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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Sean Payton calls Broncos' quarterbacks 'orphaned dogs'

Thu May 23 10:25pm ET
Field Level Media

Denver coach Sean Payton didn't use the most flattering metaphor when describing the Broncos' three quarterbacks.

Payton called the trio, which consists of Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham, "orphaned dogs" Thursday.

"They've all come from somewhere, but they're doing well. It's a good room," said Peyton, who will be entering his second year as Denver's coach.

The Broncos selected Nix with the 12th pick in this year's draft after he threw for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon. He completed 77.4 percent of his passes and threw only three interceptions in 470 attempts.

Two days before the draft, the Broncos acquired Wilson, who was the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, and a seventh-round pick from the New York Jets for a sixth-round pick. Wilson struggled with the Jets in his 34 games, throwing for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while completing 57 percent of his passes.

Stidham appeared in three games last season for the Broncos and started the final two after he was signed by the club in March 2023. He threw two touchdowns and one interception during the two starts after Denver suddenly decided to bench Russell Wilson. The Broncos, who finished 8-9 last season, released Wilson in March two years into a five-year, $245 million contract.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Jalen Nailor Sep 22 9:10pm ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor caught three of his four targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in Week 3's blowout of the Houston Texans. The third-year receiver spent the last two-and-a-half games as the Vikings de facto WR2 with Jordan Addison (ankle) recovering from an ankle injury, and he's been paying dividends for the team. Nailor is one of only three receivers in the league to score a touchdown in each game so far this year, and he's a reliable hand when Justin Jefferson's gravity schemes him open. The former sixth-round pick hopes to continue the momentum in Week 4, as he may be needed depending on Addison's status for Week 4's matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 22 9:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Minnesota Vikings' D/ST logged another unexpected and incredible game against the Houston Texans in Week 3. The swarming defense, called by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, hassled quarterback C.J. Stroud early and often, as Minnesota had two interceptions and five sacks while allowing only seven points. The Vikings became the first team in 23 years to accumulate at least five sacks on defense in each of the first three games of the season, and are shaping up to continue in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. Given the fact that the Packers will either be starting limited quarterback Malik Willis or hobbled quarterback Jordan Love (knee), the chaotic Minnesota defense is a solid start next week and may honestly be a plug-and-play until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Sep 22 9:10pm ET
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard made all six of his kicking opportunities in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Houston Texans. The rookie nailed all four extra point attempts and made both field goals, the first from 35 yards out and the second a booming 58-yarder. Reichard has not missed a field goal or extra point attempt this season, making all fifteen of his opportunities thus far. The NCAA's all-time leading scorer has been hampered by the efficient Vikings offense, scoring touchdowns twice as often as Reichard had field goal opportunities, and it's possible the efficiency dips sooner rather than later. If given more opportunities to kick field goals rather than PATs, Reichard may be a valuable fantasy streaming kicker against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 22 9:10pm ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (rib) has been diagnosed with a rib injury he picked up in the team's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It's unclear when exactly he sustained the injury, but a hit by Dre'Mont Jones early in the third quarter is what eventually took him out of the game. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that the injury is "pretty painful" and that Thompson lobbied to stay in the game. However, the pain was ultimately too much. Tests will undoubtedly be done on the 27-year-old over the coming few days. Fortunately for Miami, their Week 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans is on Monday night, so the veteran QB will be afforded a few extra days of rest. If Thompson is too hurt to play, Tim Boyle will again slot in as the Fins' starter. Additionally, seeing the team inquire about veteran help at the position wouldn't be surprising.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 22 9:00pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (finger) put up predictably great numbers in Week 3's game against the Houston Texans. The 25-year-old receiver saw eight targets and caught six passes for 81 yards and a relatively easy first-quarter touchdown. He became one of only three receivers to score a touchdown in each of the first three games to start the year, joining teammate Jalen Nailor and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin. The 25-year-old jammed his finger on a catch during the first half of Sunday's win. X-rays returned negative on Jefferson's finger, and he appears to have avoided a severe injury. As expected, the game went through the talented Jefferson early, though he was used primarily as a decoy in the second half. The fifth-year wide receiver is a favorite of quarterback Sam Darnold's and will be a clear and confident fantasy start next week against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Sep 22 8:50pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones filled the rushing and receiving box score against the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. The former Green Bay Packer rusher compiled 19 rushing attempts for 102 yards on the ground, with five receptions for 46 yards and a receiving touchdown. One week after splitting touches nearly evenly with fellow rusher Ty Chandler, Jones was trusted with almost four times as many opportunities as the Vikings relied on their new running back. The soon-to-be 30-year-old rusher gets his first crack against his old team as the Vikings will travel to play a suspect Packers rush defense in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 22 8:40pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold lit up the Houston Texans defense in Week 3, putting together another impressive game. The 27-year-old veteran completed 17 of his 28 pass attempts for 181 yards and four touchdowns, finding wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor, running back Aaron Jones, and tight end Johnny Mundt for scores. Darnold has been a pleasant find for fantasy managers who prefer streaming quarterbacks, as the former first-round pick has been a QB1 through three weeks. In an intriguing matchup, the Vikings will travel to play the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Darnold may be a viable streaming candidate moving forward until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 22 8:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 4-of-5 targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Waddle tied for the team lead in targets with fellow wideout Tyreek Hill and running back De'Von Achane, but the three combined for just 94 yards on ten receptions. Nine Dolphins caught at least one pass in Week 3, while Skylar Thompson (ribs) and Tim Boyle in relief continually settled for check-downs. The Fins put together just one scoring drive on 12 opportunities and have not yet scored a touchdown since the second quarter of their Week 2 loss to the Bills. Aside from eclipsing the 100-yard mark in Week 1, Waddle -- and the rest of Miami's offensive unit -- have largely been a disappointment. Thompson's injury status for the coming week is unknown, but if he is hurt long term, look for the team to acquire some veteran QB assistance. The Dolphins will host the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 22 8:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams unit scored in double digits once again in Week 3. The Seahawks faced a Miami Dolphins offense missing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Seahawks D/ST finished with six sacks and only allowed three points. The Dolphins' offense managed to make several trips into Seahawks territory, but the Seahawks' defense buckled down and kept them off the scoreboard numerous times. In 2024, the Seahawks' defense has clearly been positively affected by the addition of head coach Mike Macdonald. The defense is allowing the offense to continue to work out its kinks under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. This defense has a huge test in Week 4 against a talented Detroit Lions offense. If they can have a solid outing next week, then this may be a unit worth rostering every week moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Sam LaPorta

According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered a sprain during Sunday's win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old was carted to the locker room, so fantasy managers were expecting the worst. However, he returned to the field in the second half, although he was still visibly hobbled by the ailment. LaPorta has underperformed through the Lions' first three games of the year, catching only eight passes for 94 yards. The 2023 No. 34 overall pick shouldn't be considered a lock to suit up in Week 4 versus the Seahawks. Brock Wright, who finished Week 3 with four catches for 34 yards, would likely draw streaming interest if LaPorta isn't out there for that one. Fantasy managers should monitor things throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson caught two of three targets for a gain of eight yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. The former Washington Commander has done nothing of note in Philly up to this point and even with an increased chance for more looks due to A.J. Brown (hamstring) sitting out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving early, Dotson did nothing in this game. The 24-year-old can be sent to the waiver wire and ignored even with the potential of Brown and Smith missing in Week 4 against the Buccaneers. Until Dotson shows us something, he can be ignored and benched in dynasty formats too.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 3-of-5 targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 24-3 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. It was another sub-par outing for the 30-year-old speedster, with the Dolphins getting stonewalled by the Seahawks. Since Hill popped off for 130 yards and a score on 7-of-12 receiving in Miami's season opener, he has yet to match any of those statistical marks cumulatively through the last two weeks. Quarterbacks Skylar Thompson (chest) and Tim Boyle spread the ball around in this one, as nine Dolphins caught at least one pass in the loss. Better days are ahead for Hill -- who led the team in yards and tied for the team lead in targets with De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. However, performances like the one he had in Week 1 will be more challenging to come by, with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) still shelved. Miami will host the visiting Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had another quiet outing on Sunday. Smith-Njigba caught three passes on three targets for 39 yards. After a huge breakout in Week 2, fantasy managers were hoping for an encore. What is most puzzling is that Smith-Njigba only had three targets after earning 16 in Week 2. The 16 targets in Week 2 signaled that the Seahawks were going to make a concerted effort to get him the ball moving forward. However, fantasy managers are back to square one in trying to figure out Smith-Njigba's fantasy value. Smith-Njigba will look to rebound in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

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