It was another wild week in the NFL, one highlighted by Aaron Rodgers’ narrow victory over Tom Brady in the Battle of the Legends and Tua Tagovailoa’s tight win over Josh Allen and his once-invincible Bills in the “Sweat Bowl” down in Miami. Amidst all the wild action, let’s shine a light on some of Week 3’s fantasy target monsters…
A seasoned duo outduels Belichick
Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews have had impeccable chemistry from the get-go in Baltimore, and that chemistry was never more evident than in this week’s convincing 37-26 victory over Bill Belichick’s feisty, blue-collar Patriots. Andrews tied for the second-most targets in the league this week, turning 13 looks from Lamar into eight receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. You wanna know just how much confidence Lamar has in Andrews? Just look for that separation from the “next man up” – supposed WR1 Rashod Bateman was second on the team in targets… with four. Andrews is ultimately Jackson’s “guy”; there’s absolutely no question about it.
It’s time to “Gage” his impact
It’s been a rocky start for slot man Russell Gage in Tampa Bay, but he figured things out this week with both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out of the lineup. Working as TB12’s clear No. 1 receiver, Gage converted 13 targets into 12 receptions, 87 yards and a touchdown. Brady and Gage showcased superb timing, as evidenced by the efficiency in Gage’s receptions (only one incomplete pass in his direction). It’s been an ugly offensive start to the season for the Bucs without offensive-minded Bruce Arians, but Evans returns next week and Godwin isn’t on IR, so he should be back sooner than later. Gage can successfully play the Julian Edelman/Wes Welker role for Brady once the big boys return in full force.
“DK” scales the target tower
After combining for just 12 targets in the first two weeks of the season, popular wide receiver DK Metcalf broke out in Week 3 with 12 targets against the tougher-than-you-think Falcons. With those targets coming his way from the veteran Geno Smith – who has been a nice, little story in himself – Metcalf muscled his way to 64 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s tight loss to Atlanta. We’d like to see a better conversion rate from DK, but misses are understandable considering Geno’s career-long issues with accuracy. Tyler Lockett wasn’t far behind Metcalf, totaling 11 targets of his own. That’s the catch-22 with these Seattle receivers – we know Metcalf and Lockett will get the bulk of the work, but how will that translate onto our fantasy football stat sheets?
Familiar faces in familiar places
I’ve already covered Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in my week 2 snap counts, rising rookie Chris Olave and surging sophomore DeVonta Smith in recent articles, but they’re back again with strong performances in Week 3.
“Hollywood” struck a pose for the cameras on his way to 17 targets from his good buddy, Kyler Murray. Brown led all comers in targets this week after leading everyone in snaps the week before. It goes without saying that he’s a fantasy monster right now, based on sheer volume. Obviously, that will change when veteran DeAndre Hopkins returns down the line, but for now Brown is Kyler’s clear, undisputed top dog.
Veterans Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry both left the game with injuries for the Jameis Winston-led Saints, so it was no surprise when Olave garnered most of the remaining looks in New Orleans’ passing game. The rambunctious rookie turned 13 targets into a beastly performance: Nine receptions for 147 yards. Olave continued to make his fantasy owners smile ear-to-ear, especially those in the Dynasty realm. On a wider note, it’s been a refreshing year for rookie receivers, including Garrett Wilson of the Jets, Drake London of the Falcons and Jahan Dotson of the Commanders. Treylon Burks (Titans) and Jameson Williams (Lions) still have oodles of potential, as well.
In Philly, DeVonta Smith popped off for his second consecutive strong performance. With Jalen Hurts making an early run for league MVP, Smith converted 12 targets into eight receptions, 169 yards and a touchdown. More than anything else, he made my colleague and longtime friend “JB” Barry look awfully good – JB was imploring everyone to play Smith in his week 3 DFS lineup build. And ultimately, that’s why you come to Razzball, right? To get winning fantasy advice in every possible format. I’ll see ya right back here next week.
John Frascella is a published sports author who has been covering the NFL for 18 years. Follow him on Twitter @LegendSports7 for all things football throughout another jaw-dropping NFL season.
