Le'Veon Bell watches his career flash before his eyes on an 0-4 Jets team.
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Seahawks D/ST
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
In three weeks, the Seahawks offense has already had a historic season with an MVP-caliber Russell Wilson at his finest and D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett proving to be one of the best WR duos in the league.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks defense is also breaking records, but it's for all the wrong reasons: this year's team is the first to allow more than 1,200 yards in three games, with an astounding 497 yards allowed per game.
For that reason alone, it's worth picking up another defense if you can, although pickings are honestly quite slim throughout the NFL. If Seattle can't get it together, it may be worth researching other D/ST options in the weeks to come.
Le'Veon Bell
NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
You probably don't have him anymore, but if you do, it's time to let go.
Yes, I know it's Le'Veon Bell, the former fantasy first-rounder who earned enough points to let you coast into playoffs in the past.
But that was then, and this is now—and now doesn't look so great for Bell. He hasn't been the same since he took a gap year and joined the Jets, and he's sidelined on IR until at least Week 5. I know he's the starting RB for the Jets, but I don't think this is going to be a good season for the Jets. After all, the run game only works if you're ahead, and the Jets look like they'll be pummeled for the remainder of the season. But if you are going to let him go, you may as well trade him to someone in your league who's still willing to give him a shot, because there definitely is someone in your league who still thinks that.
.@damienwoody is absolutely FED UP with New York football. "[The Jets and the Giants] are disgusting to watch on t… https://t.co/FlYj7r2sNi— Get Up (@Get Up) 1601564300.0
Cam Akers
NFL: Los Angeles Rams Scrimmage
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Akers entered the season as the starting back for the LA Rams, but injuries and committees have changed things for him.
Akers has been sidelined since the beginning of Week 2 with a rib injury, and in his place, Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson have stepped up. If you got Henderson over Brown, you've probably landed the more productive back, who managed 12 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, as well as two catches for 40 yards.
Even when Akers does return and inevitably gets some touches, Henderson has been too good to be shoved back down the depth chart.
All I know is if #2 was named Cam Akers Twitter would be unbearable right now. But since he got hurt and sat behin… https://t.co/jjxjnGdZmd— Fantasy Scouts 24/7 (@Fantasy Scouts 24/7) 1601573369.0
If you have to make room, let go of Akers for now—whatever happens this season, he probably won't be the starting Rams back you thought he'd be.
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Rob Gronkowski
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The legendary tight end has barely made a dent in an improving Bucs offense—that is, until this week. After head coach Bruce Arians claimed that "we're not throwing it 50 times to the tight ends—that's what we have receivers for," Tom Brady sought to make opportunities for Gronkowski with seven targets and six receptions for 48 yards. Although you want any starting player to make at least 10 points in the game, consider the fact that Brady overthrew a wide-open Gronk in the end zone, which easily would have put Gronk around 15 fantasy points in most leagues.
His snap percentage went up to 93 percent in Week 3, meaning that Gronk is likely to be more involved in the passing game.
However, considering his first two weeks, it's still possible that Arians doesn't want to air it out to the tight end. If you're feeling uncertain about Gronk in the weeks to come, or you're nervous about his split usage with O.J. Howard, see if anyone in your league is interested in a trade for this TE2 with room to grow.
Jonnu Smith
Syndication: The Tennessean
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC
I saw Jonnu Smith sitting on someone's bench in Week 3, which is a shameful waste, considering the Titans TE hauled in 5 of 8 targets for 61 yards… and two touchdowns. That's at least 20 fantasy points, depending on your league.
YAC leaders by position this season: RB: Alvin Kamara (145) WR: Terry McLaurin (115) TE: Jonnu Smith/ Darren Walle… https://t.co/CfYTZKJzEq— PFF (@PFF) 1601219823.0
With A.J. Brown out, Jonnu is the star of the Titans passing game, and why not? Tight ends have proven to be capable receivers who can change the game, yet somehow, dependable Travis Kelce is never a first-round fantasy pick.
It's about time we stop overlooking TE production, which means that if you have Jonnu and don't need him, don't let him languish on your bench. He's good enough to score an RB2 or WR2 if you need one, and he may even rise in value in weeks to come. Trade him, or trade for him, just make sure he's on a roster. Tennessee's Week 4 game against the Steelers has been postponed, but Smith is a valuable target for the rest of 2020.
Emmanuel Sanders
NFL: Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders has been through significant change in the past year: from starting last year as a Bronco, to joining the Super Bowl contending 49ers, to joining the pass-happy Saints in New Orleans.
When cornerstone receiver Michael Thomas got injured in Week 1, it looked like Sanders might get more opportunities in his absence. That hasn't exactly been the case, as Drew Brees has opted for quick tosses to Alvin Kamara and a few lobs to Tre'Quan Smith rather than utilizing the veteran wide out.
With Thomas looking to return in Week 4, it could be time to see what you can get for Sanders now. He's by no means terrible and should definitely be rostered, but he's going to need to see more action if he wants to join a starting lineup. If you can package him along with someone else, it's certainly worth considering.
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Justin Jefferson
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Former LSU players have been faring decently so far in the NFL, as Joe Burrow has lost two close games with the Bengals and Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been stunning as the Chief's explosive new feature back. In Week 3, the Vikings WR3 finally had his moment to shine as he hauled in 7 of 9 targets for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Jefferson so far today: 7 Rec 175 Yards 1 TD Breakout game for the rook 💥 (via @Vikings) https://t.co/DvLUaRzXWg— NFL on ESPN (@NFL on ESPN) 1601234261.0
Clearly a replacement for Stefon Diggs, Jefferson is quickly carving out a role on the Vikings offense that is expected to expand in the weeks to come. Let's just hope you're not like me and you dropped him right before Week 3, only to spend a third of your fantasy budget to get him back in Week 4—he's just that worth it.
Sammy Watkins
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs have been, well, the Chiefs, and while Patrick Mahomes likes to spread it around, there should be enough for Watkins that warrants a pickup.
.@sammywatkins using tempo to sell the post before snapping down and breaking to the out. Watch how he slightly ra… https://t.co/Mkfc7x6JyO— Receiver School (@Receiver School) 1601421312.0
Watkins saw the most snaps on Monday with 65 out of 75, meaning he's expected to be on the field for the remainder of the season. Ignoring a poor Week 2 performance in which Watkins was injured halfway through, he's put up decent numbers with 7 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, and 7 of 8 targets for 62 yards in Week 3.
Watkins is clearly getting snaps and targets, and again, considering the Chiefs offense, he stands to get several receptions and maybe a touchdown most weeks. For now, Watkins could be started as a flex, unless you'd like to wait a week to see if he produces once again.
Ross Dwelley
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
George Kittle was the fantasy TE breakout star last year—but this year, things haven't been looking great at the 49ers TE spot. Kittle has been sidelined with a knee injury, and now his replacement, Jordan Reed, is on IR.
While Kittle could start practicing again on Wednesday, for now, Ross Dwelley looks to be his replacement.
With the uncertainty of the Kittle situation, Dwelley is worth picking up for now. He's a start if Kittle is out in Week 4, and if Kittle isn't up to task this week, he may be worth stashing for more work in Week 5.
With George Kittle out and Jordan Reed leaving due to injury, TE Ross Dwelley stepped up big time showcasing that n… https://t.co/WaofihA1NX— OurSF49ers (@OurSF49ers) 1601258743.0
With George Kittle out and Jordan Reed leaving due to injury, TE Ross Dwelley stepped up big time showcasing that n… https://t.co/WaofihA1NX— OurSF49ers (@OurSF49ers) 1601258743.0
Rams 37 - Eagles 19
Jared Goff had 267 yards through the air and also threw 3 TDs to TE Tyler Higbee. The Eagles had no answer this week for the Rams' TE and Sean McVay continued to attack that weakness all game long. Higbee racked up 54 yards on 5 catches. Philadelphia played from behind most of the game, which led to Carson Wentz attempting 47 passes. He threw two costly interceptions and was running for his life most of the game behind the Eagles patchwork offensive line. Miles Sanders was one of the lone bright spots, piling up 95 yards on a whopping 20 carries. He also had one of the Eagles TDs on the ground.
Falcons 39 - Cowboys 40
The Falcons were up 29-10 at halftime but allowed the Cowboys to score 17 points in the final 4 minutes of the game, including allowing one of the most ridiculous onside kick recoveries in NFL history. Dak Prescott threw for 450 yards and rushed for 3 TDs while CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper each had 100+ yards receiving. Matt Ryan had 270+ yards through the air while Calvin Ridley had two receiving TDs.
The Falcons botched the onside kick against the Cowboys
AP
Panthers 17 - Buccaneers 30
Tom Brady bounced back this week in his home opener in Tampa. Brady threw for 217 yards with one TD and one INT. The big story this week was Leonard Fournette breaking out for 103 yards on 12 carries. He also had a rushing TD. The backfield situation in Tampa looks like it is going to frustrate fantasy owners all season. Mike Evans had over 100 yards and added a TD. For the Panthers, Teddy Bridgewater threw for over 300 yards again this week, with DJ Moore on the receiving end for 120 of those. Christian McCaffrey ran for 2 TDs before succumbing to a high ankle sprain that will keep him out for multiple weeks.
Bills 31 - Dolphins 28
Josh Allen once again had a massive day through the air, throwing for 417 yards and 4 TDs against the Dolphins. Stefon Diggs had 153 yards and a TD to lead the Bills receivers. Ryan Fitzpatrick had over 300 yards through the air for the Dolphins while Mike Gesicki led Dolphins receivers this week with 130 yards and a TD. Neither team had much in the way of rushing, as Zack Moss and Devin Singletary combined for 93 yards on the ground for Buffalo while Myles Gaskin once again led the Dolphins rushing attack.
Allen once again was a top 5 QB against Miami.Buffalo News
Vikings 11 - Colts 28
The Colts shook off a Week 1 upset by the Jaguars, coming home to beat the Vikings at Lucas Oil Stadium. Philip Rivers threw another INT this week, but rookie Jonathan Taylor dominated the backfield rushing work while also scoring his first rushing TD of the year. TY Hilton continues to be a ghost in this offense, snagging a measly 28 yards on 3 catches. The Vikings offense looks stagnate without Stefon Diggs, as teams are keying in on Adam Thielen. Justin Jefferson led the Vikings receivers this week, gaining 44 yards on 3 catches. Kirk Cousins had an awful week, throwing 3 INTs while barely making it over 100 yards passing.
Washington 15 - Cardinals 30
Kyler Murray had another monster week in fantasy, throwing for 286 yards and 1 TD while also contributing 2 rushing TDs. DeAndre Hopkins had 60+ yards and a TD this week, and he continues to be the go to option for Murray. Antonio Gibson seems to have taken a hold of the Washington RB starting duties. He had 55 yards and a TD on the ground, while Dwayne Haskins threw for 286 yards.
Ravens 33 - Texans 16
The Texans probably had one of the hardest opening schedules of any team in the NFL, playing at Kansas City Week 1 and then drawing the Ravens Week 2 in Houston. Baltimore cruised past Houston, on 204 yards passing from Lamar Jackson and a balanced rushing attack that included Gus Edwards, JK Dobbins and Mark Ingram. Ingram was the back that found the end zone this week on a 30 yard TD in the 4th quarter. Dobbins had a quite day, but broke off a 44 yard run to seal the deal late in the game. Deshaun Watson struggled to get Will Fuller involved this week after a great Week 1 showing against the Chiefs. Watson threw a TD to Darren Fells on a relatively quiet day through the air.
Saints 24 - Raiders 34
Las Vegas stunned the Saints on Monday night, improving to 2-0 on the spectacular offensive performance of Darren Waller. He had 12 catches for 103 yards and a TD, while the Saints looked lost on offense without Michael Thomas. Drew Brees through a bad interception in the 2nd quarter and couldn't seem to get any of his receivers involved. Alvin Kamara had 94 yards and a TD through the air to go along with 79 yards and 2 TDs on the ground.
Josh Allen rushed for a first down against the Jets
Getty Images
Jets 17 - Bills 27
Josh Allen had a career day, leading to a top five QB finish this week in fantasy, with 312 yards passing, 2 TDs and 57 yards and a TD on the ground. He also had some bad misses in the passing game and fumbled twice. Devin Singletary only had 9/30 on the ground but also snagged 5 catches for 23 yards. Stefon Diggs had 86 yards receiving and looked dialed in. John Brown had 70 yards and a TD and could have had another on a Josh Allen overthrow. Zack Moss got a lot of goal line looks, and that seems to be where he will contribute this year. The Jets struggled on offense all day. Jamison Crowder converted a long screen pass for a TD to save his fantasy day. Le'Veon Bell left the game with a hamstring injury and will be out for Week 2.
Packers 43 - Vikings 34
A shootout in Minnesota this week with top fantasy performers on both side of the ball. Aaron Rodgers looked vintage this week, tossing four TDs on 364 yards passing. Davante Adams had 156 yards on 14 catches with a TD. Aaron Jones had 66 yards and 1 TD as well. For the Vikings, Adam Thielen had 110 yards and 2 TD catches. Dalvin Cook, fresh off a new contract extension, had 50 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. Kirk Cousins had 259 yards and 2 TDs. Rookie Justin Jefferson only had 2 catches for 26 yards and looks bench-able until more consistent production can be found.
Eagles 17 - Washington 27
A big surprise this week as the Eagles blew a 17 point lead, losing 27-17 to the Washington Football Team. Carson Wentz threw 2 TDs to each of his starting tight ends, Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, but couldn't do much else behind a patchwork offensive line. Goedert had 101 yards on 8 catches, and looks to be challenging Ertz as the team's top tight end. Rookie Jalen Reagor had 1 catch for 55 yards but was otherwise quiet. Dwayne Haskins had 178 yards passing, but it was Peyton Barber who punched in 2 goal line TDs. He had 29 yards on 17 attempts. Antonio Gibson had 36 yards on 9 carries but was not used near the goal line.
JK Dobbins finds the endzone for one of his two rushing TDs on the day.Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Browns 6 - Ravens 38
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens cruised against a depleted Browns defense. Lamar Jackson threw 2 TDs to TE Mark Andrews, who picked up right where he left off in 2019. Jackson had 275 yards and 3 TDs and looked more proficient as a passer. Rookie JK Dobbins converted 2 goal line rushes for TDs, but Mark Ingram is still the starter for now. Baker Mayfield struggled against the Ravens defense, completing 21/39 passes for 189 yards. Odell Beckham only had 3 catches for 22 yards. Austin Hooper contributed 2 catches for 15 yards. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt each had 60+ yards on the ground, but the game got away and pushed the script to more passing for Cleveland in the second half.
Colts 20 - Jaguars 27
The Jaguars surprised the whole NFL by upsetting the Colts Sunday. Undrafted rookie RB James Robinson had 62 yards on the ground as well as 30 yards in the passing game. Second round pick, Laviska Shenault Jr, had his first career TD and seemed very comfortable with the offense. Gardner Minshew had a 95% completion percentage, going 19/20 for 173 yards and 3 TDs. Philip Rivers had 2 TDs and 2 INTs in his Colts debut, but was otherwise unable to lead a comeback. Marlon Mack was lost for the year with a torn achilles tendon, which means the Colts' first round pick, Jonathan Taylor, will take over as the main RB for the remainder of the year. TY Hilton had a pedestrian 53 yards on 4 catches, but should improve as the season goes on.
Raiders 34 - Panthers 30
The Raiders pulled out a win on the east coast to start their inaugural season in Las Vegas. Josh Jacobs had 3 TDs to lead the team and is cemented as a top tier RB this year if he can stay healthy. Rookie Henry Ruggs had 55 yards on 3 catches, a promising start. Christian McCaffrey had 2 TDs and 96 rushing yards, while Robbie Anderson had 115 yards receiving and a TD catch as well. Anderson looks like he has the best chemistry with Bridgewater to start the year. DJ Moore had a disappointing 54 yards on 4 catches, but Carolina's passing offense will be much better this year.
Trubisky lead the Bears to 3 TDs in the 4th quarter
AP
Bears 27 - Lions 23
Chicago erased a 26-3 4th quarter deficit on 3 Mitchell Trubisky passing TDs and the Bears snuck out of Detroit with a victory this week. Trubisky was 20/36 for 253 yards and 3 TDs while David Montgomery had 64 yards on 13 carries. Anthony Miller and Allen Robinson each had 70+ yards this week with Miller snagging a TD. Adrian Peterson was the bell cow for the Lions, rushing for 93 yards on 14 carries. TJ Hockenson had 56 yards and a TD and rookie Quintez Cephus had 43 yards on 3 catches in place of injured Kenny Golladay.
Seahawks 38 - Falcons 25
Russell Wilson was damn near perfect in Atlanta on Sunday, going 31/35 for 322 yards and 4 TDs. DK Metcalf lead the way with 95 yards and a TD through the air while Chris Carson had 2 TDs through the air. Tyler Lockett also had 92 yards receiving. For the Falcons, Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley each went over 100 yards receiving, with Ridley pulling in 2 TDs as well. Todd Gurley had a score on the ground for the Falcons as well. Matt Ryan had 450 yards passing this week, good for best in the NFL for week 1.
Dolphins 11 - Patriots 21
The new look New England Patriots took care of the Miami Dolphins this week on Cam Newton's 75 yards rushing and 2 TDs. He only had 155 yards on 15 completions through the air. Sony Michel had a rushing TD and 37 yards while Julian Edelman contributed 57 yards through the air. Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled for the Dolphins, throwing 3 INTs this week. Devante Parker was held in check by the Patriots defense, only getting 47 yards on 4 catches. Myles Gaskin led the Dolphins backfield with 40 yards on 9 carries while Matt Breida had 22 yards on 5 carries.
Los Angeles Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals
Getty Images
Chargers 16 - Bengals 13
The Joe Burrow show began with a bang and ended with a fizzle this week in Cincinnati. Burrow had a rushing TD this week to pair with 193 yards passing. Joe Mixon had 69 yards on the ground with a fumble while AJ Green led the receivers with 51 yards on 5 catches. Tyrod Taylor had 208 yards through the air. Austin Ekeler had 84 yards on the ground while Joe Kelly had 60 yards and a TD. Hunter Henry had 73 yards through the air, the most on the team this week. Keenan Allen had 37 yards on 4 catches.
Cardinals 24 - 49ers 20
Arizona's Kyler Murray came into Levi Stadium and shocked the 49ers. Murray had 230 yards through the air and with a TD to go along with 91 yards rushing and a TD. Kenyan Drake had 61 yards rushing with a TD. DeAndre Hopkins had a massive 151 yards receiving on 14 catches. Hopkins is going to have a monster year. Jimmy Garoppolo had 2 TDs on 259 yards for the 49ers. Raheem Mostert showed the NFL why he wanted a raise this off season, with 56 yards rushing paired with 95 yards receiving and a TD, he look everything like a top 10 RB this year in fantasy.
Buccaneers 23 - Saints 34
Tom Brady got off to a rocky start in Tampa Bay, throwing 2 terrible INTs to go along with 2 passing TDs and a rushing TD. He looked rusty and was not on the same page as some of his teammates. Ronald Jones had the lion-share of carries, having 17 for 65 yards. Chris Godwin led the receivers with 6 receptions for 79 yards. OJ Howard had a TD reception, on 36 yards. Drew Brees struggled to get the ball to his receivers, but his defense did enough to slow the Bucs while he fed the ball to Alvin Kamara. Kamara had 16 rushing yards and a TD as well as 51 receiving yards and a TD. Jared Cook pitched in 80 yards on 5 catches.
CeeDee Lamb had a great debut for the Cowboys.startelegram.com
Cowboys 17 - Rams 20
The Cowboys struggled to get their offense going against a (possibly?) underrated Rams defense. Zeke Elliott had a rushing and receiving TD. Amari Cooper had 81 yards on 10 catches while Michael Gallup had 6 catches for 50 yards. Rookie Ceedee Lamb had 59 yards on 5 catches. The Rams pounded the ball with Malcolm Brown, who had 79 yards and 2 TDs. Cam Akers had 39 yards on 14 carries. Right now, the backfield seems to be Brown's to lose, as Akers looked nothing like a starting RB against an exploitable Cowboys defense. Robert Woods had 105 yards receiving while Cooper Kupp had a disappointing 40 yards.
Steelers 26 - Giants 16
Big Ben is back! Roethlisberger had 229 yards and 3 TDs on Monday night while James Conner left the game early with an ankle injury. Benny Snell filled in admirably, rushing for 113 yards on 19 carries. Rookie Anthony McFarland Jr did not see an attempt. JuJu Smith-Schuster had 69 yards and 2 of Ben's TDs, while James Washington accounted for the other. Diontae Johnson had 57 yards but also had a costly fumble. Daniel Jones was under duress all night from the Steelers defense, throwing for 279 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. Saquon Barkley had 15 rushes for 6(!) yards, as he could get nothing going against Pittsburgh. Darius Slayton had over 100 yards receiving and looks to be Jones' favorite target.
Titans 16 - Broncos 14
The late Monday night game brought a defensive battle. The Titans' Ryan Tannehill had 249 yards and 2 TDs, while Derrick Henry had a massive 31 carries for 116 yards. Corey Davis had over 100 yards on 7 catches, and his production deserves attention, as he was second fiddle to AJ Brown (5-39 yards) last year. Drew Lock had 216 yards and a TD in his debut. Noah Fant led the Broncos receivers with 81 yards on 5 catches and 1 TD. Melvin Gordon dominated the RB touches for Denver, gaining 78 yards on 15 carries with a TD. He also had a costly fumble deep in Titans territory. He looks to be the RB play though right now in Denver. Jerry Jeudy had a nice debut with Cortland Sutton injured. He had 56 yards on 4 catches and looks startable against exploitable defenses.
