Fantasy Football Heat Index: Buy or Sell Surprise Performances

Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.

Fantasy Football Heat Index

Quarterback

Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)

Stats:

19-of-28 for 298 Passing Yards
4 Passing Touchdowns
5 Rushing Attempts
12 Rushing Yards

Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB1 (29.1 fantasy points)

Analysis: Caleb Williams delivered his best performance of the Ben Johnson era on Sunday, carving up the Dallas Cowboys with precision and poise. He threw four touchdowns, posted a career-best passer rating, and mostly avoided pressure from a defense still reeling from the departure of three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons.

Williams demonstrated improved timing and anticipation, especially on intermediate throws to wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. He consistently hit windows before defenders could close, allowing his receivers to maintain momentum and generate yards after the catch.

Managers in Superflex formats should consider Williams a locked-in starter, while those in standard leagues can view him as a high-upside QB2 with streaming potential. He has a favorable matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders next week. If Williams continues to build on this performance, his ceiling could rise even higher.

Heat Index: 4

Running Back

Trey Benson (RB – ARI)

Stats:

10 Rushing Attempts
42 Rushing Yards
3 Receptions
9 Receiving Yards

Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB31 (6.6 fantasy points)

Analysis: Trey Benson didn’t dominate in Week 3, but he showed flashes of explosiveness in Arizona’s 16-15 loss to San Francisco. He finished the game with 51 total yards on 13 touches, including an impressive 29-yard run midway through the third quarter.

While the overall production was modest, Benson’s usage ticked up noticeably after James Conner exited with a leg injury. Conner was carted off in the third quarter and quickly ruled out, raising immediate concern about a potential season-ending injury.

Fantasy managers should prioritize Benson on the waiver wire, where he is available. Conner is expected to undergo season-ending surgery, meaning Benson is poised to take on lead back duties in Arizona. With upcoming matchups against the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans, he could quickly become a reliable Flex option with RB2 potential.

Heat Index: 4

Wide Receiver

Tory Horton (WR – SEA)

Stats:

3 Receptions
32 Receiving Yards
1 Receiving Touchdown
1 Special Teams Touchdowns

Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR9 (16.7 fantasy points)

Analysis: Tory Horton delivered one of the most electric performances of Week 3, scoring twice in Seattle’s 44–13 rout of New Orleans. The rookie wide receiver opened the scoring with a 95-yard punt return touchdown, the longest in Seahawks franchise history. He followed it up with a 14-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Sam Darnold early in the second quarter, winning on a fade to the front pylon and securing the ball with tight coverage trailing over his shoulder.

For fantasy managers, Horton is a worthwhile speculative add in deeper formats, especially those that reward return yardage. While his short-term upside may be limited due to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s established role in Seattle’s passing game, Horton’s early flashes on offense and special teams usage suggest he has the potential to carve out a meaningful role as the season unfolds.

Heat Index: 2

Tight End

Hunter Henry (TE – NE)

Stats:

8 Receptions
90 Receiving Yards
2 Touchdowns

Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE1 (25 fantasy points)

Analysis: Hunter Henry turned back the clock in Week 3, delivering a vintage performance in New England’s 21-14 loss to Pittsburgh. The veteran tight end caught eight passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns, including a fourth-down score in the red zone and a well-executed fade route to the left pylon.

For fantasy managers, Henry profiles as an inconsistent boom-bust option rather than a locked-in TE1. While he scored two touchdowns today, his weekly volume tends to fluctuate and remains tied to game script and red-zone opportunities. Although the Patriots’ system does prioritize tight ends near the goal line, Henry’s production relies heavily on touchdowns, and his floor can be quite low in weeks when he is not heavily featured.

Heat Index: 3