The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap: Week 3 (Fantasy Football)
As we head into Week 3, Andy, Mike, and Jason deliver the news and advice you need to make rational decisions! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 2 Studs & Duds + Trade Drama, Bye Guys!
Monday Punday
Here are some of the best Monday Punday submissions by followers on Instagram and X. Some of the best studs of Week 2 were American Njigba Warrior, Chris O’Suave, and Amon-Ra St. Crown. Mazda Marv, Loser Burden III, and Drake Mayday are among the worst performers in Week 2.
Andy is back as “The Fantasy Reaper,” with all of his “My Guys,” De’Zhaun Stribling, Ladd McConkey, Caleb Williams, and his fantasy MVP, Alec Pierce, suffering injuries in the first two weeks of the season.
News
Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams both suffered injuries in Week 2. Daniels suffered another left elbow dislocation. He missed a month last season with the same injury. The initial fear for Williams was a season-ending injury, but he escaped with a hamstring injury and hasn’t been ruled out for Week 3.
Saquon Barkley missed the majority of Week 2 with a stinger, and his status for Week 3 is in question. Jadarian Price left with a chest injury, but there is optimism that it is not serious. JK Dobbins suffered a hamstring injury, while RJ Harvey missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury. Jayden Reed was carted off the field after suffering a neck injury, leaving his season status in question. Alec Pierce suffered a heel injury to the same side that he had surgery on in March after signing a four-year, $114,000,000 contract extension.
Studs
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
QBs
The two highest-scoring QBs were Josh Allen and Jared Goff on Thursday Night Football. Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, and Brock Purdy all came through in favorable matchups.
RBs
Week 2’s top finishers were some of the most elite RBs in the league. Jonathan Taylor and Kenneth Walker III dominated in an overtime feud on SNF. Christian McCaffrey finished as RB3 despite only recording 23 rushing yards, thanks to two rushing TDs. James Cook and Jahmyr Gibbs also lived up to their expectations in their TNF matchup.
WRs
Jaxon Smith-Njigba reminded us why he won Offensive Player of the Year last season (despite being given a Defensive Player of the Year trophy) and put up 155 yards and three TDs. CeeDee Lamb (31.3) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (30.7) both scored over 30 fantasy points and made the most of their plus matchups. Ja’Marr Chase earned an early catch of the year nomination on a 32-yard TD catch over Derek Stingley Jr.
TEs
Travis Kelce led TEs in scoring in Week 2, but Dalton Schultz may have had the best individual performance. Mike’s start of the week posted 12 catches for 140 yards in the best performance of his career. Jake Ferguson and Darren Wallerus both scored twice on Sunday, while Dalton Kincaid, George Kittle, Sam LaPorta, and Trey McBride all found the end zone as well.
Duds
QBs
Drake Maye has taken a noticeable step down from last season’s fantasy production and cannot be counted on as a must-start without AJ Brown. His next two matchups are at Jacksonville and Buffalo, making him a low-end QB1. Trevor Lawrence struggled against the Denver Broncos, only throwing for 189 yards and no TDs. Justin Herbert continued his struggles and faces a gauntlet in the coming weeks, going against six playoff teams from last year, as well as the Chiefs. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens disappeared in the second half against the Saints, but should bounce back in a positive matchup versus the Cowboys.
RBs
David Mopportunity disappeared in Week 2, seeing only eight opportunities after seeing 23 in Week 1. It is time to sound the alarm on Travis Etienne Jr., who saw less work than Alvin Kamara returning from a preseason knee injury. Jeremiyah Love only saw nine carries in Week 2, partially due to the Cardinals getting blown out, but had more opportunities than Tyler Allgeier.
Quinshon Judkins struggled to produce in a game where the Browns surprisingly walked away with a win, rushing for 1.8 yards per carry.
Quinshon Judkins over his last 12 games:
12 carries, 36 yards
25 for 84
9 for 19
22 for 75
17 for 59
16 for 47
23 for 91
14 for 26
12 for 21
8 for 22
12 for 33
12 for 21Hasn't averaged over 4.0 YPC in a single game over that span pic.twitter.com/hdz1sZTpmG
— Underdog (@Underdog) September 22, 2026
WRs
Drake London (and all other Falcons pass-catchers) cannot produce with Cooper Rush or Jack Strand at QB. Hopefully the return of Michael Penix Jr. can bring some hope to Atlanta’s offense. Jameson Williams has reminded fantasy managers that he is a boom/bust play, but he faces the Jets, Panthers, and Cardinals and could bounce back. Terry McLaurin has also struggled to start the season, but his outlook for the near future is not as bright as Jamo’s. Jayden Daniels’ elbow injury makes McLaurin a shaky flex play until he returns. Carnell Tate might end up being a product of a bad situation with Cam Ward struggling so far, and he can stay on your bench until something changes.
TEs
Colston Loveland has one catch for three yards through the first two weeks of the season. Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury hurts all Bears pass-catchers, but Loveland turns into a player that I would advise starting with either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum at QB. Tucker Kraft’s return from a torn ACL has been slower than fantasy managers would have hoped for when drafting him, but the increase to 98% of snaps is a sign of encouragement.
Tuesday – Week 3 Waivers + Someone to Blame
News
The New York Giants lost more than just the game on Monday Night Football, losing Jaxson Dart for the season with a knee injury. Malik Nabers also suffered a right shoulder dislocation, an issue he dealt with at LSU. Caleb Williams is considered week-to-week with a low-grade hamstring strain but has not been ruled out for Week 2. J.K. Dobbins is fine after a hamstring scare on Sunday, and Zay Flowers has a good chance of playing in Week 3 with a hamstring injury as well. Brock Bowers will return to practice this week after a cleanup surgery on his knee just a week before the season started. Dallas Goedert will miss a few weeks with a sprained MCL, but will not go on IR.
Waiver Wire
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
RBs
Emmett Johnson ranks fifth among all RBs in receiving yards (64) and has impressed with the limited workload he has been given when relieving Kenneth Bone Walker. He is the Ballers’ #1 addition at RB for the week. Tank Bigsby is a must-roster with Saquon Barkley dealing with a neck stinger. Bigsby led the Eagles’ backfield with 15 opportunities, but Will Shipley was more efficient with his seven carries. Jonah Coleman played 40% of snaps in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars with both RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins dealing with injuries, but he is dealing with an ankle sprain. Emanuel Wilson saw 22 opportunities against the Arizona Cardinals, outsnapping Jadarian Price and George Holani in a blowout.
WRs
Denzel Boston is worth a FAAB dump if he is still on waivers in your league. He is one of two rookie WRs since 2000 who played 90+% of snaps and caught a TD in each of their first two NFL games. Tre Tucker had a great day against the Chargers with five catches for 119 yards and a TD, but he probably cannot be counted on for consistent play. Malachi Fields is an interesting add to monitor his usage with Jameis Winston at QB. Dontayvion Wicks has been more involved than Makai Lemon so far this season, and Dallas Goedert’s knee injury gives Wicks even more opportunity. Both Rashod Bateman and Keon Coleman can be plugged into your flex spot this week if their teams’ WR1 is out due to injury.
TEs
Pat Freiermuth faces the improved Bengals defense this week, but got Luth last season against his division rival, recording five catches for 111 yards and two TDs. Oronde Gadsden has been thrust back into fantasy relevance after both Charlie Kolar and David Njoku were placed on IR. Darren Waller scored twice in Week 2, but has only five targets so far this season. Terrance Ferguson saw nine targets with Puka Nacua out with a hip/groin injury but is a scary streaming option against the Broncos this week.
DST
The Kansas City Chiefs have the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders on their schedule before a Week 5 bye. The Minnesota Vikings face a struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad this week, then play the Dolphins and Saints. The Giants, Packers, and Panthers have been unreliable so far this season but have plus matchups.
Full Stream Ahead
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Andy: Bryce Young
The Panthers rank second in pass rate over expectation through two weeks. Bryce is third in yards per attempt, behind only Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Cleveland’s defense has taken a step back this season after Myles Garrett’s departure and ranks 28th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to QBs.
Mike: Sam Darnold/ Drew Lock
The Washington Commanders defense ranks bottom-six in schedule-adjusted fantasy points to QBs, EPA per dropback, and completion percentage. Lock ranks first among all QBs in passer rating and is tied with Brock Purdy for fourth among QBs in yards per attempt.
Jason: Tyler Shough
The New Orleans Saints are first in pace of play and are three-point home favorites against the Raiders. Shough has impressed to start the year and is tied with Brock Purdy at QB4 through two weeks. Only Shough and Tom Brady have recorded 90+ attempts, 600+ passing yards, and 68+% completion through the first two weeks of a season.
Wednesday – Unsolved Mysteries + TNF Preview, Trade Decisions
News
Jonathon Brooks has been placed on IR after undergoing core muscle repair surgery and will miss at least six weeks. Alec Pierce has been placed on IR after re-aggravating an injury to his heel after rehabbing this offseason with surgery on the same heel. Rico Dowdle is considered day-to-day with a toe injury. Mason Taylor is week-to-week with a thumb injury and is doubtful for Week 3.
Unsolved Mysteries
Did Bryce Young level up?
The first two weeks of this season have been Bryce Young’s best two-game span of his career for fantasy, and he currently sits as the QB2. The Panthers have scored their most points across two weeks since 2018. While Bryce and the Panthers have impressed, they have faced a soft schedule. The biggest change for Carolina has been the pass/rush ratio. They rank second in pass rate over expectation, and his aDOT has increased by 3.3 yards from last season.
Will Javonte Williams’ slow start continue?
Javonte Williams is averaging 2.6 yards per carry through two weeks, and half of his carries have gone for two or fewer yards. He ranks second-lowest in rushing first downs and has looked slower this season. The Cowboys’ offensive line ranks last in yards before contact. Andy said he is considering making Williams a buy-low candidate once Tyler Smith comes back from IR.
Is Mike McDaniel actually a good OC?
The Chargers have disappointed on all accounts to start the season. They rank bottom-three in EPA per play, percentage of drives resulting in a score, and turnover differential. Los Angeles’ pass-catchers have the second-highest drop rate in the league, and their offensive line gives up the third-highest pressure rate in the league. Jason thinks Ladd McConkey’s injury was the final straw for the Chargers’ offense through their first two games but expects them to “bounce forward,” but not all the way back. Andy is more pessimistic about their rest-of-season outlook.
The Chargers are the second team in NFL history to lose back-to-back games by double digits with both coming at home against teams that had a sub-.200 win pct the previous season.
The other was the 1926 Racine Tornadoes (Oct. 10-17), who played just one more game before folding.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) September 21, 2026
Thursday Night Breakdown
The Green Bay Packers host the Atlanta Falcons this week on Thursday Night Football, and neither team has impressed so far this season. The Falcons are the fourth team since 1978 to go their first two games without a single play in the red zone. Michael Penix Jr. gets the start for Atlanta, which should boost their offense. Drake London gets a boost now that Penix Jr. is Atlanta’s starting QB, with 16.4 fantasy PPG with Penix Jr. The Packers’ backfield has been an uninspiring committee this season, but Kaleb Johnson showed more juice in Week 2 than Marshawn Lloyd or Chris Brooks had. Andy is confident that Tucker Kraft’s breakout is coming, as his snap count jumped from 66% to 98% from Week 1 to Week 2. Start Bijan, London, Watson, Golden, and Kraft this week. Jordan Love and Kyle Pitts are shaky starts at the onesie positions.
Packers season is going worse than you think:
– 32nd-ranked O-Line
– 32nd in Rush Yards
– 32nd in 3rd Down Conversions
– 32nd in Comp%
– Most penalties
– Most dropsGet Jordan Love help pic.twitter.com/A49Yb831Tz
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) September 24, 2026
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 3 Games, Tucker 2×4!
News
No Broncos RBs practiced at full capacity on Wednesday, with Jonah Coleman missing practice with an ankle injury, while RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins were limited. Sean McVay said Puka Nacua is “not making great progress” in his recovery from what he describes as a groin injury. Brock Bowers and Travis Etienne Jr. were limited on Wednesday, while Zay Flowers, Mike Evans, and Aaron Jones missed practice.
Starts of the Week
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
QBs
Andy: Brock Purdy vs. ARI
Purdy leads all QBs in EPA per play, completion rate, and pass success rate. The matchup against the Cardinals as 8.5-point home favorites makes Purdy a must-start. The 49ers have averaged 36 points against the Cardinals under Purdy.
Mike: Tyler Shough vs. LV
Shough leads the league in passing yards, and Mike is continuing his ride as a #ShoughDaddy. Mike would start Shough over Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, and Matthew Stafford.
Jason: Jared Goff vs. NYJ
The “Dome-inator” Jared Goff averages 21 fantasy PPG at home since 2022. Goff is coming off a game where he threw 327 yards and four TDs, and the Lions have the fifth-highest implied total (27) of the week.
RBs
Andy: David Montgomery vs. IND
David Montgomery outsnapped Woody Marks last week despite only logging eight total opportunities. Andy wants to give you confidence to put Montgomery back in your lineup against the Colts in Week 3.
Mike: Blake Corum @ DEN
Only Kenneth Walker III averages more yards per carry than Blake Corum for RBs with at least 22 carries. This is the same defense that allowed Ken Bone to explode on Monday Night Football in Week 1.
Jason: Cameron Skattebo vs. TEN
Skattebo has averaged 17 opportunities through two weeks. Jameis Winston is a clear downgrade at QB for the Giants, but could check down to Skattebo more often than Jaxson Dart did.
WRs
Andy: Deebo Samuel vs. ARI
Deebo has been used all over the place for the 49ers, with 50% of his snaps coming out wide, 45% in the slot, and 5% in the backfield. He has been targeted on 31% of his routes through two games, and the matchup against the Cardinals makes Deebo a great FLEX option.
Mike: Josh Downs @ HOU
Alec Pierce’s heel injury creates more opportunity for Josh Downs to take over as the Colts’ WR1. Last week he caught seven passes for 72 yards, and has been Daniel Jones’ primary target this season. The Texans surprisingly rank last against WRs so far this season, so the matchup may not be as scary as it looks on paper.
Jason: Ladd McConkey @ BUF
Jason believes McConkey will be a full-time player this week and is over his rib injury after logging a full practice on Wednesday. It is make-or-break time for the Chargers, and they will rely on their best players to make plays this week against the Bills.
TEs
Andy: Travis Kelce @ MIA
Kelce looks much faster than he did last season and leads all pass-catchers in yards after catch. The Chiefs have the second-highest implied total this week, and Andy thinks he’ll find the end zone.
Mike: Tucker Kraft vs. ATL
Tucker Kraft jumped from a snap count of 66% to 98% from Week 1 to Week 2. Tucker “Two-by-four” Kraft will see more targets with Jayden Reed out with a neck injury.
Jason: Dalton Schultz @ IND
Doctor Schultz should be plugged right back into your lineup if Nico Collins misses another game due to a hamstring injury. He posted 12 catches for 140 yards last week against the Bengals, and should continue TE1 production as one of CJ Stroud’s primary targets.
Fantasy Forecast
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
LAC @ BUF (BUF-7, O/U 50.5)
Andy was tempted to make the Chargers his almost-upset of the week, but the Bills and Chargers have looked too opposite of each other to start the season. Josh Allen, James Cook III, and Dalton Kincaid are easy starts for Buffalo. D.J. Moore’s practice participation with a shoulder injury will dictate if he or Khalil Shakir should be started this week. Omarion Hampton and Ladd McConkey are must-starts for Los Angeles, while Justin Herbert and Oronde Gadsden are shakier starts at the onesie positions.
CAR @ CLE (CAR-2.5, O/U 42.5)
Chuba Hubbard is one of five RBs who finished as a top-12 RB in each of the first two weeks and should continue his production with Jonathon Brooks headed to IR. Both Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are solid WR2s. Jason would start Darren Waller over Harold Fannin Jr. in this matchup. Quinshon Judkins is the Ballers consensus RB22 and can be benched if you have better options. Andy would start Bryce Young over Justin Herbert, but Jason would prefer Herbert.
HOU @ IND (HOU-2.5, O/U 42.5)
Andy believes the decision on which Houston Texans to start without Nico Collins is easy: start David Montgomery and Dalton Schultz. None of their WRs have produced without Collins in the lineup. Mike’s start of the week, Josh Downs, ranks as the Ballers’ consensus WR27 without Alec Pierce, while Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Warren rank eighth at their respective positions.
CIN @ PIT (CIN-3.5, O/U 42.5)
This AFC North matchup is Andy’s almost-upset of the week. Jaylen Warren is more likely to play than Rico Dowdle, but both Pittsburgh RBs are questionable for Week 3. The Muth could get “Luth” against the same Bengals defense that allowed Dr. Shultz to record a career-high 140 receiving yards last week. Joe Burrow may not be a must-start this week, but Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all auto-starts.
SEA @ WAS (SEA-4, O/U 40.5)
This matchup has the lowest over/under of the week, but Seattle still has a 24 implied total. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an obvious start at WR, and Mike’s start of the week at QB is whoever starts at QB for the Seahawks. Jadarian Price and Emanuel Wilson’s usage in this game should be monitored, but both are unreliable starts after last week’s split between the RBs. Andy is trying to stay away from all Commanders this week with Marcus Mariota at QB, and Mike is benching Stefon Diggs. Jason suggests rostering Mariota, who could be a stream-of-the-week candidate against the Colts next week.
Friday – Week 3 Matchups + Packers in Peril, Wheel of Shame!
Thursday Night Recap
News
DJ Moore was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday due to a shoulder injury, while Keon Coleman remained sidelined with an ankle injury. Both players’ statuses should be monitored throughout the weekend, and Khalil Shakir would become a solid FLEX option should either Buffalo WR miss. Nico Collins was not seen practicing on Thursday or Friday, leaving his status for Week 3 in doubt. Both Dolphins rookie WRs are dealing with injuries, as Caleb Douglas will miss this week with an ankle injury, but Chris Bell is expected to play despite a knee injury.
Sam Darnold was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday, making him the likely starter for the Seahawks. Jalen Coker was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday with an ankle injury, but was seen at practice on Friday. Tune in to Matthew Betz’s Injury Blitz podcast to hear more detail about injuries around the league.
Fantasy Forecast
NE @ JAX (JAX-3, O/U 45.5)
The New England Patriots’ offense has been relatively disappointing to start the season. Drake Maye is the Ballers’ consensus QB 14 this week; TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson rank as RB29 and RB30, and Romeo Doubs is a low-end FLEX play at WR27. Parker Washington Jr.’s breakout season with a 36% target share makes him a must-start. Jason has Brian Thomas Jr. as a sneaky start if Christian Gonzalez shadows Washington. Bhayshul Tuten ranks as a low-end RB2 and a potential buy-low candidate with 31 opportunities through the first two weeks.
ARI @ SF (SF-8.5, O/U 47.5)
Trey McBride is the only Arizona Cardinal that you can start with confidence this week, as Jeremiyah Love has only seen 27 opportunities in two weeks on a bad offense. Andy’s start-of-the-week stack of Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel should both be great plays this week. Mike Evans is questionable with a hip injury, but Andy likes Deebo either way. George Kittle and Brock Purdy both rank third at their positions in the Ballers’ consensus rankings.
MIN @ TB (MIN-1.5, O/U 42.5)
Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray need to give you a reason to start them before you plug them into your lineups. Kyler is a scary start this week after throwing an INT before getting injured in Week 1, and Baker hasn’t finished higher than QB21 in the first two weeks. Bucky Irving has been Tampa Bay’s clear RB1 to start the season, out-carrying Kenny Gainwell by 15 carries last week and running 10 more routes.
LAR @ DEN (LAR-2.5, O/U 44.5)
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are both quality starts at RB this week, and Corum is Mike’s start of the week. All of the Broncos’ RB room is dealing with injuries, so monitor their statuses this week to decide who to play. Davante Adams is a must-start with Puka Nacua not expected to play, and Terrance Ferguson is an interesting play at TE. Jaylen Waddle is the only Broncos pass-catcher you should start this week.
The Rams will continue to split carries evenly between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, per HC Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/HUzuUPWzUz
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 23, 2026
PHI @ CHI (PHI-4.5, O/U 41.5)
The startable fantasy players matchup could come down to the injury report. Caleb Williams is not expected to play with a hamstring injury, making all of Chicago’s pass-catchers low-end FLEX plays at best. Jalen Hurts may see lower passing production if DeVonta Smith misses this week, as he was a DNP on Thursday with a hamstring injury. Dallas Goedert and Eli Stowers are out, so Zach Ertz may be a dart throw at TE. Saquon Barkley was limited on Thursday with a stinger, and both Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley were DNPs on Thursday. Make sure to keep all of your players in this Monday night matchup in the FLEX this week to give yourself more options if any of them are game-day inactives.
Fantasy Faceoff
Andy
QB: Bryce Young more than 159.5 passing yards
RB: Blake Corum more than 46.5 rushing yards
WR: Ja’Marr Chase less than 76.5 receiving yards
TE: Dalton Schultz more than 50.5 receiving yards
Mike
QB: Jameis Winston more than 17.5 passing completions
RB: Kenneth Walker III more than 86.5 rushing yards
WR: Tetairoa McMillan more than 7.5 targets
TE: Pat Freiermuth more than 2.5 receptions
Jason
QB: Daniel Jones less than 219.5 passing yards
RB: Cameron Skattebo more than 57.5 rushing yards
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown more than 32.5 receiving yards
TE: Juwan Johnson more than 35.5 receiving yards