QB:
Dak Prescott, Cowboys–Dak has one of the premier matchups of the week vs. Chicago. The Bears have allowed 7 TD passes to opposing QBs and have let up an astounding 9.94 Yards per attempt. A lot of that was done last week against Detroit, but Dallas has two outstanding receivers who should dominate the injured Bears’ secondary. Lock Dak in for 270+ passing yards and 2 TDs.
Caleb Williams, Bears–Dallas has allowed the 3rd most passing yards after two weeks, including over 400 to Russell Wilson. Moreover, they have allowed the 4th highest Yards per attempt and the 3rd most rushing yards to opposing QBs. Not only should Williams throw for 1-2 TDs, but there is a good chance he has 40+ rushing yards with a strong chance at a rushing TD.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs–Kansas City is 0-2 (when have we said that in the past years?) and faces a must-win scenario on the road against the Giants, who have been extremely generous to opposing QBs. Xavier Worthy is expected back, as is rookie Jalen Royals, giving Mahomes two more targets to throw to. New York has let up the 4th most passing yards this far this season, which should make Mahomes good for 250+ passing yards and 2 TDs.
Drake Maye, Patriots–Pittsburgh’s defense has been surprisingly bad thus far this season, even making Sam Darnold look good in Week 2. Maye has really stepped up in his second year and should be in a good spot offensively. The Steelers have allowed the 2nd most rushing TDs to opposing QBs, as well as the 8th most passing yards. Look for this to be a higher-scoring game than most people expect, with Maye throwing for 225 yards and a TD as well as 45 rushing yards and a TD.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers, Jared Goff
RB:
Bijan Robinson, Falcons–Bijan gets to face Carolina, a team that he has dominated since coming into the league. Carolina’s toothless run defense has allowed 5.67 yards per carry and has no one up front who can stop Robinson. The only hesitation here is that Tyler Allgeier might steal a TD, but regardless, Robinson will run for 90+ yards and at least 1 TD.
Jordan Mason, Vikings–No, Aaron Jones should mean 20+ rushing attempts for Mason. No J.J. McCarthy means more dump-off from Carson Wentz to Mason. All the stars are aligning for a huge game from him. Opportunity equals fantasy points. Fantasy points equal victories. Let Mason lead you to a Week 3 win with 100+ total yards from scrimmage and a TD.
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs–This feels like a do-or-die week for both Kansas City and Pacheco. Pacheco has been a huge disappointment thus far, and there are rumors that rookie RB Brashad Smith might start to get more playing time. Lucky for Pacheco, he gets to play the Giants and their awful run defense. New York has let up the 4th most rushing yards this season, as well as the 3rd most YPC. Pacheco might just find the end zone in Week 3.
Alvin Kamara, Saints–New Orleans has been at home for the first two games, and now they have to travel to the Pacific Northwest and the home of the 12th Man in Seattle. The good news for the Saints is that Seattle has allowed the most receptions to opposing running backs this season, which should work out perfectly for Kamara’s fantasy day. Lock him in for 100 all-purpose yards and at least 6 receptions, giving him 15-18 fantasy points this week.
Honorable Mention: Jonathan Taylor, Kenneth Walker
WR:
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys–Let’s see–Detroit just smashed the Chicago defense for 50+ points, and Dallas put on a huge offensive display against the Giants last week. What happens when you put those two things together? Fireworks! Chicago has allowed the most TDs to opposing WRs, and they have two major injuries in the secondary. Lamb hasn’t had a big week yet, but he should have 125+ yards and a TD in this matchup.
D.J. Moore, Bears–Most people will gravitate towards Rome Odunze this week, and I can’t blame them, but I am more interested in D.J. Moore. Moore has struggled since training camp to find his footing in Ben Johnson’s offense, and with a Cowboys defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and yards per target coming to town, this would be a great time for Moore to figure it all out. Lock him in for 80+ yards and a TD.
Mike Evans, Bucs–Sometimes in the NFL, things don’t make much sense. Tampa has injury problems on their OL, and Evans should see a ton of Sauce Gardner this week. On the other hand, Emeka Egbuka is not 100% and Chris Godwin is not yet ready to return from injury. Las Vegas believes that Tampa will score three TDs this week, so why not at least one from Evans, who has been quiet all season? Feels like a Visionary play!
D.K. Metcalf, Steelers–New England’s top CB, Christian Gonzalez, is still very questionable to play with a hamstring injury. Without him, New England has let up the 4th most yards per target and the 3rd highest catch percentage to opposing wide receivers. Pittsburgh has been taking some deep shots to Metcalf all season, and they will need him to play well if they want to pull this game out on the road. Give Metcalf 90+ receiving yards and a TD.
Honorable Mention: Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins
TE:
Brock Bowers, Raiders–Washington allows the 3rd most yards to opposing tight ends, as well as the highest yards per target. This is good since Las Vegas needs to get Bowers more involved in their offense than they did in Week 2. It feels like Pete Carroll will make that happen, which should make Bowers the top play at the position with 80+ receiving yards and a TD.
Sam LaPorta, Lions–Detroit is on the road this week against Baltimore in what should be a sneaky shootout. For as good as the Ravens defense is, it is not particularly good against opposing tight ends. Baltimore has let up the 2nd most receptions, the 2nd most receiving yards, and a 94.1% catch rate this season. Lions OC John Morton is fully aware of these stats, which is why LaPorta should have 60+ receiving yards and a TD.
Kyle Pitts, Falcons–For the entire off-season, the Atlanta coaching staff has been talking about the improved version of Kyle Pitts that they have been seeing. This feels like the perfect game for Pitts to explode. Carolina has allowed the 6th most receptions to opposing tight ends this season, along with the 3rd highest yards per target. Watch for Pennix to find Pitts deep for a big play as Pitts makes for an exceptional Visionary prop this week, too.
Juwan Johnson, Saints–Seattle’s defense has been great against opposing wide receivers, but they have suffered against running backs out of the backfield and opposing tight ends. They have allowed the most TDs to opposing tight ends and the second most receptions, too. We know that Spencer Rattler looks for Johnson in the red zone. If New Orleans gets to the red zone on Sunday, there is a great chance that Johnson is the one scoring.
Honorable Mention: Colston Loveland, Theo Johnson
