As we head into Week 3 of the NFL season, two matchups stand out for very different reasons.
The Falcons face a struggling Panthers defensive line that has been unable to generate any pressure, creating a potential breakout spot for Atlanta’s offense.
Meanwhile, the Packers travel to Cleveland for their first road test against the Browns’ ferocious front – Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) top-ranked defensive line – in what could turn into a grind-it-out, upset-minded showdown.
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Fantasy Football Week 3 OL & DL Matchups
Falcons OL vs. Panthers DL
There’s nothing flashy about this matchup, but it’s a spot worth targeting because of how poor Carolina’s defensive line has been to start the season. Atlanta’s offensive line is average (13th in PFF’s rankings), yet it holds a decisive edge against a Panthers front that has been the league’s worst through two weeks.
Carolina ranks dead last in pressure rate (16.7%) and has just one sack with 10 total quarterback pressures – both at the bottom of the NFL. Meanwhile, Atlanta has allowed the fifth-lowest pressure rate, meaning Michael Penix Jr. (and his skill players) should have time to operate from a clean pocket.
The Fantasy Points data suite reinforces the mismatch, grading Atlanta’s passing offense as the best matchup of Week 3 while also giving them the third-highest rushing grade. That makes the Falcons’ offense a sneaky stack for DFS and an attractive play in season-long leagues.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Michael Penix Jr.: QB1 potential, especially in Superflex leagues.
- Falcons Pass-Catchers: Upgraded, with more time for downfield routes.
- Bijan Robinson: Elite play, already strong usage, plus a favorable offensive line versus defensive line mismatch.
Packers OL vs. Browns DL
On paper, this looks like a huge mismatch. The 2-0 Packers, looking every bit like a Super Bowl contender, against an 0-2 Browns team searching for answers.
Not so fast, my friend.
This will be Green Bay’s first road test, and it comes against a talented Browns defense desperate for a win. Cleveland’s defensive line is currently PFF’s No. 1-ranked unit, led by Myles Garrett, Maliek Collins and rookie standout Mason Graham.
Last week, they completely shut down Baltimore’s usually dominant rushing attack, holding them to -0.369 expected points added (EPA) per rush and just a 20% success rate.
Derrick Henry was bottled up for only 23 yards on 11 carries. Through two weeks, the Browns have allowed a league-low 45.5 rushing yards per game, while also ranking eighth in sacks (six) and sixth in sack percentage (10%).
It could be a long day for Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs. And if Joe Flacco and the offense can hold their own and avoid turnovers, we may see an upset win for the Browns.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Josh Jacobs: The Browns rank No. 1 against the run, making Jacobs a risky play outside of volume-dependent leagues.
- Jordan Love: A brutal road spot against an elite pass rush; expect pressure and limited deep shots. Love sits in 1-QB leagues.
Colts OL vs. Titans DL
After facing a Dolphins defense that looked like Swiss cheese in Week 1, the Colts were tested against last year’s top-ranked defense in Week 2. They passed with flying colors, allowing the Broncos to muster up only three quarterback hits on Daniel Jones.
In Week 3, they draw another favorable matchup against a Titans defensive line that has managed just two sacks through the first two games
The Colts’ offensive line, despite losing Will Fries and Ryan Kelly in free agency, has held strong. They currently rank 11th in quarterback pressure rate allowed (33.8%) and third in adjusted sack rate (3.5%), giving Danny Dimes plenty of time to maneuver in the pocket.
Those clean looks have fueled the production of tight end Tyler Warren and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who both have 12 targets on clean-pocket plays.
While the lack of pressure will help Jones, this is also set up well for Jonathan Taylor, as the Titans’ defense is giving up the fourth-most rushing yards (150 per game) in the NFL.
Running backs, JK Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Kyren Williams all eclipsed 60+ yards, averaging nearly four yards per carry.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Daniel Jones: Streamer-friendly matchup. He is a safe top-15 quarterback this week.
- Tyler Warren: Volume plus usage equals a must-start tight end in all formats.
- Jonathan Taylor: High-floor play with multi-touchdown upside with the offensive line controlling the trenches.
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