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Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: 'Hope meter trending upwards'

Fri Sep 22 3:00pm ET
Field Level Media

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers once convinced legions of Packers fans to r-e-l-a-x. Perhaps his latest spin brings a new measurement tool for h-o-p-e to football fans in New York.

Rodgers said in an interview Friday that he's feeling optimistic about playing football again and will return to the Jets' facility in New Jersey in the near future. He didn't want to place a timeline on when he could be back on the field, now only three weeks removed from a torn Achilles tendon.

"There's been some progressions with the rehab the last couple days," Rodgers said in a video interview with Pat McAfee that aired on ESPN. "That kinda gets the hope meter trending upwards."

The Jets (1-1) started Zach Wilson at Dallas in a 30-10 loss last week, the first game since Rodgers' season-ending injury on the opening drive of New York's Week 1 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Rodgers said he watched the game and was hoping the Jets would double-team block Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons.

"It's really tough, knowing you should be out there," Rodgers said.

Immobile for the first 10 days after the surgery, Rodgers has taken in plenty of football. He said he watched former Packers understudy Jordan Love put up three TD passes at Chicago in Week 1 and reached out to the first-year starter via text.

The text read: "Congrats for keeping the ownership in place," Rodgers said, a reference to his statement to fans at Soldier Field that he "owns" the Bears.

The Jets are hoping to get Rodgers back in the team facility soon, head coach Robert Saleh said on Friday.

"Hopefully, I'd like to be able to get back there at some point, but I'd like to be walking," Rodgers said.

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Pick'em Plays: Week 3

Player Notes
Najee Harris Sep 22 5:20pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has just 74 rushing yards through the first two weeks of the season and will hope to turn things around in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs so far this season, allowing 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. Jaylen Warren has been involved, primarily as a pass-catcher, but the RB1 duties in Pittsburgh still clearly belong to Harris. It's difficult to rely on the Steelers' offense right now, but in this matchup, Harris can be started in fantasy lineups as a low-end RB2.

From RotoBaller

Sam Howell Sep 22 5:20pm ET
Sam Howell

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is facing possibly his toughest challenge so far against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have been strong against the pass while allowing the sixth-lowest passing yards per game this season. Coming off of a strong performance against the Denver Broncos, the second-year quarterback might have his hands full. Additionally, the weather in Washington D.C. has a chance of being dreadful with plenty of wind and rain. The tough matchup coupled with the bad weather forecast has Howell looking like a desperation streamer this week. Monitor the Washington D.C. forecast, but it'd be best to find another option at quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 22 5:20pm ET
Justin Herbert

The Minnesota Vikings D/ST will have their hands full in Week 3 as they take on the Justin Herbert-led Chargers' offense. With Austin Ekeler (ankle) ruled out, their job does get a little easier, however, they allowed D'Andre Swift to run them over for 175 yards in Week 2. A weak run defense, along with Herbert and the abundance of dangerous pass-catchers the Chargers' have looks like a recipe for disaster for the Vikings' defense in this one. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a starting option in conventional formats.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 22 5:20pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson has gotten off to a slow start this season. After a couple of tough weeks, it's safe to say that the former first-rounder is aiming for a bounce-back. Unfortunately, that goal may be hard to attain this week against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo is looking like a stingy pass defense as they've allowed the sixth-fewest yards through the air this season. In addition, the elements don't appear to be on Dotson's side either. According to multiple weather reports, there is a decent chance of heavy wind and rain in the D.C. area on Sunday. So, with the combination of a strong pass defense and terrible weather on the way, Dotson may have to wait a week for his true rebound. Consider other options in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Sep 22 5:10pm ET
Kenny Pickett

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has struggled early in the 2023 campaign but will look to capitalize on a soft matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. The Raiders have surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks so far this season after allowing the sixth-most in 2022. Although Pickett will once again be without his top target, Diontae Johnson (hamstring), George Pickens showcased his abilities in Week 2 and should continue to be a reliable option for the young signal-caller. Pickett could turn in a worthwhile fantasy performance on Sunday night, but he should only be considered a low-end QB2 in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

John Bates Sep 22 5:10pm ET
John Bates

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates could be in consideration as a streamer in Week 3. In their matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3, the Commanders will be without their starting tight end Logan Thomas (concussion) due to injury. That should open up the door for Bates to take advantage. With Thomas missing for a portion of Washington's Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos, the third-year pro was able to put up three catches for 46 yards. Due to the position's woeful fantasy production, it couldn't hurt to take a shot on Bates as a low-end streamer in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Sep 22 5:10pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will look to build off his two-touchdown performance against the Eagles in Week 2, as the Vikings take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Hockenson is positioned for another strong outing in this one, as the Vikings figure to keep up their pass-happy offense against the Chargers' secondary that has allowed the most passing yards this year. The former Detroit Lion has been the clear No. 2 option behind Justin Jefferson during his time in Minnesota, so fantasy managers can treat him as an elite TE1 on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 22 5:00pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will look to keep his strong start to his rookie season going as the Vikings take on the Chargers in Week 3. Addison has found the end zone in each of his first two games this season, and he now draws a matchup with the Chargers' secondary that has looked abysmal, allowing a league-high 9.6 yards per attempt. Addison could do some damage on limited volume in this one, as he has caught just seven passes through two games, however, the USC product has turned it into 133 yards and two touchdowns. Addison will have to compete for targets with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, but quarterback Kirk Cousins has attempted 44 in both games this season. He is by no means a must-start, but fantasy managers can treat him as a FLEX option this week.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 22 4:50pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will look to keep his strong start to the season going in Week 3 as the Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have surrendered the most passing yards through the first two games of the season, so fantasy managers can treat the fourth-year stud as one of the most valuable fantasy assets in this one. Jefferson has totaled 309 receiving yards through two games this season but has failed to find the end zone, but that could change this week in what is projected to be one of the higher-scoring matchups on the Week 3 slate. Acting as Kirk Cousins' clear No. 1 option in a pass-happy attack, Jefferson is set up to have another strong performance in this one.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Agnew Sep 22 4:50pm ET
Jamal Agnew

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew should take on an increased role in the offense with Zay Jones ruled out against Houston. The 2017 fifth-round pick has mostly been utilized as a dangerous punt returner in his career but has flashed in a regular offensive setting as well, catching three touchdowns for the Jaguars last season. Especially with 2022 third-overall pick Derek Stingley Jr. suffering a major hamstring injury in practice this week, there should be more opportunities for explosive plays in the passing game for Agnew and his 4.34 speed. While the injury to Jones will mostly increase the value of other Jaguar pass-catchers, Agnew is an intriguing deeper-league dart throw that could pay off in a major way.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 22 4:50pm ET
Antonio Gibson

Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson has been one of the larger disappointments of the season so far. After offseason rumors of a revamped workload, a Week 1 fumble seems to have taken him back to purgatory in this Washington offense. Without much of a workload in this backfield, he's looking like bench fodder and a true handcuff to Brian Robinson Jr. if his usage doesn't expand. Leave him out of lineups against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Sep 22 4:40pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. has been off and running to start the 2023 season. Through the first two weeks of the season, the second-year back is eighth in rushing yards and tied for second in total touchdowns. He could have a solid game on the way as well with the Buffalo Bills on the schedule and inclement weather on the way. The D.C. area is reported to be a likely destination for heavy rain and wind on Sunday. If that indeed occurs, the Commanders may have to turn to a run-heavy approach which favors Robinson's outlook. Based on his recent performances and the upcoming environment, Robinson is a low-end RB1 or a high-end RB2 in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 22 4:40pm ET
Alexander Mattison

Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison will look to have a bounce-back effort in Week 3 as the Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers. Mattison is coming off a Week 2 performance of eight carries for 28 yards and a fumble, but he looks like a solid RB2 option in an easier matchup than last week. The Chargers have allowed 211 rushing yards through two weeks, so the 25-year-old should have an easier time finding some rushing lanes on Sunday. He has averaged just 3.3 yards per carry so far this season, so he may be dependent on heavy volume and touchdown production to have a solid fantasy performance. With Cam Akers not expected to play, Mattison could be in for a hefty workload in a game that could be one of the higher-scoring affairs on the Week 3 slate.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Sep 22 4:40pm ET
Brandon McManus

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus looks to hit double digits for the second game in a row when the Texans come to town in Week 3. The veteran boot is perfect on the year (4-4 FG, 4-4 PAT) and should have plenty of scoring opportunities in this one, as the Jaguars project to move the ball fairly easily against the Houston D. McManus isn't quite in the top-tier category with the Justin Tuckers', Tyler Bass', and Jake Moodys' of the league, but he slots in behind a number of those elite options. Consider McManus fringe top-10 at the position this week.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 22 4:30pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has looked great to start the year and now get another rookie QB when they take on Houston in Week 3. Mike Caldwell's unit has allowed an average of 15.5 offensive points through two games so far, which includes spotting only 17 to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs last week. C.J. Stroud looked sharp against Indy, but against the division leader on the road is a much tougher environment to succeed in. With Vegas giving the Texans an implied team total of just 18, Jacksonville should be able to contain the Houston offense making the D/ST a strong play this week.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Sep 22 4:30pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is coming off a nice outing in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Now in Week 3, the Commanders are taking on the Buffalo Bills at home. The Bills are a tough matchup, but it could be made even more challenging due to the incoming weather. According to reports, the D.C. area will likely be hit by heavy rain and wind gusts this coming Sunday. With that in mind, McLaurin may be a very risky play due to the weather severely impacting a team's ability to pass the ball. However, if the weather remains calm, he should be considered a low-end WR2. Monitor the weather reports before trusting him in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 22 4:30pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins looks like a must-start QB1 option in Week 3 as the veteran takes on the Los Angeles Chargers at home. Cousins has thrown for 708 yards and six touchdowns in the first two games of 2023, and he now faces the Chargers' secondary that has given up the most passing yards through the first two games of the season. Although he doesn't offer much in terms of rushing production, 88 pass attempts in two games improves the fantasy outlook of the Minnesota signal-caller. In what should be a high-scoring affair, another week of expected heavy passing volume makes Cousins a strong option for fantasy managers this week.

From RotoBaller

Joey Bosa Sep 22 4:23pm ET
Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) and LB Eric Kendricks (hamstring) did not practice all week and have been ruled out for Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. LB Joey Bosa (hamstring) and DL Chris Hinton (back) were upgraded to limited practice on Friday, Sept. 22, and are listed as questionable. LB Daiyan Henley (hamstring) and LB Chris Rumph II (hamstring) practiced in full on Friday but are also listed as questionable. WR Mike Williams (ankle) practiced in full all week and has been removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Hicks Sep 22 4:23pm ET
Jordan Hicks

Minnesota Vikings LB Marcus Davenport (ankle) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. C Garrett Bradbury (back) was limited in practice for a second consecutive day on Friday, Sept. 22, and is listed as questionable. OT Christian Darrisaw (ankle), LB Jordan Hicks (shin) and S Josh Metellus (shoulder) practiced in full on Friday and no longer appear on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Robert Woods Sep 22 4:23pm ET
Robert Woods

Houston Texans LB Denzel Perryman (hand, rest), S Jalen Pitre (chest), CB Tavierre Thomas (hand) and CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) did not practice on Friday, Sept. 22, and have been ruled out for Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. WR Tank Dell (thigh), OT George Fant (ankle, knee), DE Jonathan Greenard (knee), S Eric Murray (concussion), QB C.J. Stroud (shoulder), S Jimmie Ward (hip) and WR Robert Woods (rest) practiced in full on Friday and have been removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle