Welcome to the fantasy recap and week 3 was an odd one. We had unusual names at the top end of position rankings on the week, some big names faltering and only 8 players topping 25pts. We’re here to guide you through the hits and misses and waiver wire options you can take a punt on rather than taking a punt to the rear like Trent Sherfield. I just hope the picks are a solid as his buns were!
NB: Scores based on PPR leagues
Fantasy Stars:
Lamar Jackson (BAL) – 18cmp/218yds/4td + 11rsh/107yds/1td 39pts
For the second week in a row Lamar Jackson proves to be a cut above the rest when it comes to fantasy scoring. Jalen Hurts was the next best scorer on 28 which goes to show how good Lamar was this week. He also supported a 33pt week for Mark Andrews who had 8rec for 89yds and 2tds.
Khalil Herbert (CHI) – 20rsh/157yds/2td + 2rec/12yds 31pts
David Montgomery was ruled out through injury very early into the game and without a 1a/1b system the shackles were off for Herbert and he capitalised on that opportunity. He’s on a bunch of waiver wires but after this week is done he will be closer to 70% owned I reckon.
Devonta Smith (PHI) – 8rec/169yds/1td 31pts
AJ Brown had been “the man” in Philly up to this point but this week the Eagles showed they had more tricks up their sleeve and reminded everyone that they already had a quality receiver in Devonta Smith. A dominant first half display left the Commanders whimpering and after a goose egg in week 1, he’s proven now that it was simply a blip.
Surprise Packages:
Mack Hollins (LVR) – 8rec/158yds/2td + 1cmp/4yds 30pts
With Hunter Renfrow out, Hollins stepped up to be the compliment to Davante Adams and Darren Waller and ended up outperforming the pair of them. This could be a one off while Renfrow is injured, or it could muddy the water as there will be 4 mouths to feed. For this week though, he was sensational.
David Njoku (CLE) – 9rec/89yds/1td 28pts
Njoku had been a relative non-factor in the opening 2 games for the Browns but against the Steelers he was a focal point and got a td grab to cement a monster score. He’s going to be frustratingly inconsistent for fantasy but if you catch him on weeks like this he can be a difference maker.
Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – 28cmp/262yds/3td + 3rsh/7yds 25pts
After week 1 I was worried for the Jags, now after week 3 I’m excited. The defence seems solid and Lawrence has been allowed to play well. No interceptions for the 2nd week in a row and while his completion percentage dipped a bit, his game management and passing ability seem to be remarkably improved. Meanwhile the LA Chargers DST scored -4 in some leagues… ouch.
Disappointments:
Justin Fields (CHI) – 8cmp/106yds/2int + 8rsh/47yds 3pts
The Bears passing offence hasn’t had the greatest of starts and yet the team are sat at 2-1 with arguable the worst QB stats and receiving stats of the 32 teams. The coaching staff doesn’t seem to be interested in passing the ball and even the running plays are mostly being left to the backs with not many designed QB runs. He could be a decent QB for all we know, but he’s being stifled and until that changes he can’t even be started in Superflex leagues, other positions are more valuable.
Darrel Henderson (LAR) – 4rsh/17yds 2pts
After being the featured starter in week 1, to a time share in week 2, to the backup in week 3, Henderson has a worrying trend that suggests he’s going to be volatile all year. Cam Akers had triple the number of attempts for 4x the yards and got the td. Cooper Kupp had one rush which was further than Hendersons efforts combined so until the Rams offence settles a bit, it’s hard to trust any RB there.
DJ Moore – 1rec/2yds + 2rsh/13yds 3pts Are the Panthers rubbish or does DJ Moore just not have it? After starting with 2 weeks of 3rec for 43yds (only 1 week with a td grab) he managed to drop himself below his floor and into the basement. When your QB only completes 12 passes for 170yds it’s not going to help matter and when most of those yards were chunk plays for Laviska Shenault then it just looks worse. If the Panthers can’t find a way to utilise Moore, they’re going to be looking quickly towards the draft.
Waiver Wire pickups:
QB – Jared Goff (DET) – Goff has been remarkably solid this season and so far is a top 12 QB. With consistent weapons like Amon-Ra St Brown he has a solid floor but with question marks over DeAndre Swift this week the impetus will go more on Goff connecting with St Brown, Hockensen, Jamaal Williams and co.
Other QB Options – Matt Ryan vsTEN, Mitch Trubisky vsNYJ, Marcus Mariota vsCLE.
RB – Khalil Herbert (CHI) – I mentioned him ealerier but he’s such a must own that I’m putting him down again. Alternatively, Alexander Mattison, Jamaal Williams and Samaje Perine would each see significant roles for the short term with the leaders of their backfields potentially missing time through injury and lasts weeks choice in JD McKissic had a 10pt week so if he’s still there, he’s an option.
WR – Romeo Doubs (GBP) – Doubs saw a lot of hype pre-season when Aaron Rodgers talked him up and Christian Watson got injured, but this week Doubs finally saw the usage that suggests the hype was genuine. Green Bay need weapons and he’s becoming a trusted on for Aaron Rodgers so grab him while you can. Other potential options are DJ Chark seeing more usage if the Lions are missing a key player, Nico Collins making a move for Houston and Josh Palmer making the most of Allens absence for the Chargers.
TE – Tyler Conklin (NYJ) – Good luck if you need a TE as it’s been slim pickings at the best of times but if you don’t want to play the roulette with Njoku, a solid performer week on week has been Tyler Conklin for the Jets. 12, 12 and 20pts with Joe Flacco at QB. Zach Wilson may be back but I don’t think they will move away from using him now.
DST Options – Packers @NE, Jets @PIT, Colts vsTEN, Giants vsCHI.
