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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) set to make season debut

Fri Sep 20 8:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins said he is 100 percent recovered from his hamstring injury and will make his season debut in Monday night's home game against the Washington Commanders.

Higgins missed the first two games of the season due to the injury. He was a limited practice participant the past two days.

"I feel great," Higgins said after Friday's practice. "Obviously, unfortunate with the injury, sat out the first two weeks but finally ready to get my feet wet this season and ready to go."

Higgins, a fifth-year pro, sustained the injury on Sept. 5 in practice.

The 25-year-old has topped 1,000 yards in two of his four seasons with Cincinnati. He is making $21.8 million on the franchise tag this season after he and the Bengals could not agree on a long-term extension.

Overall, Higgins has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 scores in four NFL seasons.

Another solid campaign could see the price for Higgins' services increase.

"I don't really look at it that way," Higgins said when asked about the situation. "I've just got to go out and be me and play my game, and the rest will take care of itself."

Fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase is happy to see that Higgins is about to return in the wake of the team's 0-2 start.

"I feel like we need a win, just under our belt just so we can feel relaxed, and just get a win at home," Chase said. "I think that's another good thing that'll be good for us. And having a full offense back as one whole unit, finally, I think that would be good for us."

Chase had just four receptions for 35 yards in last Sunday's last-second 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 10 catches for 97 yards and no touchdowns this season.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
D'Andre Swift Sep 21 2:00am ET
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a viable Flex/RB3 option for Sunday's matchup against the struggling Indianapolis Colts, who have had a tough time defending against running backs this season. The Colts currently allow a league-worst average of 237 rushing yards per game. While the Packers' offense had limited success in the air against the Colts, they dominated on the ground, with Josh Jacobs rushing for 151 yards on 32 carries. Additionally, the Colts recently placed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next four weeks. Swift has averaged under three yards per carry this season, accumulating just 48 rushing yards across two games. If the Bears capitalize on Indianapolis's weak run defense, it could provide the spark needed to rejuvenate their offense. The silver lining for Swift is his significant early-season usage, with 67% of the snaps, 62% of the carries, 59% route participation, and an 11% target share. However, the Bears' offense has struggled overall, as Swift averages only 2.0 yards per carry on 24 rushes. He needs to elevate his performance to help the Bears gain momentum. Chicago must emphasize the run game through Swift, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, or Velus Jones Jr. If the offensive line fails to create holes against the league's worst run-stopping defense, it could indicate more severe issues up front than previously thought.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 21 2:00am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore remains a reliable WR2 option for this week's promising matchup. Moore aims to bounce back from a slow start as the Bears' offense continues to seek its rhythm. Over the first two games, he has been targeted 18 times, recording a team-high 11 catches for 89 receiving yards. This game against the Colts offers his best chance at a breakout, especially after facing more formidable defenses like the Titans and Texans. The Colts rank sixth in the league for most fantasy points allowed to receivers, and their secondary has struggled. The Colts secondary has the second-worst expected points added per dropback against outside wide receivers, allowing a 75% catch rate and tons of receiving yards to wideouts. With fellow receiver Keenan Allen (heel) out again with an injury, Moore will likely see an uptick in targets. Despite the team's struggles, Moore's consistent target share and evident talent keep him positioned as a low-end WR2 for fantasy managers. As rookie quarterback Caleb Williams develops and the Bears' offense improves, Moore's production should increase. Moore will look to make the necessary adjustments and find the end zone as they travel to Indianapolis in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 21 2:00am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze aims to turn around his quiet start to the season this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. His role has been particularly frustrating for fans, as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has yet to utilize his elite skill set fully. Odunze managed only two receptions against the Texans, with a missed opportunity in the end zone overshadowing his performance. However, his struggles aren't solely on him; finding a rhythm is challenging when he's not consistently targeted. Odunze will look to rebound against a vulnerable Colts passing defense. The Colts secondary has the second-worst expected points added per dropback against outside wide receivers, allowing a 75% catch rate and tons of receiving yards to wideouts. With fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) not playing, Odunze could see an uptick in targets. However, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams averaging just 134 yards and no touchdowns through the air, there may not be enough volume to support even one wide receiver, let alone three. Unless fantasy managers are desperate and Allen is ruled out, Odunze should remain on fantasy benches this week.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Sep 21 2:00am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is sharing snaps with Gerald Everett, who outperformed him in both playing time and route running during Week 2. Over the first two weeks of the season, Kmet has recorded five receptions on six targets for a mere 31 yards. After finishing last season with 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns, he hoped for a stronger start. However, as quarterback Caleb Williams adjusts and the Bears seek to improve as a team, Kmet will likely see more offense involvement moving forward. The main obstacle for Williams and the Bears is the pressure the defenses are applying to the young quarterback. To combat this and kickstart their offense, it would be beneficial to utilize the middle of the field more and incorporate Kmet into the game plan. Tight ends often act as a security blanket for inexperienced quarterbacks. As the Bears work to speed up Williams' processing time and ensure quick ball releases, using Kmet as a reliable target will be crucial. Meanwhile, veteran backup Gerald Everett garnered three targets last game and continues to impact Kmet's fantasy potential as the team prepares to face the Colts on Sunday. Kmet is a risky play in deeper leagues only.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 21 1:50am ET
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option as he faces the high-scoring Indianapolis Colts. Williams aims to rebound from a challenging start to his rookie season, during which he has largely been ineffective in fantasy. The Bears have struggled to establish their offense, but the Colts' defense has shown weaknesses early in the season. Chicago's offensive line must improve its protection, especially after Williams was sacked seven times last week against the Texans. Adding to the Colts' vulnerabilities, they placed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next four weeks. While the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick still has time to turn things around, fantasy managers cannot wait, leading to a decline in rankings for both Williams and the entire Bears offense. So far, Williams has averaged just 134 passing yards per game without a touchdown, and the team has struggled overall, averaging only 3.0 yards per play, ranking last in the NFL by half a yard. It's advisable to look for another option in one-QB leagues, while Williams might offer some upside in two-QB or Superflex formats against a vulnerable Colts defense.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Sep 21 1:40am ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason has momentum coming into a Week 3 matchup versus the Rams in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon. The 49ers appear to have developed a gem in the undrafted 25-year-old who spent his last two years at Georgia Tech overshadowed by Jamyr Gibbs. Through two games Mason -- who goes by J.P. around the 49ers facility -- is the overall RB7 in half-PPR scoring. The Rams have struggled to stop the run in the young season, allowing the third-most half-PPR points to running backs. Last week, they let Arizona's James Connor go for 122 yards and a touchdown. Before that, in Detroit, David Montgomery and Gibbs combined for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Mason began the season in relative obscurity as Christian McCaffrey's backup but in the absence of CMC (Achilles), he has skyrocketed to high-end RB1 and must-start status in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Sep 21 1:20am ET
Deshaun Watson

The New York Giants defense/special teams enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns fresh off a Week 2 showing where they did not allow a touchdown but let up seven field goals for a total of 21 points against the Washington Commanders. Facing the Browns' offense, which ranks 27th after two weeks with an average of 263.5 total yards per game, the Giants defense is primed for a productive fantasy outing. Quarterback Deshaun Watson's shaky 154.5 yards-per-game average provides the Giants ample opportunity to disrupt the passing game. While it is probably best to keep the Giants defense on the waiver wire, they could surprise in what could be a grind-it-out contest.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 21 1:10am ET
Brock Purdy

In Week 3, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy takes the team's 1-1 record into their first divisional game of 2024 in Los Angeles against the Rams in their home opener. Purdy didn't light up the fantasy scoreboard last Sunday in Minnesota by any stretch, throwing for only one touchdown, tossing an interception, and losing a fumble. However, he did throw for 319 yards. It was probably even more frustrating and painful for Purdy himself though, being sacked a career-high six times. Purdy is stuck on one touchdown through two weeks, but on the bright side, he is surprisingly leading the NFL in passing yards per game. The Rams are coming off a 41-10 road drubbing at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, a game in which Kyler Murray threw for 226 yards and three passing touchdowns. Before that though, they kept Lions QB Jared Goff to 217 yards, one touchdown, and a pick in Detroit. Purdy will be without Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and probably George Kittle (hamstring) in this one, not to mention Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) who isn't expected to return for several more weeks. Even if Los Angeles' pass defense is as vulnerable as they looked last week, these injuries throw cold water on the matchup advantage. Put Purdy on the QB1/2 border with a slight boost if Kittle plays.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 21 1:00am ET
CeeDee Lamb

The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams have shown the ability to create turnovers and grab a couple of sacks, but they haven't been able to limit yards and points scored like last season. This defense has given up an average of 26.5 points and 306.5 total yards. They've been able to eat up opposing ground games, but they're the eighth easiest matchup for opposing receivers as they've given up 32.8 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. The Dallas Cowboys have the potential to explode through the air since they boast one of the top receivers in the game in CeeDee Lamb. With how weak the Cowboys' ground game has been, it looks like they'll need to air out early and often. The Ravens' defense doesn't quite give fantasy managers the peace of mind they once did, but they are a startable fantasy asset in Week 3 despite being on the riskier side.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 21 1:00am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson heads into Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns with a bump in the road, coming off a poor Week 2 performance where he caught only two of his four targets for 18 yards. Robinson's role as a short-area target gives him a decent floor in PPR formats (as a flex in deeper leagues), but the matchup is tough. The Browns have allowed just 199 passing yards per game in 2024, and Malik Nabers seems to be hogging all of the targets (18 in Week 2). Still, Robinson's quickness could exploit Cleveland's vulnerability to slot receivers, and with the Giants likely playing from behind, he may see an uptick in volume. Consider him a fringe WR3/flex option with potential in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 21 1:00am ET
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns with an opportunity to deliver fantasy value after being picked up off the Detroit Lions practice squad. At this time, Joseph might not even be the kicker that dresses against the Browns as he is competing with Jude McAtamney, who is also on the practice roster. The veteran has played 67 regular-season games for three teams with an 82.6 field goal percentage and a long of 61 yards. Keep an eye on who will be dressed for Sunday's matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 21 1:00am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow, calf) didn't practice on Friday. That's three straight absences for the wideout, who is now considered questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old was in line to be the top wideout in Los Angeles entering the 2024-25 campaign. However, he's caught just four of his six targets for 34 yards in the Bolts' first two contests. With that in mind, Palmer isn't an ideal fantasy option in any fantasy format for Week 3 if he's active. That's not expected to change anytime soon, especially with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey playing as well as anyone could hope.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 21 12:50am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns fresh off a quiet Week 2 performance where he posted just three receptions for 33 yards. Slayton's deep-threat ability can be explosive, and he'll face a Browns defense that has allowed 12.1 yards per reception to receivers through two weeks. Slayton's target share has been modest (10.5% of the team's passing attempts), but there's some sneaky upside here. Expect Slayton to be a high-risk option that is best left on waivers unless managers are desperate for a flex play.

From RotoBaller

Hayden Hurst Sep 21 12:50am ET
Hayden Hurst

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he logged a full session on Friday and was removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite playing more snaps than Will Dissly through the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, the latter has been more productive. Still, neither play will find a home in fantasy lineups for Week 3 due to their lack of statistical output. That will be even more true if Justin Herbert (ankle), who is questionable, isn't active.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Sep 21 12:40am ET
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns after a performance he would like to forget in Week 2, where he posted 0 receptions on 0 targets against the Washington Commanders. Cleveland has allowed an average of only 8.65 fantasy points per game to tight ends through the first two weeks. At this point, Johnson should not be considered for anyone's roster, but managers should keep an eye on him as he is still the team's starting TE, and the Giants have committed to him there.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Sep 21 12:40am ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (calf) was limited during Friday's practice session and is questionable for Monday's game versus Washington. The 28-year-old had a touchdown called back in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. However, he made amends by catching seven of his nine targets for 91 yards in the narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With many tight ends around the National Football League struggling, Gesicki has gained streaming appeal in 12-team formats. Yet, his status for Week 3 may not be revealed until Monday night, well after nearly every contest on the slate has been played. As a result, fantasy managers may want to consider an alternative for Week 3. If anything, Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. are likely available on the waiver wire. Still, both men aren't expected to do much versus the Washington Commanders, especially if Tee Higgins (hamstring) is back in the lineup after missing the Bengals' previous two contests.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dulcich Sep 21 12:30am ET
Greg Dulcich

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (knee, ankle) no longer carries an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was limited during Wednesday's practice. However, the 24-year-old logged full sessions on Thursday and Friday. Dulcich began the 2024-25 campaign by amassing two catches for 12 yards in the Week 1 matchup with the Seahawks. While he was targeted eight times in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he ended the day with only three receptions for 16 yards. With that in mind, Dulcich doesn't warrant consideration in any fantasy format, especially with Bo Nix under center, with the rookie signal-caller throwing four picks and completing only 59.7% of his tosses in the Broncos' first two contests.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 21 12:20am ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) plans to play against the Washington Commanders on Monday night. The wideout has battled a hamstring injury, keeping him off the field for the Bengals' previous two contests. Fortunately, he's feeling better. "I feel great," said Higgins after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. "Obviously, unfortunate with the injury, sat out the first two weeks but finally ready to get my feet wet this season and ready to go." Under normal circumstances, Higgins is a starting fantasy receiver in any format. However, there's a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual. As a result, Andrei Iosivas, coming off a two-touchdown outing versus the Kansas City Chiefs, could remain involved. Still, Iosivas' fantasy outlook would have been more promising had Higgins been in line to miss Monday's contest. On the other hand, Higgins' anticipated return is good news for Joe Burrow all around.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 21 12:20am ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has been incredibly reliable thus far this season but will face his toughest test yet in the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been stout through two weeks, surrendering the fewest points and second-fewest offensive yards in the NFL. Because this is expected to be a sluggish, low-scoring affair, it is difficult to project Boswell for a ton of involvement. Fantasy managers would be wise to look elsewhere for a starting option this week.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 21 12:10am ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start his fourth professional campaign and will hope to turn things around against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Although the Chargers have surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends through two weeks of the season, this contest isn't expected to offer much in the way of offensive firepower. That said, Freiermuth is tied for the team lead in receptions and has the second-most targets in Pittsburgh thus far this season, so his role in the offense should remain consistent. Given the landscape of the tight end position in fantasy right now, there are very few options that offer both a high ceiling and a safe floor. Freiermuth seems to have the latter, making him a fine yet uninspiring low-end TE1 or high-end TE2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller