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NFL Playoffs League - FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 3

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
Joe Burrow Sep 22 6:00pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (calf) was a limited participant in Friday's practice. Burrow didn't do anything on Wednesday after aggravating a right-calf injury in the Week 2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens that caused him to miss all of training camp and the preseason this summer. The return to practice gives the 26-year-old a chance to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams, but we'll know more about Burrow's status on Saturday. Cincinnati isn't going to put their franchise signal-caller in harm's way, so fantasy managers should consider him an extremely risky QB1 play for the week with the Bengals contest coming on Monday. If Burrow is held out, Jake Browning would run the offense, which in turn would make all of Cincy's offensive skills players hard to trust.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 22 6:00pm ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell had a solid performance in Week 2 and will look to stay perfect on the season in a Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite his consistency as an NFL kicker, there is little upside to starting Boswell in fantasy lineups. The Steelers are averaging just 16.5 points per game and were forced to rely on big defensive plays to win last week. Boswell could conceivably have a busy day against the Raiders, who are allowing the eighth-most points in the league, but fantasy managers should wait to see improvements from Pittsburgh's offense before considering him a streaming option.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 22 5:50pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (ribs) is listed as questionable to face the visiting Carolina Panthers in Week 3 on Sunday. Metcalf missed practice time this week, as expected, after taking a hard shot to the ribs in the Week 2 overtime win over the Detroit Lions. Despite the injury, he managed to haul in all six of his targets last week for 75 yards after scoring in the season opener. All signs point to Metcalf toughing it out this weekend and suiting up, so he should remain locked into all starting fantasy lineups as a WR2. If for any reason he doesn't see his normal allotment of snaps this Sunday, Tyler Lockett and rookie first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba would benefit from some extra looks against Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 22 5:50pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was shut down in Week 2 but will have a great opportunity to get back on track in a Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Last week, Pittsburgh faced the Cleveland Browns, who were stout against fantasy tight ends in 2022. The Raiders, on the other hand, were much more friendly to the position last season and have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends so far in 2023. The Steelers' offense is difficult to trust right now, but Freiermuth has been a solid fantasy option in the past and should be viewed as a low-end TE1 for Sunday night's contest.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 22 5:40pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens scored as a top-12 fantasy wideout in Week 2 and will look to keep the momentum going in a Week 3 bout with the Las Vegas Raiders. With Diontae Johnson (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, Pickens should continue to be the favorite target of quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickens will have a great shot to repeat the success he found last week as Las Vegas has surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers so far this season. Even if he doesn't manage to find the end zone again on Sunday night, Pickens should see enough opportunities to post a solid performance as a fantasy WR2.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 22 5:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (concussion) was able to put in a limited practice on Friday but is still questionable to play in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos after he picked up a concussion in the Week 2 win over the New England Patriots. Waddle remains in the league's concussion protocol and still has a bit more time to clear it, but as of right now he's an extremely shaky lineup option for fantasy managers in Week 3. Check back on Sunday morning for his official game status. If the 24-year-old is active, he needs to be put back into all starting lineups against a Denver D that has disappointed through two weeks. If Waddle misses Sunday's contest, Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft and Erik Ezukanma will look for more targets behind All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill.

From RotoBaller

Allen Robinson Sep 22 5:40pm ET
Allen Robinson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson III led the team's receivers in snaps last week but finished with just two receptions for 12 yards. The 30-year-old will look to bounce back in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Robinson should continue to play on a healthy amount of snaps until Diontae Johnson (hamstring) returns, but George Pickens established himself as the focal point of Pittsburgh's passing attack in Week 2. Although he may be more effective in this soft matchup against Las Vegas than he was against the Cleveland Browns, Robinson cannot be counted on in starting fantasy lineups on Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 22 5:30pm ET
Greg Joseph

Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph has the look of a solid streaming option in Week 3 as the Vikings take on the Chargers. He has only attempted one field goal this season, where he connected on a 25-yard kick, but a potential high-scoring matchup this Sunday should give him an opportunity to put points on the board for fantasy managers. Joseph can be treated as nothing more than a streaming option in conventional-sized formats.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Sep 22 5:30pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) missed a second straight week of practice and has been ruled out for the second straight game in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. Ekeler said earlier this week that he was making progress, but he'll now miss his second straight contest after injuring his ankle in the season opener. Consider him questionable to play in Week 4 at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders for now. Joshua Kelley will look to do more this Sunday in his second straight week as the Chargers' lead running back. He flopped last week by going for just 39 yards rushing on 13 attempts while not being involved in the passing game in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Vikings defense is a bit more generous, though, making Kelley worth starting as an RB2.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 22 5:30pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren totaled 86 yards in Week 2 and will look to stay productive against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. Although Warren does not see many touches as a ball carrier, the 24-year-old has been highly involved as a receiver with the second-most targets on the team. Pittsburgh's matchup against the Raiders bodes well for Warren's skillset as Las Vegas has allowed the fourth-most receptions to opposing running backs so far this season. As part of a struggling Steelers offense, Warren does not offer much touchdown upside, but fantasy managers can consider starting him as a flex option in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Sep 22 5:30pm ET
Curtis Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel is drawing an unfavorable matchup in Week 3. The Commanders are taking on the Buffalo Bills, a team allowing the sixth-lowest passing yards per game in the NFL to start the season. Not only is the matchup poor, but the weather may come into play as well with wind and heavy rain on Sunday. With Samuel already having somewhat low involvement, the matchup and environment aren't doing him any favors either. Outside of true desperation, he shouldn't be in lineups in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 22 5:30pm ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe) was listed as questionable for the Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons. St. Brown didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and put in a full practice on Friday. All signs point to St. Brown being active on Sunday, and he even said himself that he plans on playing this weekend. Fantasy managers will still want to double-check on Sunday morning to make sure he's active. The 23-year-old is a must-start WR1 in fantasy lineups as long as he's playing. Through two weeks to kick off his third NFL season, he's caught 12 of his 16 targets for 173 yards and a touchdown. Fellow pass-catcher Josh Reynolds (groin) is also questionable, but he followed the same practice plan this week as St. Brown, so he should also be active after a big performance in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

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