The Primer: Week 3 Edition (2025 Fantasy Football)

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• JAC -1.5, O/U 44.5
• Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Texans Players & Weekly Rankings

Jaguars Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Nico Collins

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Trevor Lawrence (QB)

Trevor Lawrence bounced back from a rough Week 1 as the QB11 in fantasy last week. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 25th in yards per attempt, 28th in passer rating, 20th in highly accurate throw rate, and sixth in catchable target rate. He also has the ninth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. Lawrence is facing a Texans’ pass defense that is still rounding into form. They rank 16th in yards per attempt and 17th in CPOE while allowing the 12th-highest passer rating. Lawrence should have time in the pocket as Houston’s pass rush has sagged ranking 22nd in pressure rate.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)

Travis Etienne is the RB9 in fantasy points per game. Last week, he still easily led this backfield with a 66% snap rate, 14 of the 24 running back carries, and a 45.5% route share (7.1% target share). Etienne has averaged 17.5 touches and 122.5 total yards. Among 50 qualifying backs, Etienne ranks sixth in explosive run rate and third in yards after contact per attempt. Etienne should have another strong game against a run defense that has allowed the 12th-highest explosive run rate, the 11th-most rushing yards per game, and the fourth-highest missed tackle rate.

Dyami Brown (WR)

Dyami Brown is an interesting flex play this week. He is the WR24 in fantasy points per game. Brown has a 15.1% target share, a 22.9% air-yard share, 1.98 yards per route run (54.5 receiving yards per game), and a 16.9% first-read share. Brown is tied for the team lead in red zone targets (three). If Derek Stingley Jr. shadows Brian Thomas Jr. this week, Brown will see a ton of Kamari Lassiter (88.9% catch rate and 140.5 passer rating), who has been struggling so far this season.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Bhayshul Tuten (RB)

Last week, Bhayshul Tuten was the RB17 in fantasy. He only played 25.4% of the offensive snaps, but he finished with ten touches and 74 total yards (one score). Tuten deserves more work in this backfield. We’ll see if his snap rate increases this week, but either way, he is flex viable. Among 50 qualifying backs, Tuten ranks 17th in missed tackle rate and fifth-best in yards after contact per attempt. Houston has allowed the 12th-highest explosive run rate, the 11th-most rushing yards per game, and the fourth-highest missed tackle rate.

Travis Hunter (WR)

Last week, Travis Hunter played 62.3% of the defensive snaps. That didn’t stop him from playing 59.2% of the offensive snaps as well. I don’t know if Hunter will play that much weekly on both sides of the ball, but it was good to see proof of that concept for Hunter. Hunter has a 64.9% route share with a 19.2% target share (28% target per route run rate), a 6.3 aDOT, 1.10 yards per route run (27.5 receiving yards per game), a 22% first-read share, and a 28.6% designed target share. Basically, when he is on the field with the offense, he has operated as the team’s starting slot receiver (66% slot) and been fed short-area designed targets. Hunter is an immensely talented player, but Jacksonville is using him like their version of Wan’Dale Robinson. Unless Hunter breaks one of these targets for a big play or scores a touchdown (two red zone targets), you’ll likely be disappointed with this fantasy production. Houston has allowed the 14th-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

C.J. Stroud (QB)

C.J. Stroud can’t seem to rediscover his mojo, but the Houston offensive line and coaching staff aren’t doing him a lot of favors. Stroud has faced the fourth-highest pressure rate. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 11th in yards per attempt, 33rd in CPOE, 27th in highly accurate throw rate, and 28th in catchable target rate. It’s been rough. Jacksonville won’t make it any easier for him this week. Their pass defense has held passers to the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the second-lowest passer rating, and the fourth-lowest CPOE. Jacksonville ranks 16th in pressure rate, but they also have the sixth-best time to pressure. Stroud could be under duress again this week.

Nick Chubb (RB)

Nick Chubb has been the leader of the Houston backfield. He has averaged 50.5% of the snaps with a 54.3% rushing share and a 25% route share. Chubb has averaged 13.5 touches and 66 total yards. He has posted a decent 16% missed tackle rate, but sadly, only 1.60 yards after contact per attempt. Unfortunately, the injuries have robbed Chubb of his former rushing glory. He’s just a volume bet weekly, and you’re hoping he gets in the endzone. Jacksonville could shut him down this week. The Jaguars have allowed the 11th-lowest explosive run rate, the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game, and the lowest missed tackle rate. Sit Chubb if possible.

Woody Marks (RB)

It’s too early to consider flexing Woody Marks in fantasy. Last week, he played only 13 snaps (26.5%) and received four touches. He should continue to factor more into this backfield mix, but he’s not flex-worthy (yet).

Brian Thomas Jr.

This has been a disappointing start for Brian Thomas Jr. believers like me. He is the WR54 in fantasy points per game. His market share usage has been strong with a 24.7% target share and a 25.4% first-read share, but he’s produced only 30 receiving yards per game (0.90 yards per route run). His per-route metrics haven’t painted a better picture with only 0.075 separation and an 11.9% route win rate. These aren’t absolutely damning metrics, but they aren’t on par with an elite-level alpha wide receiver, which is what anyone drafting Thomas Jr. thought or hoped they would be seeing on the field in 2025. Thomas Jr.’s matchup worries me this week. He’ll likely see Derek Stingley Jr. on 58-75% of his routes, which is the amount of routes that Davante Adams and Mike Evans had to deal with Stingley Jr. in the first two games of the season. Those two immensely talented receivers secured only seven of their 15 total targets for 87 receiving yards. If you can sit Thomas Jr. this week, I would. If you’re running him out there in a lineup, just keep your expectations in check.

Brenton Strange (TE)

Brenton Strange is the TE21 in fantasy points per game. He has a 64.9% route share, a 12.3% target share, 1.52 yards per route run (38 receiving yards per game, and a 13.6% first-read share. He’s not on the tight end streaming radar this week. Houston has allowed the second-fewest yards per reception and the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

**Last week, only Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz had route shares of 70% and above. This week, Christian Kirk will be back in the lineup, and there’s no assurance that he’ll be a full-time player, either. This is a horrible mess with only Nico Collins in play for fantasy lineups weekly from this passing attack.**

MIA vs. BUF | IND vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | NYJ vs. TB | LV vs. WAS | LAR vs. PHI | ATL vs. CAR | CIN vs. MIN | HOU vs. JAC | GB vs. CLE | DEN vs. LAC | NO vs. SEA | ARI vs. SF | DAL vs. CHI | KC vs. NYG | DET vs. BAL

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns

• GB -8, O/U 41.5
• Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Packers Players & Weekly Rankings

*If Tucker Kraft is out this week.*

Browns Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Josh Jacobs
• Tucker Kraft

**Tucker Kraft is expected to play this week. If he is active, he should be in your lineups.**
Is Tucker Kraft playing Week 3? Check out our Are They Playing tool for the probability of injured players suiting up this week

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Jordan Love (QB)

Jordan Love is the QB16 in fantasy points per game. This isn’t because Love is playing poorly, quite the opposite. It’s because of how the Packers are running their offense, and that Love ranks 27th in dropbacks. If this offense leaned into their passing game, it would be wheels up, but sadly, this is where we are. Love ranks third in yards per attempt, fourth in passer rating, and fifth in CPOE and fantasy points per dropback. Love should have another highly efficient day in Week 3. Cleveland has allowed the second-most passing touchdowns, the fourth-highest passer rating, and the ninth-highest CPOE.

Harold Fannin Jr. (TE)

Harold Fannin Jr. could post another nice stat line this week. He’s the TE9 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 15.1% target share (58.6% route share) with 55.5 receiving yards per game (1.91 yards per route run) and a 20.8% first-read share (second on the team). Fannin Jr. has one red zone target. The Packers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game, the 11th-highest yards per reception, and the fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends. He could be Joe Flacco‘s go-to receiver this week.

Romeo Doubs (WR)

Romeo Doubs has been awesome this season, but the Packers’ offense has held him back. Among 96 qualifying receivers, he ranks fourth in separation and third in route win rate. That has translated into a 17% target share, a 27.2% air-yard share, 2.34 yards per route run (48 receiving yards per game), and a 20.6% first-read share. His underutilization is criminal. The matchup is again in his favor, so if you need flex this week, consider Doubs. He leads the team with three red zone targets. The Browns have utilized single-high at the fourth-highest rate (63.9%). Against single high, Doubs has seen his target share increase to 19.4% with 3.60 yards per route run and a 26.1% first-read share. The Browns have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards per game and the second-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Dontayvion Wicks (WR)

Last week, Dontayvion Wicks had a 64.7% route share with a 19.4% target share, a 30.4% air-yard share, 44 receiving yards (2.0 yards per route run), and a 30% first-read share. He could have a nice game this week if the Packers decide to attack the Browns’ pass defense and feed some volume to these receivers. The Browns have utilized single-high at the fourth-highest rate (63.9%). Against single high, Wicks ranks second on the team with a 27% target per route run rate and a 17.4% first-read share while posting 2.77 yards per route run. The Browns have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards per game and the second-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Wicks is a sneaky flex play this week.

David Njoku (TE)

David Njoku could finally have a TE1 week against the Packers. Njoku is the TE20 in fantasy points per game, seeing a 10.8% target share with a 75.8% route share. He has averaged only 38.5 receiving yards (1.03 yards per route run) with an 11.3% first-read share. These numbers aren’t amazing, but the matchup is juicy. The Packers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game, the 11th-highest yards per reception, and the fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends.

Luke Musgrave (TE)

If Tucker Kraft is out, Luke Musgrave should assume the every-down tight end duties for Green Bay this week. Musgrave has run only nine routes this season, but he has been productive when on the field. He has drawn three targets and been the first read for three of those nine routes. He had produced 4.00 yards per route run and 36 receiving yards. Musgrave could post TE1 numbers this week if Kraft is out. Last year, Cleveland ranked 17th in yards per reception allowed to tight ends while giving up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Joe Flacco (QB)

I think it’s safe to say that the Joe Flacco magic has waned. He is the QB27 in fantasy points per game despite a ton of volume to work with (second in dropbacks). Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, Flacco is 30th in yards per attempt and passer rating, 14th in catchable target rate, and 15th in highly accurate throw rate. He is 33rd in fantasy points per dropback. Sit Flacco against Green Bay’s buzzsaw pass defense. The Packers have allowed the fewest yards per attempt, the eighth-lowest CPOE, and the 13th-fewest passing yards per game.

Quinshon Judkins (RB)

In his first NFL game, Quinshon Judkins played 26.4% of the snaps, finishing with 13 touches and 71 total yards. He had 50% of the running back carries and a 17.6% route share. Jerome Ford took over as the preferred passing-down back. Judkins looked good with a 10% explosive run rate, a 50% missed tackle rate, and 5.60 yards after contact per attempt. Judkins is unfortunately a touchdown-dependent flex this week, though. The Packers have an elite run defense this season, holding rushers to zero explosive runs, the second-fewest rushing yards per game, and the fewest yards after contact per attempt.

Dylan Sampson (RB)

Last week, with Quinshon Judkins active, Dylan Sampson saw his role dry up. He played only 23.3% of the snaps as Jerome Ford took over as the preferred passing-down back. Sampson had only seven touches and 19 total yards. Sampson is a must-sit player this week with a horrible matchup and a worrisome workload projection. We have to see his role increase before considering him as a flex play again. The Packers have an elite run defense this season, holding rushers to zero explosive runs, the second-fewest rushing yards per game, and the fewest yards after contact per attempt.

Jerry Jeudy (WR)

Jerry Jeudy has been a disappointment so far. He is the WR41 in fantasy points per game and hasn’t seen a red zone target. He has a 17.2% target share, a 43.2% air-yard share with 1.34 yards per route run (58.5 receiving yards per game), and a 28.3% first-read share. Jeudy is a flex play to avoid this week. Green Bay has allowed the tenth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Cedric Tillman (WR)

Cedric Tillman is the WR24 in fantasy points per game, but that’s only because he has touchdowns in back-to-back games to open the season. He hasn’t been great on a per-route basis with a 15.1% target share, a 26.7% air-yard share, 37 receiving yards per game (0.85 yards per route run), and an 18.9% first-read share. Tillman’s touchdown luck likely runs out this week. The Packers have allowed only one receiving score to perimeter wide receivers and the tenth-fewest PPR points per target. Sit Tillman this week.

Matthew Golden (WR)

Last week, after Jayden Reed exited with an injury, Matthew Golden was finally a full-time player in the Packers’ offense with a 71.4% route share. He only had a 5% target share and 7.7% first-read share, though. Until he starts seeing actual volume in this passing offense, Golden is a must-sit. The Browns utilize single high at the fourth-highest rate (63.9%). Against single high, Golden has only had a 14% target per route run rate and an 8.7% first-read share. There’s no analytical argument that I can make to play Golden this week.

MIA vs. BUF | IND vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | NYJ vs. TB | LV vs. WAS | LAR vs. PHI | ATL vs. CAR | CIN vs. MIN | HOU vs. JAC | GB vs. CLE | DEN vs. LAC | NO vs. SEA | ARI vs. SF | DAL vs. CHI | KC vs. NYG | DET vs. BAL

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• LAC -2.5, O/U 45.5
• Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Broncos Players & Weekly Rankings

Chargers Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Justin Herbert

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

J.K. Dobbins (RB)

J.K. Dobbins is the RB14 in fantasy points per game. He has averaged 50% of the snaps with only an 18.7% route share and 5.7% target share. His value is almost totally dependent upon his rushing production, as he has averaged 16.5 touches and 76.5 total yards. Dobbins is performing well as a rusher with a 10% explosive run rate and a 17% missed tackle rate. He should have another solid outing this week against a Bolts’ run defense that is quietly leaky. The Chargers have allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate and the highest missed tackle rate while also ranking 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Dobbins should have plenty of room to operate behind an offensive line generating the fourth-best yards before contact per attempt.

Keenan Allen (WR)

Keenan Allen has been awesome this season as the WR12 in fantasy points per game. He has a 26.2% target share, 2.26 yards per route run (64.5 receiving yards per game), two red zone targets (tied for the team lead), and a 24.4% first-read share. He has a tough test in Week 3 against the Broncos. This week, the Bolts face a Denver secondary that has utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate (62.5%) and man coverage at the second-highest rate (45.8%). Against single high, Allen is second on the team in target per route run rate (24%), yards per route run (1.97), and first-read share (19.2%). Against man coverage, it’s a similar story as he is second in target per route run rate (36%), yards per route run (1.73), and first-read share (33.3%). Allen will float between the slot and the perimeter, but he doesn’t have any easy matchups regardless of where he lines up this week. Denver has allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers and the seventh-fewest PPR points per target to slot receivers. Allen should still see enough volume to overcome the tough matchups. Justin Herbert could lean on Allen if Quentin Johnston gets shadowed by Patrick Surtain.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

RJ Harvey (RB)

RJ Harvey remains locked into a three-way split in the Denver backfield. He has played 28.9-32.8% of the snaps through two games, averaging 6.5 touches and 46.5 total yards. His 9.1% explosive run rate and 18% missed tackle rate are strong. Sean Payton seems enamored with utilizing Tyler Badie right now. I don’t know how long that will last, but it’s a definite thorn in Harvey’s side I wasn’t anticipating. Until it changes, Harvey is nothing more than a volatile flex play. The Chargers have allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate and the highest missed tackle rate while also ranking 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Harvey should have plenty of room to operate behind an offensive line generating the fourth-best yards before contact per attempt.

Najee Harris (RB)

Najee Harris was more involved in Week 2 and could push for more work in Week 3. Harris played 72% of the snaps at running back in the fourth quarter of last week’s game. Maybe it’s a one-game anomaly, but it could also be a sign of things to come this week, as the backfield could be more of a split. Harris finished the game with 34.5% of the snaps, ten touches, and 48 total yards. Harris has generated 3.56 yards after contact per attempt this season on his nine runs, which is quite nice. He won’t sustain that mark, but it’s nice to see. Harris is an interesting flex play this week with a good matchup on the ground. Denver has allowed the fifth-highest missed tackle rate, the most yards after contact per attempt, and the 13th-most rushing yards per game.

Troy Franklin (WR)

Is Troy Franklin‘s usage for real? I don’t know, but we’re going to find out this week. I know we have seen this before, only for Sean Payton to snatch it away from us last year. Last season, Franklin looked to be gaining steam in Weeks 6-7 with 65.5 and 50.8% of the snaps, but after that, he didn’t play more than 46% of the snaps in any other game in 2024. The last two weeks have been different, though. To open the season, Franklin had a 59.2% snapshare, which increased to 82.8% last week. Franklin has been quite good through two games with a 21.4% target share, 2.61 yards per route run, a 41.8% air-yard share, and a 24.4% first-read share. The Bolts utilize two high at the eighth-highest rate (61.1%). Against two high, Franklin has been the receiver Denver has leaned on so far with a 22.9% target share, 1.83 yards per route run, and a 30.4% first-read share. The matchup is tough this week for Franklin, but he should see plenty of volume if this role holds. The Chargers have allowed the fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Bo Nix (QB)

Bo Nix played much better in Week 2 as the QB11 in fantasy. There are still some areas that he has to clean up. In Week 1, among 34 qualifying passers, Nix ranked tenth in passer rating, ninth in highly accurate throw rate, and 11th in hero throw rate, but he still had some “Ferris Bueller” moments (as Sean Payton would like to say), ranking 20th in catchable target rate and having the 11th-highest off-target rate. Nix has to clean this up, for the Bolts will make him pay for it this week. Just ask Geno Smith about it. The Chargers have allowed the second-fewest yards per attempt, the lowest passer rating and CPOE, and they have forced the fifth-highest rate of offensive drives ending in a turnover.

Omarion Hampton (RB)

This isn’t what Fantasy GMs signed up for as they drafted Omarion Hampton as their RB2. They thought they were getting a Chargers’ offense that was centered around Hampton as the engine, but the Bolts are a pass-happy team in 2025, and Hampton has been ok but not amazing with his opportunities. He has averaged 71.5% of the snaps with 13 touches and 43 total yards per game. Hampton has a respectable 17% missed tackle rate but only 2.35 yards after contact per attempt. It’s only a two-game sample, so it’s not time to press the panic button. Hampton could see Najee Harris eat into his workload more in Week 3, though. Harris played 72% of the snaps in the fourth quarter last week and looked good while on the field. Hampton does have a good matchup this week and should still be the leader of the backfield, so fire him up, but there is some risk. Denver has allowed the fifth-highest missed tackle rate, the most yards after contact per attempt, and the 13th-most rushing yards per game.

Courtland Sutton (WR)

Courtland Sutton had a down Week 2 after finishing as the WR12 in weekly scoring to open the season. Sutton has an 18.6% target share, a 30.8% air-yard share, 1.20 yards per route run, and a 28.9% first-read share. His 0.093 separation score and 14.8% route win rate aren’t elite numbers, but they are solid. This looks like another down week is incoming for Sutton. The Bolts utilize two high at the eighth-highest rate (61.1%). Against two high, Sutton has an 11.4% target share, 1.20 yards per route run, and a 17.4% first-read share. He also has to tangle with a pass defense that has allowed the fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Ladd McConkey (WR)

If you drafted Ladd McConkey as your WR1 or WR2, this isn’t what you wanted to see through two games, especially with the team going pass-happy. McConkey is the WR38 in fantasy points per game. He has drawn a 23% target share with 1.85 yards per route run (61 receiving yards per game) and a 26.7% first-read share. He’s still waiting for his first red zone target of the season. This week, the Bolts face a Denver secondary that has utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate (62.5%) and man coverage at the second-highest rate (45.8%). Against single high, McConkey ranks third on the team with a 19% target per route run rate and second (tied) in first-read share while managing 1.64 yards per route run. Against man coverage, he is third on the team in target per route run rate (15%) and first-read share (16.7%) with only 1.23 yards per route run. This looks like another tough week for McConkey inbound. Denver has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Quentin Johnston (WR)

The Quentin Johnston breakout season still looks VERY REAL. After two games, he is the WR7 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 23% target share with 2.27 yards per route run (75 receiving yards per game) and a 26.7% first-read share. He is tied for the team lead with two red zone targets. This week, he’ll face his toughest test of the season. Johnston might get shadow coverage from Patrick Surtain. Surtain followed Calvin Ridley on 87.1% of his routes in Week 1, limiting him to one target and zero receiving yards. In Week 2, he followed Michael Pittman Jr. on 56.7% of his routes, with Pittman Jr. securing all three of his targets in his coverage for only 28 scoreless receiving yards. Johnston could get wiped off the board by Surtain, which would alter the Bolts’ approach to single high and man coverage this week. This week, the Bolts face a Denver secondary that has utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate (62.5%) and man coverage at the second-highest rate (45.8%). Quentin Johnston has been the team’s go-to receiver against single high and man coverage. Against single high, he leads the team in target per route run rate (26%), yards per route run (3.0), and first-read share (34.6%). Against man coverage, it’s a similar story with him leading the team in target per route run rate (42%), yards per route run (3.42), and first-read share (41.7%). If Surtain follows Johnston, I expect him to have a tough week, but I’m hoping he proves me wrong. We shall see. Denver has allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Evan Engram (TE)

Evan Engram has been ruled out for Week 3 (back).

MIA vs. BUF | IND vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | NYJ vs. TB | LV vs. WAS | LAR vs. PHI | ATL vs. CAR | CIN vs. MIN | HOU vs. JAC | GB vs. CLE | DEN vs. LAC | NO vs. SEA | ARI vs. SF | DAL vs. CHI | KC vs. NYG | DET vs. BAL

New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks

• SEA -7.5, O/U 41.5
• New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Saints Players & Weekly Rankings

Seahawks Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

**Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been downgraded to questionable (illness). Monitor his status up to kickoff & have a backup plan.**

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker III (RB)

Kenneth Walker saw his snap share drop from Week 1 to Week 2 (40% to 35%), but he was more productive with his volume. He finished with 14 touches with the 23 snaps he played with 118 total yards as the RB5 for the week. Walker had three red zone rushing attempts while Zach Charbonnet had two. His rushing efficiency has still been outstanding. Among 35 qualifying backs, Walker ranks second in explosive run rate, sixth in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 13th in yards after contact per attempt. With Zach Charbonnet sidelined this week, Walker should own the backfield. I expect George Holani to take some of the work, but Walker should be the clear lead, likely seeing at least 60-65% of the snaps. This week’s matchup offers another low-key opportunity for Walker to break off some big plays. The Saints are 16th in rushing yards per game allowed while also giving up the third-highest missed tackle rate and the 11th-most yards after contact per attempt.

Alvin Kamara (RB)

Alvin Kamara is the RB15 in fantasy points per game after a strong showing in Week 2. He has averaged 20 touches and 88.5 total yards. His efficiency has been surprising as he is tenth in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. It was very nice to see that his passing game usage bounced back in Week 2 as he had a 17.6% target share. Seattle’s run defense will give Kamara problems in Week 3, but he can make up the production through the air if the target volume is still there. Seattle has not allowed a single explosive run this season while giving up the 11th-fewest rushing yards, the eighth-lowest yards after contact per attempt, and 13th-fewest yards before contact per attempt. Seattle has given up the most receiving yards and the fifth-most yards per reception to running backs, though.

Cooper Kupp (WR)

Cooper Kupp bounced back from a no-show performance in Week 1 with a strong showing last week. He was the WR21 in fantasy in Week 2, drawing a 24.2% target share with 3.46 yards per route run (90 receiving yards) and a 30.4% first-read share. His 0.160 separation score and 16% route win rate backed up the strong day. We’ll see if Kupp can keep it going against a Saints secondary that has allowed the fifth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers (Kupp 50% on the perimeter in Week 2).

Juwan Johnson (TE)

Juwan Johnson is the TE2 in fantasy points per game while absorbing a massive workload in the Saints’ offense. He has a 25% target share, 1.71 yards per route run (62.5 receiving yards per game), and a 31.5% first-read share. Johnson leads the team with three red zone targets. It has been awesome to see. Seattle has the second-highest two-high rate in the NFL (69.2%). Against two high, Johnson has been the second option in the passing game with a 20% target share and 25% first-read share (both second on the team behind only Chris Olave). Johnson should have another strong game this week against a Seattle defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game and 11th-most receiving yards to tight ends.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Sam Darnold (QB)

Sam Darnold is the QB32 in fantasy points per game, ranking seventh in yards per attempt, 22nd in passer rating, 25th in highly accurate throw rate, and 15th in catchable target rate. He rebounded from a paltry showing to open the season as the QB21 in fantasy in Week 2. That’s about all we can expect from Darnold: decent QB2 numbers this season. The Saints are a neutral matchup that should allow Darnold to post a decent stat line. New Orleans has held passers to the 14th-lowest yards per attempt and ranks 18th in CPOE while also giving up the fifth-highest passer rating and seventh-best success rate per dropback.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Spencer Rattler (QB)

Spencer Rattler flashed some potential in Week 2 as the QB10 in fantasy. Now, this was fueled by his three passing touchdown outing, but his per-dropback numbers were encouraging. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks last week, he ranked 23rd in yards per attempt, 18th in highly accurate throw rate, seventh in catchable target rate, and fourth in hero throw rate. I don’t think he can continue to produce at this level, but I’m open to being wrong here. He could produce decent QB2 numbers this week, but the matchup is tough. Seattle has allowed the fifth-lowest passer rating, the tenth-lowest CPOE, and ranks 16th in success rate per dropback. Seattle should be able to heat up Rattler this week as they have the 12th-best pressure rate in the NFL.

Zach Charbonnet (RB)

Zach Charbonnet is dealing with a foot injury and has been listed as doubtful. He was unable to practice all week. It’s only a matter of time before Charbonnet will be ruled out for Week 3.

Chris Olave (WR)

Chris Olave is the WR33 in fantasy points per game, which has been a volume-fueled run out. He has a 27.5% target share, a 38.8% air-yard share, and a 28.1% first-read share. Olave has averaged 54 receiving yards with 1.43 yards per route run. His 0.171 separation and 17.1% route win rate in Week 2 were quite encouraging to see after dismal showings in these categories in Week 1. Olave is tied for second on the team in red zone targets (two). Seattle has the second-highest two-high rate in the NFL (69.2%). Against two high, Olave has still drawn strong market shares with a 24.4% target share and a 28.6% first-read share. He’s still just a volume-fueled flex this week with a tough matchup. Seattle has allowed the second-fewest PPR points per target and the third-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Rashid Shaheed (WR)

Rashid Shaheed had a nice Week 2 performance as the WR26 in fantasy. Overall, he has a 17.5% target share, a 25.4% air-yard share, and a 19.3% first-read share. He has averaged 42.5 receiving yards per game with 1.18 yards per route run (not great, Bob). This isn’t the week to chase last week’s points with Shaheed. Seattle has the second-highest two-high rate in the NFL (69.2%). Against two high, Shaheed has seen his target share dip to 11.1% and his first-read share fall to 14.3%. Add in a tough secondary matchup, and Shaheed is a must-sit. Seattle has allowed the second-fewest PPR points per target and the third-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

MIA vs. BUF | IND vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | NYJ vs. TB | LV vs. WAS | LAR vs. PHI | ATL vs. CAR | CIN vs. MIN | HOU vs. JAC | GB vs. CLE | DEN vs. LAC | NO vs. SEA | ARI vs. SF | DAL vs. CHI | KC vs. NYG | DET vs. BAL