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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Injury Status: Championship Games

Thu Jan 25 9:02am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

The good news is the injury reports aren’t too long this week. Now there are a few key players hurting, though, which could impact the game. The Chiefs have some injuries along the offensive line and the 49ers could be without one of their best offensive players. So it isn’t all great when it comes to injuries. There are a few to watch.

Here is the latest. . . .

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens. It is looking more and more like Andrews will make his return this week. He is practicing in full and seems closer to full strength than last week. He has yet to be activated from Injured Reserve but look for that to happen before the week is out. Andrews still might not play his usual role in the game but look for him to be out there and helping the team.

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has a toe injury and is out of practice to start the week. He is resting more than anything, though, and it seems the toe injury isn’t too serious. It would be a shock if Pacheco is not active for the big game this week. He should be ready to go.

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Ravens. Humphrey has not played since Week 17 because of a calf strain. He is back at practice this week, though, and trending towards being ready for the game. It would be a big boost to the secondary to have Humphrey back in the lineup for the Ravens.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore seemed finally close to returning last week, returning to some practice. But he seemed to have a setback late last week with the knee injury. He missed Friday’s practice and has not practiced since. This is not a good sign for a return for Moore. He should miss another week of action.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers. Samuel has the big injury to watch this week. He was knocked from last week’s game because of a shoulder injury. He is out of practice to start this week. He is apparently not dealing with a significant injury but it is serious enough that it could sideline him this week. He is truly up in the air to play. It might come down to a game-time decision for Samuel.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Geno Smith Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be a QB2 in Week 3 but he could be started if you find yourself in a pinch. Smith has scored at least 17.88 fantasy points in both games this season. If you are in a tough spot with an injured Jordan Love (knee) or Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), then Smith is a fine spot start this weekend against a beatable Miami Dolphins defense. Expect Smith to score around his usual 18 points in Week 3.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba should be a solid fantasy asset in Week 3. His huge breakout game in Week 2 inspires confidence that this new Seahawks regime is committed to getting him the ball. While one week should not fully change your opinion on Smith-Njigba, his 16 targets to Tyler Lockett's two is encouraging moving forward. Outside of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins do not have a scary secondary. If the Seahawks even give Smith-Njigba half the volume he had in Week 2 then he will be a solid start.

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Lamar Jackson Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains one of the best fantasy quarterbacks despite leading the team to a 0-2 record so far. The two-time MVP will take a team in desperation mode to face off against the Dallas Cowboys who are fresh off of a blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys are currently 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and one of the worst against the run thus far. Jackson had a down week against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 and still finished as the QB9. Overall, he's sitting at QB6 and will look to guide the team to their first win of the season. Fantasy managers can continue to confidently deploy him in their lineups, as he remains in QB1 territory until further notice.

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Zach Charbonnet Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a mid-range RB2 once again this week. With starting running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) slated to miss his second straight game, Charbonnet is in line for another massive workload. Charbonnet has been pretty ineffective as a runner. He is only averaging 2.3 yards per carry this season. However, Charbonnet has been very involved in the passing game. He has caught seven passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. Most of Charbonnet's value is coming from touchdowns or receptions. He may have another inefficient day on the ground, but he should have a solid floor to do his receptions. The Seahawks should also find themselves near the goal line in this game which would afford Charbonnet easy chances to score. Charbonnet had 19 opportunities in Week 2. Any running back seeing that kind of volume is a lineup lock.

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Tyler Bass Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has converted three field goals on the season and kicked four extra points in each of the first two games. That wouldn't be terrible in most seasons. In 2024, we're witnessing a record number of field goals. 73 field goals were made in Week 2. Bass accounted for just one. The Buffalo offense is great and has little issue getting into the red zone. But they're also converting most of their trips into touchdowns. The Jacksonville defense is average at best, meaning Josh Allen and Co. shouldn't have issues staying on the field. The Bills also worked out two kickers earlier this week. Find one of the many kickers scoring double-digit fantasy points to start instead of Bass.

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Tyler Lockett Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was a full participant in practice on Friday. After logging limited practices earlier in the week, Lockett appears good to go in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. Lockett had a solid Week 1 on his way to six receptions for 77 yards. However, Lockett took a back seat to wide receivers DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 2. Week 3 should provide more concrete insight into the target share of the Seahawks' talented trio of wide receivers. If Week 2 was any indication, Lockett may only be a low-end flex play moving forward.

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Mike McDaniel Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Mike McDaniel

Usually, you try to avoid deploying a fantasy defense against the Miami Dolphins. However, with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) out, Skylar Thompson will be quarterbacking this offense. With a head coach like Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins should be able to effectively move the ball. Even so, there is no denying that the offense will not be nearly as effective as usual. The Seahawks D/ST has had a couple of good outings to start the season. They can safely be deployed as your starting D/ST in Week 3.

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Jason Myers Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers continues to excel in the kicking game. He has yet to miss a kick in 2024 and the Seahawks offense continues to be in scoring positions. With the passing offense starting to click, expect more of the same in Week 3. The Dolphins' defense is solid but nothing to fear. As such, Myers should have plenty more chances for extra points and field goals in Week 3.

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Noah Fant Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant should not be on the fantasy radar in Week 3. Fant only has three receptions on the season as the new-look Seahawks offense has focused on the running game and wide receivers. With the tight end position performing so poorly in 2024, many fantasy managers are turning to the waiver wire. Fant should not be considered to replace lost tight end value.

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Khalil Shakir Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir leads the team in receptions and receiving yards and shouldn't slow down against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville has allowed the third-most receptions and yards to wide receivers through the first two weeks and is average defending the slot. The Bills have developed into a run-centric offense under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Earning most of the limited targets in the first two weeks, Shakir has the safest floor of the Buffalo wide receivers. Another double-digit PPR fantasy game is easily attainable. Shakir is a low-end WR3/flex candidate for lineups in Week 3.

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Davis Allen Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Davis Allen

Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) has officially been ruled out ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. It will be the second consecutive game he has been unable to suit up. With Allen out, expect Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long to handle tight-end duties for Los Angeles. The 23-year-old has appeared in just six snaps this season, failing to haul in his lone target. If the former fifth-round pick can work his way back to health, he can carve out a role in LA's passing attack due to the sheer volume of critical Rams' pieces suffering injuries. The team has already been without Tyler Higbee and will now navigate the foreseeable future sans star wideout Cooper Kupp after losing Puka Nacua to early-season IR. For now, Allen is not a recommended option for fantasy, though he is someone whose return we should monitor.

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Keon Coleman Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Keon Coleman

Fantasy managers have seen the good and the bad from Buffalo Bills' rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman. He led the Bills in receptions, yards, and target share in Week 1. In Week 2, his only mark in the box score was one target. Coleman is behind Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid in the target pecking order. Plus, the Bills have shifted to a run-centric offense, so there are fewer targets to go around. That's the biggest reason Coleman was shut out against Miami. The Jacksonville secondary isn't anything to worry about, but if the Bills build a big lead again, Coleman won't be fantasy-relevant. Therefore, it's safer to leave the low-end WR4 on fantasy football benches this week.

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Kenny McIntosh Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Kenny McIntosh

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh was a non-factor behind Zach Charbonnet in Week 2. While the Seahawks use Charbonnet behind Kenneth Walker III (oblique) when Walker is healthy, Week 2 indicated that Charbonnet will be a true workhorse back when Walker is injured. McIntosh may see a few snaps, but he will not see enough volume to merit a fantasy start.

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Josh Allen Sep 20 10:00pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen isn't throwing the football as often as he did in previous seasons, but his efficiency and rushing abilities keep him a top fantasy football option in Week 3. Allen is attempting 21 passes per game so far this season, the second lowest among starting quarterbacks. Reduced opportunity numbers (19 pass attempts, two carries) doomed fantasy managers in Week 2. Unfortunately, a matchup against a struggling Jacksonville offense may not help. Should the Bills jump out to another quick lead on Monday Night Football, the coaching staff could rely on James Cook and the running attack again. Still, it's unwise to pivot to another quarterback, knowing that Allen is capable of tallying four touchdowns in the blink of an eye.

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James Cook Sep 20 10:00pm ET
James Cook

It's doubtful that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook scores three touchdowns and wins AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week but he still is ranked as an RB1 heading into the team's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are allowing over 100 rushing yards per game. They're also struggling on offense. With a lead, the Bills could lean more on Cook. Regardless of the game script, he will continue to be the focal point of the Buffalo offense, registering over 70 yards on the ground in both contests while adding extra yardage in the passing game. Expect at least 15 touches from Cook on Monday Night Football and start him confidently as an RB1.

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Dalton Kincaid Sep 20 10:00pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has disappointed fantasy managers so far in 2024 with just five catches for 44 yards through two games. There were signs of encouragement in the blowout victory over Miami in Week 2. Kincaid had better than a 20% target share as the Bills worked to involve the 2023 first-round pick. Unfortunately, the game turned into a blowout and he was unused for the majority of the second half. The Jacksonville offense has struggled to start the 2024 campaign. That could be worrisome for Kincaid's Week 3 outlook. If the game stays competitive, however, expect Kincaid to maintain a safe floor. Kincaid is ranked as a TE1 and should be started in all leagues.

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Jalen Brooks Sep 20 9:50pm ET
Jalen Brooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (ankle) is officially questionable for the team's Week 3 home tilt against the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The 24-year-old received the tag after popping up on the injury report Thursday, putting together back-to-back limited sessions ahead of the team's matchup. Through two games, Brooks has converted 2-of-4 targets for 28 yards on 41 total snaps. It's the fourth-most of any Cowboys wideout -- however, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and Brandin Cooks have all recorded 102 snaps or more. The second-year receiver is a more critical special teams player for Dallas as opposed to his offensive contributions. He can be firmly off fantasy manager's radars outside deep dynasty leagues.

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Courtland Sutton Sep 20 9:40pm ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton comes into the Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looking for his first score of the year after finding the end zone a career-high 10 times in 2023. Through two games in 2024, Sutton has a weak 31.3% catch rate while working with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, catching only five of his 16 targets for 64 yard while seeing Josh Reynolds lead the team in receiving yards. It doesn't help Sutton's cause this weekend that rookie Devaughn Vele (ribs), who caught all eight of his targets in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, is returning after a one-game absence. The 28-year-old finished fifth on the team in targets last Sunday against Pittsburgh and caught just one pass for 26 yards. It's still early, but Sutton doesn't appear to have great chemistry right now with the struggling Nix.

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Tanner Hudson Sep 20 9:40pm ET
Tanner Hudson

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) officially did not practice Friday. After opening the week as a back-to-back non-participant, Hudson will have one more chance to get in a limited session on Saturday to help his case for suiting up Monday night when the team hosts the visiting Washington Commanders. He was one of four Bengals TEs to record a snap in Week 1 but has yet to suit up since. In the meantime, teammate Mike Gesicki showed out this past Sunday in Cincinnati's 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, hauling in 7-of-9 targets for 91 yards -- despite playing the fewest snaps of the active tight ends. Gesicki may have separated himself from Hudson, Drew Sample, and rookie Erick All Jr., but that is not guaranteed. Regardless, Hudson can be off fantasy manager's radars as the team's third TE.

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Khari Blasingame Sep 20 9:30pm ET
Khari Blasingame

Chicago Bears full-back Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) has officially been ruled out ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Colts in Indianapolis. Blasingame has not recorded a rush attempt or target through two weeks of the 2024 season and has played on just seven offensive snaps. However, the sixth-year veteran has racked up 14 snaps on special teams. He's not often featured and probably wouldn't factor much into Chicago's game plan, even if he was healthy. Blasingame is the only active full-back on Chicago's roster, so tight ends Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis may mix in to pick up the slack as needed. It's tough to trust the Bears' offense, but there's a chance they have a better game than anticipated against a porous Colts defense.

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