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Quarterback
Start of the Week: Joe Burrow (v WAS)
Burrow has been a relative disappointment through two games, but passing attacks around the NFL have struggled, and things are lining up for him to explode on Monday night taking on a Washington defense that continues to be extremely vulnerable through the air. In addition to the matchup, it sounds like Tee Higgins (hamstring) has a good shot at returning, and guys like Andrei Iosivas and Mike Gesicki stepping up gives the Bengals a complete group of pass-catchers. Burrow is a top-five option for Week 3.
Start: Jared Goff (@ ARI)
Goff has also not performed up to expectations so far this year, and an inspired Arizona squad won’t necessarily be a favorable draw this weekend. That said, the Lions have too many playmakers to not have a breakthrough game soon, and I think it’ll come on Sunday in a possible shootout with the Cardinals allowing the second-most passing yards per attempt (9.0) in the league. Jonathan Gannon’s defense is also allowing opponents to complete 74.0% of their passes, so Goff should be able to take what the defense gives him and finish with a QB1 day.
Start: Derek Carr (v PHI)
Rushing upside for guys like Anthony Richardson, Kyler Murray, and Jayden Daniels pushes Carr just outside the top ten for this week, but he’s currently the overall QB2 on the year and now faces an Eagles defense that has not covered well to begin 2024. If available, Carr should be added in all leagues as a borderline QB1/QB2 in Klint Kubiak’s offense, and his red-hot play has been a continuation of what he did at the end of last season with a 19:3 touchdown-interception over the past seven games.
Start: Justin Fields (v LAC)
The monster fantasy ceiling for Fields hasn’t been seen to begin his Steelers career with more of a conservative offensive approach, but the 11.0 carries per game is encouraging—and a huge rushing performance will happen eventually. While no one will be anticipating a shootout with Chargers-Steelers having the lowest over/under of the week (35.5), it’s easy to imagine Fields deciding to be more aggressive as a runner when he gets into space with a chance to start 3-0 and keep the starting job. Consider him a high-end QB2 with upside.
Sit of the Week: Trevor Lawrence (@ BUF)
Jacksonville has been unable to get into a rhythm offensively with a remade receiving corps, and their struggles have dated back to 2023 with an 0-7 record for Lawrence since the start of December. The Jaguars were able to knock off the Bills last year in London as Lawrence threw for 315 yards and a touchdown, but he was sacked five times, and Buffalo has been stingy versus the pass through two weeks (5.5 yards per attempt with a 2:3 touchdown-interception ratio allowed). I’d look elsewhere in non-superflex leagues.
Sit: Aaron Rodgers (v NE)
Last week was another modest showing for New York’s offense, and despite the win, Rodgers actually threw for fewer yards per attempt (5.9) than he did in the loss to the 49ers in Week 1. Now, the Jets get another challenge with the Patriots having an outstanding secondary led by Christian Gonzalez, so I’d expect them to lean on the backfield duo of Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen while the passing attack waits for Mike Williams (one catch through two games) to round back into form as a full-time player. Rodgers is more of a low-end QB2 on Thursday night.
Sit: Justin Herbert (@ PIT)
As stated, Chargers-Steelers is projected to be the lowest-scoring game of Week 3, and Herbert has been a different quarterback under Jim Harbaugh with 137.0 passing yards per game and limited downfield shots. Although we should fully expect the laser arm of Herbert to be unleashed at some point, it probably won’t come in Pittsburgh for a possible slugfest, and the Steelers aren’t close to the same struggling defense they were in the 2021 matchup when Herbert had 382 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on an offense with Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams.
Sit: Matthew Stafford (v SF)
The Rams losing both Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) for multiple weeks is a brutal blow to the passing attack, so Stafford needs to be downgraded significantly heading into a matchup versus a San Francisco defense that will be smelling blood after a Week 2 loss. Beyond this week, I do believe Sean McVay will get the most out of Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Jordan Whittington as the top three at wide receiver, but the Niners aren’t the opponent to find out against.
Running Back
Start of the Week: Tony Pollard (v GB)
A new defensive scheme for the Packers hasn’t led to marked improvement versus the run, as they’ve allowed 5.1 yards per carry through two games, and opponents have arguably not run the ball enough against them. With questions about how much Tennessee trusts Will Levis with costly turnovers in back-to-back games, Pollard is set to be featured heavily—and his lone start against Green Bay in the regular season came two years ago when he rushed 22 times for 115 yards and a touchdown. I like Pollard as a borderline top-15 play.
Start: Carson Steele (@ ATL)
We’ll see what happens with Kareem Hunt (signed to the practice squad yesterday) and if Samaje Perine gets increased work as he becomes more comfortable in the offense, but Steele is set to be “the guy” until Isiah Pacheco (leg) returns—with his first crack at the featured role coming on Sunday night. Atlanta has a very good defense, but Steele is immediately a low-end RB2/FLEX option attached to a high-powered offense, and he’s a bigger back that should handle short-yardage situations and has soft hands for his size.
Start: Zamir White (v CAR)
The start to the season for White has been discouraging for investors with 22 carries for 68 yards (3.1 YPC) and zero touchdowns, and that has been compounded by Alexander Mattison scoring in both games for the Raiders. Fortunately, Antonio Pierce expressed confidence in White as the lead back this week and said the offensive line needs to be better, so he’ll be in a great spot to produce as the lowly Panthers come to town for the home opener as Las Vegas comes off a huge win over Baltimore.
Start: Jerome Ford (v NYG)
I guess we need to give the Giants credit for playing stout defense in the red zone last week, but their overall tackling was not good at all—which could set up for Ford to consistently rip off chunk yardage this week. It was surprising that D’Onta Foreman started last week and handled 14 carries, but I’d expect Ford (5.7 yards per carry so far this season) to be the lead back after breaking a 36-yard run last week in the win over Jacksonville, so he’s a top-24 option at home with Cleveland being favored by a touchdown.
Sit of the Week: Rachaad White (v DEN)
White dealt with a minor groin issue last week that should be monitored, but Tampa Bay getting the running game going was a focus for them this year—and it’s been the lone disappointment through two weeks with their starter averaging just 2.0 yards per carry. Based on how hard the Denver defense plays, White could be bottled up again this weekend, and the injury could even be an excuse to give more work to fourth-round pick Bucky Irving—who has rushed 16 times for 84 yards (5.3 YPC) this season.
Sit: J.K. Dobbins (@ PIT)
You might want to ride the hot hand with Dobbins after he’s gone for 131+ rushing yards and a touchdown in both games to begin the season, and he remains a solid FLEX option for Week 3 against a Pittsburgh defense he has surprisingly dominated against with 6.9 yards per carry and 108.7 rushing yards per game in three career meetings. I just wouldn’t expect another RB1 performance with the Steelers having a top-five run defense through two weeks, including limiting big plays that have been a huge part of Dobbins’ reemergence.
Sit: Javonte Williams (@ TB)
Last week was a positive for Williams in terms of playing time (66%) and workload (16 touches, compared to five touches for the rest of the backfield), but he’s struggled with efficiency behind an underperforming offensive line by averaging 2.1 yards per carry. Even with the Bucs not playing up to their standard versus the run and probably not having Vita Vea (knee) this week, the Broncos have failed to get much of anything going on offense and could turn to Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie to provide some juice.
Sit: Chuba Hubbard (@ LV)
It came in a blowout loss, but it was good to see Hubbard be more of a factor in Week 2—rushing ten times for 64 yards and catching four passes (though for just 12 yards). Still, the Raiders should be much better against the run than their 6.1 yards per carry allowed suggests, and I don’t expect them to be run on in the home opener with Carolina’s offense in bad shape no matter who they have under center. It’s obviously a different coaching staff for the Panthers, but Miles Sanders and Hubbard combined to rush ten times (compared to 58 pass attempts) in Andy Dalton’s lone 2023 start.
Wide Receiver
Start of the Week: DJ Moore (@ IND)
Moore didn’t pay off last week as Chicago’s offensive struggles continued, and the offensive line simply might not be good enough for the explosive wideout to hit on the chunk plays we saw last year with Justin Fields under center. If there is a time for Moore to get going, it would seem to be this week against an Indy defense that has one of the worst cornerback groups in the league, and the longer secondary could have a difficult time covering the Bears’ top wideout. In general, I’d check into Moore’s price ahead of this week and another plus matchup against the Rams in Week 4.
Start: Rashid Shaheed (v PHI)
Considering the big-play ability for Shaheed (including touchdowns of 59 and 70 yards so far this year) and how Philadelphia has looked in coverage (particularly on the final drive in the Week 2 loss), the speedster has risen to the WR2 ranks as a key part of the NFL’s best offense to begin 2024. The lower floor is worth pointing out with nine targets through two games, but Derek Carr’s deep ball has been terrific, and the Saints also got Shaheed involved as a runner with three carries for 13 yards last week.
Start: Tank Dell (@ MIN)
Dell is a big-play weapon on the other end of the spectrum in terms of production so far this season, as he’s been limited to four receptions for 37 scoreless yards with Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs both thriving. However, the second-year wideout has seen a respectable 11 targets through two weeks, and he’s also handled five carries (for 35 yards) while being a constant on the field when Houston throws the ball. Facing an aggressive Minnesota defense this week, Dell could strike just when some are starting to lose faith.
Start: Courtland Sutton (@ TB)
Sutton has had extremely difficult draws versus Riq Woolen and Joey Porter Jr. as bigger cornerbacks that could match him so far this season, so Week 3 could allow us to see the Denver offense operate at least somewhat close to what was expected entering the season. That should mean quite a bit of opportunities for Sutton (who did see 12 targets in the opener), including in scoring territory after he had ten touchdowns last year. I like the veteran as a top-30 option at wide receiver.
Others: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (v MIA), Adam Thielen (@ LV)
Sit of the Week: Michael Pittman Jr. (v CHI)
We expected the Colts to play less through Pittman this season after adding Adonai Mitchell and getting Anthony Richardson back under center for a more run-focused offense—but Indy’s No. 1 wideout also hasn’t been helped by matchups against Derek Stingley Jr. and Jaire Alexander so far. This week, things won’t be any easier as Jaylon Johnson and the Bears come to Lucas Oil Stadium, so Pittman remains a WR3 with just seven receptions for 52 scoreless yards through two games.
Sit: Terry McLaurin (@ CIN)
A lack of production (39 scoreless yards) and efficiency (3.3 yards per target) for McLaurin has been shielded by Jayden Daniels making plays with his legs to keep Washington’s offense afloat, but the No. 2 overall pick hasn’t been able to get on the same page with his top playmaker—particularly down the field. Cam Taylor-Britt and the athletic Cincinnati secondary won’t be a favorable matchup for Daniels and McLaurin to get on the same page against, so we have him outside the top 36 at wide receiver.
Sit: Brian Thomas Jr. (@ BUF)
Thomas was able to get loose for a 66-yard reception last week, and he’s been the most productive pass-catcher for a struggling Jacksonville offense with a 6/141/1 line through two games (on just eight targets). The Bills—who were shutting down Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle even before Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) went down last week—are very stingy with Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford on the perimeter, though, and Thomas will have to contend with them for the most part on Monday night to decrease his outlook as an upside FLEX.
Sit: Mike Evans (v DEN)
This isn’t a complete “fade” because Evans remains in the top 25 and might not face pure shadow coverage from Pat Surtain II this week, but Tampa Bay has mostly played through Chris Godwin (15 receptions on 16 targets) in the new offense with Evans seeing just six targets in each game. Also, Evans scored twice in the opener and could find the end zone in any matchup, so he’s only going to be benched if you have a stacked roster with strong options for this week.
Others: Jaylen Waddle (@ SEA), Calvin Ridley (v GB)
Tight End
Start: of the Week: Mike Gesicki (v WAS)
The status of Tee Higgins (hamstring) needs to be watched and is something that would decrease Gesicki’s outlook, but he was a major factor against the Chiefs (seven receptions for 91 yards) and has shown great chemistry with Joe Burrow thus far. Washington allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends is very misleading with the Bucs and Giants not prioritizing the position as their first two opponents, and Gesicki is similar to a wide receiver based on his skillset anyway. We have him as a borderline TE1 if Higgins is out again.
Start: Hunter Henry (@ NYJ)
Henry being contained by the Jets in recent matchups (yardage totals of 22, 20, and 17 over the past two years) is the concern here, but he was the focal point of the passing attack last week by catching eight-of-12 targets for 109 yards, and he’s the best way for New England to attack the pass defense of the Jets. Plus, Henry is as good of a bet as any pass-catcher to find the end zone for the Patriots on Thursday night.
Start: Juwan Johnson (v PHI)
I was surprised that Atlanta didn’t feature Kyle Pitts against the Eagles on Monday night, but they were able to have success on the ground, and maybe the same will be true for New Orleans this weekend. Still, I like how Johnson’s size can attack the middle of the field versus a smaller group of cover guys for Philadelphia, and Derek Carr is locked in enough that it makes sense to take a gamble on a piece of the offense.
Sit of the Week: Colby Parkinson (v SF)
Parkinson will be key for Los Angeles with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out, but the 49ers aren’t a good matchup this week—and Sean McVay could decide to go more run heavy until they are back. I would wait until Week 4 when Parkinson gets a much easier draw versus Chicago before starting him as a streaming option with high-end TE2 appeal.
Sit: Tyler Conklin (v NE)
Conklin going for a 6/79/2 line against the Patriots a couple of years ago gives me pause, but he’s been limited to 19.0 receiving yards per game and zero touchdowns in three matchups since then—and he’s been a complete afterthought two begin 2024. Perhaps a Bill Belichick-type approach where New England tries to take away Garrett Wilson will allow Conklin to shine, but I wouldn’t want to risk it with Aaron Rodgers preferring to throw to his wideouts and running backs.
Sit: Greg Dulcich (@ TB)
Denver was counting on Dulcich to provide some upside at tight end, but he’s struggled through two games—including just three receptions for 16 yards (on eight targets) last week. The former UCLA standout has also dropped a couple of passes this season, and the Broncos not living up to expectations is reason to avoid their complementary options until we see Bo Nix and the group get into a rhythm.