• Malik Nabers scores twice: The New York Giants rookie large receiver was already top-five in fantasy factors on the place heading into the week and now he is likely to be the highest participant on the place.
• Saquon Barkley dominates for the Philadelphia Eagles: While most working backs struggled to realize many yards within the early window, Barkley averaged almost 10 yards per carry and scored a landing, main the Eagles to the highway victory.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all of our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated studying time: 20 minutes
PFF’s fantasy soccer recap focuses on participant utilization and stats, breaking down all of the very important info it’s essential to obtain fantasy success in 2024.
New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns
- Malik Nabers: 8 receptions, 78 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 carries, 4 yards
- Amari Cooper: 7 receptions, 86 yards, 2 touchdowns
Jerome Ford leads the Browns backfield once more: Ford led the staff in speeding makes an attempt in Weeks 1 and three whereas D’Onta Foreman led in Week 2.
Ford set profession highs in snaps and proportion of Cleveland’s offensive snaps in Week 1, however final week, Foreman ran the ball 14 instances to Ford’s seven. Foreman solely performed 1 snap in Week 1 and was injured throughout coaching camp, so it appeared like what occurred in Week 2 can be the brand new regular.
Pierre Strong Jr. suffered a hamstring damage in Week 2 and missed this week, so we at the very least knew it will be a two-man backfield. This week ended up being extra like Week 1, besides Ford performed an excellent larger proportion of Cleveland’s offensive snaps, setting a brand new profession excessive at 79%. While a few of this was gamescript-related, Ford began the sport and was dominating the snap share even when the Browns had a lead. The one situation the place we most count on to see Foreman is on the objective line, however throughout the Browns’ two-point conversion try, large receiver Elijah Moore was within the backfield.
This didn’t result in a lot fantasy manufacturing. Ford gained 37 yards on 10 carries and caught three passes for 33 yards. Even final season, we had a few of these dramatic shifts in utilization between Ford and Kareem Hunt. It wouldn’t be shocking if this backfield is among the hardest to foretell for fantasy soccer functions going ahead.
Tyrone Tracy’s function expands: Tracy tied his career-high in offensive snaps by halftime.
During the primary two weeks, Devin Singletary dominated the snap share in all conditions outdoors the objective line. This week, Tracy was taking part in a better proportion of snaps. This features a little extra work on early downs, slightly extra on late downs and all the two-minute drill snaps. Tracy in the end performed 28% of New York’s offensive snaps, which was up from the 21% he performed every of the primary two weeks.
The vivid facet for Singletary fantasy managers is that Singletary acquired a lot of the goal-line work, together with a landing, which wasn’t the case the earlier two weeks. The Giants had been going through a powerful Browns protection, nevertheless it’s price noting Tracy’s 4.6 yards per carry was larger than Singletary’s 4.1. Tracy was persistently gaining just a few yards on his carries, whereas Singletary had one run for 43 yards to shut out the sport and a 1.5-yard-per-carry common over the remainder of the sport. Tracy could proceed to play extra snaps going ahead.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Giants rookie tight finish Theo Johnson ran a route on 80% of the Giants’ passing performs, a career-high. He performed a barely larger proportion of offensive snaps, however the massive distinction was the Giants’ tight ends had been requested to go block much less typically. Over the primary two weeks, each Johnson and Chris Manhertz had been the clear league leaders in go blocks amongst tight ends. Johnson will want a better goal share to noticeably think about him in fantasy leagues.
- David Njoku missed his second straight sport on account of an ankle damage. He didn’t apply all week.
- Rookie large receiver Jamari Thrash was inactive for a second straight week. James Proche II was the fifth large receiver. Thrash was on the damage report on account of an sickness however wasn’t given an damage standing.
Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts
- Jonathan Taylor: 23 carries, 110 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 reception, 25 receiving yards
- Cole Kmet: 10 receptions, 97 yards, 1 landing
D’Andre Swift’s shrinking function: Swift has averaged 3.0 yards per carry or much less in each sport and is slowly however absolutely shedding work.
In Week 1, Swift performed the clear majority of Chicago’s early-down snaps, all the goal-line work and break up third-down snaps with Travis Homer. In Week 2, he misplaced almost all the third-down work to Homer, as Homer performed 13 snaps to Swift’s one. He additionally break up the goal-line work with Khalil Herbert. On the brilliant facet, Swift took each two-minute drill snap.
Homer suffered a finger damage, which landed him on injured reserve, so Roschon Johnson was energetic not like the primary two weeks. He took over because the third-down again and did a lot of the work in two-minute drills. Khalil Herbert took a lot of the goal-line snaps, whereas Swift solely performed one in every of a potential seven performs on this state of affairs.
Swift continued to play most early-down snaps, however that may very well be the following factor to go. Swift has averaged 1.8 yards per carry and has one first down on the season, the identical quantity as large receiver D.J. Moore, receiving again Travis Homer and Velus Jones Jr., who solely performed Week 1. Considering Johnson ran the ball eight instances for 30 yards Sunday and out-snapped Herbert on early downs, it looks like Johnson is the perfect waiver possibility of the group.
Cole Kmet sees an uptick in snaps performed: Kmet was far more closely concerned within the offense this week than within the earlier two.
Kmet was behind in a rotation with Gerald Everett in Week 1, however that shifted to Kmet being the chief in Week 2. He performed barely extra snaps in Week 3 and noticed much more targets. His 10 receptions had been tied for a career-high whereas his 97 yards had been the second-most in his profession.
He nonetheless isn’t taking part in as a lot as final season, and when he’s off the sector, it’s typically a passing play. This has remained true in all three weeks, as Kmet is persistently on the sector in 12 and 21 personnel, and he is solely getting rotated out in11 personnel groupings. Kmet ran a route on 71.4% of the Bears go performs, which is up 10% from final week, however it’s not best for a fantasy starter.
This sport makes it extra possible Kmet can have some fantasy worth this season as a result of it confirmed he has chemistry with Caleb Williams, however we will nonetheless count on issues to be totally different when the Bears are working a extra regular quantity of performs and Keenan Allen is wholesome once more.
Josh Downs returns for the Colts: Downs missed the primary two weeks however was a full participant in apply all week and wasn’t given an damage designation.
Downs went again to the function he performed final 12 months within the slot in 11 personnel. He performed in 32 of a potential 41 snaps out of 11 personnel whereas not taking part in in any respect within the different personnel groupings.
The Colts spent a lot of the day working the ball, so Downs solely ran 16 routes, however he was focused on 5 of them. He caught three passes for 22 yards. The 31.2% goal fee in his first sport again after lacking nearly all of coaching camp is a good signal for his future manufacturing. He shall be a sneaky waiver-wire goal this week.
When he was off the sector, Ashton Dulin was on the sector typically as a substitute of second-round rookie Adonai Mitchell, who performed three-of-41 snaps out of 11 personnel. The excellent news is Mitchell break up snaps with Alec Pierce in 12 personnel with 4 snaps every. Pierce persistently performed at the very least 95% of Indianapolis’ offensive snaps final week, so taking part in 77% on this sport is a dramatic lower. While September is all the time too early to surrender on a rookie for fantasy soccer functions, the truth that Mitchell has fallen to a transparent fifth on the depth chart is just not a fantastic signal.
Miscellaneous Notes
- So much was made final week of Jonathan Taylor not taking part in in passing conditions, which included each the fourth quarter and third downs. This week, the Colts didn’t have any snaps in a two-minute drill. Taylor performed in six-of-nine snaps on third downs, up from final week, and the overwhelming majority of all different snaps.
- Bears fullback Khari Blasingame was inactive on account of hand and knee accidents.
- Bears receiver Keenan Allen missed a second straight sport. He was listed with a heel damage like final week, but in addition for a private cause. The Bears did the identical factor as final week, permitting Rome Odunze to persistently play in two-receiver units whereas DeAndre Carter performed within the slot.
- The Bears ran 90 offensive performs, which is by far essentially the most for a staff in a sport. This included 61 go performs, which was tied for essentially the most. We mustn’t count on the Bears to have this massive of numbers within the passing sport going ahead until Caleb Williams considerably improves his effectivity.
Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings
- Aaron Jones: 19 carries, 102 yards, 5 receptions, 46 receiving yards, 1 receiving landing
- Justin Jefferson: 6 receptions, 81 yards, 1 landing
Cam Akers leads the Texans backfield: Dameon Pierce missed his second straight sport on account of a hamstring damage whereas Joe Mixon missed on account of an ankle damage. Neither practiced this previous week.
Akers was clearly the following man up on the finish of final week, and that remained the case this week. Dare Ogunbowale was the receiving again like the primary two weeks of the season.
Akers performed 29 of a potential 32 on first and second downs outdoors of the two-minute drill within the first three quarters. At that time, the Texans had been down 24-7. Ogunbowale continued to play whereas J.J. Taylor blended in as a result of the Texans had been in clear passing conditions and Akers is strictly an early-down again. He ran 9 instances for 21 yards towards a powerful Minnesota Vikings protection, however he caught one go for a landing to avoid wasting his fantasy worth.
It’s price holding onto Akers in case the Texans want him beginning for yet one more week. He ought to have far more luck towards the Jacksonville Jaguars protection.
Brevin Jordan lands on injured reserve: The Texans’ backup tight finish tore his ACL final week and can miss the remainder of the season.
The Texans additionally misplaced backup tight finish Teagan Quitoriano within the preseason, so their four-man tight finish room has became two. Rookie Cade Stover has seen slight will increase in taking part in time from one week to the following. In video games the place the Texans are profitable, we will count on a extra dramatic improve in snaps for Stover.
The damage meant beginning tight finish Dalton Schultz performed much more than regular. He solely caught two-of-five passes thrown his approach for 11 yards, however we will count on his route proportion to extend going ahead. It will nonetheless be slightly exhausting to belief him contemplating Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are the first receiving choices, however there may be an elevated likelihood Schultz finishes as a top-12 fantasy tight finish any given week.
Aaron Jones’ 100-yard sport: The Vikings made a slight tweak to once they rotated their working backs, which benefited’ Jones’ fantasy manufacturing.
The Vikings have been one of the crucial constant groups of their working again rotation. Jones has performed between 55-61% of the staff’s naps every sport whereas Ty Chandler has performed 35% of snaps every week.
The distinction this week is Chandler was the first working again in passing conditions, together with third downs and two-minute drill snaps, whereas Jones performed extra of the snaps on early-downs than within the first two weeks. This put Jones in additional conditions the place he acquired the ball, and Chandler in fewer conditions the place he would obtain the ball. This helped Jones to his greatest sport as a Viking each on the bottom and within the air. If this pattern continues, it will be a common optimistic for Jones’ fantasy potential going ahead.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Tank Dell performed in three of a potential 19 snaps in two-receiver units, costing him 11 go performs.
- Sam Darnold was limping after successful, which value him two performs, however he was capable of return to the sport. It’s price seeing if he exhibits up on the damage report this week.
- Jordan Addison missed his second straight sport on account of damage. Jalen Nailor continued to be his main alternative, whereas Brandon Powell continued to play within the slot. Trent Sherfield largely rotated with Powell in 11 personnel whereas taking snaps from Jefferson and Nailor in 21 personnel.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
Monitor DeVonta Smith’s well being: Smith suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit and was dominated out whereas being evaluated for a concussion.
The Eagles began the sport with out A.J. Brown for a second straight week on account of a hamstring damage. The excellent news is rookie Johnny Wilson was more healthy this week than final.
Early within the sport, Smith and Jahan Dotson had been the first two receivers whereas Britain Covey was the first third receiver. Over the primary three drives, Smith performed all 18 snaps whereas Dotson performed 14, Covey performed seven, Johnny Wilson performed 5, and Parris Campbell performed two. At that time, Covey suffered a shoulder damage and didn’t return.
Dotson then began taking part in an excellent larger proportion of snaps whereas Campbell emerged because the clear third receiver. Smith continued to play 100% of his staff’s offensive snaps till he suffered his head damage. Over the final two drives, ignoring the drive with kneel-downs, each Dotson and Campbell performed all 12 snaps, whereas Wilson performed 9 of 12 snaps.
It’s not clear who the favourite goal can be if the Eagles are lacking the three different receivers. Dotson is clearly the receiver most definitely to play, however he’s but to have an honest goal share. The principal beneficiary is clearly Dallas Goedert, who’s a proficient tight finish whose fantasy worth has decreased in latest seasons as a result of run-first offense and power at large receiver. Without the power at receiver, Goedert will stay one of many high choices on the place.
Undrafted rookie Mason Tipton is the Saints’ third large receiver: The former Yale receiver ran the third-most routes and recorded the third-most targets among the many large receivers.
Bub Means had been in competition for the third receiver job, however he was a wholesome inactive after taking part in a big function the primary two weeks. A.T. Perry, who was the third receiver to finish final season, was additionally inactive. He missed the primary two video games and was listed on the damage report with an sickness. This left the Saints with solely 4 energetic large receivers.
Tipton began taking part in snaps final week however that solely left him working three routes. This week, the staff ran extra 11 personnel with Taysom Hill out. Tipton and Cedrick Wilson Jr. break up the 11 personnel snaps, however when Tipton was on the sector, it was nearly all the time a go play, whereas it was extra of a mixture when Wilson was on the sector. The cause Wilson ended up taking part in extra snaps was largely on account of his work in 22 personnel as a run blocker.
This doesn’t imply a lot within the overwhelming majority of leagues, however in case you are in a league the place nearly everybody talked about on this article is on fantasy rosters, Tipton may very well be price contemplating in case Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed undergo an damage this season.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Taysom Hill was inactive on account of a chest damage.
- Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson each caught a landing in Week 1, however since then, they’ve mixed for a two-yard reception on one goal over the past two weeks. Considering how a lot the 2 are rotated out even whereas Hill is out, neither ought to be on fantasy rosters.
- Eagles fourth-round rookie working again Will Shipley hasn’t performed an offensive snap since Week 1 and hasn’t performed a snap as the one working again on the sector.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Chargers regulate with out Joshua Palmer: The Chargers lead outdoors large receiver missed this week on account of each elbow and calf accidents.
Palmer didn’t apply all week, however there was some optimism he would play contemplating he was initially listed as questionable.
This left Quentin Johnston because the Chargers’ clear lead outdoors large receiver. He was solely focused twice on 20 passes however did catch a landing. The Chargers solely ran 45 offensive performs in whole. Considering he’s scored extra within the final two video games than he did all of final season whereas two of his high 5 video games in receiving yards are the final two video games, he’s price focusing on off the waiver wire.
Ladd McConkey continued to be the Chargers’ main slot receiver and acquired extra work than regular in two-receiver units, taking part in simply over 50% of the snaps in these teams. Simi Fehoko surprisingly served because the staff’s third large receiver. He performed 75% of his snaps within the slot within the preseason, however on this sport, he was primarily taking part in on the skin. His snap share was just like the opposite large receivers as a result of he was the first large receiver in 22 personnel, taking part in five-of-seven snaps there. This is price noting in actually deep leagues in case Palmer misses one other sport.
While Brenden Rice was energetic and a transparent outdoors receiver within the preseason, it appears to be like like it will take at the very least one or two extra accidents for him to play within the close to future.
J.Ok. Dobbins leads snaps for the Chargers: Dobbins performed almost two-thirds of the Chargers’ offensive snaps after sharing the backfield with Gus Edwards.
Edwards led the staff in offensive snaps in early down conditions every of the primary two weeks, however this time round, Dobbins was the clear lead working again. In all three video games, Dobbins had a transparent lead after two drives, after which Edwards would begin to get established. This week, Dobbins continued to play nearly all of the snaps.
While the Chargers misplaced by 10 factors, the excellence between the 2 didn’t appear to be game-script associated. The Chargers had a lead at halftime and weren’t shedding till the fourth quarter. Dobbins was persistently main in snaps at a 64-67% fee all through the sport. Dobbins’ didn’t have a lot manufacturing on this sport whereas he averaged lower than three yards per carry, however this can be a fairly clear signal he’ll proceed to be the lead again going ahead.
Edwards could be dropped in some leagues as a result of he doesn’t have any standalone worth going ahead. He continues to be Dobbins’ handcuff, however even when Dobbins suffers an damage, the Chargers would nonetheless possible use a committee. This means there are higher handcuff choices.
Monitor Van Jefferson’s well being: The Steelers beginning large receiver suffered an eye fixed damage and didn’t return.
Jefferson was averaging over 50 offensive snaps per sport the primary two weeks however solely caught three passes for 15 yards as the skin large receiver reverse George Pickens. Even earlier than the damage, the Steelers made a slight change at large receiver. Cordarrelle Patterson performed three snaps as a real slot receiver within the first quarter, taking taking part in time away from Calvin Austin III.
Jefferson’s damage occurred on the primary play of the second quarter. Scott Miller took over as the skin large receiver reverse Pickens. Throughout the season, Miller has been the staff’s fourth large receiver, taking part in considerably with 13 personnel. Patterson continued to combine in all through the sport, primarily at large receiver, as he solely took snaps away from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren on the finish of the sport to expire the clock.
An eye damage that takes a participant out for a whole sport is uncommon, so hopefully, it’s not a long-term subject for Jefferson. If he does miss time long-term, we will count on Miller to be the Steelers’ starter subsequent week.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Justin Herbert was questionable for this sport on account of an ankle damage and in the midst of the third quarter, he appeared to worsen the damage. He didn’t return with Taylor Heinicke taking on for the remainder of the sport.
- Roman Wilson was a full participant in apply each Thursday and Friday and wasn’t given an damage standing, however he was nonetheless inactive. He has but to play a snap in both the preseason or common season for the Steelers.
- Steelers blocking tight finish MyCole Pruitt was inactive with a knee damage. Connor Heyward changed him because the third tight finish, whereas Rodney Williams was the staff’s fourth tight finish.
Denver Broncos @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyler Badie enters the working again rotation: Badie led the staff in speeding makes an attempt and speeding yards.
The Broncos utilized a two-man working again rotation the primary two weeks. Audric Estime solely performed three snaps in Week 1 earlier than touchdown on injured reserve, and Badie performed three snaps in Week 2 as the brand new third again within the backfield.
This week, Badie performed solely barely extra typically over the primary three quarters, taking part in 4 snaps on the primary 58 performs of the sport. Javonte Williams performed 35 and Jaleel McLaughlin performed 16. The Broncos had been up 23-7 with 10 minutes left, so Badie performed in 9 of the final 10 potential snaps. He ran seven instances for 63 yards within the quarter.
While a working again taking part in in 7% of his staff’s snaps within the first 50 minutes and 90% within the final 10 minutes of a blowout win ought to normally not be regarding, it’s price noting the Broncos have been fairly unpredictable with their utilization this season, and Badie performed a lot better than the 2 different working backs who mixed for 19 yards on 10 carries. Badie could combine in slightly bit extra subsequent week, as he did combine in barely extra early this week. This will make it more durable to belief both of the Broncos different working backs.
Bucky Irving leads the Buccaneers in speeding makes an attempt: White led the staff in speeding yards and yards per carry every of the primary two weeks.
The Buccaneers haven’t made any vital adjustments to when their working backs are on the sector by means of the primary three weeks. White is clearly main in most conditions. This was the primary time we’ve seen them in true two-minute drill conditions, and Irving performed an honest quantity there.
The distinction is the Buccaneers have turn out to be increasingly more possible to offer Irving the ball when he’s on the sector and fewer possible to offer it to White when he’s on the sector. Through three weeks, Irving has 25 carries for 154 yards, whereas White has 31 carries for 67 yards.
At this level, White continues to be the higher possibility in PPR leagues as a result of White is catching extra passes, however which may not final for for much longer. Irving stays one of many high waiver wire choices as a result of it wouldn’t be shocking if Irving ultimately leads the staff in offensive snaps on early downs.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Buccaneers rookie large receiver Kameron Johnson was inactive on account of an ankle damage, main Sterling Shepard to be the Bucs’ fifth large receiver.
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey ran extra routes and noticed extra targets than Josh Reynolds. Still, it’s price noting Reynolds was on the damage report on account of an Achilles damage, which possible restricted his taking part in time. It’s additionally potential Humphrey is the Broncos’ second large receiver for Denver going ahead.
- Similarly, Greg Dulcich was on the damage report on account of each a knee and ankle accidents, probably limiting his time. The sport script additionally may have closely influenced Dulcich’s taking part in time. It shall be exhausting to begin him until the Broncos are heavy underdogs.
- Devaughn Vele was a restricted participant on Wednesday and a full participant on Thursday and Friday. He wasn’t given an damage designation, however he was inactive. This was notably shocking after he caught eight passes in Week 1.
Green Bay Packers @ Tennessee Titans
- DeAndre Hopkins: 6 receptions, 73 yards, 1 landing
- Emanuel Wilson: 12 carries, 50 yards, 2 receptions, 35 receiving yards, 1 receiving landing
DeAndre Hopkins re-emerges: Hopkins’ taking part in time has been restricted on account of a knee sprain, main him to a quiet Week 1 and a couple of.
Hopkins performed 27% of Tennessee’s offensive snaps in Week 1 and 44% in Week 2, coming away with only one catch for single-digit yards in every sport. Whenever he was off the sector, Treylon Burks was usually on the sector.
This week, Hopkins performed barely extra. He was at 52.6% of his staff’s offensive snaps at halftime, however the Titans had been down two scores at halftime and three scores by the center of the third quarter, so he began rotating out extra. Instead of Burks shedding vital snaps, he was in a three-man rotation with Hopkins and Calvin Ridley. Ridley had performed over 82% of the Titans’ offensive snaps, however that was right down to 72% this week, together with double-digit go performs the place Ridley wasn’t on the sector. This makes it clear that Burks will stay part of the Titans’ offensive sport plan regardless of how a lot they invested in Hopkins and Ridley the final two offseasons.
There continues to be room for Hopkins to see a better proportion of offensive snaps. He was usually taking part in 75% of snaps final season. Hopkins additionally hasn’t proven up on the damage report within the final two weeks, so this can be the brand new regular for the 32-year-old receiver. If that is regular, it’s going to be very tough to belief Hopkins in fantasy beginning lineups.
Tyjae Spears’ leads the Titans backfield in fantasy factors: The Titans deserted the run early, permitting the higher receiving again to attain extra fantasy factors.
The Titans backfield has regarded slightly totally different every week. The first week, the Titans rotated extra by state of affairs, whereas Tony Pollard was the clear again in speeding conditions and Spears in passing. In Week 2, Spears ended up with extra snaps within the first half however then suffered an damage.
This week, it was largely a rotation by drive. Pollard had 5 drives in comparison with Spears’ three. In the three drives the place each gamers had been on the sector, Pollard performed 12 snaps to Spears’ 10. While Spears scored extra fantasy factors this week, Pollard continues to be the working again to contemplate in fantasy beginning lineups. The indisputable fact that the Titans have modified how these working backs have rotated every week does add some volatility right here and opens the door for Spears to earn extra time going ahead.
Emanuel Wilson leads the Packers backfield in fantasy factors: Wilson gained extra yards than Josh Jacobs on the bottom and within the air.
Packers rookie working again MarShawn Lloyd was set on injured reserve this week, which made it clear Wilson was the Packers’ second working again this week.
Jacobs dominated snaps within the first quarter, taking part in 12-of-16 snaps, together with 5 carries. The Packers had been up by 10 factors at this level, which led the 2 to see a fairly even break up over the remainder of the sport. Half of Wilson’s carries occurred within the fourth quarter.
The Packers possible needed to offer Jacobs at the very least some relaxation. As of the top of the early window, Jacobs had the league lead in carries this season when together with performs known as again by penalty. Considering the Packers had been already down two of their high three working backs, it’s comprehensible they wish to keep away from Jacobs getting injured or overworked. Had this sport been nearer, we most likely would have seen Jacobs taking a better proportion of snaps.
It’s tremendous to choose up Wilson because the handcuff to Jacobs, nevertheless it’s unlikely Wilson can have standalone fantasy worth until the Packers are in one other decisive victory.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Titans’ tight finish room stays one to keep away from. Chigoziem Okonkwo ran essentially the most routes, whereas Josh Whyle had essentially the most receptions and yards, and Nick Vannett scored a landing. None of them ran a route on over 50% of the Titans’ go performs.
- Packers tight finish Tucker Kraft missed a while within the third quarter on account of a shoulder damage, however he was capable of return and saved taking part in regardless of the Packers’ multiple-score lead. He nonetheless solely ran a route on 11-of-18 go performs within the first half in comparison with Luke Musgrave‘s eight-of-18.
- The Packers large receiver rotation hasn’t modified over the past three weeks. Primarily, it’s Romeo Doubs in a single spot, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks rotating for the opposite, and Jayden Reed taking part in within the slot in 11 personnel. Reed has but to play any of the 52 snaps in 12 personnel this season.
Carolina Panthers @ Las Vegas Raiders
Monitor Adam Thielen’s well being: Thielen suffered a hamstring damage on a 31-yard landing catch and didn’t return.
The Panthers began the sport with a brand new quarterback — Andy Dalton. They made a slight change to their large receiver rotation. Diontae Johnson, Thielen and Jonathan Mingo remained the first gamers in 11 personnel, however in 12 personnel, the staff persistently used Johnson and Xavier Legette. This meant much less taking part in time for Thielen even earlier than he suffered his damage.
After Thilen’s damage, Legette performed far more in 11 personnel. It additionally left David Moore rotating in additional in 11 personnel, which was a transparent signal the Panthers had been going to run the ball. Thielen has been the first slot receiver, however this variation moved Mingo to the slot.
If the Thielen damage is severe, Legette would see a big improve in snaps. He had a career-high in receiving yards at 42, which isn’t saying a lot, however this offense appears to be like a lot improved with Andy Dalton at quarterback. Legette could turn out to be the clear second receiving possibility sooner quite than later.
Sell excessive on Chuba Hubbard: The Panthers lead working again had the perfect sport of his profession however stays a part of a rotation that might get extra difficult.
The Panthers have made adjustments at a number of different offensive positions over the primary three weeks, however the working again state of affairs has remained constant. Hubbard has led a two-man rotation the place Hubbard will get the ball extra typically when he’s on the sector. Hubbard had a transparent lead in snaps on the primary three drives earlier than Sanders performed each snap on the next three drives. Hubbard led the best way within the second half to shut out the victory.
Hubbard’s efficiency this week was largely as a result of quarterback change and opponent and to not do along with his function. The greatest drawback is after Week 4, rookie Jonathon Brooks is eligible to return from the NFI record. Chances are Brooks will get eased into motion quite than profitable the beginning job instantly, however extra snaps for Brooks will possible imply fewer snaps for Hubbard. It’s higher to maneuver on now quite than anticipate extra individuals to speak about Brooks’ return.
Zamir White finishes third amongst Raiders working backs in snaps: The Raiders shortly deserted the run of their blowout loss.
When the Raiders first acquired the ball, they had been down by a landing. White ran twice for six yards, which was adopted by an incomplete go and punt by the Raiders. On the second drive, White ran one other 4 instances and the drive ended with an Alexander Mattison goal-line run. Mattison and White have break up goal-line work 50/50 this season. On the third drive, he ran twice extra for 3 yards.
White didn’t play a snap on the next three drives as a result of all of them occurred within the final six minutes of the primary half, and the Raiders spent that point passing. The Raiders bought the ball to begin the second half. He ran twice for 4 yards, main to a different punt. By the time the Raiders bought the ball once more, they had been down 20 factors with 20 minutes left and went with Mattison and Ameer Abdullah the remainder of the best way. White solely performed two of a potential 29 snaps in these 20 minutes.
It’s clear the Raiders wish to run the ball, however White has averaged 3.3 yards per carry and has two first downs over three video games. If the Raiders are favorites to win a sport, it’s tremendous to contemplate beginning White, however they’ll have to be profitable a sport for White to have any fantasy worth.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Tommy Tremble took over because the Panthers’ clear lead tight finish. He missed Week 1 and break up time with rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders in Week 2. Ian Thomas is on injured reserve however may return to make this rotation even much less engaging.
- Tre Tucker had the perfect sport of his NFL profession with seven receptions for 96 yards and a landing. He solely had one different sport with greater than three receptions. While he is likely to be a waiver goal in deeper leagues, he’s the clear fourth possibility on most performs.
- Brock Bowers taking part in time has been extremely constant, taking part in 66-68% of his staff’s offensive snaps every week.
Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks
- Zach Charbonnet: 18 carries, 91 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 receptions, 16 receiving yards
- D.Ok. Metcalf: 4 receptions, 104 yards, 1 landing
Good information and unhealthy information for Noah Fant: He caught six passes for 60 yards, which was his greatest sport since 2021.
Fant was in a three-man rotation at tight finish final season, making it unattainable for him to be fantasy-relevant in his restricted taking part in time. He performed at the very least 75% of Seattle’s offensive snaps within the first two video games, which was very promising. He wasn’t seeing many targets, however he was additionally coming off an damage throughout coaching camp, and this can be a new offense for him. The excellent news is he acquired extra targets and put up strong fantasy manufacturing this week.
The unhealthy information is Pharaoh Brown, who missed the primary two weeks, was energetic for this sport. Brown performed considerably in 11 personnel and in addition saved Fant out of 12 personnel. The Seahawks have used 11 personnel on 75% of their snaps this season and that fee remained excessive this week regardless of the blowout, nevertheless it nonetheless left Fant off the sector for over 40% of the go performs of this sport.
In future video games which can be nearer, Fant ought to get nearer to a 70% route fee, nevertheless it appears to be like like Brown will forestall Fant from being a transparent and apparent tight finish goal for the remainder of the season.
Buy low on Jaxon Smith-Njigba: While Smith-Njigba didn’t have as a lot manufacturing as the opposite Seahawks’ ability gamers, his taking part in time stays on the rise.
Smith-Njigba had the perfect sport of his NFL profession final week, and he adopted that up with a three-catch, 39-yard efficiency. The Seahawks scored on three of their first 4 drives and didn’t do a lot over the remainder of the sport.
Smith-Njigba’s taking part in time continues to be on the rise. He performed 47-of-50 snaps in 11 personnel and nine-of-13 in 12 personnel, which led all large receivers on the staff in each teams. These charges maintain getting larger regardless of Tyler Lockett theoretically getting more healthy. Lockett has usually remained restricted in apply, however he didn’t play a single snap in 12 personnel. Both Jake Bobo and Dareke Young had been the backups in that personnel grouping.
The Seahawks have the most effective offenses, and Smith-Njigba seems to be one of many high weapons. This is probably going the best it is going to be to commerce for him for the remainder of the season.
De’Von Achane leads the Dolphins backfield once more: Raheem Mostert missed his second straight sport on account of a chest damage.
Achane shined final week with out Mostert with 22 carries for 96 yards and 7 receptions for 69 yards. He performed an excellent larger proportion of the Dolphins’ offensive snaps this week, nevertheless it didn’t result in the identical manufacturing.
The Dolphins solely ran 56 offensive performs. Achane was the first ball provider or goal for 28 of them. The sport script made it more durable for Miami to stay to the run. Despite the sport script, fullback Alec Ingold was nonetheless on the sector considerably, as half of his snaps got here within the second half.
Luckily, the Dolphins schedule will get simpler. Over the following 5 weeks, the Dolphins face 4 groups with a shedding report and have their bye week. This ought to permit Miami to stay with the run extra over the following month, making Achane one other buy-low candidate.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Kenneth Walker III missed his second straight sport on account of an indirect damage. Zach Charbonnet fully dominated offensive snaps, just like final week.
- With Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson began. He suffered a chest damage in the midst of the third quarter and didn’t return. Tim Boyle took over for the remainder of the sport.
- The Dolphins made some adjustments to their backup large receivers. Robbie Chosen was launched. Grant DuBose landed on injured reserve on account of a shoulder damage, and Malik Washington was inactive with a quadriceps damage. This left the staff elevating each Erik Ezukanma and D’Wayne Eskridge from the apply squad.
- This sport ought to have been the right time for Jonnu Smith to shine, a sport script that compelled Miami to go, and the quarterback accidents made the staff give attention to gamers with a decrease common depth of goal. Instead, Smith ran a route on 43% of the staff’s go performs and caught two-of-three targets for 18 yards.
Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals
Monitor Sam LaPorta’s well being: LaPorta reportedly suffered a sprained ankle on this sport.
The Lions began this sport with plenty of snaps out of 12 personnel. LaPorta performed 32-of-34 snaps within the first half, whereas Brock Wright performed 20. LaPorta performed within the second half however rotated far more than regular. He performed 11-of-34 snaps, whereas Wright performed 27-of-34.
Considering he was capable of maintain taking part in all through the sport, ideally, he’ll have the ability to play subsequent week. If he’s out, Brock Wright can be the Lions’ each down tight finish. Considering Wright’s historical past within the offense and excessive goal share when on the sector, he can be price contemplating if LaPorta misses time. Parker Hesse is the Lions’ third tight finish and was energetic this week, however he didn’t play a snap on offense.
Monitor Trey McBride’s well being: McBride took a helmet-to-helmet hit within the fourth quarter and is within the concussion protocol.
McBride had his regular function a lot of the sport, taking part in 37-of-40 snaps within the first three quarters. The Cardinals solely ran 5 extra performs after the hit, and Elijah Higgins performed all 5 snaps over run-blocking rookie tight finish Tip Reiman.
If McBride finally ends up lacking a sport, Higgins can be the waiver-wire goal on the staff. Chances are the staff will focus extra on the large receivers, so should you want a good finish, it’s most likely greatest to look elsewhere.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Sophomore large receiver Michael Wilson had the second-best sport of his season with eight receptions for 64 yards. He is a waiver goal in deeper leagues, and there’s a likelihood he’ll proceed to be a think about future weeks.
- Tim Patrick was elevated from the apply squad for a second straight week. Rather than rotating with Kalif Raymond, he was the clear third large receiver.
- Allen Robinson II was additionally elevated off the apply squad for this week, however he solely performed one snap on offense.
Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys additional complicate backfield: Five gamers performed at the very least one snap at halfback for the Cowboys.
In the primary two weeks, the Cowboys usually rotated Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott by drive whereas Deuce Vaughn blended in slightly extra. This week, fullback/halfback hybrid Hunter Luepke took over as the first passing-down again, taking part in 80% of the Cowboys’ third down snaps and a 3rd of the two-minute drill snaps. The Cowboys additionally ran 5 performs with CeeDee Lamb lined up within the backfield.
Outside of the third downs, Dowdle performed snaps on every of the primary two drives, whereas Ezekiel Elliott didn’t play till the third drive. In the fourth quarter whereas the Cowboys had been making an attempt to catch up, Elliott solely performed two of a potential 31 snaps, whereas Dowdle performed 17 and Luepke performed eight.
At this level, it’s protected to drop Elliott, who has performed fewer snaps every week. At this level, his function isn’t as massive because it was with the New England Patriots. Even if Dowdle is injured, Elliott wouldn’t have a function function. If the staff decides to raise Dalvin Cook from the apply squad, Elliott may very nicely be the odd man out. Elliott’s paths to fantasy worth this season have shortly disappeared.
Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely mixed for 4 yards: The Ravens constructed a 21-3 lead by halftime, which was a nightmare for his or her receivers in fantasy.
Likely’s greatest drawback was the sport script and a low goal share. Lamar Jackson solely tried 15 passes, focusing on Likely as soon as for a four-yard completion. His taking part in time was usually promising. He’s performed 100% of Baltimore’s snaps in 22 and 12 personnel, which continued on this sport. He performed 10-of-19 snaps in 11 personnel, which is an enormous step up from final week. He additionally performed 4 snaps in 21 personnel after only one snap there over the primary two video games.
This sport was a nightmare for Andrews’ fantasy managers. He doesn’t play in 22 personnel, as Charlie Kolar is the opposite tight finish in that group. The Ravens used 22 on 14 snaps. He had performed the clear majority of the staff’s snaps in 11 personnel final week however misplaced a few of these snaps to Likely. The different massive drawback is he performed seven-of-21 snaps in 21 personnel within the first two weeks, and he didn’t play in any respect in that personnel grouping (16 snaps) on this sport. Andrews didn’t catch his solely goal.
If this utilization carries on to future weeks, Likely will persistently run extra routes than Andrews going ahead. The Ravens have used their tight ends in 11 personnel in a different way every week, so there’s a likelihood this adjustments once more. It’s too early to surrender on Andrews fully, however we’ve most likely reached some extent the place he can’t be in fantasy beginning lineups going ahead.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Jake Ferguson returned to the Cowboys after lacking final week. He rotated out slightly greater than anticipated in comparison with the top of final season, notably in run conditions, however he’s nonetheless protected to return to fantasy beginning lineups.
- This sport is the right instance of why Justice Hill doesn’t have to be on fantasy rosters. The Ravens ran 45 instances in comparison with 15 go makes an attempt. Hill averaged over 10 yards per reception and over six yards per carry however nonetheless solely managed 7.4 PPR factors.
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams
- Jauan Jennings: 11 receptions, 175 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Kyren Williams: 24 carries, 89 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions, 27 receiving yards, 1 receiving landing
Jauan Jennings dominates with out Deebo Samuel: Samuel missed this week on account of a calf damage.
Jennings usually solely performs in three-receiver units. He wasn’t an apparent waiver-wire goal as a result of in 21 personnel this season, Chris Conley had performed 18 snaps in comparison with Jennings’ 10 and Ronnie Bell‘s 5. Conley and Jennings had each performed 4 snaps in 12 personnel. This made it seem to be Jennings would see a rise in snaps, nevertheless it won’t be that vital.
Instead, Jennings performed 28 of a potential 31 snaps in 21 personnel and three-of-five in 12 personnel Sunday. He was a transparent, every-down receiver. His goal share was much more vital, as he acquired extra targets than Brandon Aiyuk. Jennings posted what may have been the perfect receiving numbers by a participant in a sport this season with almost 50 PPR factors.
While we shouldn’t count on this many touchdowns going ahead, Samuel is anticipated to overlook just a few weeks, leaving Jennings as a starter for the close to future. Once George Kittle returns, that can even reduce Jennings’ goal share. In some fantasy leagues, somebody is sure to overpay for Jennings given his stat line, nevertheless it’s nonetheless price making an attempt to get him within the brief run, even when he loses his fantasy worth in just a few weeks.
When the 49ers lined up in 11 personnel, Ronnie Bell usually took Samuel’s spot out large. In very deep leagues, Bell can be the participant to focus on over Conley.
Tutu Atwell shines amongst Rams large receivers: Puka Nacua is on injured reserve whereas Cooper Kupp is out on account of an ankle damage, resulting in an unlikely large receiver stepping up.
Demarcus Robinson has been a starter all season. Tyler Johnson took over as soon as Nacua went down, and Jordan Whittington took over as soon as Kupp suffered his damage. It appeared like these three can be the first large receivers on this sport. There was truthful debates on which of the three would have extra fantasy worth.
Instead, the previous second-round decide began the sport with Robinson and performed nearly all of snaps. Atwell was usually a starter final season earlier than shedding his job to Robinson. Atwell led the staff in receptions and led the staff in receiving yards from his 50-yard reception alone. He caught 4 passes for 93 yards, whereas the following closest was Robinson with 32.
It shall be exhausting to belief any of those Rams large receivers going ahead as a result of we may see another person emerge subsequent week. An affordable argument may very well be made for any of them, nevertheless it’s price selecting up Atwell in case he has an identical efficiency subsequent week.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The 49ers rotated Jordan Mason out barely extra this week, as Kyle Juszczyk performed extra persistently on third downs whereas Isaac Guerendo performed extra with out Deebo Samuel taking working again snaps.
- Eric Saubert was usually George Kittle‘s alternative, however in 11 personnel, Saubert solely performed 17-of-25 snaps whereas Jake Tonges performed the opposite eight. Had the 49ers been taking part in from behind all sport, we possible would have seen extra Tonges and fewer Saubert in comparison with what really occurred.
- Rams backup tight finish Davis Allen missed his second straight sport on account of a again damage.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Atlanta Falcons
Carson Steele leads Chiefs backfield: Steele led Kansas City’s two-man rotation with 17 carries for 72 yards.
The Chiefs lately signed Keaontay Ingram to the energetic roster and Kareem Hunt to the apply squad. But this week, the Chiefs used solely two working backs.
Steele performed nearly all of snaps on early downs, on the objective line and in short-yardage conditions. As anticipated, Samaje Perine remained the receiving-down again and was the backup in speeding conditions.
Perine’s restricted function would not provide a lot fantasy worth. He carried the ball six instances for 25 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards. Unlike Jerick McKinnon, who beforehand held this function and was often used on the objective line — leading to a number of touchdowns — Perine is much less prone to see goal-line alternatives. Therefore, he most likely would not have to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.
There is actually an opportunity Hunt joins the energetic roster or Clyde Edwards-Helaire returns. However, if the Chiefs stick with their regular method, it’s possible they would scale back Perine’s snaps on early downs and short-yardage conditions earlier than affecting Steele’s workload. Given Steele’s effectiveness within the run sport, his function appears safe, at the very least for the close to future.
JuJu Smith-Schuster takes a bigger function: Smith-Schuster minimize into the taking part in time of each Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson.
The veteran served as a backup for the primary two weeks of the season however emerged as a a lot greater a part of the large receiver rotation in Week 3. Smith-Schuster was the first large receiver in 13 personnel and rotated with Watson in 12 personnel. Worthy had performed 26 of 36 snaps in 12 personnel in his staff’s first two video games however barely performed there this week. In 11 personnel, Smith-Schuster surpassed Watson on the depth chart.
Rashee Rice, Smith-Schuster and Worthy all performed considerably within the slot.
Rice is averaging over 3.0 yards per route run and has a goal fee of over 30% taking part in within the slot and out large for Kansas City this season. So, the change is unlikely to impression Rice’s fantasy worth, and it actually didn’t this week. If this variation sticks, it is going to be more durable to place Worthy in fantasy beginning lineups.
Kyle Pitts in a rotation: Pitts’ taking part in time has decreased since Week 1, resembling the pattern we noticed on the finish of final season.
Last season, Pitts was rotated out often early on, however his taking part in time steadily elevated because the season progressed. A supply of frustration for fantasy managers was the truth that Jonnu Smith had fantasy worth at instances, and different tight ends had been often concerned, limiting Pitts’ constant presence on the sector.
In the Falcons’ new offense, they primarily function in 11 personnel, which retains only one tight finish on the sector. In Week 1, Pitts was not often rotated out. However, in latest weeks, Charlie Woerner has taken a bigger share of early-down snaps. As a outcome, Pitts ran a route on 74% of the Falcons’ passing performs final week whereas taking part in 72% of offensive snaps. This week, regardless of being rotated out much more, he ran a route on a better proportion of passing performs.
This continues to be an enchancment from final season and higher than most tight ends within the league, although it falls in need of the perfect fee Pitts reached in Week 1. He was focused 5 instances, catching two passes for 59 yards. Those two performs alone had been sufficient to rank ninth in PPR factors amongst tight ends this week. While Pitts stays a viable fantasy starter, he has but to completely meet expectations this season.
Miscellaneous Notes
- After three weeks, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III lead the staff in receiving yards. All 5 beginning ability gamers have a goal fee between 13% and 20% this 12 months.
- Travis Kelce has been held underneath 35 yards with no landing in all three video games this season. He did this solely 3 times throughout your complete 2023 season.
Table Notes
- Snaps embody performs known as again on account of penalties, together with offensive holding or defensive go interference. The different three stats have these performs eliminated.
- Targets could differ from official NFL sources. The most definitely discrepancy can be from a transparent thrown-away go, the place the NFL could give the goal to the closest receiver, whereas this information is not going to.
- Carries are solely on designed performs. Quarterback scrambles received’t depend for the entire variety of carries within the sport.