NFL Takeaways: Week 3

This was the emergence of the rookie RBs upon the fantasy community. I hope you drafted one or a few of these young and talented backs. It’s very reminiscent of the rookie WR class last season. Next week is our last full slate of games as bye weeks begin in Week 5. Let’s take a look at my Week 3 takeaways as we look forward to Week 4.

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Quarterbacks

Player: Jalen Hurts
Game: vs. Rams
Stats: 21-32, 226 passing yards, 3 TDs, 9 carries for 40 yards with 1 rushing TD

Make it three consecutive games with a rushing score for the tush pusher. Hurts entered the game as the only starting QB from Weeks 1 and 2 without a passing TD. He threw three second-half TDs against the Rams, who were allowing the fewest points to QBs this season, because why not? Hopefully, this will awaken the Eagles’ passing attack as they face the Bucs in Week 4, which gives up the ninth most points to QBs.

Notables:

The symmetry of the NFL is not by accident. Geno Smith had three picks with zero TDs last week and returns this week to throw three TDs and no interceptions against the Commanders. Smith will look for the good times to continue against the Bears defense, who are allowing the fourth most points to QBs.

Drake Maye was disappointing, finishing as QB6 against the Pittsburgh defense, which entered this week giving up the fifth-most points to QBs. He did toss two TDs with 45 rushing yards. He’ll face the Panthers who have allowed the fewest TDs (2) to QBs this season.

The Dolphins have allowed opposing QBs to finish as the QB3, QB3, and QB4 through three weeks. Should Justin Fields return in Week 4, he’s a must-start for me. The Fins have allowed the most rushing TDs to QBs (3) this season.

The surprising QB3 on the season, Daniel Jones, put up his worst performance of the season with one TD but no turnovers. His RB scored three rushing TDs, limiting his scoring potential. Jones and the Colts get the first real matchup against the Rams in Week 4. I would avoid starting him.

Cleveland had no love for Jordan Love and the Packers. Green Bay’s pass catchers struggled to find consistency against the Browns. Love and the Pack will come out guns blazing when they take on the Cowboys, who are the friendliest defense to opposing QBs.

Trevor Lawrence and CJ Stroud will want to forget about their play in Week 3. If you take away Stroud’s 50-yard pass and Lawrence’s 46-yard pass, the two would have thrown for under 200 yards. These two are too talented to continue being this bad.

Caleb Williams had a career game against the Cowboys’ defense, tossing four TDs with no turnovers or sacks. This could be the catalyst for the Bears’ revamped offense under Ben Johnson. Truth be told, the Bears do not play Dallas again this season, so this could be their peak performance of the season.

What’s wrong with Michael Penix and the Falcons offense? My preseason prediction is in shambles.

Running Backs

Player: Cam Skattebo
Game: vs. Chiefs
Stats: 10 carries, 60 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 6 receptions for 61 yards on 8 targets

The former Sun Devil was well on his way to becoming the starter in New York despite Tyrone Tracy’s unfortunate shoulder injury. If Tracy misses time, Skattebo is a bona fide fantasy starter in all leagues. He was the Giants’ entire offense, leading in all statistical categories. He’s a great pass catcher who runs with agility and punishes opposing defenders. What’s not to like? Skattebo finishes the week as the RB4 against a Chiefs defense that entered Week 3 as the 10th-best against RBs. If he’s the starter next week, he’ll face another tough defense against the Chargers.

Notables:

The rushing defense woes continued with Tennessee, which allows the seventh-most points to RBs. Jonathan Taylor returned the Titans to Tartarus, finishing as the RB1 with three rushing scores and 102 rushing yards. Like his QB, his real test is against the Rams, who limited Saquon Barkley to 46 rushing yards.

Jordan Mason picked up where he left off last season in San Francisco as a starter, averaging 90 yards on 17 carries with two TDs in six games. As the starter against the Bengals, he tallied 116 rushing yards on 16 carries with two scores. Mason is a must-start as long as Aaron Jones is out.

Quinshon Judkins was always supposed to be the RB1 in Cleveland, but I was surprised the fed in this soon. He led the backfield with 36 snaps, totaling 19 touches for 95 yards and a rushing TD. If you took a flyer on him during draft season, you got a bargain.

Omarion Hampton proved against a tough Denver defense that he can be the RB1 for the Chargers, scoring a rushing TD on 25 touches, including six receptions for 129 all-purpose yards. Najee Harris might be out for the season, so expect the Chargers to bring in a veteran to complement Hampton. Hassan Haskins is best suited for a pass-catching role.

Arizona’s defense has allowed a total of nine catches to RBs through the first two weeks. Christian McCaffrey surpassed those totals in one game with 10 catches for 88 yards on 15 targets while supplementing 52 ground yards. CMC’s catching prowess will be needed again when the Niners host the Jaguars, who are one of three teams (Seahawks and Rams) to not have allowed an RB rushing score.

Nick Chubb and Woody Marks were nearly 50/50 in snaps and touches. Chubb does not have the explosiveness or the passing and catching ability that Marks has. It’s a matter of time until Marks takes hold of this backfield. The Texans have two RB-friendly matchups (Titans and Ravens) before a Week 6 bye.

Just when we thought Rhamondre Steveson was taking over as the RB1, his fumblitis returned in a bad way, losing two. TreVeyon Henderson led the Patriots’ backfield in snaps and touches but did little with it. A date with the Panthers in Week 4 should regain Henderson’s hype.

Jaylen Warren’s usage in Week 3 was the highest of his career with 18 carries and five receptions on 43 snaps. Unfortunately, Kenneth Gainwell vultured a TD. Warren has earned the trust of Aaron Rodgers and the coaching staff. He’s a high-end RB2 next against the Vikings, who allowed Bijan Robinson to tally 150+ all-purpose yards in Week 2.

The Commanders’ backfield without Austin Ekeler is a mess. The snaps were fairly distributed between the three RBs. Chris Rodriguez led the team with attempts, splitting with Bill Croskey-Merritt for early down work. Jeremy McNichols gained the most yards and the longest TD as the third-down back. We’ll need to see how the three backs pan out when Jayden Daniels returns to the field. I am avoiding all three until then.

It looks like we’ve lost James Connor for the season. Expect Trey Benson to take over his role with Emari Demercado gaining third-down snaps. Demercado had a brutal drop, so it’s possible Benson gets some third-down work. The Cardinals get a plus-matchup against the Seahawks, who allow the 12th most points to RBs prior to playing the Saints in Week 3.

The lone rookie RB who is not getting the playtime is RJ Harvey. JK Dobbins continues to pace the RB room with snap share and the production to match, scoring his third consecutive TD. Harvey should only be considered a stash until further notice.

Chase Brown is my early-season bust candidate. He has not been efficient and posted 20 total yards in Week 3. Things are only getting tougher against the Broncos next week. He’s an easy sit for me next week.

Wide Receivers

Player: Tre Tucker
Game: vs. Commanders
Stats: 8 receptions, 145 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns on 9 targets

Is Tucker Geno Smith’s new Tyler Lockett? The young speedster has drawn 17 targets over the last weeks and makes for a good waiver claim this week. I have concerns that his performance and targets have come as Brock Bowers deals with a knee injury. Once Bowers is back to being the TE1, I wonder if this production is sustainable.

Notables:

Courtland Sutton bounced back in a big way after Troy Franklin stole the thunder last week. They both are WR1 and 2 for Nix in snap and route share. They are both great plays next week against a beatable Bengals’ secondary in what appears to be a must-win for the Broncos.

I guess it doesn’t matter who the QB is for Garrett Wilson. He’s a target hog, drawing 13 targets from Tyrod Taylor while finishing as the WR4 against the Bucs, who allow the sixth-fewest points to WRs. He’ll have a better matchup on paper against Miami.

Nico Collins had the easiest 50-yard TD I’ve seen in a long time, clearing 100 yards for the first time this season. It coincided with Christian Kirk’s return, who saw eight targets in his first game. The Texans’ passing attack gets another soft matchup against the Titans, who give up the seventh-most points to WRs.

A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith were needed as the Eagles mounted a second-half comeback against the Rams. Brown tallied his first 100-yard game along with season-highs in receptions, targets, yards, and TDs. Smith scored his first TD and posted season highs across the board. These two may be hard to predict moving forward, but both should be relevant against the Bucs in Week 4.

Ricky Pearsall reminded us of his appeal with incredible catches. He led the team in all receiving categories, with Jauan Jennings unable to play due to injury. Pearsall and Jennings will have another opportunity to be productive against the Jags in Week 4.

Was it Deja vu for George Pickens in Week 3? He tallied the exact stat line from Week 2 of nine targets for five receptions for 68 yards and one TD. If CeeDee Lamb were to miss time, I would elevate Pickens to the WR2 tier in a tough matchup against Green Bay.

Keenan Allen continues to pace the WR room for Justin Herbert and the Chargers despite playing fewer snaps and routes than Ladd McConkey. Allen has the trust of Herbert, which pushes McConkey down the ranks for me. McConkey should bounce back against the Giants, who are giving up the third-most points to WRs.

Emeka Egbuka is HIM. Mike Evans did not return to the game after leaving in the fourth quarter. If Evans is unable to suit up, Egbuka will be in line for a huge afternoon in Week 4 against the Eagles, who were torched by the Rams’ WRs.

The LA Rams WRs had their way with the Philadelphia secondary. Puka Nacua drew a Week 3-high 15 targets, securing 11 balls for 112 yards. Davante Adams added a TD reception with 56 yards. They have a below-average matchup against the Colts, but you’re starting both.

With the Saints trailing from the start of the game at Seattle, Chris Olave secured 10 catches on 14 targets for his third consecutive game with at least 50 yards and 10 targets. He’ll continue to be a PPR machine as New Orleans will start the game in comeback mode at Buffalo in Week 4.

Tyquan Thornton led the Chiefs’ wide receiver room on SNF, catching five passes for 71 yards and one TD. Thornton’s role as the vertical threat seems secure when Xavier Worthy returns from his shoulder injury.

The LA Chargers, Broncos, Panthers, Seahawks and Vikings have allowed just one receiving TD to WRs through three weeks into the season.

Tight Ends

Player: Hunter Henry
Game: vs. Steelers
Stats: 8 receptions, 90 yards, 2 touchdowns on 11 targets

He was only part of the Patriots’ offense that worked on Sunday. I am surprised how bad New England’s WRs are performing this season. Fortunately for Henry, he’ll face the Panthers in Week 4, who are allowing the most points to TEs.

Notables:

T.J. Hockenson was finally unlocked by none other than Carson Wentz. That wasn’t on my bingo card for the 2025 season. He’ll get the Steelers next, who allowed Henry to be TE1 in Week 3.

Jake Ferguson benefited from the game script and injury to Lamb to post an incredible 13 receptions for 82 yards on 14 targets. The Cowboys’ defense is atrocious, which should force Ferguson to be highly involved in the offense. Next week he gets a great matchup in Green Bay, who give up the sixth most points to TEs.

Trey McBride secured his first passing TD after needing 15 weeks last season. Depending on your scoring settings, he’s been as consistent as they come at the TE position. He should have his best game of the season against the Seahawks, who allow the fourth-most points to TEs.

Brenton Strange saw his best usage of the season against the Texans’ defense, which ranks in the bottom half in allowing points to opposing TEs. Strange showcased the best hands of all pass catchers, gaining more trust from Lawrence. I would be surprised if he out-produces the Jags WRs again in SF next week.

Oronde Gadsden got his first NFL action and will make it hard for the coaching staff to list him inactive after producing five receptions for 46 yards on seven targets while playing only 22 snaps. He’s speculative add if you need TE help.

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