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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
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

Jamaal Williams Sep 22 4:20pm ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers. With the veteran back sidelined for this contest, rookie Kendre Miller and backup Tony Jones Jr. look to split the backfield work. The Saints haven't been able to get much going on the ground so far this year, as Williams has only posted 74 yards on 27 carries. Both Miller and Jones are hard to trust in this offense and shouldn't be on the fantasy radar unless for those managers who might be in desperate need of backfield help.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 22 4:13pm ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee) did not practice on Friday, Sept. 22, and has been ruled out for Week 3 versus the Arizona Cardinals. C Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) and OG Zack Martin (ankle) did not practice on Friday, Sept. 22, and are listed as questionable. WR Brandin Cooks (knee), OG Chuma Edoga (elbow), S Jayron Kearse (illness), OT Tyler Smith (hamstring) and S Donovan Wilson (calf) practiced in full on Friday and no longer appear on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Odell Beckham Jr. Sep 22 4:13pm ET
Odell Beckham Jr.

Updating a previous report, Baltimore Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 22, and has been ruled out for Week 3.

Fantasy Spin: Beckham's injury was not believed to be serious, but he will miss at least one game because of the injury. Zay Flowers should be the main receiver for the Ravens this week and could be a flex option in some deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Amari Cooper Sep 22 4:10pm ET
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (groin, shoulder) has officially been removed from the injury report after logging back-to-back limited practices on Thursday and Friday. He'll remain the go-to option for Deshaun Watson and could even see more action than before since the run game took a hit after Nick Chubb (knee) went down for the season. Cooper can be deployed into lineups as a high-level WR2 as he played 62% and 72% of the team's snaps in the first two games respectively. He's already seen 17 targets and should see plenty more in this contest against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 22 4:10pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) has been listed on the injury report as questionable heading into their Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The veteran wideout went in the wrong direction this week as he went from full participant on Wednesday to a DNP on Friday. The good thing to note is that he didn't practice last week either and ended up on the field for kickoff. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status, but if he does suit up, then he should be considered a lower-level WR3.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Sep 22 4:10pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass was called upon for just one field-goal attempt, a 29-yarder, in Week 2's 38-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The 26-year-old hit five extra-point tries in the blowout, but he could be summoned for additional FG tries in Week 3 against the 2-0 Washington Commanders. Though, Washington allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game (4.41) to kickers in 2022. Bass' presence in such a potent offense, however, should maintain his status among the top-five kicking plays for Sunday's clash. He's a perfect 10-for-10 on kicks this season, but fantasy managers should monitor the weather forecast ahead of Sunday's contest with significant rain headed all across the East Coast this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 22 4:10pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley looks to bounce back from his poor performance last week in a critical divisional matchup with the Houston Texans. After bursting onto the scene once again with a WR6 finish to begin the year, the 28-year-old wideout was held to just 32 yards on two catches (eight targets) last week, as the whole Jacksonville offense slowed. Based on volume alone, Ridley should enjoy a nice rebound here against the Texans, even if their obvious weakness is stopping the run. Ridley sits just outside the top-10 league-wide in targets through two weeks, suggesting a strong rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He will likely see a lot of underrated cornerback Steven Nelson this coming week, but it shouldn't be enough to scare anyone. Start Ridley if you have him and expect rock-solid WR2 numbers.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Sep 22 4:03pm ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams (hamstring) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 3 versus the Green Bay Packers. TE Foster Moreau (ankle) did not practice on Friday, Sept. 22, and is listed as doubtful. CB Paulson Adebo (hamstring) also did not practice on Friday but is listed as questionable. S Ugo Amadi (knee) was limited in practice for a second consecutive day on Friday and is also listed as questionable. QB Taysom Hill (knee), RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) and S Jordan Howden (finger) practiced in full on Friday and have been removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle