Ellis Johnson
FantasyPros
Website: https://www.fantasypros.com/
Player Note on Tyler Warren (TE - IND)
Two touchdowns in two weeks have saved Warren's fantasy season so far. Combining for only 34 yards this season, his endzone usage has kept him in TE1 territory. That said, averaging 17 yards per game is not what fantasy managers had hoped for. At the expense of Alec Pierce, now missing at least four weeks, Warren should see an increased target share. This passing attack will now run through Warren and Josh Downs, boosting them both for fantasy. However, this week, they face a tough Texans defense that will pressure Daniel Jones all game. It's a tough matchup, but with the increased target volume, it's hard to justify benching Warren.
Player Note on Isaiah Likely (TE - NYG)
With Jaxson Dart missing the rest of the season, it's hard to have much faith in the Giants' pass catchers. In relief last week, Jameis Winston did not look functional. Finishing with 11 completions for 111 yards and an interception, it didn't look like anyone will be able to survive the QB change. That said, we have seen Winston's reckless distribution lead to fantasy points. Likely finished last week with 10 targets. Catching only five of them for 33 yards. Few TEs are looking at double-digit targets, making him a low-end TE with Winston under center.
Player Note on Sam LaPorta (TE - DET)
The Lions may not be as good a team as we have seen in the past, but their offense remains one of the best in the league. As a result, we can expect a lot of shootouts for the 2026 Lions. This is great for its fantasy options, including Sam LaPorta, who caught six passes for 52 yards and a score last week. Averaging 50 yards across two games, Laporta's seven-plus targets each game provide a very steady floor each week. In Week 3, the Lions face the Jets, who held Tucker Kraft to two receptions and 15 yards. The Lions offense is substantially better than the Packers; however, the Jets defense has played well. I expect a floor of four catches for 40 yards, and he has as good a chance as any to find the end zone.
Player Note on Dalton Kincaid (TE - BUF)
Kincaid might be the breakout player of the year so far. The former first-round TE has finally carved out a substantial role in this offense. Despite limited blocking ability, he has developed a strong connection with Josh Allen. This has led to 225 yards and a touchdown across the first two weeks. With D.J. Moore questionable this week with a shoulder injury, it could mean even more targets for Kincaid. Even if Moore plays, Kincaid remains a top option at the position against the corpse of the Chargers' team.
Player Note on Tucker Kraft (TE - GB)
Less than a year removed from his torn ACL, Kraft is right back where he left off. The yards-after-catch machine lives and dies by his efficiency. We saw this in Week 1 where he had three catches for 65 yards. However, we saw the other side last week, finishing with two catches for 15 yards. The highs are high, but the lows are low. Either way, there are only a couple of fantasy TEs that have similar upside. That makes Kraft a great play against the Falcons, who just allowed Darren Waller to score two touchdowns against them. It should be a good week for the Packers' TE; however, if he underwhelms again, just remember it's part of the Kraft experience.
Player Note on Trey McBride (TE - ARI)
If I told you Jacoby Brissett passed for 95 yards and only had 17 completions, you would think that McBride would have finally had a down week. Turns out, he accounted for eight of Brissett's 17 completions, 43% of the 95 yards, and his only touchdown. When the entire offense couldn't move the ball, McBride still managed to come through for fantasy. With 23 targets through two weeks, McBride isn't only one of the best fantasy TEs but also the safest. This week, they face a tough 49ers defense, which could slow down this entire offense once again. However, with 10 targets in his back pocket, McBride remains the best fantasy TE option.
Player Note on Brock Purdy (QB - SF)
It feels like every year we forget how good Brock Purdy is. Purdy has looked great this year, with two top-10 fantasy finishes and five passing touchdowns across two weeks. We have even seen him produce on the ground, with 59 rushing yards and a score this season. This week, they face the Cardinals, who let Drew Lock connect with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 155 yards and three scores. With George Kittle getting healthier each week, and Mike Evans joining the team this offseason, Purdy has all the weapons he needs to dominate the Cardinals. Much like the Dolphins last week, he may not need to play the full game, but will still come through for fantasy.
Player Note on Justin Herbert (QB - LAC)
It's Week 3, and we've already entered "now or never" territory with the Chargers. There are no excuses; this team has been bad. Losing two home games to the Cardinals and Raiders is not how you head into a road trip against the Buffalo Bills. Failing to finish higher than the QB22 in each of his first two games, it's hard to have a lot of trust in Herbert in Week 3. That said, the Bills are allowing the third most passing yards per game this season, averaging 273 yards against. The Chargers desperately need a win, and with the way Josh Allen is playing, they will need to keep up on the scoreboard. My name is Ellis Johnson, and I am writing the FantasyPros player outlooks this season. This week, I have Herbert at QB9, but I don't feel great about it.
Player Note on Drake Maye (QB - NE)
If you ever wondered whether the Super Bowl Hangover is real, you need to watch the Patriots. Even though they are coming off a dominant win against the Steelers, that was more a result of the Steelers being dysfunctional than it was the Patriots playing well. Through two weeks, last year's MVP runner-up has yet to crack 10 fantasy points in a game. As a result, he has yet to finish higher than QB23 this season. In Week 3, they face the Jaguars, who have an incredibly stout defensive line and decent secondary. The Patriots will be unable to lean on their run game in this one; however, without A.J. Brown, it's hard to have faith in this passing game. My name is Ellis Johnson, and I am writing the player outlooks for FantasyPros this year. ECR currently has Maye in the top six QBs this week, however, I'll have him outside my top 10 until we see this team turn it around offensively.
Player Note on Jalen Hurts (QB - PHI)
After all of the questions around Jalen Hurts and his passing ability, it has been their passing offense that has propelled them to their 2-0 start. It was a little alarming how close they came to losing to the Titans, but a clinical final drive by Hurts secured the victory. One of the reasons their passing offense has been crucial is because their run blocking looks like they are still in the preseason. Even with Saquon Barkley in the backfield, the Eagles have not been able to find a consistent ground game. The one part of the rushing attack that has been consistent through two weeks is Hurts, with seven and five attempts in their two games, respectively. This week, they face the Bears, who may not have Caleb Williams. Hopefully Williams is back in what could be an electric offensive showdown. However, even if he isn't, the Bears' defense is very exploitable. I have Hurts as my third QB overall behind Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson this week.
Player Note on Tyler Warren (TE - IND)
Two touchdowns in two weeks have saved Warren's fantasy season so far. Combining for only 34 yards this season, his endzone usage has kept him in TE1 territory. That said, averaging 17 yards per game is not what fantasy managers had hoped for. At the expense of Alec Pierce, now missing at least four weeks, Warren should see an increased target share. This passing attack will now run through Warren and Josh Downs, boosting them both for fantasy. However, this week, they face a tough Texans defense that will pressure Daniel Jones all game. It's a tough matchup, but with the increased target volume, it's hard to justify benching Warren.
Player Note on Isaiah Likely (TE - NYG)
With Jaxson Dart missing the rest of the season, it's hard to have much faith in the Giants' pass catchers. In relief last week, Jameis Winston did not look functional. Finishing with 11 completions for 111 yards and an interception, it didn't look like anyone will be able to survive the QB change. That said, we have seen Winston's reckless distribution lead to fantasy points. Likely finished last week with 10 targets. Catching only five of them for 33 yards. Few TEs are looking at double-digit targets, making him a low-end TE with Winston under center.
Player Note on Sam LaPorta (TE - DET)
The Lions may not be as good a team as we have seen in the past, but their offense remains one of the best in the league. As a result, we can expect a lot of shootouts for the 2026 Lions. This is great for its fantasy options, including Sam LaPorta, who caught six passes for 52 yards and a score last week. Averaging 50 yards across two games, Laporta's seven-plus targets each game provide a very steady floor each week. In Week 3, the Lions face the Jets, who held Tucker Kraft to two receptions and 15 yards. The Lions offense is substantially better than the Packers; however, the Jets defense has played well. I expect a floor of four catches for 40 yards, and he has as good a chance as any to find the end zone.
Player Note on Dalton Kincaid (TE - BUF)
Kincaid might be the breakout player of the year so far. The former first-round TE has finally carved out a substantial role in this offense. Despite limited blocking ability, he has developed a strong connection with Josh Allen. This has led to 225 yards and a touchdown across the first two weeks. With D.J. Moore questionable this week with a shoulder injury, it could mean even more targets for Kincaid. Even if Moore plays, Kincaid remains a top option at the position against the corpse of the Chargers' team.
Player Note on Tucker Kraft (TE - GB)
Less than a year removed from his torn ACL, Kraft is right back where he left off. The yards-after-catch machine lives and dies by his efficiency. We saw this in Week 1 where he had three catches for 65 yards. However, we saw the other side last week, finishing with two catches for 15 yards. The highs are high, but the lows are low. Either way, there are only a couple of fantasy TEs that have similar upside. That makes Kraft a great play against the Falcons, who just allowed Darren Waller to score two touchdowns against them. It should be a good week for the Packers' TE; however, if he underwhelms again, just remember it's part of the Kraft experience.
Player Note on Trey McBride (TE - ARI)
If I told you Jacoby Brissett passed for 95 yards and only had 17 completions, you would think that McBride would have finally had a down week. Turns out, he accounted for eight of Brissett's 17 completions, 43% of the 95 yards, and his only touchdown. When the entire offense couldn't move the ball, McBride still managed to come through for fantasy. With 23 targets through two weeks, McBride isn't only one of the best fantasy TEs but also the safest. This week, they face a tough 49ers defense, which could slow down this entire offense once again. However, with 10 targets in his back pocket, McBride remains the best fantasy TE option.
Player Note on Brock Purdy (QB - SF)
It feels like every year we forget how good Brock Purdy is. Purdy has looked great this year, with two top-10 fantasy finishes and five passing touchdowns across two weeks. We have even seen him produce on the ground, with 59 rushing yards and a score this season. This week, they face the Cardinals, who let Drew Lock connect with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 155 yards and three scores. With George Kittle getting healthier each week, and Mike Evans joining the team this offseason, Purdy has all the weapons he needs to dominate the Cardinals. Much like the Dolphins last week, he may not need to play the full game, but will still come through for fantasy.
Player Note on Justin Herbert (QB - LAC)
It's Week 3, and we've already entered "now or never" territory with the Chargers. There are no excuses; this team has been bad. Losing two home games to the Cardinals and Raiders is not how you head into a road trip against the Buffalo Bills. Failing to finish higher than the QB22 in each of his first two games, it's hard to have a lot of trust in Herbert in Week 3. That said, the Bills are allowing the third most passing yards per game this season, averaging 273 yards against. The Chargers desperately need a win, and with the way Josh Allen is playing, they will need to keep up on the scoreboard. My name is Ellis Johnson, and I am writing the FantasyPros player outlooks this season. This week, I have Herbert at QB9, but I don't feel great about it.
Player Note on Drake Maye (QB - NE)
If you ever wondered whether the Super Bowl Hangover is real, you need to watch the Patriots. Even though they are coming off a dominant win against the Steelers, that was more a result of the Steelers being dysfunctional than it was the Patriots playing well. Through two weeks, last year's MVP runner-up has yet to crack 10 fantasy points in a game. As a result, he has yet to finish higher than QB23 this season. In Week 3, they face the Jaguars, who have an incredibly stout defensive line and decent secondary. The Patriots will be unable to lean on their run game in this one; however, without A.J. Brown, it's hard to have faith in this passing game. My name is Ellis Johnson, and I am writing the player outlooks for FantasyPros this year. ECR currently has Maye in the top six QBs this week, however, I'll have him outside my top 10 until we see this team turn it around offensively.
Player Note on Jalen Hurts (QB - PHI)
After all of the questions around Jalen Hurts and his passing ability, it has been their passing offense that has propelled them to their 2-0 start. It was a little alarming how close they came to losing to the Titans, but a clinical final drive by Hurts secured the victory. One of the reasons their passing offense has been crucial is because their run blocking looks like they are still in the preseason. Even with Saquon Barkley in the backfield, the Eagles have not been able to find a consistent ground game. The one part of the rushing attack that has been consistent through two weeks is Hurts, with seven and five attempts in their two games, respectively. This week, they face the Bears, who may not have Caleb Williams. Hopefully Williams is back in what could be an electric offensive showdown. However, even if he isn't, the Bears' defense is very exploitable. I have Hurts as my third QB overall behind Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson this week.
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