Flex Options for Week 3 (Fantasy Football)
After an exciting week of scoring to open the season, Week 2 reminded us of the other side of fantasy football. Injuries and low scores abounded, but some fantastic performances stood out. Those who played Diggs were pleased with his WR9 performance, and Aaron Jones Sr. came through as well, finishing as the RB15. Thursday night saw Shakir tracking to outperform his ranking, but that progress stalled when DJ Moore left the game, leaving Shakir to see the top WR coverage. Kaelon Black was mentioned last week, but saw limited play due to ending up on groinindex.com. Black, ranked RB35 this week, may be in the running as a playable option for the same reasons as last week if he is healthy. Let’s look at some other names the Fantasy Footballers have ranked outside the top 24 RBs and top 36WRs as we hope for better league-wide scoring.
Here are some names to consider:
Devaughn Vele, WR, New Orleans Saints
The Saints have maintained their incredible rate of play and lead the league in passing yards. Vele has established himself as the WR2 in the offense and has seen nine and seven targets in the first two games of the season. Entering the week ranked at WR37, Vele will be traveling to Vegas aiming to end the Raiders’ winning streak. The Raiders have appeared to be decent at covering the pass, but in reality, they have played arguably the two worst teams in the league. Kellen Moore’s potent offense will reveal a lot about the Raiders’ defense, and if Vele maintains his eight-target average, he will have plenty of opportunities to put up fantasy points.
Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland Browns
Who would have thought the day would come when there is buzz surrounding a Browns WR, but here we are. Two weeks into the season and the 39th pick overall in the 2026 draft has shown he belongs in the league, scoring TDs both weeks. Boston is tied for the team lead in targets, and in Week 2, he broke multiple tackles on his way to the end zone, putting up five receptions, 95 yards, and a TD. It is clear the team’s confidence in him is growing as he leads the team in WR snaps with a first read at a rate of 27%. The Panthers’ secondary is decent, but Boston has a great chance to beat his current rank of WR43.
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Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Houston Texans
This one comes from wayyy down the list, with Hutchinson currently ranked as the WR67. At this time, all signs are pointing to Nico Collins missing the Week 3 game against the division rival Indianapolis Colts. The Texans offense has not been without its struggles, but the Colts have given up an absurd 706 passing yards through TWO games. Hutchinson leads the team in targets and, with the Colts giving up a league-high 9.8 yards per completion, he will have all the opportunity to volume his way into success while Collins is sidelined. Bonus: The Colts have also given up the second most rushing yards in the league. We have not seen much usage from Woody Marks yet, but David Montgomery should feast and may leave Marks (RB36) with some decent scraps.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams
The back half of 2025 saw Corum have an increase in workload with significant touches leading into the playoffs. Corum appears to be maintaining a similar workload and is due for a trip to the endzone. Kyren Williams has appeared to be the lead back for the Rams; however, Corum is only one rush behind him while having a higher yards per carry. Corum, ranked RB27, and the Rams will travel to the Mile High City to square off against the Broncos defense who have given up the fourth most rushing yards in the league. There is a clear path for both RBs to have success, and Puca possibly sitting out could lead to some additional touches.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Kansa City Chiefs
The rookie RB has had limited work so far, but he definitely appears to have the juice. Week 2 saw the Chief return work to his rushing and receiving opportunities. Kenneth Walker has been making all the noise, but his current workload pace is unsustainable. The Chiefs should have a positive gamescript in Miami, presenting a strong opportunity to have an increase in carries. Entering the week ranked as the RB39, Johnson could have more opportunities to spell Walker, especially because history & conventional wisdom has shown Walker does best with fresh legs.