Fantasy Football: Week 3

Story posted September 23, 2021 in

As we approach Week 3 of the NFL, we take the time to examine our rosters and get a feel for what is on the table.

Maybe you drafted Ryan Tannehill and now you are starting to panic and in need of a stream at the quarterback position. Marquise Brown was drafted on average at pick No. 142 according to Fantasy Pros, but he could be a steal as he is No. 4 in total fantasy points as a wide receiver in standard leagues.

With the information given, it’s time to figure out what is temporary and what will be consistent.

Upgrades

Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons

Although things are dim in New York, Jones’ play has been a bright spot.

Jones has provided two games with at least 250 yards and a passing touchdown. Jones has also provided major value with his legs as he has 122 yards and two touchdowns on the ground so far this season.

After facing two tough defenses, Jones is going against the Falcons, who surrender the second most points to quarterbacks this year. His connection with Sterling Shepard and his ability to overcome the team’s mediocre run game brings him an opportunity to be a top-10 quarterback this week.

Marquise Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions

Brown being a first-round draft pick in 2019 has not lived up to the hype, but this year it appears as if he has the ability to be consistently successful.

Detroit’s defense provides a big opportunity for the deep ball and can supply fantasy production to Brown even with Mark Andrews and Sammy Watkins in the mix. Brown was able to produce in a game where an ankle injury lingered in the week leading up to the previous matchup against Kansas City. With the week to heal, he should continue to be Baltimore’s leader receiver.

Downgrades

Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

It is hard to go against the talent of the former Alabama running back, but his ranking is very high for his production so far. His ability to be a dual threat makes it tempting to put him in the top 10, however he needs a few more games to get his running ability in order.

Harris is averaging 3.2 yards a carry, and the Bengals have played pretty tough on defense this year allowing less than 100 rushing yards per game this year. This matchup doesn’t look like the one that Harris will break out in.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Edwards-Helaire already has a hard enough time getting production as Kansas City runs so efficiently and gets the ball to their receiving corps. He’s averaging 3.3 yards per carry and only has received 3 targets.

Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys had a good day against the Chargers as he played as a change-of-pace back, however that is an offense that the Chiefs do not run.  Even with a softer matchup against the Chargers, it is poised to be a battle through the air.

Trade Targets

Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Woods is Cooper Kupp’s partner in crime as they both were just shy of 1,000 yards last season. To the contrary, Kupp is No. 3 in receiving yards in comparison to Woods at No. 70 this season.

Fantasy managers have been frustrated that Woods has not produced and will take what they can get for his name value. Woods is second on the team in targets, has rushing upside and always has had a high floor.

He is a viable part of this offense and will soon gather the statistics to show for it. Woods is worth an investment.

 

Matthew Gelhard is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at mgg5264@psu.edu.