming off a major injury, fantasy managers shouldn't panic yet.

This is still a tough matchup, though, against a Rams defense that held Giants QBs to just 4.3 FPts in Week 2. Nix has defied difficult matchups before, such as when he scored 29.1 against Green Bay late last season and 26.1 against Buffalo in the playoffs. Once again, he's very much on the fence as a high-end QB2.

Jaylen Waddle broke out in Week 2, producing his highest yardage total (138 yards) since November 2024. He caught 8-of-10 targets and finished as the overall WR12. The performance showcased his long-term upside with Nix, but the matchup calls for reasonable expectations. Waddle should be viewed as a low-end WR2 or flex against the Rams.

RJ Harvey returned to practice Thursday, as did J.K. Dobbins. With Jonah Coleman also missing practice, there's a chance much of the passing-down work goes to Harvey, who had four receptions in the opener before missing Week 2. If the Rams control the game, Harvey could be called upon frequently, particularly if Nix remains limited as a runner.

Harvey is far from a safe bet against a stifling Rams front, but his receiving ability gives him some flex appeal.

Fades: RB J.K. Dobbins (hip), TE Evan Engram

J.K. Dobbins has averaged just nine touches with no receptions through two games, and his history of injuries continues to limit his production.

The matchup doesn't help. The Rams held Christian McCaffrey to 11.3 FPts in Week 1 and Cam Skattebo to just 7.5 in Week 2. With little to offer as a receiver, Dobbins generally needs strong rushing volume and red-zone opportunities to make a fantasy impact. Neither is likely to be there this week.

Evan Engram followed a solid opener with a quiet Week 2, finishing with 1-17-0 on one target. Now he faces a Rams defense that held Isaiah Likely to 5-33-0 despite 10 targets, while Theo Johnson was held catchless on four targets. The week before, Los Angeles held George Kittle to 2-12-0 on five targets.

The Rams have stifled tight ends to start the year after allowing just 8.4 YDS/REC to the position last season. It's difficult to count on Engram in this matchup.

Prediction: Rams 21, Broncos 17 ^ Top

Eagles @ Bears - (Green)
Line: PHI -3.5
Total: 42.5

CHI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.10
CHI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.10
CHI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.17
CHI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.21

No Brainers: QB Jalen Hurts, RB Saquon Barkley (stinger), WR DeVonta Smith

Favorites: WR Dontayvion Wicks

Acquired from Green Bay during the offseason, Wicks has topped 70 yards in each of his first two games with the Eagles. He’s also been a lot more active in terms of targets (10) than rookie Makai Lemon (5), and at least thus far he appears to be operating as the No. 2 receiver behind DeVonta Smith. His role could be increasing. With Dallas Goedert (knee) set to miss time, Wicks, who checks in at 6-foot-1, 206 pounds, is the biggest receiver on the roster. That makes him a natural fit to assume some of Goedert’s duties in the red zone, at least until Zach Ertz gets up to speed. Add a Bears secondary that got torched by Carolina in the opener, and this looks like a potentially big game from Wicks as your WR3/flex.

On the Fence: RB Tank Bigsby

Barkley (stinger) played little in Week 2 after suffering a stinger, and with the Week 3 game set for Monday night there have been no updates as to his condition. If Barkley can’t go, Bigsby should serve as the lead back. He was mostly ineffective in that role versus the Titans, turning 13 carries into 33 yards and a touchdown. Ultimately, this is a situation you’ll need to monitor closely since you may need to make a roster move on Sunday. If Barkley ends up being a game-time decision, you can scoop up Bigsby to cover yourself or slide another back into your lineup.

Fades: N/A

PHI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.13
PHI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.17
PHI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.18
PHI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.32

No Brainers: RB D'Andre Swift

Favorites: RB Kyle Monangai

As of this writing, there is zero clarity as to who will play quarterback for the Bears on Monday night. Despite being carted off the field, Caleb Williams (hamstring) has not been ruled out. Backup Tyson Bagent (concussion) would need to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol to be available. Case Keenum is QB3, and he took the practice snaps on Wednesday. All of which is to say, look for the Bears to lean on their ground game versus the Eagles. While Swift has gotten a higher share of the opportunities relative to last year, Monangai has run effectively when given the chance, and he could be needed for an increased load in Week 3. He’s a flex with upside.

On the Fence: WR Luther Burden III

Among Chicago’s options in the passing game, Burden appears the most likely to successfully navigate a limited playbook and/or backup. He’s someone that can catch quick screens and turn them into positive yards. Burden has been quiet early on this year, trailing Kalif Raymond in receiving yards, but he might be called upon to make some things happen if a banged-up Williams or Keenum is under center. Burden could be used as a low-end WR3 or flex.

Fades: WR Rome Odunze / TE Colston Loveland

There are too many unknowns to rely heavily on anyone in Chicago’s passing game, but I’m especially down on Loveland and Odunze. With the former, he has only one catch for three yards on the year, and the Eagles have allowed just 7.2 fantasy points per game to the position (second to the 49ers). That sounds too risky. With Odunze, he’s seen limited opportunities, and most of those have been downfield in contested catch situations. To that end, only six of his 95 yards have come after the catch this year. I don’t expect we’ll see a lot of vertical shots on Monday night. I’d be tempted to keep both players on the bench this week.

Prediction: Eagles 30, Bears 20 ^ Top