Week one was deceiving. After minimal injuries, Week 2 was a rude awakening. With Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Justin Fields, J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Reed, and Austin Ekeler all going down to injuries, our start-sit decisions are instantly under the spotlight. I would like to take a second and shout out Austin Ekeler. Known as one of the nicest guys in the league, he is one of the few players who embraced fantasy football. From going on weekly podcasts to engaging with us as fans, his presence will be missed. I hope this isn’t the last time we see him on the NFL field.
Last week, our smash start selections were decent. We selected Trevor Lawrence (QB12), James Conner (RB25), Chuba Hubbard (RB11), Kayshon Boutte (WR49), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR19). As a general statement, I am hoping for a Top 12 performance from QB and TE, or a Top 24 week from WR and RB. I say that, fully knowing that I will select a mix of players that includes a few who are ranked substantially outside of this range each week. Let’s see if we can hit that mark this week!
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Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 3
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
To the disappointment of many fantasy managers, Stevenson balled out last week. This came at the expense of Treyveon Henderson, who had not one, not two, but three holding calls against him in pass protection. Even before those calls, Antonio Gibson was mixing in to the game as well. The one consistent through two weeks has been Stevenson. Coming off an RB6 finish last week, this team now takes on a Steelers team that is floundering on defense. This is not the Steelers we have been used to seeing. Through two weeks, the Steelers have allowed the fourth-most yards against in the league. They have also allowed the fourth most fantasy points to the running back position. It’s always a little scary playing a back that has a talented rookie in the mix. However, I don’t see that impacting this week, and Stevenson should be played as an RB3/flex option.
Javonte Williams (RB – DAL) @ Chicago Bears
Well, Williams is the RB2 on the season so far. Considering he was being drafted as the RB42, I think it’s fair to say no one saw this coming. With 151 yards and three rushing scores through two weeks, it’s hard to deny his production. Plus, last week he was involved in the receiving game, catching six passes for 33 yards. This week, he takes on a Bears team that is not clicking on defense. After allowing the Lions to drop 52 points last week, it’s no surprise that they are allowing the second-most fantasy points to the RB position. With Miles Sanders firmly being the second option, and Jaydon Blue failing to be active on game days, this is Williams’ job for the foreseeable future. This game could be another high-scoring affair, and Williams should be played in all formats.
Michael Pittman (WR – IND) @ Tennessee Titans
This Colts team has been electric. Daniel Jones is looking the best he has since 2022, when he made the Divisional Round in the playoffs. On top of that, Jonathan Taylor is eating up yards and making defenders regret trying to tackle him. The sneaky part of this team has been Michael Pittman. Through two games, Pittman has been the clear top wide receiver. The passing pie is currently split into three pieces. Tyler Warren and Pittman are the two big slices, with everyone else combining for the third. Last week, Pittman had the Patrick Surtain treatment and still managed four receptions for 40 yards. This week, they take on a Tennessee team that is still finding its footing. Allowing the sixth most fantasy points to the position, this is a matchup you want to target. Additionally, we just saw Puka Nacua and Davante Adams feast against the Titans last week. Jones may be no Stafford, and Pittman isn’t Nacua or Adams, but the opportunity will be there for Pittman to have his second Top 24 performance of the season.
DJ Moore (WR – CHI) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Last week, we saw Rome Odunze‘s coming-out party as this team’s top receiver. Or at least, that’s how people have reacted to it. I have always been a DJ Moore fan, and this could be biased, but I strongly think this is a 1A-1B situation. Through two weeks, Moore has been the one featured on third and fourth downs and often the first read. Meanwhile, Odunze has been used down the field and is getting more schemed plays from head coach Ben Johnson. For fantasy, Odunze is the more valuable of the two; however, teams often have two fantasy-friendly options in the passing game. This week, they take on a Cowboys team that Russell Wilson and company dominated. Watching these games, it’s clear we have yet to see this Ben Johnson offense in its full form. Although it may not be this week, this is the perfect matchup to take a step forward on offense. I think DJ. Moore is a high-end WR2 this week.
Caleb Williams (QB – CHI) vs. Dallas Cowboys
I’m going to double down on Bears this week, and select Williams as my fifth and final Smash Start. The Bears are dealing with growing pains and should continue to take steps forward each week. Much like I mentioned with DJ. Moore, this Cowboys team can be exploited. Through two weeks, they are allowing the third most fantasy points to the position. The best part of the Cowboys is that their offense will force their opponents to continue to score. Despite being disappointing against a mediocre Lions defense last week, Williams has checked the boxes from a production standpoint. More specifically, his five or more rush attempts in each game are great to see. It would be nice to see Williams get more help from the run game, but that’s a D’Andre Swift issue, rather than a problem with the team. I expect this game could have some fireworks, and Williams could finish as a top 12 option this week.
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