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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Steelers' Justin Fields 'definitely competing' to be QB1

Tue May 21 4:32pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields credits Bears general manager Ryan Poles for staying true to a promise by trading the former first-round pick to his preferred destination.

Fields landed in Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick as potential competition for Russell Wilson after the Bears decided to use the No. 1 overall pick to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Once that decision crystallized for Chicago, Poles personally committed to "doing right by Justin Fields."

"Shoutout to Poles," Fields said Tuesday after organized team activities with the Steelers. "We communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be, so he honored that and I appreciate him for that. Nothing but love for the city, the fans, my teammates and coaches."

If Fields plays more than 51 percent of the total snaps for the Steelers in 2024, Chicago's draft compensation in return is upgraded to a fourth-round pick.

They cleared the depth chart in a matter of weeks, dealing former starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles and allowing Mason Rudolph to join the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft, had 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in three seasons with the Bears.

It's also a fresh start for Wilson, who enters Year 13 with something to prove. He signed with the Steelers after being released by the Broncos despite a total cap hit of more than $80 million.

Fields said he's grateful to be in Pittsburgh and declined to answer whether the Bears did everything they could to facilitate his growth on the field.

"It is what it is. That's in the past," Fields said.

As for his next chapter with the Steelers, Fields said his intentions are clear inside the building.

"I'm definitely competing. Russ knows that," Fields said. "We're competing against each other every day. I definitely don't have the mindset of me just sitting every day. I'm pushing him to be his best and he's pushing me to be my best each and every day."

Fields said he's not the same quarterback he was last year.

"I have a lot more room to grow," Fields said. "I'm going to continue to get better each and every day. I'm nowhere near my ceiling."

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Eric Saubert Sep 23 1:40am ET
Eric Saubert

San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Saubert was minimally involved but efficient in the team's passing game during a 27-24 loss to the Rams in Los Angeles. Saubert, filling in for George Kittle (hamstring), did good work in the run-block game and caught two-of-two targets for 41 yards. There are no updates on Kittle's injury at this time, but there are no indications that he's dealing with a multiple-week injury. Even if Kittle were to miss again, it seems likely that Sunday's performance is on the high side of what might be expected from Saubert in Week 4 versus the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Sep 23 1:20am ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell could not reel in his only target of the day in the team's 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears. Mitchell took the biggest hit in snaps with the return of WR Josh Downs, who missed the season's first two games with an ankle injury. Mitchell played on just seven snaps, running two routes, receiving one target. Fantasy managers who were keeping the rookie on their radar will want to make note of the loss of opportunities with the return of Downs. He can remain benched in all formats barring any significant changes in playing time moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 23 1:20am ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings erupted in a 27-24 loss to the Rams in Los Angeles on Sunday. All he did filling in for Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) was catch 11 of 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns, not only nearly doubling Malik Nabers' overall WR2 performance, but leading all players at any position in fantasy thus far in Week 3. For gamers who took a lineup risk, Jennings caught the wide-open ones and the ridiculous ones alike, catching 10 straight after having the ball jarred loose on his first target. Jennings' output today obliterates his previous best outing when he had 94 yards and two touchdowns in the last game of his rookie year, 2021. Samuel Sr. is not expected to reclaim his starting role next week at home against the New England Patriots, so Jennings is in line for more opportunities to produce. He'll be a top waiver target in most leagues heading into Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Sep 23 1:10am ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon ran the ball two times for 16 yards and a touchdown in the team's win over the Chicago Bears. Sermon was out-touched by RB Jonathan Taylor 23-2, but he did receive a carry on the goal line, and he was able to punch in for a touchdown. It's clear that Taylor is the only fantasy-viable running back in this offense given the current splits in usage, but it is worth noting that Sermon has been the only back outside Taylor to see touches on the season. Fantasy managers with Taylor on their roster should look to ensure they are rostering Sermon in the event of injury. Aside from that, Sermon is off the radar in the team's upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 23 1:00am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught four of his five targets for 36 yards in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. While Pittman has retained his elite target share in this offense, the team's lack of production through the air has continued to hurt his fantasy production. Pittman led the team in snaps with 47, was tied with WR Alec Pierce for most routes run with 20, and tied with WR Josh Downs for most targets with five. Pittman and the Colts now gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers in the young season. Given his lack of production thus far paired with a tougher matchup, fantasy managers can view Pittman as a WR3/4 option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 23 1:00am ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 16 times for 83 yards during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. He didn't catch a pass in the contest, but he did take a lateral from Amon-Ra St. Brown for an extra 20 yards into the end zone. He finished the day with over 100 scrimmage yards and the score, giving him 16-plus fantasy points in each of the Lions' three games this year (PPR scoring). Gibbs has been out-produced by David Montgomery so far, but both running backs have emerged as very strong fantasy options. The 22-year-old is a fringe RB1 heading into Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 23 1:00am ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown turned eight targets into seven catches for 75 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old has bounced back ever since a subpar Week 1 performance. In two games since then, he has 18 catches, 194 yards, one touchdown, and more than 43 fantasy points (PPR). Despite his role in a crowded offense, St. Brown should continue to be started as a strong WR1 option in all fantasy leagues ahead of Week 4 versus the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 23 1:00am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs grabbed three of his five targets for 22 yards in the team's 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears. This was Downs first game played this season, being sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle injury he suffered over the summer. Downs was implemented into a starting role in the matchup, replacing the spot where WR Adonai Mitchell had played for the first two games. Downs was also tied with Michael Pittman Jr. for most targets with five. While it is encouraging for fantasy managers to see Downs reclaim a starting role in his return from injury, he, alongside the other Colts' receivers, have all struggled to produce with the lack of volume in this passing offense. He'll gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that's allowed the eighth-fewest points to receivers this season. Fantasy managers in most formats can leave Downs on the bench in their upcoming matchup, with the exception of managers in deeper leagues in need of a flex option.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Sep 23 12:50am ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk once again disappointed in a 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. His final line amounted to five catches of 10 targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns. While technically an improvement from last week -- which was itself an improvement from Week 1 -- today's game had to sting for fantasy managers. Aiyuk's inefficiency juxtaposed with backup wideout Jauan Jennings' capture of all three receiving categories was frustrating, especially since we're almost a month removed from Aiyuk starting team workouts after a lengthy holdout. It's worth noting that Aiyuk's fantasy day -; and the 49ers' -; could have ended very differently had quarterback Brock Purdy seen him streaking down the middle wide-open behind the Rams' secondary in San Francisco's penultimate drive. Aiyuk's frustration was apparent when he was involved in a scuffle after San Francisco's last-gasp lateral play bounced off his hands near the Rams' sideline. There are no indications that any disciplinary action will follow. Perhaps Aiyuk will have renewed fire when the 49ers host the New England Patriots in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Sep 23 12:50am ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed 23 times for 105 yards and one touchdown during Week 3 versus the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 17 yards through the air. Montgomery has looked incredible so far this season, totaling 285 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. He has found the end zone in each of the Lions' three games so far, producing even more fantasy points than fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs. As the Lions continue to emphasize winning games through the rushing attack, Montgomery remains a fringe RB1 option in fantasy football. He's a must-start running back for Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 23 12:40am ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan re-affirmed his commitment to Will Levis as the team's starting quarterback ahead of Week 4, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Levis' poor play and poor decision-making have been a major factor in the Titans' 0-3 start, but the organization is still holding out hope that the former second-round pick can turn things around. Through three games so far, Levis has 579 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also has 86 rushing yards, 15 sacks, and three lost fumbles. Outside of the moderate rushing production, these are abysmal numbers from the 25-year-old. Perhaps he'll be able to bounce back next week against a declining Miami Dolphins team that is dealing with major offensive struggles amidst injuries to Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Skylar Thompson (rib), and Raheem Mostert (chest).

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 23 12:40am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught one of his two targets for 44 yards in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. Pierce's 44-yard grab from QB Anthony Richardson came in the second quarter and was the team's longest play from scrimmage. The third-year receiver has been the most productive pass-catcher for the Colts this season but fell behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs in targets on Sunday. While Pierce has put together a string of productive games for Indy, the Colts' passing offense under Richardson remains inconsistent and underwhelming in terms of volume. The Colts now gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that's allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. With his lack of a floor and a tougher matchup, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a WR3/Flex option next week.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 23 12:40am ET
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) will undergo an MRI on Monday, he told David Newton of ESPN.com. Thielen exited in the second half of Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders after suffering an apparent hamstring injury while making a diving touchdown catch. The veteran flashed a strong rapport with Andy Dalton in their limited time together on Sunday afternoon, catching three passes for 40 yards and the touchdown. Thielen noted that he and the team will know more about his injury after Monday's MRI. If he's cleared to play in Week 4, he'd rank as a solid WR3/FLEX play in an offense that has suddenly shown signs of life with Dalton under center.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Sep 23 12:40am ET
Baker Mayfield

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit really outperformed expectations in the 26-7 Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. They held Tampa to just one touchdown on the day while creating two turnovers and seven sacks of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Safety Brandon Jones was the star of the day, picking off a pass in the first quarter and recovering a fumble late in the game, while Dondrea Tillman led the Broncos D with two sacks. Through Sunday's games, Denver's D/ST ranks second in Week 3 in fantasy points, behind only the Green Bay Packers D/ST. The Broncos defense doesn't have any big names, but they've been pretty solid through the first three weeks of the season. In Week 4, they'll be a deep-league streaming option, at best, against a New York Jets offense that looked much better in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 23 12:30am ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (knee) will undergo further evaluation on Monday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The quarterback played through the injury on Sunday against the Houston Texans, throwing for 181 yards and four touchdowns. He has led the Vikings to an improbable 3-0 start and hopes to keep that momentum going into Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. Based on his postgame comments, it doesn't sound like Darnold is too considered about his knee injury. However, he did mention that he's not sure yet whether it will limit him in practice this week. Fantasy managers invested in Darnold and the other Vikings playmakers should continue to monitor the quarterback's status when injury reports come out on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. If healthy and active, Darnold ranks as a low-end fantasy QB1.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 23 12:30am ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds surprisingly came into the Week 3 matchup on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a team-high 138 receiving yards on nine catches (13 targets) through the first two weeks. Reynolds wasn't able to maintain that momentum in Sunday's 26-7 win over the Bucs, though, as he caught both of his targets for 36 yards. His two targets ranked fifth on the team behind fellow wideouts Courtland Sutton, Lil'Jordan Humphrey and rookie Troy Franklin. The 29-year-old will continue to have a role all year in this offense as long as he remains healthy, but he will most likely battle for targets behind Sutton on a weekly basis with the likes of Humphrey and rookies Franklin and Devaughn Vele, who was a healthy scratch in Week 3. Reynolds is rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues and should stay on the waiver wire in Week 4 against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 23 12:30am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 10 of his 20 passes for 167 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. Richardson also carried the ball eight times for 24 yards on the ground. This is now the second week in a row Richardson has struggled to move the ball through the air, and he hasn't been able to supplement that with his rushing ability. Although he did see multiple rushing attempts in the red zone, he could not convert any of them into touchdowns. One of his two interceptions came in the end zone on a three-yard target to WR Ashton Dulin. Although fantasy managers were aware of Richardson's limitations as a passer, his turnovers and underwhelming rushing numbers these past two weeks have made him a more challenging start in fantasy. He now gears up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league through three weeks. Fantasy managers can consider Richardson a middle-of-the-pack option in Week 4, and they might want to look towards a potential streaming option with a more favorable matchup if they can find one.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Sep 23 12:30am ET
Wil Lutz

Going into the Denver Broncos' Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in Week 3 after the offense averaged 13.0 points through the first two weeks, kicker Wil Lutz was a name to avoid for fantasy lineups at the position. When all was said and done on Sunday, though, Lutz ended up as the top fantasy kicker after making all four of his field-goal attempts (a long of 43 yards out) and both of his extra-point tries for 14 total points on the day. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 campaign, the 30-year-old veteran kicker is a perfect 9-for-9 on his field goals and has made all three of his extra-point opportunities. The Broncos' offense looked much improved under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Tampa, but expect more struggles down the road, especially in a tough matchup in Week 4 against the New York Jets. Despite a strong Week 3, Lutz should be avoided versus Gang Green.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 23 12:10am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin found paydirt for the first time this season in the 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, but that was really the only notable thing about his day. Outside of the touchdown scamper, McLaughlin had five carries that went for only seven yards (1.4 yards per carry) while catching his only target for a seven-yard gain. His five carries matched that of Javonte Williams, but it was Tyler Badie leading this backfield with nine carries for 70 yards. Through the first two weeks, the 24-year-old was in a timeshare with Williams, with neither back standing out. It's bad news for both McLaughlin and Williams that Badie was thrown in there on Sunday to try and inject some life into the rushing attack. Heading into Week 4, McLaughlin is a bench stash, at best, in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Sep 23 12:10am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a nice bounce-back performance in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, even though he still has yet to find the end zone in 2024. After catching just one pass for 26 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sutton led Denver in targets (11), receptions (seven) and receiving yards (68) in the 26-7 victory over the Buccaneers. It was nice to see the 28-year-old return to being the club's WR1 as rookie quarterback Bo Nix looked his way early and often. Hopefully, Sutton can build on this performance, but fantasy managers should expect more ups and downs as he continues to develop a rapport with his young QB. Sutton will need to maintain this kind of heavy volume to stay on the WR4/flex radar on a weekly basis. He'll have his work cut out for him in Week 4 against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller