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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Injury Status: Super Bowl

Thu Feb 8 10:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

There are just a handful of injuries we are dealing with for the Super Bowl, which is great news. Both teams head into the game pretty close to having a full compliment of players. Sure, guys are banged up at this time of the season, but there aren’t many key guys that are going to miss this big game. It is good to see these teams near full strength. Now let’s hope it makes for a great game.

Joe Thuney, OG, Chiefs. Thunk is trying to return from a pectoral injury. He has been out the last few weeks and head coach Andy Reid said Thuney is a long shot to play. But there is speculation that Thuney still has an outside chance to play in the Super Bowl. He has not been ruled out yet and would be a great addition to the Chiefs offensive line if he happens to play.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday. He has a chance to return from his knee injury this week. But even if he is active, it isn’t certain how much Moore plays after missing so much time. He will be a risk for fantasy teams to use.

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle has been limited in practice the last few weeks because of a toe injury. It is bothering him, but he will be ready for the Super Bowl. He probably won’t be too limited in the game despite the nagging toe injury. Expect him to get his usual amount of playing time.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs.  McKinnon is trying to return from his groin injury. He remains on Injured Reserve and will need to be activated in the next day or two if he hopes to play this week. He is practicing on a limited basis, so things are trending the right way for him at the moment. He is another player that could be limited in the game if active after being out the last several weeks.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Baker Mayfield Sep 22 5:10pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was unable to keep his hot streak going against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. To be fair, the Bucs offensive line has been horrible and let Mayfield get sacked seven times in this game. Despite that, Mayfield completed 25-of-33 passing attempts for 163 yards with a touchdown and one interception in the loss. It's tough to blame this loss on Mayfield when he wasn't given much time to throw. This was expected to happen at some point, but hopefully Mayfield can get back on track next week. He should be in the QB2 discuss for next week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 22 5:10pm CT
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Raiders. The Panthers offense was efficient in the first half, with Andy Dalton throwing for three touchdown passes. Thielen was the recipient of one of them. Although he injured his hamstring while coming down for the 31-yard score. If he doesn't return for the remainder of Week 3, he'll finish with three receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. At any rate, Xavier Legette, Diontae Johnson, and Tommy Tremble could benefit for the rest of the game.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 22 5:10pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a solid contributor in the Packers' 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Reed led the Packers in targets (6) and receptions (4) for 50 receiving yards as Reed was the most consistent receiving option for starting quarterback Malik Willis on the afternoon. Not only was Reed a factor in the receiving game, but he also added 19 yards rushing on two carries. With Reed contributing in multiple ways across the Packers' offense, Reed as become the most consistent fantasy option. Reed's fantasy value in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is connected to the availability of Jordan Love (knee), who was ruled inactive prior to Week 3's kickoff. Reed would be a low-end WR3 for fantasy managers if Love returns to start for the Packers. If Willis remains the quarterback for Green Bay in Week 4, Reed would be a flex option.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 22 5:00pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) was carted to the locker room in Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Details are limited at this time. However, his day is likely over. If that's the case, he'll finish with two catches for 36 yards. LaPorta struggled in the two games entering Week 3, amassing six catches for 68 yards. There will likely be an update soon. In the meantime, Brock Wright could be in line for more attention from Jared Goff.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 22 5:00pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson led the Packers In receiving yards and was a contributing factor toward their 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Watson was targeted just twice in the win but made both receptions count for 67 receiving yards. Considering Watson went untargeted last week from backup quarterback Malik Willis, getting Watson involved from the get-go in Week 3 was vital toward establishing the passing game on the afternoon. Watson's fantasy value in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is tied to the availability of Jordan Love (knee), who didn't suit up in Week 3. Watson would be considered a boom-or-bust flex option for fantasy managers if Love returns to start for the Packers. If Willis remains the quarterback for Green Bay in Week 4, Watson would be a volatile flex option.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 22 5:00pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled three carries for five yards and lost four yards on his lone reception of a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Warren, who struggled to get much going in the first half and recorded his final touch on the Steelers' first drive of the third quarter, was pulled from the contest when head coach Mike Tomlin noticed he was not "running smoothly". He will be evaluated, but no further details have yet been provided on his status. The 25-year-old battled through a hamstring ailment this offseason and looked healthy in Week 2. On Sunday, he was replaced by Cordarrelle Patterson, who has found success with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the past and will be worth a look in deeper fantasy formats if Warren is forced to miss time. More information regarding Warren's health will come ahead of a Week 4 bout with the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Heyward Sep 22 4:50pm CT
Cameron Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense held the Los Angeles Chargers to 10 points while recording five sacks and a forced fumble in an impressive Week 3 win. Despite losing star linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) late in the first half, Pittsburgh's defense stepped up at home to shut down the Chargers, who had been incredibly proficient on offense through the first two weeks of the season. To no surprise, T.J. Watt was a key contributor with a sack and two quarterback hits, but it was veteran Cameron Heyward and second-year linebacker Nick Herbig who stole the show with big plays in critical situations. The Steelers DST will remain a must-start fantasy asset on the road against the Indianapolis Colts next week.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 22 4:50pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a non-factor in Green Bay's 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Doubs earned just two targets from Packers starting quarterback Malik Willis and corralled one of the targets for 18 yards as Doubs' only contribution toward the win. With just 19 pass attempts available for the pass catchers on the afternoon, targets were at a premium with a run-heavy approach to the game plan. Doubs' fantasy value heading into Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is tied to the availability of Jordan Love (knee), who was unable to suit up in Week 3. Doubs would be a viable flex option for fantasy managers if Love returns to start for the Packers. If Willis remains the quarterback for Green Bay in Week 4, Doubs would be a recommended sit.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 22 4:40pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell converted on two of his three field goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in a 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Boswell, whose career-long field goal is 59 yards, had his first miss of the season come on a 62-yard attempt at the end of the first half. The 33-year-old reached an impressive benchmark on Sunday, becoming the second player in Steelers team history to reach 1,000 career points. Boswell is one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, but high-end fantasy production will likely come on an inconsistent basis. He'll be a viable streaming option next week against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 22 4:30pm CT
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) will undergo an MRI. The 28-year-old has battled a foot injury, although he's been playing through it. Despite that, he's been a reliable defender for the Browns this season, totaling two sacks in the team's first two contests. But the results of the MRI will determine if Garrett can continue to play. If the veteran doesn't receive good news after the MRI, he may not be available for IDP managers for a while. With the Browns sitting on one win through the first three games of the 2024-25 campaign, being without Garrett obviously wouldn't be ideal.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 22 4:30pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught four of his five targets for 33 yards in a home win against the Los Angeles Chargers. For a third consecutive week to start the season, Freiermuth finished with four receptions but less than 40 yards. Although he clearly has a prominent role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, it hasn't yet amounted to much in the way of fantasy production. Nonetheless, a tight end with this level of usage cannot be ignored. Fantasy managers can continue to view Freiermuth as a middling option with a high floor in PPR formats against the Indianapolis Colts next week.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Sam Darnold

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit were fantastic as they shut down the Tennessee Titans' offense in the Packers' 30-14 win in Week 3. The Packers forced two interceptions, including a return for a touchdown by Jaire Alexander at the end of the first quarter. The defense repeatedly got to Titans' quarterback Will Levis for a whopping eight sacks and a forced fumble and recovery on the afternoon. It was a banner day for the Packers' D/ST as they'll assuredly be one of the top-scoring fantasy D/ST units of Week 3. The Packers will head back home to face the Minnesota Vikings but will be a streaming fantasy defensive option in that game with the Vikings showing some potency with quarterback Sam Darnold at the helm.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers defense had a pedestrian performance in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers defensive unit allowed 20 points while recording one interception and two sacks. In standard defensive scoring leagues, that was good for just four fantasy points. It was one of those games where the defense looked pretty good on the field but just didn't do the things that earn fantasy points along the way. They'll be a somewhat less recommended fantasy option in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, especially if Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is forced to miss the game.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III shined with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Austin showed true potential as a WR2 for the Steelers, especially with Van Jefferson (eye) missing most of the contest. He trailed only George Pickens in targets with five and flashed his impressive speed when taking a short pass from quarterback Justin Fields 55 yards to the end zone for his first score of the season. Most fantasy managers should monitor Austin's involvement in the coming weeks, but he could be an intriguing waiver-wire addition immediately in deeper leagues. He'll look to carry some positive momentum into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson turned a quality game for the Packers in their 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Wilson led the running backs in rushing yards with 50 on 12 carries, while bringing in both targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Wilson's touchdown came on a screen pass where he weaved his way behind his blockers and then used his speed to scamper 30 yards for the touchdown. With MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) placed on injured reserve, Wilson is the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs. The Packers have employed a run-heavy approach in the last couple of games with Malik Willis installed as quarterback. Wilson has standalone value in deeper fantasy leagues for Week 4 against Minnesota but is more of a contingency fantasy play in case something happens to Jacobs. That said, if Wilson continues to siphon off more work from Jacobs in the Packers' backfield, Wilson could be a sneaky startable fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 22 4:10pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Green Bay. The performance was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as Hopkins had only mustered two catches for seventeen yards over the first two weeks to start the year. "Nuk" was targeted seven times on the afternoon, which led all Titans pass catchers. Calvin Ridley had been the favorite target of Levis up to this point, but Hopkins took that crown against Green Bay, snagging passes all over the field including an 11-yard touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter. Hopkins will look to build on this promising performance next week at Miami.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 22 4:10pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded five receptions for 57 yards on seven looks in the team's Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Pickens continued to operate as the clear WR1 in Pittsburgh despite being out-gained by teammate Calvin Austin III and dropping a pass on third down in the second quarter. Once again, the 23-year-old displayed chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, leading the team in targets and earning an opportunity near the end zone. Through three weeks of the season, Pickens appears to be on the cusp of a breakout campaign. He'll hope to strike paydirt for the first time this year next week against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston scored another touchdown in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnston's touchdown was the only one the Chargers scored in a slow offensive game. He was targeted twice and caught both for a total of 44 yards, including his 27-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. The Chargers offense only completed 14 passes, with Johnston tying for the team lead in receiving yards along with Ladd McConkey. Johnston looks like he's a completely different player than he was last season, and his fantasy arrow is certainly pointing way up even though Justin Herbert (ankle) may be forced to miss some time.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the team in targets and tied for the team lead in catches in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers offense was significantly slowed by the Steelers defense after two strong weeks to start the season. McConkey was targeted six times, making three catches for 44 yards. No other Charger had more than three targets, and he tied with Quentin Johnston with the 44 yards for the team lead. The Chargers ended up only completing 14 passes in this game, so McConkey's production was decent given the circumstances. The Chargers will face off against the Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (ribs) returned to the game against the Miami Dolphins. After exiting in the first quarter, Williams was announced to be able to return in the second quarter. It is great news for the Seahawks' defense and it will help the offense by extension. The Seahawks D/ST is currently having a solid outing against a Miami Dolphins team without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion).

From RotoBaller