RADIO
Hi, y'all! Two weeks of NFL action are in the books and we're moving on to another. Welcome to our Week 3 matchup analysis and start/sit column for fantasy football. Each week we'll be analyzing every game from the Sunday slate, helping you optimize your fantasy lineups and take down your opponent. Be sure to check back regularly for any updates on player injuries or other pertinent information.
Frank Ammirante will start off by covering the first set of games that begin at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, and Justin Carter will take you home with his analysis of the late afternoon and evening games. You can also read about the Monday Night Football matchup. Join us as we help your 2-0 team stay undefeated or guide you to a much-needed victory after a disappointing start to the season!
If you have any additional lineup questions, follow us on Twitter @FAmmiranteTFJ and @juscarts and feel free to ask away! Let's get on to the matchups!
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Matchups Analysis - 1:00 PM ET Games
Bears at Falcons
Matchups We Love:
Allen Robinson (WR, CHI)
Robinson is in a smash spot against a woeful Falcons secondary that ranks 29th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. The Bears' WR1 has gotten off to a quiet start (8 REC, 107 YDS in two games), but he has 18 targets (T-6th in NFL), so it's only a matter of time before he breaks out. Robinson should be peppered with targets in a likely shootout in Atlanta against a Falcons team that plays at the 8th-fastest pace in neutral game scripts in the NFL.
David Montgomery (RB, CHI)
Montgomery has looked solid thus far, putting up 146 rushing yards on 29 attempts (5.0 Y/A) in two games. What's most encouraging is that he's received six targets already (4 REC, 55 YDS) after totaling only 35 last season. Last week, Monty showed off his receiving skills with an impressive 28-yard touchdown. The Falcons rank 23rd in fantasy points per game to running backs, so this is a strong matchup.
Calvin Ridley (WR, ATL)
Ridley has gotten off to a blistering start this season, posting 16 receptions for 239 yards and four touchdowns on 22 targets, slotting him as the WR1 overall through two games. Julio Jones is banged up with a hamstring injury, so there's a chance that he might act as a decoy if he even plays, which will lead to more targets for Ridley.
Matchups We Hate:
Todd Gurley (RB, ATL)
Gurley looks like a shell of his former self, putting up RB19 and RB42 finishes in the first two games where the Falcons scored a combined 64 points. He is no longer a factor in the passing game (2 REC, 1 YD), so he depends on game script and touchdowns for fantasy production. While the game script could be in his favor with the Falcons as 3.5-point favorites, the Bears are stout against the run, ranking 13th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs.
Other Matchups:
Mitch Trubisky (QB, CHI)
Trubisky on the streaming radar this week in a likely shootout against a Falcons Defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Keep in mind that this was against Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott, so temper your expectations with Trubisky, who has finished as QB8 and QB23 despite two strong matchups, demonstrating his volatility.
Tarik Cohen (RB, CHI) & Anthony Miller (WR, CHI)
Cohen has surprisingly only put up three receptions for 21 yards so far this season. While this profiles as a positive game script in a potential shootout, it's hard to trust him as more than a desperation FLEX or DFS tournament dart throw with this middling production. Miller also has a good matchup, but he's been mediocre so far, putting up four receptions for 76 yards on nine targets, making him a WR4 at best.
Matt Ryan (QB, ATL)
Ryan takes on a Bears Defense that is allowing the 5th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, so this is a lukewarm play. If Julio Jones misses this game, Ryan would become a player to avoid this week against Khalil Mack and the Bears pass-rush.
Julio Jones (WR, ATL), Russell Gage (WR, ATL) & Hayden Hurst (TE, ATL)
Julio's status is uncertain for this game, but even if he plays, there's a risk that he'll be a decoy, so you might want to bench him if you have a viable alternative. If Jones misses the game, Gage and Hurst would be in line for a bump in targets. Hurst is the better option, as the Bears are tied for 18th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Consider Gage a middling WR3 with Hurst on the TE1/2 fringe.
Rams at Bills
Matchups We Love:
Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR)
The Bills just allowed Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki to go off for eight receptions, 130 yards, and one touchdown last week. Gesicki is used more as a slot receiver than in-line tight end, so this exploitable weakness benefits Kupp more than Higbee. Cornerback Tre'Davious White will make things difficult on the perimeter, so the Rams' best course of action on offense should be to feature Kupp.
Matchups We Hate:
Jared Goff (QB, LAR) & Robert Woods (WR, LAR)
Goff goes up against a Bills Defense that ranks 10th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks after finishing 3rd last season, while Woods will be locked down by Tre'Davious White, who is one of the best cornerbacks in football. Goff can be avoided in all formats, while Woods is more of a WR3 that should be avoided in DFS. The Rams need to attack the middle of the field against the Bills.
Cam Akers, Malcolm Brown, & Darrell Henderson Jr. (RB, LAR)
The Rams running game is an easy avoid given their split usage and tough matchup (Bills rank 11th in fantasy points per game to running backs). If Akers is to miss this game (status is currently unclear), that would bump up Brown and Henderson, but not enough to consider as anything more than a DFS punt play.
UPDATE: Cam Akers has been ruled out for Week 3.
Stefon Diggs (WR, BUF) & John Brown (WR, BUF)
Diggs is off to a terrific start in Buffalo (16 REC, 239 YDS, 1 TD), but this is a tough matchup against an elite corner in Jalen Ramsey. The Rams are tied for the second-fewest fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers, so consider Diggs more of a WR3 this week. Brown is a bit banged-up with a foot injury and has six fewer targets than Diggs. He should be viewed as a WR4 for this game as the clear-cut number two in Buffalo.
Other Matchups:
Tyler Higbee (TE, LAR)
Higbee had a big game against the Eagles (5 REC, 54 YDS, 3 TD), but his nine targets rank 22nd among tight ends. While Gesicki (75.5% slot usage) tore up the Bills, Higbee (9.6% slot usage) is more of an in-line tight end. The Bills limited Chris Herndon (13.6% slot usage) to six receptions for 37 yards, so it's tough to view this as a strong matchup for Higbee. Consider him a low-end TE1 here.
Josh Allen (QB, BUF)
Allen is off to a terrific start with consecutive QB3 finishes, but the Rams are a tough matchup, as they rank 8th in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks. This game does not project as a shootout, so this looks like more of a floor game for Allen. Consider him as a low-end QB1 for this week.
Devin Singletary (RB, BUF) & Zack Moss (RB, BUF)
Singletary (57.43% of snaps, 19 rush attempts, 10 targets) and Moss (45.27% of snaps, 17 rush attempts, 4 targets) are pretty much splitting time, with Singletary as the slightly better option. They take on a Rams Defense that ranks 25th in fantasy points allowed to running backs, so this could be an opportunity for one of these backs to breakout. However, with their similar usage, it's hard to trust them as anything more than as a decent FLEX. At the same time, if Moss were to miss this game, he would become a play that I love.
UPDATE: Zack Moss has been ruled out for Week 3.
Washington at Browns
Matchups We Hate:
Antonio Gibson (RB, WAS)
Gibson's time is coming (snap share increased from 25.71% to 65.15%), but not this week. The Browns Defense is allowing the 7th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, along with 2.97 yards per carry. Washington's o-line has struggled this season and will now be without their best lineman in Brandon Scherff. The coaching staff has not yet featured Gibson in the passing game, so this is a bad spot in a game where Washington will likely be trailing.
Other Matchups:
Terry McLaurin (WR, WAS) & Logan Thomas (WR, WAS)
Washington's offense is becoming one of the more narrow units in football with McLaurin and Thomas each posting a 26.98% target share. McLaurin looked great last week (7 REC, 125 YDS, 1 TD), but he'll be matched up with Denzel Ward, who held A.J. Green to three receptions for 29 yards on 13 targets. The Browns (31st in TE points per game allowed) have struggled against tight ends, so Thomas has an opportunity to breakout. However, given the struggles of this team's o-line, I still consider them lukewarm plays. I like McLaurin on the WR 2/3 fringe with Thomas as a viable cheap option in DFS cash games and tournaments.
Baker Mayfield (QB, CLE)
Mayfield takes on a Washington defense that ranks 28th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, but the Browns are a run-heavy offense, so it's tough to rely on him here, especially at such a deep position with superior streamers available this week. This projects to be a low-scoring game controlled by the Browns, so I'd look elsewhere at QB.
Nick Chubb (RB, CLE) & Kareem Hunt (RB, CLE)
Chubb and Hunt could wind up being one of the best running back duos in NFL history, but this is not a smash spot since they face a Washington defense that has played very well against the run (fewest points allowed to opposing running backs). Consider Chubb more of a high-end RB2 and Hunt as a FLEX play. The good news is that the Browns will likely control this game, so the volume could still be there for this dynamic duo.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, CLE), Jarvis Landry (WR, CLE) & Austin Hooper (TE, CLE)
Beckham (4 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD) got loose in the Bengals secondary last week, but he only received six targets. This makes him more of a lukewarm play against a Washington defense that ranks 18th in fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Landry (16.07%) and Hooper (10.71%) have low target shares, so consider them a WR4 and TE2 in this one. It's tough to play the guessing-game and decide which of these passing options will break out against a susceptible Washington secondary, so I can't put any of them as players that I love this week.
Titans at Vikings
Matchups We Love:
Derrick Henry (RB, TEN)
Henry hasn't broken out yet, but it's great to see that his volume (56 rush attempts in two games) hasn't declined so far. It's only a matter of time before he finds the endzone, as he leads the NFL with the most carries without a TD this season. Henry takes on a Vikings Defense that allowed rookie Jonathan Taylor to run for 101 yards and a TD on 26 carries. As long as Henry's getting this much volume in an exploitable matchup, he'll remain an elite RB1.
Jonnu Smith (TE, TEN)
Smith broke out last week (4 REC, 84 YDS, 2 TD) against the Jaguars and he now faces a Vikings defense that just allowed five receptions for 111 yards to Mo Alie-Cox. I expect Smith to remain the focal point of this Titans offense while A.J. Brown is out, so Smith is well-positioned for another strong game.
Dalvin Cook (RB, MIN)
The Vikings are desperate for a win, so we could see Mike Zimmer opt to lean even more heavily on his playmakers here. Cook has only 26 rush attempts in two games this year, but I'd bet that we see him eclipse 20+ against a Titans Defense that just allowed 102 yards on 16 carries to undrafted rookie James Robinson. I think that the Vikings get a much-needed win here, so that would mean a big game from Cook.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN)
Thielen (3 REC, 31 YDS) had a slow week against Indy, but he still leads the team in target share (33.33%) and air yards (274). This type of desirable volume makes Thielen an every-week WR1. He takes on a Titans defense that is still without top corner Adoree Jackson, so this is an exploitable matchup for Thielen to get back on track.
Other Matchups:
Ryan Tannehill (QB, TEN) & Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
Tannehill and Davis have a good matchup (Vikings ranks 22nd vs. QBs and 31st vs. WRs in fantasy points allowed per game), but I don't think that the Mike Zimmer-coached defense can continue playing this poorly, so we could see them step up in a must-win game. Consider Tannehill on the QB 1/2 fringe and Davis as a decent WR3.
Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)
Cousins (QB9 and QB33) has been on opposite sides of the spectrum in his two games this season, demonstrating his volatility as a fantasy quarterback. This projects to be a bounce-back game against a Titans defense that just allowed Gardner Minshew to throw for 339 yards (7.5 yards per attempt). Cousins is in play as a DFS tournament option or as a potential streamer, but I wouldn't be rushing to my waiver wire to grab him.
Raiders at Patriots
Matchups We Love:
Cam Newton (QB, NE)
Cam is back to MVP-form with QB6 and QB2 finishes so far this season, including double-digit carries in both games. His running ability makes him a matchup-proof QB1 for the rest of the year. Cam is the focal point of this Pats offense and it's not out of the realm of possibility to see him finish as a Top-5 fantasy QB. The Raiders rank 9th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, but they've also faced Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Brees, so they're not a matchup to fear here.
Matchups We Hate:
Henry Ruggs III (WR, LV), Bryan Edwards (WR, LV), & Hunter Renfrow (WR, LV)
It's tough to rely on these Raiders wide receivers because Carr is either peppering Waller with targets or spreading the ball around to his receivers. Ruggs has the most upside due to his downfield ability, but he's also the most likely to be covered by Stephon Gilmore. Consider Ruggs a WR4 with Edwards and Renfrow as WR5 options here. They simply are not getting enough volume to even consider.
Sony Michel (RB, NE)
Michel has a great matchup against a Raiders defense that ranks 29th in fantasy points per game to running backs, but this backfield is one to avoid right now. I wouldn't consider playing Michel or any of these backs in any format right now.
Other Matchups:
Derek Carr (QB, LV) & Darren Waller (TE, LV)
Carr (QB14 finish vs tough Saints Defense) is on the streaming radar against a Patriots Defense that ranks 23rd in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Waller (38.71% target share) has been a volume monster, so he's matchup-proof, but we all know how Bill Belichick excels at taking away an opponent's best weapon, so temper your expectations here.
Josh Jacobs (RB, LV)
Jacobs is an every-week RB1 with a legitimate chance to finish as the best at his position this year, but this isn't a great matchup against a stout Patriots defense (3.91 yards per carry allowed) as road underdogs. Jacobs is still a top-10 play at running back, but this is a lukewarm option that I would avoid in DFS.
Julian Edelman (WR, NE), & N'Keal Harry (WR, NE)
Edelman (8 REC, 179 YDS) set a career-high in receiving yards last week, so it appears that Cam is actually unlocking more of his potential. Harry (18 targets in two games) is starting to become more of a factor in this offense. The Raiders have been average against opposing receivers this year (16th in points per game). I don't expect this game to be a shootout like last week against Seattle, so the Pats WRs are lukewarm plays. Consider Edelman as a low-end WR2 and Harry as a volatile WR3 this week.
49ers at Giants
Matchups We Love:
Darius Slayton (WR, NYG)
Slayton is in a smash spot facing a 49ers Defense that will be without its best pass-rusher (Nick Bosa) and cornerback (Richard Sherman). The Giants lost Saquon Barkley for the season and will also be without Sterling Shepard, so we could see a significant bump in targets for Slayton. I expect NYG to transition into more of a pass-heavy offense, which means more shots to Slayton downfield.
Jerick McKinnon (RB, SF) & Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB, SF)
We could see the 49ers lean on check-downs to McKinnon and inside-runs to Wilson with Nick Mullens at quarterback and George Kittle likely out for a second consecutive week. The Giants have been stout against the run, ranking 11th in fantasy points per game allowed, but the expected volume for these 49ers' backs make them worthy plays this week. Consider McKinnon an RB2 and Wilson as a FLEX play with touchdown upside.
UPDATE: George Kittle has been ruled out for Week 3.
Matchups We Hate:
Devonta Freeman (RB, NYG) & Dion Lewis (RB, NYG)
This Giants backfield is an easy avoid as Freeman acclimates to a new offense and Lewis continues to look like a shell of his former self. I expect the Giants to move the ball through the air with Slayton mixed with some underneath passes to Engram and Tate in this game. We might also see Wayne Gallman get involved in the running game, so steer clear of these two.
Other Matchups:
Daniel Jones (QB, NYG), Golden Tate (WR, NYG), & Evan Engram (TE, NYG)
Daniel Jones is flying under-the-radar as a potential streamer against a depleted 49ers defense. I love him as a potentially low-rostered tournament play in DFS. Tate and Engram will likely see a bump in targets with Shepard and Barkley's injuries, but Slayton has the better matchup, as the 49ers struggle on the perimeter more than in the middle of the field.
Nick Mullens (QB, SF), Brandon Aiyuk (WR, SF), & Jordan Reed (TE, SF)
The Giants have been surprisingly decent against quarterbacks, allowing 6.98 yards per attempt (12th in NFL). It was encouraging to see Aiyuk play 72.13% of snaps, he only received three targets in his debut. While the Giants rank 26th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, it's hard to trust Aiyuk right now, especially with Nick Mullens. Jordan Reed looked great last week, but the Giants have been tough on tight ends (4th). Each of the 49ers pass-catchers get a downgrade with Jimmy G on the shelf, so these are lukewarm plays.
Bengals at Eagles
Matchups We Love:
Miles Sanders (RB, PHI)
Sanders is in an absolute dream matchup against a Bengals Defense that is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs. It was great to see Sanders step right back into the bell-cow role (20 carries, seven targets) in his first game returning from injury. I would expect 20+ touches in a positive game-script here, so Sanders looks like a top-5 RB and autoplay in DFS.
Carson Wentz (QB, PHI)
Wentz has been struggling mightily this season (QB23, QB24 finishes), but he has a get-right matchup against a Bengals defense that has allowed big plays in the passing game (8.06 yards per attempt, ranks 22nd in NFL). They haven't allowed a lot of fantasy points to quarterbacks (15.3 points per game, 2nd-fewest) but that's because their run defense has been so poor. I think Wentz steps it up here and turns in a Top-12 finish at QB.
Other Matchups:
Joe Burrow (QB, CIN), A.J. Green (WR, CIN), & Tyler Boyd (WR, CIN)
The Bengals passing game takes on an Eagles Defense that ranks 11th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and ninth to wide receivers. They have held WR1s like Terry McLaurin (5 REC, 61 YDS) and Robert Woods (2 REC, 14 YDS) in check. Green couldn't do much with his 13 targets last week (3 REC, 29 YDS) and this doesn't look like the matchup to bounce-back, as he'll likely be matched up with Darius Slay. This game sets up better for Tyler Boyd, who just allowed five receptions for 81 yards to fellow slot receiver Cooper Kupp. Consider Burrow a high-end QB2 and the two receivers as upside WR3s.
Joe Mixon (RB, CIN)
Mixon has been very disappointing in the early going (RB44, RB29 finishes), but it's a bit encouraging to see Zac Taylor slowly start to use him in the passing game (four targets, four receptions last week). The Eagles just allowed Darrell Henderson Jr. (12 ATT, 81 YDS, 1 TD) and Malcolm Brown (11 ATT, 47 YDS) to gash them on the ground, so perhaps Mixon gets it going here. I can't say this is a matchup that I love, so consider him a lukewarm play and low-end RB1 here.
Drew Sample (TE, CIN)
Sample takes over for the injured Uzomah. He had 9 targets last week, which makes him an intriguing streamer at tight end. The Eagles are allowing the most fantasy points per game to tight ends, so this is a great matchup for Sample. I wouldn't start him in redraft leagues, but he's absolutely worth a look in DFS tournaments.
DeSean Jackson (WR, PHI)
Jackson has a chance to get loose deep against a Bengals defense that allowed downfield threats like OBJ (43-yard TD) and Mike Williams (37-yard reception) to make big plays. The injury to Jalen Reagor should lead to a bump in targets for D-Jax, so that also bodes well for his outlook. I'd consider D-Jax as a WR3 in this one, but it's a lukewarm play because there's a chance that the Eagles focus on feeding Miles Sanders.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI) & Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI)
The only reason that Ertz and Goedert are not listed on plays that we love is because they cut into each other's value a bit, even though the Eagles do use them both as TE1s. Goedert (17 targets) is slowly starting to supplant Ertz (14 targets), so I'd prefer the former over the latter. The Bengals are rank 12th in fantasy points per game against tight ends, so it's not a smash spot, but consider them both low-end TE1s.
Hi there RotoBallers, Justin taking over now. Thanks, Frank!
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchups We Love:
James Conner (RB, PIT)
Remember when we thought Conner would see his role reduced last week and he ended up playing 77 percent of snaps, with 16 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown? Yeah, let's not overthink this week either. Conner's the lead back. The Texans have allowed the fifth-most points to the running back position this year. Conner's a really strong play.
Diontae Johnson (WR, PIT)
Disregard what the Texans Defense did against the Ravens, who don't have a real go-to wideout yet. They allowed a pair of touchdowns to receivers in Week 1 against the Chiefs and almost allowed more if Demarcus Robinson hadn't had some drop issues. Diontae Johnson appears to have surpassed JuJu Smith-Schuster to be the primary target for Ben Roethlisberger, and I really like him this week. His target share continues to rise after a strong end to 2019 and now a strong start to 2020.
Matchups We Hate:
David Johnson (RB, HOU)
The Steelers are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this year. David Johnson was held in check by the Ravens last week (11 carries for 34 yards) and is likely looking at another game in which his yards per carry are low and he loses opportunities in the second half because Houston is forced to throw more.
Will Fuller V (WR, HOU)
It's not that the matchup itself is horrendous, but more than Fuller wasn't even targeted last week and faces a pretty good Steelers Defense that won't give Deshaun Watson a ton of time to find Fuller down the field.
The Other Texans Receivers Too
There's just so little consistency here through two games. Brandin Cooks is the most interesting option after a pretty decent Week 2 but he's also dealing with a quad injury and had just 20 yards in Week 1. Randall Cobb is a low-volume slot guy. Kenny Stills needs injuries ahead of him to be viable. I think this is a receiving corps that we can trust against bad teams, but that we have to mostly avoid against strong defenses.
Other Matchups:
Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU)
The Steelers Defense is pretty terrifying, but Watson's got too much upside to sit in this one (or ever -- don't sit Watson in season-long leagues!) Houston's trying to avoid an 0-3 start and Watson will take on a huge role on this offense to try avoiding that nearly insurmountable record. And while the Steelers defense has shut down the Giants and Broncos, Watson and the Texans are at a different level offensively. This won't be the lopsided Texans loss that so many expect.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)
The Texans just faced the league's two best quarterbacks in consecutive games. They held Patrick Mahomes to 211 passing yards and Lamar Jackson to 204. This run defense has been bad, and that's kept opponents from throwing a ton. Roethlisberger has solid upside as the Texans have yet to pick a quarterback off, but his lack of mobility limits his upside in this one. He's obviously startable, but I don't love the matchup.
Darren Fells and Jordan Akins (TE, HOU)
Both guys have value in deeper leagues and should be able to function as short yardage options for Deshaun Watson, who won't have the time in the pocket to let things develop downfield. Fells is a boom-or-bust, touchdown-dependent option. Akins is a solid deep league play based on recent volume. Both are fine. I don't hate them, at least, which is something when the Steelers D is so good.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, PIT)
Yeah, he's fine this week. Houston's secondary is fine, too. I just think Smith-Schuster -- who is dealing with a knee injury -- has been getting too many of his opportunities in the short yardage game and that without a touchdown, he'll have a pretty "ehh, this was okay" type of day.
Chase Claypool (WR, PIT)
Claypool's an interesting deep-league dart throw. He can make big plays. Houston can also allow big plays. He's definitely a better play than James Washington, who I didn't even bother to write about this week because I just have no interest in James Washington.
Matchups Analysis - 4:05/4:25 PM ET Games
There are four games on the afternoon slate for y'all. Let's break them down.
Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Chargers
Matchups We Love:
Justin Herbert (QB, LAC)
Look, I don't love Herbert as, like, your starting QB in a one-QB league, but I think he's a solid play in Superflex. Herbert stepped in as an emergency starter for the injured Tyrod Taylor in Week 2, gong 22-for-33 for 311 yards with a touchdown and interception, plus adding 18 rushing yards and a score. Carolina's defense hasn't given up huge numbers to quarterbacks so far, but this should be a game that doesn't feature a lot of great secondary play on either size, setting up plenty of chances for Herbert to have a strong second start.
Also, LOL:
Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley (RB, LAC)
The Panthers have allowed the most points to opposing running backs. Josh Jacobs scored three rushing touchdowns against them in Week 1 and had 46 receiving yards. Leonard Fournette had 103 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2, plus he, LeSean McCoy, and Ronald Jones II combined for 11 receptions. Ekeler's a RB1 option. Kelley is an RB3 option. This is a great chance for both players.
Matchups We Hate:
Mike Davis (RB, CAR)
Not only is Carolina without star running back Christian McCaffrey, but his replacement gets to pay a Chargers Defense that's allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. I can't in good conscience recommend that you play Davis in a single league this week. But I understand that a lot of owners may be in a crunch due to RB injuries, and Davis should get catches out of the backfield, making him more palatable in PPR leagues.
Robby Anderson (WR, CAR)
The Chargers defense allows the sixth-fewest net yards per pass attempt. Anderson -- and Curtis Samuel -- are best when they can be deep threats and this isn't a matchup where they can be deep threats.
Other Matchups:
Teddy Bridgewater (QB, CAR)
This is a good matchup for Bridgewater based on what the Chargers Defense has allowed to quarterbacks so far, but this is also Teddy Bridgewater in an offense that won't have Christian McCaffrey, so how much can you really love Bridgewater this week? I suppose he'll throw more with no McCaffrey, but at best he's a mid-tier QB2 option.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams (WR, LAC)
The Panthers run defense is so bad that wide receivers haven't had as many opportunities to do damage against them. It's a trend that I think holds true this week, giving both Allen and Williams a lower floor and ceiling than usual. Plus, with a rookie at quarterback, I expect to see some safer throws to Ekeler and Henry. Don't dislike these two, but maybe not the best DFS plays.
Hunter Henry (TE, LAC)
The Panthers are only allowing 2.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends in standard scoring, but they did allow six catches to Darren Waller in Week 1 before shutting down the collection of disappointing guys who make up the 2020 Buccaneers tight end room. Henry should be more on the Waller end, with Herbert looking his way a good amount on short throws.
D.J. Moore (WR, CAR)
Bad matchup, but if I'm trusting a Panthers receiver, it's Moore, who has 22 targets through two games. Volume can fix a lot of things and while I think his ceiling is a little limited this week, he's always a solid floor play.
Ian Thomas (TE, CAR)
If there's one part of the Chargers pass defense that hasn't been so strong, it's been their defense of tight ends. In Week 1, they allowed five catches to C.J. Uzomah, and then last week got ripped apart by Travis Kelce. Thomas is no Kelce, but if you're already playing the tight end streamer game, Thomas could have some interest. Of course, his 2020 has gotten off to a really rough start, so don't be surprised if this is the last week we even write about him.
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
Matchups We Love:
Philip Rivers (QB, IND)
Yes, I'm worried about this offense with no Parris Campbell, but the Jets have a poor pass defense that would look even worse if the 49ers hadn't lost Jimmy Garoppolo to a mid-game injury last week. Rivers should be able to throw all over this secondary. He's a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside this week, especially if the connection with Michael Pittman Jr. starts to materialize.
Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND)
The Jets don't have a very good run defense and Taylor had 26 carries last week, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown. Lock Taylor in as an RB1 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Sam Darnold (QB, NYJ)
The Colts have allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks so far. They picked Kirk Cousins off three times last week, and while Gardner Minshew had a good game against them in Week 1, he only had 173 passing yards. Darnold had three of his top receivers either miss practice or be limited in practice this week, which could leave the cupboard very dry. Sam Darnold isn't even a safe second QB in a Superflex this week.
Frank Gore (RB, NYJ)
Frank Gore got 21 carries against a beat-up 49ers Defense last week and averaged three yards per carry. The Colts are currently allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs this year.
Whoever The Wide Receivers Are (NYJ)
Braxton Berrios SZN? Let's be real here: you want to avoid this whole Jets offense this week. Name a Jets receiver and then don't play him.
Chris Herndon IV (TE, NYJ)
I almost flipped and put Herndon in the "other matchups" section just because he's got upside most weeks, but then I remembered that the Colts are allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, so...yeah, ignoring him too!
Other Matchups:
T.Y. Hilton and Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, IND)
I'd definitely play both guys this week. Hilton's been inconsistent but has a plus matchup that should see him finally putting up some solid numbers, and if he doesn't then we'll officially hit the worry button. As for Pittman, his targets jumped from two to six last week, but his yardage numbers were still low. He should have an increased role this week.
Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox (TE, IND)
If Doyle plays, both guys are solid plays but take enough away from each other to not have huge upside. If Doyle -- who is questionable with a knee injury -- sits, then Mo Alie-Cox is a great play. So, this is in the "other" category but if there's no Doyle, I'm all over Alie-Cox, who had 111 receiving yards last week.
UPDATE: Jack Doyle is list as questionable, and returned to practice as limited this week.
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks
Matchups We Love:
Dak Prescott (QB, DAL)
I know what you're saying. Loving Dak against Seattle??? But Seattle let Matt Ryan throw for 450 yards in Week 1 and then let Cam Newton throw for 397 yards in Week 2, plus rush for a pair of touchdowns. This defense has not been able to prevent opposing QBs from throwing all over them, and Dak should be considered a top fantasy option in this week's game.
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA)
I'll keep this short: Russell Wilson is a top fantasy option in season-long and DFS this week against an inexperienced Cowboys secondary.
Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb (WR, DAL)
Lamb and Cooper both topped 100 yards last week, with both getting six catches. In what looks like it's going to be a game of back-and-forth offensive explosions, I have to love the top-two receivers on this Cowboys team.
D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett (WR, SEA)
Same thing as Cooper and Lamb, really. Two receivers who complement each other's games well in a high-powered offense (THAT IS FINALLY PASSING THE BALL AND UNLEASHING RUSS) against a Cowboys Defense that's allowing the sixth-most fantasy to the position. Love both of them in season-long and DFS.
Matchups We Hate:
Dalton Schultz (TE, DAL)
Yeah, I was scraping the bottom of the barrel to find things I dislike about this game. I wouldn't play Schultz, even though he had a huge Week 2, with nine catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. It was an impressive showing, but Seattle is allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends and this feels like a let-down spot.
Other Matchups:
Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL)
In a game that likely favors the passing game, I don't love Zeke. Which isn't to say I wouldn't play Zeke, because that would be a dumb thing to say. I'm not going to be dumb. But in DFS, I might not play someone going up against a Seahawks Defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Chris Carson (RB, SEA)
Carson's a fine RB2 option and his involvement in the passing game gives him upside. But like with Zeke, this game projects to have a game script that favors the receivers, which likely leads to fewer carries and more uncertainty for Carson. He's still a solid RB2 in season-long, but is someone to maybe pivot off of in DFS.
Michael Gallup (WR, DAL)
Gallup has made some long catches, averaging 21.6 yards per reception so far this season. But the third-year receiver is also averaging just 2.5 receptions per game and has taken a clear backseat to Cooper and Lamb. Gallup is a fine upside play, but not someone who projects to be a consistent fantasy option.
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
Matchups We Love:
Kyler Murray (QB, ARI)
Murray's an early part of the MVP conversation and faces a Lions Defense that let Mitch Trubisky throw for three touchdowns in Week 1 and hasn't gotten an interception yet. Add in Murray's rushing upside, and I love him as a high-end QB1 play in this matchup.
Kenyan Drake (RB, ARI)
The Lions are allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and is getting a lot of usage so far, with 36 carries through two games. Drake has a chance to stomp all over this Lions front and should be considered a low-end RB1 in this matchup.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, ARI)
Remember when we thought this offense would spread the ball around too much for Hopkins to be the same level of player as he was in Houston? Well, he's been targeted 25 times already in two games, with a league-high 22 catches. Detroit hasn't been particularly great against the pass either.
T.J. Hockenson (TE, DET)
Defense is hard to predict on a year-to-year basis, but I'm not quite ready to abandon the whole "the 2019 Cardinals were horrendous against tight ends" narrative. Maybe this is the week that we either 1) see that it's still a problem or 2) realize it isn't. Either way, Hockenson's a solid play at tight end as he's caught all nine of his targets this season.
Matchups We Hate:
Marvin Jones Jr. (WR, DET)
With Kenny Golladay back, Jones will move into a smaller role. He's already averaging just four catches per game and hasn't had a ton of yards. Don't love the matchup. Don't love where he'll likely be at in the pecking order. Think there are definitely better plays this week.
Other Matchups:
Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
Don't look now, but the Arizona Cardinals appear to have a defense. Except, well...they faced Jimmy Garoppolo and Dwayne Haskins, so not world beaters, which is why I'm not completely out on Stafford this week, who should get wide receiver Kenny Golladay. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about Stafford in this one.
Adrian Peterson, Kerryon Johnson and D'Andre Swift (RB, DET)
Arizona's only been marginally better against the run than Detroit, setting us up for what could be a game of running backs doing a lot of running. The problem for Detroit? Predicting which of their backs you should play. All of them have some upside, but also extremely low floors. Consider Peterson and Swift to be slightly above Johnson in your rankings, but all of them are decent upside flex plays in deeper leagues.
Kenny Golladay (WR, DET)
Golladay returns from a hamstring injury and now gets to face Patrick Peterson? Yikes. But Terry McLaurin had a strong performance against this secondary last week and I'd be willing to bet on Golladay's talent in this one.
Danny Amendola (WR, DET)
Amendola was a low-ceiling, high-floor slot receiver before Golladay returned and he'll be a low-ceiling, high-floor slot receiver after Golladay returns. I don't think there's ever a bad time to flex in Amendola in a deep league.
Arizona's Other Wide Receivers
Against Washington, Andy Isabella and Christian Kirk each had just two catches. They got a bunch of yards, but their consistency is an issue. Larry Fitzgerald had seven catches but just 50 yards and is a safe play in full PPR leagues, but is unlikely to break off any huge plays. All of these guys are playable. None of them are exciting. It is what it is.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Denver Broncos
Matchups We Love:
Melvin Gordon III (RB, DEN)
The Buccaneers have struggled against the run. Sure, they've also faced some really good running backs so far, but Melvin Gordon is also good, and he's got the clear lead here in this backfield in terms of rushing attempts, especially with Phillip Lindsay unlikely to return this week. Should be a great game for Gordon.
Chris Godwin (WR, TB)
Godwin is expected to play after missing last week with a concussion. His ability to play inside and outside makes him a perfect receiver for Tom Brady, and in Week 1 they hooked up for six catches and 79 yards. Denver is allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and should be a top option at wide receiver this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Whoever Starts At QB For Denver
Jeff Driskel? Blake Bortles? Doesn't matter, because I'm not playing either of them unless it's an emergency. [Update: It's Driskel.]
Ronald Jones II (RB, TB)
I think Leonard Fournette has grabbed the starting job from RoJo, which leaves Jones in a tough spot. Add in that Denver has done a good job limiting opposing running backs this season and Jones is probably best left on the bench.
All The Buccaneers Tight Ends
Yeah, we're right back to the "don't play tight ends in a Bruce Arians offense" thing. Last week, O.J. Howard was targeted three times, with one catch for 11 yards. Rob Gronkowski was targeted once, finishing with no catches. Tom Brady joining this team changed nothing for Arians.
Other Matchups:
Tom Brady (QB, TB)
It's not an ideal matchup for Brady, who has three touchdowns and three interceptions so far this season. But as he continues to grow more comfortable in the Bruce Arians offense, Brady will continue to settle into the role he'll play for fantasy managers all year: a decent QB2 option with matchup-based upside. There isn't as much upside this week, but the return of Chris Godwin will give him a solid floor.
Leonard Fournette (RB, TB)
Y'all, here's your new Buccaneers starting running back! Don't love the matchup, but do love the brute force of Leonard Fournette and the touchdown upside that he brings to the table.
Jerry Jeudy (WR, DEN)
Someone has to catch passes from Jeff Driskel with Courtland Sutton out. Jeudy should see double-digit targets moving forward just out of necessity, and while the Buccaneers haven't done a bad job defending receivers this season, Jeudy's target upside makes him a solid play.
Mike Evans (WR, TB)
You're starting Mike Evans in every season-long league, but I do have some questions about him in DFS. The Broncos don't allow a ton of yards to receivers, though they have allowed a good number of touchdowns and Evans already has two. Think this ends up being a strong game for Evans, but I have enough doubt to not want to pay up for him in DFS.
Noah Fant (TE, DEN)
Two weeks, two touchdowns for Fant, who looks like the next great NFL tight end. But Tampa has been extremely good against opposing tight ends this year, allowing just six receptions to the position. So, that's a negative for Fant, and while he should provide Driskel with a big, reliable target, the defensive numbers worry me just enough to question how much I'll use him in DFS.
Matchups Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
Matchups We Love:
Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB)
The Saints have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing passers so far and just allowed three touchdown passes to Derek Carr. Rodgers has six touchdown passes so far this season and is completing 67.6 percent of his passes, which would be his highest mark since 2011. He'd be doing even better if not for some bad luck with drops, with an 8.5 percent drop rate so far. That'll regress back to average.
Drew Brees (QB, NO)
The fact that Drew Brees is last in the league in intended air yards and that Michael Thomas's status is up in the air this week worry me, but Brees still has some solid weapons -- Alvin Kamara, Tre'Quan Smith, Jared Cook -- and faces a Packers Defense that's is susceptible to the passing game. This should be a big game for offenses, with Brees being a solid low-end QB1 play with upside.
Aaron Jones (RB, GB)
I don't particularly love this matchup -- New Orleans is pretty good against the run -- but Jones is a beast this season and is coming off a 168-yard, two-touchdown game against Detroit in which he also added four catches for 68 and a score. With Jones getting all this passing game usage, he's an easy RB1 play.
Alvin Kamara (RB, NO)
Packers are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs, including giving up three rushing touchdowns. I'd feel better about Kamara if the Packers were playing worse against backs in the receiving game, but he's still gotten 25 rushing attempts through two games. He's an easy RB1 this week.
Tre'Quan Smith (WR, NO)
We're assuming that Michael Thomas is out at this point, in which case Smith is the No. 1 receiver. He had five catches for 86 yards last week against the Raiders and the Packers are allowing the seventh-most points to wide receivers. Playing Smith as a WR2/3 is a smart call this week unless by some miracle Thomas suits up.
UPDATE: Michael Thomas has officially been ruled out for Week 3.
Robert Tonyan (TE, GB)
Looking for a streamer? Tonyan caught two passes for 25 yards and a touchdown last week and the Saints have allowed the most receptions to tight ends of any team in the NFL.
Matchups We Hate:
Hate? In this game???
Other Matchups:
Latavius Murray (RB, NO)
Volume concerns knock him down some, but like I said with Kamara, this is a good matchup for running backs and I'd feel comfortable flexing Murray.
Davante Adams (WR, GB)
Adams is questionable with a hamstring injury. If he plays, you play him, but he'll also be covered by Marshon Lattimore, limiting some of his upside. I probably won't put Adams in a DFS lineup, but he's far too good to ever consider sitting him in season-long.
Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR, GB)
If Adams plays: Lazard and MVS are solid flex plays who'll likely play bigger roles than usual due to a likely limited Adams.
If Adams doesn't play: Lazard and MVS are solid flex plays who'll likely play bigger roles than usual due to there being no Adams.
UPDATE: Davante Adams is officially listed as doubtful for Week 3.
Jared Cook (TE, NO)
Packers have been pretty middle of the road in terms of defending tight ends. Cook had a touchdown last week but also just 13 yards. He's risky, but his upside -- especially if there's no Michael Thomas -- makes him a low-end TE1 option.
Matchups Analysis - Monday Night Football
Click here to read about the Monday Night Football matchup between the Chiefs and Ravens as well...
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