Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Mike Evans – Big role this week with Godwin out, and no Chris Harris helps, as Evans ran 47% of his routes from the slot when Chris Godwin missed in Week 2, and top slot CB Chris Harris (foot) is out of the lineup.
Ronald Jones – Should get a great opportunity this week with Leonard Fournette out. The matchup is solid enough, but LeSean McCoy and rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn will get chances. If Jones stinks, it’s possible they give Vaughn a long look, but I’d have to lean to Jones being a good play.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Austin Ekeler – He’ll have to do it in the passing game against this nasty run defense that is giving just 2.6 YPC to RBs so far, but they do give up 8/70 receiving per game to RBs.
Justin Herbert – 300+ yards in each of his two starts, but no Mike Williams and Buc giving up fourth-fewest FPG to opposing QBs (14.62).
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Justin Watson – Ran the most slot routes (21) with Godwin out in Week 2, so might be a better reach than Miller, who is banged up (hip/groin).
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Keenan Allen – Massive 37% target share and a 45% air yards share with Herbert, and with Williams out he should see 10+ targets.
Hunter Henry – Will also benefit from Williams’ absence and 5+ catches for 50+ yards every game so far, but it will be tough for him to finally score against this excellent defense.
Tom Brady – Below average matchup (they give up 243/1 per game to QBs) and no Godwin, Chargers down CB Chris Harris at least.
Scotty Miller - Ran just eight routes inside Week 2 without Godwin and had just 2/11, and also banged up so not a good week to reach him.
Rob Gronkowski – The guy signed only to block put up 6/48 last week with a ball in the endzone he caught but out of the field of play. He’s tough to trust, though, with OJ Howard still involved, Howard caught a nice downfield pass last week.
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) at Chicago Bears (3-0)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Jonathan Taylor – Good bet to see serious rushing volume on the road, and Bear run defense has been leaky and has allowed a rushing TD to a RB each week. The Colts should also need him in the passing game more.
David Montgomery – Should get most of Tarik Cohen’s 36.7% snap share, his 11.5% target share, and his 18.3% rush share, but a so-so matchup by the numbers with Dalvin Cook the only back to reach double-digit FP against the Colts so far, but volume should be great for Montgomery.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
TY Hilton – Not a great week to try him out with only two outside WRs hitting double-digit PPR points against the Bears so far, but targets should be up given their injuries.
Anthony Miller - He has played on 46% of the snaps through three weeks, but he’s luckily scored two touchdowns, Colts have a good slot corner in Kenny Moore, so I’m not as high on Miller this week.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Zach Pascal – He has seen eight targets total over the last two weeks with 5/53/1 receiving on a 16% target share last week, but a pretty serious reach.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Allen Robinson – Has a healthy 28% target share and posted a promising 4/54/1 receiving on six targets with Foles last week. Colts are down CB TJ Carrie, who has played well for them, which helps, but tougher matchup.
Jimmy Graham – Colts have allowed the fewest FPG to TEs through three weeks, but they haven’t exactly faced the best TEs or the best passing games through three weeks against the Jags, the Vikes, and the Jets.
Philip Rivers – Not a great matchup, as the Bears have yet to allow multiple TD passes this season, and his receiving corps is depleted.
Nyheim Hines – 4/40 receiving on five targets last week after they talked about getting him the ball more. Still tough to trust with a so-so overall matchup for his receiving work.
The Colts TEs – They will have all three TEs with Trey Burton activated from his calf injury. Mo Alie-Cox posted 3/50/1 receiving last week but he ran just seven routes compared to Jack Doyle’s 16 routes with 0 targets. I’d avoid this situation.
Nick Foles – Not a good week to use him, as the Colts have allowed the fewest FPG to QBs (10.7). But they’ve faced only Minshew/Cousins/Darnold so far and are down CB TJ Carrie, who has played well for them.
Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Kenyan Drake – Has only 2.9 FP a game as a receiver this year and getting vultured by Kyler. But still top-10 at the position with 67.8% snap share and Panthers defense has allowed by far the most fantasy production to RBs since 2019.
Mike Davis – 76% of the snaps last week with a 32% target share and 16 catches in five quarters without Christian McCaffrey. A good bet for 15+ PPR points again this week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Teddy Bridgewater – Yet to throw for multiple TDs this year, but a strong 290 passing yards per game with a strong 8.4 YPA and 74.0% completion rate. Arizona has allowed 250+ passing yards and two TDs to the two NFL-caliber QBs they’ve faced so far this season (Jimmy Garoppolo and Matthew Stafford).
Andy Isabella – He has a ridiculous 28.8 FP on just 35 routes this season, and Christian Kirk is very iffy, so if he’s out, Isabella is a good sleeper vs. beatable secondary.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Kyler Murray – 4 rushing TDs already. Panthers have yet to allow multiple passing TDs through the first three weeks, but that’s because they’re allowing a league-high 2.3 rushing TDs per game, so he should be okay with a good matchup.
DeAndre Hopkins – A GTD today, averaging a healthy 10.7 targets/game and a 36% target share. Mike Evans and Keenan Allen both cleared 23+ FP in this matchup the last two weeks.
D.J. Moore – A strong 26% target share this year and a high aDOT of 13.5 yards. Terry McLaurin and Kenny Golladay have each posted 17+ FP in this matchup over the last two weeks.
Robby Anderson – Has a good 24% target share and is being used all over the field as RAC option with at least five passes with 55+ yards in each game to start the year.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Joe Burrow – He’s been under siege, but currently the QB10 with 21.1 FPG and Jags have been rocked by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Tannehill the last two weeks with to score 24+ FP for both. Burrow has thrown for multiple TDs and 300+ yards in consecutive games.
Tyler Boyd - Led the team in target share (21%) last week and slot corner D.J. Hayden has been hit a couple of times with Parris Campbell posted 6/71 receiving in Week 1 and Adam Humphries had 5/48/1 in Week 2.
A.J. Green - Averaging a miserable 1 yard per route run and only a 10% target share last week with Darius Slay in coverage. Easier matchup this week against rookie C.J. Henderson, who is learning on the job and has allowed a receiving TD in each of the last two games
James Robinson – Huge game last week, but only 45% of the snaps with Jaguars playing from behind, and most of his catches were on first down, so not the third-down back per se over Chris Thompson. Still, Jags fed him the rock on 57% of his snaps and Bengals are allowing the second-most rushing yards per game to RBs (155.3).
D.J. Chark – I’d bet he gets 7+ targets this week and 1-2 deep shots. Odell Beckham posted 4/74/1 receiving against the Bengals in Week 2 and scored on a big play.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Tee Higgins – Led Bengals receivers in snap share (79%) last week and he turned his 20% target share into 5/40/2 receiving with multiple scoring chances and red zone targets, so not the worst option.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Joe Mixon – Expected to go, but added to injury report (chest) on Saturday and just 28.2 fantasy points total the first three weeks. Has a league-best 96% carries share but just a 7% target share and Jags handled him last year and are allowing just 3.2 YPC to RBs through three weeks, and they handled Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor.
Gardner Minshew – Got crossed up last week, likely expecting Dolphins to play a lot of man (they did not). But the Bengals have played a lot of man and likely gets Chark back.
Keelan Cole and Laviska Shenault – Too risky to use as the Bengals have yet to allow a second WR to reach 8+ FP in a game this season.
Cleveland Browns (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Jarvis Landry – Not 100% and has seen just 4.3 targets per game and he’s yet to reach an 18% target share in a game this season, but should see 7+ targets and Dallas getting rocked in the slot, as Tyler Lockett (9/100/3 receiving) and Russell Gage (6/46/1) have gone off in this matchup the last two weeks.
Baker Mayfield – Should have to throw it 35+ times, Cowboys have allowed nine passing TDs the last two weeks and are down two top corners.
Odell Beckham – Added to the injury report later in the week, but he should be okay. He’s seen a 25% target share or better in each of his first three games, which bodes well if Baker throws it 35+ times. D.K. Metcalf (4/110/1 receiving) and Calvin Ridley (7/109/2) have gone off in this matchup the last two weeks.
Austin Hooper – Hard to trust, but again, Baker will have to throw 10 times more this week most likely, and shakier options Greg Olsen (5/61 receiving) and Hayden Hurst (5/72/1) have produced in this matchup the last two weeks.
Dak Prescott – 94 pass attempts the last two weeks, but Dallas may not be playing from behind in this one. Still, the Browns have CB injuries and have allowed multiple TD passes in every game this season.
Amari Cooper – He has scored 16+ FP in every game even with 0 TDs and Browns are weak in the slot and CB Denzel Ward is banged up.
CeeDee Lamb – Just an 11% target share and a 60% snap share last week and was a little gimpy, but still has five or more catches in every game and Browns giving up ninth-most FP to slot receivers so far.
Michael Gallup – Big week last week and solid matchup for sure if you need him.
Dalton Schultz – Followed up coming out party with a solid 4/48 receiving on six targets last week. TEs have seen a whopping 10.3 targets per game (3rd-most) going against the Browns this season, and they’re allowing the fourth-most FPG (15.63) to the position.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
None of note.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Nick Chubb – The Browns are 4.5-point road underdogs, so expectations may have to be lowered here, since it looks like Kareem Hunt will play.
Kareem Hunt – Hunt is averaging 3.7 targets per game while Chubb has seen just a target per game. The Cowboys pass defense has been torched, so RBs aren’t getting much, but if healthy he should see 5+ targets.
Ezekiel Elliott – A TD in every game, but the Browns have allowed just 3.3 YPC and 6.3 YPT to opposing backs so far.
New Orleans Saints (1-2) at Detroit Lions (1-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Kenny Golladay – Team-best seven targets (22.6% share) in his first game back and 6/57/1 and top corners Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins are out and Allen Lazard just went for 8/146/1 receiving against them last week with both CBs playing.
Mathew Stafford – Getting better every week and top corners Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins are out, plus NO is bad against TEs. The Saints defense has allowed 22+ FP in each of their first three games.
Alvin Kamara – Second-most FP (106.8) of all-time through three weeks, and Lions allowing a healthy 184.6 scrimmage yards per game to opposing RBs.
Emmanuel Sanders – Has yet to reach 6+ targets in a game this season, but this could be the week and signs of life last week with 4/56/1 receiving against the Packers last week.
T.J. Hockenson – Steady role so far, four or five catches for between 53-62 yards in the first three games and he ran a season-best 31 routes last week. Saints have allowed 4 TDs to TEs so far with Malcolm Jenkin struggling in coverage.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Adrian Peterson – Led the backfield with a 60% share and 22 carries (3.4 YPC), but I’m not sure he will handle a big workload two weeks in a row and Saints have allowed 3.5 YPC to opposing RBs this season.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
None of note.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Drew Brees – No Michael Thomas or Jared Cook is a problem, but the Lions have allowed multiple passing TDs and 19+ FP in every game this season.
Tre’Quan Smith – Has seen WR/TE-best 18% target share the last two weeks with Thomas out of the lineup, which he’s turned into a solid 9/128 receiving. But I do think he’ll see more of top corner Jeff Okudah.
Marvin Jones – A season-low three targets with Golladay back last week, and he’s yet to reach 60+ yards in a game this season, but top corners Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins are out, which helps a lot.
D’Andre Swift – Terrible snap rate last week was fluky, so should be back to leading this backfield in snaps this week unless they have a big lead, but still tough to trust.
Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Russell Wilson – Dolphins are allowing a league-worst 8.3 YPA and the fourth-most FPG to QBs (23.8, and likely won’t have Byron Jones.
Tyler Lockett – Has 7+ catches in every game and gets a nice matchup in the slot, as Miami has given up seventh-most FP to slot WRs so far.
Ryan Fitzpatrick – The Magic is still there and in his last six quarters he’s completing 82.2% of his passes and the Seahawks are giving up the second-most FPG to QBs through three weeks (30.2) and will be without S Jamal Adams (groin) and CB Quinton Dunbar (knee).
DeVante Parker – Playing through a hamstring injury but did look good last week (10 days ago) and as good of a matchup as you could hope for.
Mike Gesicki – Has scored in two of his three games and Jamaal Adams’ injury does help a little. I do think he could be a monster again in this one, if only for garbage time as they play from behind.
Myles Gaskin – He and Alvin Kamara the only two backs with four or more catches in every game. They love him and he has played 68% of the snaps through three weeks. The Seahawks allowed 6/24 receiving to Ezekiel Elliott last week and 4/47 to Rex Burkhead in Week 2 and a 5-6 catch game in play if they are playing from behind.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Preston Williams – Not getting the volume, but that could be coming this week, yet he has caught just 35.7% of his targets (5 of 14) so far.
Greg Olsen – He’s turned his 11 targets into 9/85/1 so not a bad option if desperate with Wilson on fire.
Carlos Hyde – If Carson is out, he has the chance to post some numbers in a positive game script with the Seahawks favored by 6.5 points.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
D.K. Metcalf - Has exactly four catches and one touchdown in every game, he will see a lot of top corner Xavien Howard with Byron Jones out this week, so Locket may be the better play.
Chris Carson – If he’s in despite his knee injury he’ll be tougher to trust, since they have Carlos Hyde as a backup option. Dolphins have allowed just one RB to reach 10+ FP this season, which was James Robinson’s 30.9 FP explosion last week.
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Washington Football Team (1-2)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Mark Andrews – Terrible game last week and dropped a TD (it was a tough catch) but had a 30% air yards share and a 23% target share and TFT has given up 3 TDs to the TE
Hollywood Brown – Should have had a 40-yard TD last week and almost a 50-yard TD and seeing a 36% air yards share and a 24% target share. TFT has been stingy but they are beatable in the secondary and he crushed a zone-based secondary Week 1. But a lack of targets is a concern now and this week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Dwayne Haskins – Ravens had allowed just two passing TDs before Patrick Mahomes crushed them, but it’s still a bad matchup. A benching is in play soon or even now.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
None of note.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Lamar Jackson – Burn the tape from last week and start him. Kyler Murray got them for 8/67/2 rushing in Week 2.
J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram – JKD led backfield with 22 snaps last week, but his 4 targets fluky as they were playing from way behind. Ingram finished with just seven carries on 15 snaps while Gus Edwards had four carries on 12 snaps. TFT got rocked for 174/3 to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt last week and DL Chase Young and Matt Ioannidis are out.
Terry McLaurin – Has 60+ receiving yards and 4+ catches in every game this and Ravens have allowed 14+ FP to speedy WRs Mecole Hardman, Tyreek Hill, and Randall Cobb, but McLaurin out of practice Friday is worrisome.
Logan Thomas – Has run a route on 91.3% of Haskins’ dropbacks but it’s like pulling teeth getting much out of his huge role, but Ravens have allowed 10+ FP to four different TEs in three games this season.
Antonio Gibson – Had fewer snaps than J.D. McKissic last week (34 to 26), but still led the way with 12/60/1. But the Ravens are allowing the third-fewest FPG to RBs this season (18.3).
Minnesota Vikings (0-3) at Houston Texans (0-3)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Dalvin Cook – Loved him last week and he posted a career-high 181 rushing yards, and the Texans defense was awful last week and allowed 24.9 FP to James Conner, plus they’ve given up 170+ scrimmage yards to RBs in every game.
Deshaun Watson – Solid last week against a great defense, and a way better matchup this week, so a good play.
Will Fuller – Played on 94% of the snaps last week and Vikings are allowing a league-high 8.3 YPA so far, but they did rest his hammy on Thursday, so aggravation can’t be ruled out. If healthy, it’s a potential blow-up spot.
David Johnson – Just 13/23 rushing last week but he did look good and is moving well, and Vikes have been hit for 65+ rushing yards and 1+ TDs by individual backs every week, I like him a lot this week.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Justin Jefferson – Looked like a stud last week and did most of his damage outside, and Texan should pay more attention to Thielen (possibly with top corner Roby, who has been great). He went from 54% of the snaps in Week 2 to 79% in Week 3.
Brandin Cooks – Has a team-best 20% target share and averaging a decent 12.1 air yards on those targets and Vikings got burned by speedster Kalif Raymond last week for 3/118 receiving last week, plus Fuller not 100%.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Kirk Cousins – Averaging just 26.0 attempts per game, so tough to trust, but Texans should put up some points and make him throw, yet they have yet to allow more than 240 passing yards, likely due to their terrible run D.
Adam Thielen – Might see a lot of top corner Roby, and Sammy Watkins the only WR to top 50+ yards against the Texans this year.
Jordin Akins – He has run the eighth-most routes (96) at the position but just a 13% target share. Vikes have allowed five catches and 60+ yards to both Mo Ali-Cox and Jonnu Smith in the last two weeks, though.
New York Giants (0-3) at Los Angeles Rams (2-1)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Darrell Henderson – Rookie Cam Akers is out again, and Henderson has been great, running for 5+ yards on 40% of his carries. The Giants are allowing 153.3 scrimmage yards per game to opposing backs so far, so he’s looking solid since they should have a lead.
Cooper Kupp – Once again, he gets the better matchup in the slot than Woods outside, but the matchup isn’t as good as it was for Kupp last week.
Jared Goff – He’s been brilliant, as has the play-calling, and he leads all QBs with 9.6 YPA and he’s now thrown for multiple TD passes in seven of his last eight games. Backup Nick Mullens threw for 343 yards and a touchdown against the Giants last week, so Goff should be okay. I’m just not sure how much he’s going to have to do against the hapless Giants.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
- Darius Slayton – He’s likely to see the most of top CB Jalen Ramsey this week, so he’s really hard to trust after two bust games.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
- Golden Tate – He has 5 catches in each of his first two games, and Cole Beasley posted 6/100 receiving out of the slot against the Rams last week.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Daniel Jones – This offense is a mess and this matchup isn’t the greatest, so I can’t back him in any way.
Evan Engram – He has yet to reach 100 receiving yards this season, so he cannot be trusted unless desperate. The Rams gave up three goal-line touchdowns to the two Bills backup TEs last week, at least.
Devonta Freeman – He saw a promising 15 snaps in his first game and actually looked fresh and fairly quick. The problem was he didn’t produce anything, and neither did the other two backs. It’s not a good matchup so he’s a desperation play only.
Robert Woods – Has 15+ FP in eight of his last 10 games, but he will see the most of James Bradberry, who has been great. But Woods is still running 44% of his routes from the slot this year, so he’s not an avoid per se.
Tyler Higbee – Has run a route on just 51.5% of Goff’s dropbacks and Giants are allowing just 3.3/41.0/0 receiving per game to TEs through three weeks, but he could always make a few plays and/or score.
New England Patriots (2-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Has 11/102 receiving over the last two weeks but just 30/102 rushing the last two weeks. The Pats may be okay if he grinds out 100+ yards rushing, though, as opposed to getting crushed by Mahomes.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
N’Keal Harry – Saw just a 14% target share last week after seeing a 29% share in Weeks 1-2 and harder to trust with Cam out. But they should have to throw it a lot.
Damiere Byrd – Played on 96% of the snaps last week and he posted 6/72 receiving back in Week 2 when the Patriots needed to throw, but also tougher to trust with Cam out.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Sammy Watkins – Has looked good and might be a guy who benefits from New England’s inclination to slow down Kelce and Tyreek.
Mecole Hardman – Big game last week, but still ran a route on just 42.9% of Mahomes’ dropbacks last week (21 of 49), so tougher to trust, yet they do play a lot of man to man and can give up the big play to Hardman.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Patrick Mahomes – Torched the top Ravens defense last week but was contained to 283 yards, one TD, and one INT in a Week 14 meeting last season and may not have to do much in this one.
Tyreek Hill – Had a solid 6/62 receiving on eight targets against the Patriots last season, but they will look to double him as much as possible.
Travis Kelce – Also had a solid line against the Patriots last season with 7/66 receiving on nine targets but they will also look to double him (they can double both him and Tyreek at the same time).
Julian Edelman – Might be busy in the middle of the field as they play from behind, and Edelman finished with 8/95/1 receiving in this matchup in Week 14. Of course, with Tom Brady.
Jarrett Stidham – Patriots are seven-point underdogs, and KC is not a shutdown secondary, but they are good enough to limit the shaky Stidham.
Patriots RBs – Good luck. Damien Harris and James White are back to join Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel. The Chiefs are allowing 165.7 scrimmage yards to opposing RBs this season, at least.
Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-1)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
Josh Jacobs – He will be needed with their two rookie WRs likely out, and he has now seen four or more targets twice this year. The Bills have allowed a rushing touchdown in every game and they just allowed Darrell Henderson to hang 120 scrimmage yards last week.
Darren Waller – Predictably went from posting 12/103/1 Week 2 to just 2/9 last week with Bill Belichick doubling him all over the field. Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett combined for 4/74 receiving last week against the Bills, but Mike Gesicki went off against them in Week 2.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
None of note.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Derek Carr – Averaging 7.8 YPA and 2.0 passing TDs per game, and the Bills have allowed 300+ passing yards and two TDs to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jared Goff the last two weeks, but he will need Waller and Renfrow to step up with Ruggs likely out and Edwards out. He does also have veterans Zay Jones and Nelson Agholor to throw to.
Hunter Renfrow – Saw a larger role last week and will need to step up this week with the Bills getting gashed by slot WRs all season with Cooper Kupp (9/107/1 receiving), Isaiah Ford (7/76), and Jamison Crowder (7/115/1) each going off, and the Kupp and Crowder big games were predicted here.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Josh Allen – Has thrown for 300+ yards in every game this season. Raiders have yet to allow multiple TDs to a passer this season, but they are beatable.
Stefon Diggs – A season-low 19% target share last week but he still scored, and John Brown still banged up.
Cole Beasley – Posted season-best numbers with Brown out of the lineup last week, and viable if you need him.
John Brown – Did return to practice on Thursday, and he was great the first two games.
Devin Singletary – Handled 89% of the snaps with Zack Moss (toe) out last week, but Moss should return. The Raiders have somewhat surprisingly allowed a league-high 218.3 scrimmage yards to opposing RBs this season, though.
Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
PLAYERS I LIKE MORE THAN USUAL:
George Kittle – Kittle averaged 6.4/99.1/.4 receiving per game on 9.9 targets in eight games with Mullens back in 2018 and the Eagles have allowed 4 TDs to TEs through the first three games and their LBs are pretty terrible in coverage.
Zach Ertz – Her may get 15 targets in this one. The 49ers have yet to allow more than 25 receiving yards to an opposing TE this season, so Ertz could have an odd line like 10/48 this week, but targets shouldn’t be a problem.
PLAYERS I LIKE LESS THAN USUAL:
Carson Wentz – He was brutal last week on film and won’t have D-Jax, Goedert, Alshon. 49ers have a ton of injuries, also in the secondary, but Wentz may struggle against anyone right now. He ranks 34th out of 36 QBs in on-target throw rates at just 66% and he’s thrown two INTs in every game
Brandon Aiyuk – Target share rise from 11% Week 2 to a 23% share last week, but Deebo Samuel is expected to return this week and he could see a lot of Darius Slay this week and Slay has been good.
DEEP SLEEPERS/REACH PLAYS:
Greg Ward – Ward posted 8/72/1 receiving last week while playing on 84% of the snaps and 49ers are down their top three corners, so he's a threat to post 12+ PPR points again.
Nick Mullens – Looked good last week and completed 25/36 passes for 343 yards (9.5 YPA) with 1 TD. The Eagles have allowed 265+ passing yards and multiple passing TDs to Jared Goff and Joe Burrow the last two weeks.
OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE:
Miles Sanders – He's played on 78% of the snaps and he’s handled 53 opportunities in his first two games, but the 49ers defense is allowing just 80.4 scrimmage yards per game.
Jerick McKinnon – Saw 36 more snaps than Jeff Wilson (46 to 10) in the first three quarters last week before he left early for a rib issue. Not a great reach this week, since the Eagles have allowed just 3.5 YPC and only 3.3 catches per game to opposing RBs.
