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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

NFL's top 25 games of 2024

Wed May 15 2:01pm ET
Field Level Media

Christmas Day for NFL marketing and ticket sales departments finally arrived Wednesday with the release of the 2024 season schedule.

With subplots and peripheral angles multiplying before our eyes - hello, Netflix, welcome to NFL holiday football broadcasts - Field Level Media's football-minded contributors assembled the top 25 games of 2024.

24. Cardinals at Jets, TBD: We're grabbing our popcorn for one matchup, and one matchup alone: Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner. Top five draft picks likely to be near the top of the pecking order at their position for a decade.

23. Colts at Patriots, TBD: Drake Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, meet Anthony Richardson, drafted fourth overall in 2023. Indianapolis appeared to have a hit on its hands before Richardson was shut down to undergo shoulder surgery. If he can stay healthy and Maye isn't relegated to clipboard duty behind former Colts starter Jacoby Brissett, we're eager to make early evaluations of purported franchise QBs.

22. Jaguars at Eagles, TBD: Young QBs and strong pass rush are common bonds, sure, but the plotline we're looking at is the reception for Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson. He played for the Eagles (1999) but was essentially a coach-in-training for Donovan McNabb, then served as an assistant for Andy Reid and came back from a stint in KC for a five-year run that included a Super Bowl.

21. Bears at Texans, TBD: The Bears also get a meeting with the Carolina Panthers for the second consecutive season. With all due respect to Panthers 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young, the top rookie quarterback last season was Houston's C.J. Stroud. His numbers would have been the best ever single-season passing total for a Bears QB (4,108 to Erik Kramer's team record of 3,803). Stroud had 26 TD passes including the playoffs despite missing time with a concussion). The Bears hitched their wagon to No. 1 pick Caleb Williams with the rookie carrying massive talent - and expectations - in Year 1.

20. Vikings at Giants, TBD: All of the QB uncertainty one can handle on the undercard, LSU products Justin Jefferson (Vikings) and Malik Nabers (Giants) in the main event.

19. 49ers at Seahawks, TBD: Maybe you overlooked it. There's not a chance Brock Purdy did. He knows new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald's defense - that of the Ravens - had him seeing ghosts in a five-interception laugher on Christmas Night last season. Macdonald's new club has a bunch of cross-training chess pieces determined to unseat the 49ers from the NFC West perch.

18. Jets at 49ers, Sept. 9: Week 1 on "Monday Night Football" is a familiar refrain for the Jets, who are hoping Aaron Rodgers has some magic left following a season-ending injury four snaps into his first start with the team in 2023. Rodgers is local - Chico, Calif., Butte JC and Cal - and went 6-3 against the 49ers with the Packers. Now 40 years old, he'll try to tip the scales toward the Jets, who are 3-11 all-time in the series with San Francisco. Jets head coach Robert Saleh has known 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan since breaking into the NFL as a low-level assistant with the Texans 15 years ago and was defensive coordinator on his staff before taking over with the Jets.

17. Cowboys at Commanders, TBD: Dan Quinn gets his second chance as a head coach in Washington and to be the champ in the NFC East, he'll have to take down his previous employer and boss, the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy. Given the amount of time Quinn spent with McCarthy and Dak Prescott, don't discount the level of concern the Cowboys have entering two games with Washington.

16. Eagles vs. Packers (Brazil), Sept. 6: The youngest roster in the NFL last season belonged to the Packers, and nobody can fault what Green Bay did in the offseason. Head coach Matt LaFleur debuts his offense with Josh Jacobs at running back and a new-look defense. It'll also be a big reveal game for the Eagles, unleashing their own big-ticket offseason item, Saquon Barkley, and a number of new faces on defense.

15. Falcons at Vikings, TBD: Welcome back, Kirk Cousins, congratulations on finding a team that didn't want to invest in a young quarterback to insure its $100M guarantee to a 35-year-old starter coming off an Achilles injury. Oops. Cousins could be hailed or hated for bailing on the Vikings in free agency following 50 regular-season wins in six seasons of Skol-ing.

14. Ravens at Chargers, TBD: Los Angeles and new hire Jim Harbaugh welcome John Harbaugh and the Ravens with entertainment expected to be rich before, during and after a matchup of AFC heavyweights. John Harbaugh won the last meeting and survived a brief power outage at the Super Bowl in New Orleans to take home the Lombardi and deal Jim's 49ers a painful defeat.

13. Steelers at Broncos, Week 2: Revenge games bring out the spirit and emotion you might not otherwise find in games that don't include Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh picked up Russell Wilson after he was scrapped at a cost north of $80 million to Denver by second-year head coach Sean Payton. Payton, of course, is still in town and brought in a rookie, Oregon's Bo Nix, to train in the system that helped make Drew Brees a legend. Don't look now, but Pittsburgh had a sneaky excellent offseason while the Broncos shed leaders and linchpins on both sides of the ball (Wilson, Justin Simmons, Jerry Jeudy). If reunions are your thing, Payton also heads back to New Orleans this season.

12. Jets at Bills, Week 17: We know they'll get an earlier go at each other on "Monday Night Football" In October, but let's give the season time to breath and Aaron Rodgers time to round back into form. He'll be recently removed from his 41st birthday but should know the names of all of his wide receivers, a task Josh Allen might need more time to complete.

11. Ravens at Cowboys, TBD: Dak Prescott was great at home last season and Dallas fortified the offensive line through the draft. Whether new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has an answer for mobile quarterbacks - namely Lamar Jackson - might be the hot-button issue for the Cowboys. Baltimore's No. 1-ranked defense in 2023 also traveled well last season, battering Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert and limiting those three teams to a combined 36 points in Ravens' road wins.

10. 49ers at Packers, Nov. 24: Week 12 and the start of a pivotal, NFC-dominated, primetime featured stretch for Green Bay with nighttime marquee matchups at Detroit (Week 14) and Seattle (Week 15) ahead. Jordan Love's two interceptions stopped the Packers short of an upset at San Francisco in the divisional playoffs in January.

9. Texans at Cowboys, TBD: C.J. Stroud appears to be special and the Texans made sure his supporting cast wouldn't be a reason for a sophomore slump. But one warning: only the Bills and Patriots have a more difficult schedule based on 2023 results and offseason moves. Among the appealing underlying matchups: Houston wide receiver Stefon Diggs vs. Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs.

8. Bears at Packers, Jan. 5: The Week 18 finale was meaningful for Green Bay last season, and Jordan Love guided the Packers into the postseason to sweep the Bears and continue the trend Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers started. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams makes his first foray into the likely frozen tundra. Will the Bears be playing for more than a spoiler token?

7. Dolphins at 49ers, TBD: It was Dec. 4, 2022, and far more meaningful than we knew at the time when a seventh-round rookie - 49ers QB Brock Purdy - made his first career start with two TD passes in a 33-17 home win over the Miami Dolphins. Back to the scene come the Dolphins with former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel a solid bet to share some unknown intel about old boss Kyle Shanahan in the game week buildup.

6. Ravens at Chiefs, Sept. 5: Had this one been bumped back a couple months to multiply the meaningfulness in the standings and AFC playoff picture, it had an angle on a top three game of the 2024 regular season. Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes remains must-see for all the right reasons.

5. 49ers at Bills, Dec. 4: The week-after-Thanksgiving primetime game on Sunday of Week 13 should be meaningful for teams with Super Bowl aspirations.

4. Rams at Lions, TBD: Two franchises on schedule to combine for more than $350 million in deposits into Jared Goff's bank account are back at it with Detroit out to duplicate their playoff win in January over one-time Lions QB Matthew Stafford.

3. Ravens at Eagles, TBD: Star power on display? Check-check. Potential Super Bowl preview? Sure thing. Saquon Barkley (Eagles) and Derrick Henry (Ravens) add firepower to a pair of offenses with explosive potential.

2. Lions at 49ers, TBD: Other than tackle eligible, think of another phrase that could spike Dan Campbell's temperature more than "at San Francisco." Didn't think so. The Lions were halfway to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl leading the 49ers handily in the NFC Championship but coughed up a 17-point lead and bowed out of the playoffs in a 34-31 defeat instead. If Campbell circled this game on the schedule in ink, we're guessing you can't read it.

1. (tie) Chiefs at 49ers, TBD: Familiar enough to be rivals, the Chiefs left with the jewels in recent games that really mattered between teams with a combined 50-18 record the past two regular seasons. San Francisco took a lashing from the Chiefs, 44-23, at home in Oct. 23 before the dawning of the Brock Purdy era.

1. (tie) Bengals at Chiefs, TBD: Don't forget Joe Burrow, he's more than the highest-paid player in 2024. The Bengals quarterback is 3-1 against the Chiefs but was sidelined with a broken wrist when the teams played in 2023. Don't look for a warm reception in Kansas City, where fans aren't soon to forget Burrow's boys calling the Chiefs' stadium "Burrow-head" based on his success at the home of Patrick Mahomes.

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The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Malik Willis Sep 20 5:20pm CT
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is likely to get another start this week as the Packers head to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. With Jordan Love (knee) officially questionable on the Packers' injury report, the door is open for Love, but realistically, Willis is a pretty solid favorite to start and play in Week 3. Willis' first start with the Packers against the Colts in Week 2 was carefully managed as he completed 12-of-14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 41 rushing yards. Head coach Matt LaFleur didn't ask Willis to do too much, but Willis didn't turn the ball over and let the run game do the heavy lifting. The Packers likely mimic the same approach in Week 3 as Green Bay should run the ball with heavy volume and use the pass as a change of pace. Consider Willis a low-end QB2 and a weaker streaming candidate in fantasy this week against Tennessee.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Sep 20 5:20pm CT
Nick Bosa

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (rib) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (hamstring, knee) are both listed as questionable to face the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 action on Sunday. Bosa was not on the first injury report of the week, suggesting he picked up his rib injury during practice on Thursday. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to have a backup plan ready in case Bosa is ruled out on Sunday, and it makes things more difficult that the Niners-Rams don't kick off until the later window this weekend. Through the first two weeks in 2024, the All-Pro pass-rusher has seven tackles (five solo) and two sacks for a vaunted Niners D. If Bosa is active, he needs to be in all starting IDP lineups while going up against a banged-up Rams offensive line and offense that is without top receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee).

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 20 5:10pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson has been a top-12 fantasy kicker in his first two starts in the NFL, but can he make it a third straight? He'll head with the Packers to Tennessee to play the Titans in Week 3 and has put up 11 and 12 fantasy points against the Eagles and Colts. He's made three field goals in both starts, while also missing one field goal. Narveson has not missed an extra point attempt this season and the Packers could be a sneaky offense to get him into field goal position to knock a couple field goals through. The outlook for the Packers looks much better if Jordan Love (knee) can shake his questionable tag and play in Week 3, but even if the starter is Malik Willis, Narveson should be at worst a streaming option at kicker. Just know the floor for Narveson is very low if the wheels fall off for either quarterback.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 20 5:10pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is officially listed as doubtful to play in Week 3 on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams after missing practice the last two days. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on Injured Reserve, and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has been ruled out as well, so the Niners' offense is extremely banged up early in the year. It's bad news for fantasy managers that have been rolling with quarterback Brock Purdy as their QB1. With Kittle unlikely to play on Sunday, look for both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings to handle as many targets as they can. Eric Saubert is expected to be the team's starting TE with Kittle out, although he's not a recommended fantasy streamer, as Jake Tonges could also be involved as a pass-catcher. Hopefully Kittle will be ready to return in Week 4 at home against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 20 5:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has officially been ruled out for the Week 3 game this Sunday versus the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on the road. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after Samuel was unable to practice all week after suffering a calf injury in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old is expected to miss multiple weeks, so fantasy managers can't assume that he'll be back for a Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on Injured Reserve, and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is doubtful to play this weekend, which leaves Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings as the Niners' top two pass-catchers. Without CMC, Samuel and Kittle, fantasy managers need to be downgrading quarterback Brock Purdy to QB2 territory against LA.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 20 5:00pm CT
Anthony Richardson

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit travels to Tennessee to face the Titans in Week 3, and the Packers should be in line for a solid day from their D/ST unit in fantasy. Green Bay kept Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts in check as they gave up just 10 points, forced three interceptions and sacked him once. They go from Richardson to Will Levis, who we know is prone to making mistakes with the football. Levis has given up seven sacks and thrown three interceptions in two games, so the floor for the Packers is very high. When looking at defensive matchups, the Packers are in a good spot this week, where they end up in the periphery of the top 12 options in fantasy. They're a solid option this week if you don't have a tippy-top option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 20 4:50pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season. Both of Levis' first two games to start the year have been overshadowed by two embarrassing and costly turnovers, but the 2nd-year QB has shown glimpses of why he was almost a top-10 pick once upon a time. The Titans have played two great defenses thus far, especially in the secondary, so it's not surprising that it's been a slow start for the Kentucky product. Week 3 doesn't look a whole lot easier with the Green Bay Packers coming to town, a team that boasts a lot of talent on defense. With Malik Willis likely starting at QB for Green Bay, the Titans will likely not need to score a ton of points to win on Sunday and the game plan should feature a heavy dose of running back Tony Pollard. Levis is only a low-end QB2 for this upcoming matchup against a stout defense.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 20 4:50pm CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard faces the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. While the Titans' coaching staff keeps implying that Tyjae Spears will get more touches, Pollard continues to dominate the backfield work for Tennessee. The former Cowboy has received 25 more touches than Spears through two weeks and has also been more efficient with these opportunities. With Spears potentially sitting out or at the very least limited with an ankle injury this week, Pollard is an absolute smash play that should see a ton of volume against a run defense that has been gashed in both games to start the year. Fantasy managers should start Pollard with confidence this week.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 20 4:50pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is up against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 NFL action. The former Alabama star broke out in a big way last week, scoring 24.7 points - good for a WR6 finish against one of the league's best secondaries. It's clear that Ridley still has major juice, and might be heading into matchup-proof territory if he can produce against another tough defensive unit that features Jaire Alexander, another stud cornerback. This passing offense is very inconsistent right now with quarterback Will Levis playing sporadically, but Ridley is far and away the top option on this team and should see another smattering of targets this coming week. Ridley checks in as a mid-tier WR2.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 20 4:50pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins takes on the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. It's been a forgettable start to the year for the veteran wideout, who has logged only two catches for seventeen yards through the first couple of games. The snap counts and target volume indicate that Hopkins is still potentially hampered from a torn MCL suffered in July, but regardless, the production is a concern. With the Titans passing offense in flux and Calvin Ridley being the alpha WR at the moment, it's hard to justify starting Hopkins in any format. The former All-Pro is better left on benches until he looks fully back to normal.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 20 4:50pm CT
Jordan Love

The Tennessee Titans defense/special teams will attempt to hold serve against the Green Bay Packers offense in Week 3. Tennessee ranks #1 in the league in total yards allowed through two weeks, but is only the 20th ranked fantasy defense due to the lack of turnovers forced. The unit has only accounted for one turnover, which has limited their ability to score fantasy points. The fantasy viability of this defense almost solely hinges on the health of quarterback Jordan Love, who is currently dealing with a sprained MCL. If Love is unable to go, former Titans quarterback Malik Willis will be under center, which should have the Titans D/ST licking their chops. Willis has been a mistake-prone, ineffective player during his short career, which should give the Titans plenty of opportunities to create turnovers in this one. If Love does in fact play, this unit remains a decent stream, but will not be nearly as attractive an option.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 20 4:10pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) is off the injury report and is set to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old wideout did not practice on Wednesday due to a hand injury but returned as a full participant on Thursday. He now enters the weekend without an injury designation. Fantasy managers should expect Metcalf to serve as the No.1 option for Geno Smith this weekend. After catching only three passes in the opening week, Metcalf caught ten passes for 129 yards and a score against the New England Patriots last week. Fantasy managers should view Metcalf as a high-end WR2 this weekend and should be locked into all starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 20 4:00pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game on Friday's injury report, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. The Michigan State product suffered an oblique injury in the opening week and could not suit up in last week's game. Fantasy managers should expect Zach Charbonnet to serve as the lead runner again for on Sunday. Charbonnet logged all but two snaps last weekend as he ran for 38 yards and a score on 14 carries and added 31 yards on five catches through the air. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable slotting Charbonnet in their lineup as a high-end RB2 as he will face the Miami Dolphins, who surrendered 28.5 PPR points to James Cook last week.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 20 3:50pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan. The wideout did not show any signs of an injury earlier in the week but appeared on Friday's injury report with a back injury. Pittman did not practice. This is not a good sign for the 26-year-old, as his status for Sunday's game is now in danger. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any news regarding the USC product's status over the weekend. Pittman has had a slow start to the 2024 season, catching only seven passes across the first two weeks for a mere 52 yards. If Pittman does not suit up, fantasy managers should expect Josh Downs (who is making his 2024 debut) to see an increase in work on Sunday, as well as Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 20 3:50pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is off Friday's injury report and set to return on Sunday when the Cowboys play host to the Baltimore Ravens. Ferguson was held out of last week's game due to an MCL sprain. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable putting Ferguson back in their lineup, as he recorded two limited practice sessions earlier this week and a full session on Friday. In the season-opener, the 25-year-old caught three of his five targets for a mere 15 yards. However, the young tight end emerged as the No.2 pass-catching option in the Dallas offense by tallying 761 yards and five scores on 71 receptions. Ferguson should be viewed as a low-end TE1 going forward, given the stable volume he should see weekly.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Sep 20 3:40pm CT
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Butker split the uprights to seal the Chiefs victory in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs could rely more on their star kicker with the loss of a primary weapon on offense. Kansas City placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve earlier this week, and he should be out for an extended period with a broken leg. If the Chiefs offense becomes less effective in the red zone, Butker could be asked to kick even more field goals for the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs kicker has not missed a kick this season, nailing four field goals and five extra-point attempts. Butker will look to stay perfect this week on the road in Atlanta. Butker is a must-start kicker.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 20 3:40pm CT
Lamar Jackson

The Kansas City Chiefs defense/special teams will take on the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 3. The Chiefs defense has been a bit disappointing to start the season, given the high expectations most have for the unit. In the first two games this season, Kansas City has allowed 20 or more points twice and recorded zero interceptions. The Baltimore Ravens were a tough matchup in Week 1 with MVP Lamar Jackson at the helm of their offense, but the Chiefs faltered in Week 2 against a Bengals offense that scored 10 points the week prior. If the Chiefs defense did not score their touchdown in Week 2, they would likely rank within the bottom five amongst fantasy defenses. Kansas City will take on the Falcons this week, who just had a fourth quarter comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. If the Falcons are beginning to find their groove offensively, the Chiefs could have a tough time against this unit. Atlanta also has excellent offensive weapons, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Kirk Cousins. While Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best defensive coordinators in football, I would prefer to start a different defense in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 20 3:40pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was a full participant during Friday's practice and did not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game. The sophomore wideout was a full participant in practice all week and is set to make his 2024 debut against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Downs was sidelined during the first two weeks of the campaign due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered in August. Last season, Downs enjoyed a solid rookie campaign where he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two scores. Fantasy managers should expect Downs to be one of the top three options in a crowded wide receiver room comprising Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 20 3:30pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has two rushing touchdowns through two games, maintaining an RB2 status against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Etienne Jr. was drafted as a borderline RB1 but hasn't quite lived up to those standards. However, this Monday night matchup on the road is a potential bounce-back game for the Clemson product, given the Bills rank second worst against RBs in fantasy through two games. The passing defense has been great, but the run defense looked vulnerable against James Conner and De'Von Achane. The Jaguars offense overall has struggled, but Etienne Jr. has shown a high floor with his rushing touchdowns and solid volume. The Jaguars could emphasize the running game even more against the Bills, especially if Tank Bigsby returns from injury. The 25-year-old RB is still a good start despite not meeting expectations to start the season in what should be a plus matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 20 3:30pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Rice has been the most involved Chiefs pass catcher through the first two weeks of the season, and there is no reason to believe that will change moving forward. The second-year receiver has routinely been successful on in-breaking routes closer to the line of scrimmage, but last week, he demonstrated his ability to win down the field. Mahomes and Rice connected on a 44-yard touchdown reception when Rice was matched up one-on-one. If Rice can win consistently at multiple levels, his ceiling will be even higher, considering his safe floor in PPR formats. The 24-year-old will face off against the Atlanta defense, which has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game. Their passing yards per game allowed number may be skewed, given that they have given up the sixth-most rushing yards per game. If the Falcons offense has turned a corner, the Chiefs offense may need to throw more than they have to begin the season. With the loss of Isiah Pacheco to injured reserve, Rice could see an even higher volume of targets moving forward. The Chiefs wide receiver is a rock-solid start in this matchup.

From RotoBaller