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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Tyler Lockett Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett finished Week 3 with five receptions for 46 yards. It was a fine flex outing for Lockett who had a quiet day in Week 2. Lockett was Geno Smith's safety valve in this game. He caught several possession catches that either moved the chains or got the Seahawks out of trouble. Lockett and fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba seem to be alternating solid outings. The fantasy value of each player has been difficult to predict. Lockett will look to stay fantasy-relevant once again next week. The Seahawks will need to throw to keep up with a talented Detroit Lions offense in Week 4. As such, Lockett should have plenty of opportunities to build on this outing but he remains a mid-range flex option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert caught 10 of 11 targets for 170 yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) out for the second consecutive week, the 29-year-old was targeted early and often in this game. Even though he was unable to find the end zone, Goedert had the longest catch of his career, going 61 yards to inside the five-yard line to set up a Saquon Barkley touchdown. DeVonta Smith (concussion) also exited this game early, leaving Goedert the top target for Jalen Hurts this week and potentially next with both star wideouts are forced to sit. This will likely be the best fantasy performance of the season for the veteran tight end, but it solidifies him as a TE1 moving forward, especially if the Eagles receivers miss more time.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Wilson Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Johnny Wilson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson caught one of two targets for a gain of nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. The rookie saw his snap share rise this week with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out for the second consecutive week and DeVonta Smith (concussion) exiting early in this game. Wilson did little with his targets and had a penalty called on him that stalled a drive but could see his usage increase in Week 3 if the star receivers sit out against Tampa Bay. Offseason acquisition Jahan Dotson has done nothing to solidify a role and the Eagles will likely stick Wilson outside to allow him to use his long reach to his advantage. He is not a recommended start, but a name to monitor heading into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 29 of 38 passes for 311 yards and one interception, adding eight carries for 25 yards and a lost fumble during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. Again, the turnovers happened fairly early for Philadelphia, but the 26-year-old was able to rally the offense in the second half and instead of losing in the final minutes like last week, the Eagles pulled out a win. Saquon Barkley had two touchdowns Sunday, and with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving the game after a nasty collision, the passing attack ran through tight end Dallas Goedert, who tallies 170 yards receiving. This was not the best fantasy finish for Hurts by any means, but he will remain a QB1 heading into next week when the Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 22 8:00pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught another long touchdown pass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. Metcalf got behind the defense and was wide open for a 71-yard score. Metcalf would finish the day with four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has now caught a long touchdown pass in two straight games. Although the Seahawks' passing offense was out of sync for much of Week 3, Metcalf was still able to capitalize on his opportunities. Metcalf now has over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in two straight games. The Seahawks are clearly committed to Metcalf as a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver which bodes well for his fantasy outlook as a high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 moving forward. He will look to continue this momentum in Week 4 against a vulnerable Detroit Lions secondary.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 17 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. After a costly drop that cost the Eagles a shot at sealing the win last week, the 27-year-old got involved heavily in the second half, taking a carry 65 yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown to give Philadelphia its first lead of the day. The Eagles' defense then gave the lead back with only two minutes to go in the game. The final drive consisted of a huge play by tight end Dallas Goedert and a four-yard score for Barkley, taking the lead. The poorly timed drop last week against Atlanta is the only negative you can point to when looking at the former Giants performance through three weeks. Even in a stiff matchup with the Buccaneers' run defense next week, lock in Barkley as a top-three fantasy option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 11 times for 30 yards in the team's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday. He added 28 yards and three receptions on five targets. It was the 22-year-old's first outing this season without a touchdown and the fewest touches and total yardage for him in the young season. The Dolphins offense was stuck in neutral for most of the game, with neither Skylar Thompson (chest) nor Tim Boyle able to get any traction going against Seattle. Still, Achane saw the lion's share of the work out of the backfield, out-touching Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. 14-to-5. The former Aggie is one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL, but this offense does not have the same juice sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Miami will look to score its first touchdown in six quarters when they take on the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 4 on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 22 7:58pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Dynasty | Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had two catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: Johnston now has three touchdowns in two games after having just two in his rookie season last year. While much of the off-season talk revolved around Ladd McConkey, it's been Johnston who has established himself as the better fantasy scoring threat through two weeks. He remains a bit of a dangerous start at the moment, but his start is a huge step forward for a player who many felt was already a bust.

J.K. Dobbins Sep 22 7:57pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

Dynasty | Chargers running back JK Dobbins had 44 rushing yards, three catches and ten receiving yards in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: While the scoring total for Dobbins today is disappointing, there is a big development hidden in the box score as Dobbins handled 18 touches while Gus Edwards had just three. At this point, it seems this is no longer a committee with the Chargers as Dobbins has simply taken over the backfield. This is a big development as Dobbins continues to be one of the biggest risers in terms of dynasty rankings over the first month of the season. In short, he finally looks healthy.

Stefon Diggs Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught ten passes for 94 yards in Houston's loss against the Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: This was a big day for Diggs, who led the Texans with 12 targets. While Nico Collins still had ten, the narrative that Collins is clearly the WR1 for the team may have been a little premature. With 20 catches through three games, Diggs will be a recommended play moving forward, despite a receiving room that seems pretty stacked.

Rome Odunze Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Rome Odunze

Dynasty | Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a career-high six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: With Keenan Allen out this week, Odunze tied Cole Kmet for the team lead in targets with 11. He certainly made the most of them as he had his best day in the NFL by far. While Allen should be back soon, it's clear Odunze has the talent of a top-ten pick and has earned himself a pretty good target share moving forward. With an unpredictable rookie at the helm, this corps is going to be tough to count on moving forward, but Odunze looks like a solid dynasty hold right now.

Malik Willis Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Malik Willis

Dynasty | Packers quarterback Malik Willis completed 13-of-19 passes for 202 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding a team-high 73 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: You have to wonder if the Titans brass was second guessing themselves as their former developmental quarterback was carving them up via a flawless game plan. Willis has some limitations but he has also proved he's more than capable of playing at a high level, at least in a short-term burst. Jordan Love should be back next week, but it seems clear the Packers may have found something in Willis. He should be rostered in any dynasty league that has more than 20 or so players on a roster.

Malik Nabers Sep 22 7:56pm ET
Malik Nabers

Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in a surprise win against Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: One thing is clear this season - Nabers is here to stay. After a 10/127/1 game last week, Nabers was even better this week with his 8/78/2 line. Regardless, he has the looks not only of a future WR1, but a current one as well. While his potential may be slowed by Daniel Jones, he's proven to be more than worthy of his draft capital and his ranking is going to go up as soon as this week. In short, Nabers is a top-10 dynasty receiver already.

Bryce Young Sep 22 7:56pm ET
Bryce Young

Dynasty | The Panthers are receiving trade calls on quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: "In demand," might be a bit strong as teams are likely contacting Carolina to see if they pick up a former #1 pick for mere pennies on the dollar. At this point, the Panthers have been unwilling to entertain offers but that could change if Andy Dalton plays well and proves their early season offensive problems were legitimately all on Young. If Dalton struggles, Young could get another chance down the road. Today will be a big day for his future for sure. In the end, he remains a pretty weak hold in a dynasty league.

Bucky Irving Sep 22 7:56pm ET
Bucky Irving

Dynasty | Bucs running back Bucky Irving had 70 rushing yards, three catches, and 14 receiving yards in a loss against Denver. Dynasty Analysis: Simply put, Irving has looked better than Rachaad White through three weeks. He also out-carried him 9-6 and had 12 total touches compared to 11 for White today. Neither back is seeing the volume to be a recommended play at the moment, but Irving is starting to look like a rookie bargain at the moment.

Malcolm Rodriguez Sep 22 7:50pm ET
Malcolm Rodriguez

Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee) didn't return to Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. He suffered a knee injury due to a chop block and needed to be carted to the locker room. Barnes totaled nine tackles entering Week 3. But if the injury keeps him on the shelf, Malcolm Rodriguez would be in line to see more work.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 22 7:50pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers missed his first kick of 2024 on Sunday. Myers went 1/2 on field goals and 3/3 on extra points. He finished with seven fantasy points. The Seahawks offense has been in scoring positions all season affording Myers plenty of chances to score. He will look to continue his solid season in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 22 7:50pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for 289 yards and one touchdown in Week 3. However, Smith threw two unfortunate interceptions. Smith's interceptions were not entirely his fault. Nonetheless, they resulted in negative points for fantasy. Smith ended the day with 13.36 fantasy points. Smith has thrown one touchdown in each game this season. He will need to have a larger statistical output to be more of a factor in fantasy moving forward. Even so, he has generally been a high-end QB2 in each week this season.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 22 7:50pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had another quiet outing on Sunday. Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks in targets with seven. However, he only turned those targets into three receptions for 39 yards. After a huge breakout in Week 2, fantasy managers were hoping for an encore. The fact that Smith-Njigba led the team in targets indicates that the Seahawks are still very committed to getting him the ball. As long as that trend continues, Smith-Njigba should be fine in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Sep 22 7:50pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a big day filling in for Kenneth Walker III (oblique) on Sunday. Charbonnet rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns and caught three passes for 16 yards. Most importantly, Charbonnet ran for 5.1 yards per carry after two wildly inefficient outings in Weeks 1 and 2. Charbonnet has been excellent for fantasy in the absence of Walker. Walker is hoping to return in Week 4, but Charbonnet has demonstrated that he can be a solid complement. It will be worth monitoring to see how this backfield breaks down moving forward.

From RotoBaller