Fantasy Football 2024 Week 3: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em
It’s been two weeks, and it feels like the NFL as a whole is walking around on crutches right now.
Along with the pre-existing injuries sustained in week 1, there were several more players added to that list in week 2. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was placed on IR after receiving his third concussion. Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco was placed on IR after fracturing his fibula. Texans RB Joe Mixon hurt his ankle from a hip-drop tackle. Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is day-to-day after leaving their game with a thigh bruise/contusion. Rams WR Cooper Kupp is out indefinitely after suffering an ankle injury in the first half of their game. 49ers WR Deebo Samuel is out a couple weeks with a calf injury. Eagles WR A.J. Brown is out a couple weeks with a hamstring injury. Taysom Hill left their game with a chest injury, and Evan Engram suffered a hamstring injury during pregame warmups.
Brutal.
But alongside time, fantasy football keeps on going. Remember what I said last week about the inevitable hidden gems everyone finds in the waiver wire? You might want to start exercising that.
Ian’s Record: 11-4
Start ’em
Derek Carr (QB, Saints) vs Eagles
Put most frank, NOLA’s offense has looked unstoppable through the first two weeks. Under new OC Klint Kubiak, they scored points on their first 15 drives of the season with Carr at QB. WR Rashid Shaheed is the newest WR sensation, RB Alvin Kamara looks to be back in his prime, and their defense has been equally impressive to balance out both sides of the ball.
Thus far, QBs Jordan Love and Kirk Cousins have picked apart Philadelphia’s lackluster secondary, each surpassing 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. I’m expecting NOLA’s offensive onslaught to continue as they suddenly find themselves in a favorable race for the NFC South early on.
De’Von Achane (RB, Dolphins) at Seahawks
I remember last week sifting around different media platforms looking for news on whether or not Achane was going to play against the Bills, and they all had one running theme: “If he plays, he belongs in your starting lineup.”
He played, and he did not disappoint.
His ability to create big plays both on the ground and through the air behind Miami’s suspect offensive line makes him a no brainer every week if he’s healthy. He’s brought in every ball thrown to him (14) thus far, and the Phins will definitely need to lean on him in the weeks to come.
With both Tua on IR and Raheem Mostert banged up, there’s no doubt the spotlight now falls on Achane to keep hold of Mike McDaniel’s offense. Cha-ching.
Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers) vs Broncos
While you can’t ask for a much better start in Tampa, things are a little lopsided in the wide receiver room. Godwin has emerged as Baker Mayfield’s favorite target so far, leading the team in both targets and receptions in both their contests.
He’s also seen the endzone in both weeks thus far, so I like him to find it a third time against a struggling Denver squad who will be forced to keep up with Mayfield’s groove.
George Kittle (TE, 49ers) at Rams
Fantasy managers were given quite a scare last Sunday after Kittle was carted off during the second half while favoring his leg. Turns out however he just had some cramping and returned to the field shortly after that. TEs across the board have been disappointing so far, so this would’ve been a brutal blow if he were to miss extended time.
While it was a shocking loss, Kittle carved out a good day with 76 yards and a score. I’m expecting this to continue against a beaten-up Rams squad that’s given up the third most fantasy points to opposing TEs on the young season.
Sit ’em
Justin Fields (QB, Steelers) vs Chargers
While the Steelers are one of few teams still undefeated, it’s worth noting that Fields has yet to surpass 200 yards through the air as their QB1. The offense as a whole isn’t producing much, but their defense has massacred Atlanta and Denver so far to put them at 2-0.
Meanwhile, the Jim Harbaugh era in LA has put the Chargers in a good spot amid a confusing AFC West to this point. Their defense specifically has shown signs of being able to take over games, ticking six sacks and intercepting both QBs they’ve faced so far.
Regardless of whether Mike Tomlin decides to stick with Fields or try Russell Wilson out, this should be a low-scoring game and both Fields/Wilson and Justin Herbert should be avoided if possible.
Aaron Jones (RB, Vikings) vs Texans
While it’s entirely possible for the run game to see more action if Justin Jefferson either doesn’t play or plays banged up, the snap-share between Jones and Ty Chandler makes both of them a risky play against Houston’s stout run defense.
It’s about a 50-50 split between the two through two weeks – Jones finding the endzone in week 1 – but Houston has contained D’Andre Swift and Jonathan Taylor so far, both of whom take the majority of their teams’ snaps. Pass.
Terry McLaurin (WR, Commanders) at Bengals
While he looks good, it’s taking QB Jayden Daniels a bit to find his rhythm as Washington’s new field general, as he has yet to throw a touchdown pass through two weeks. That’s not to take away from what he’s done so far, but it’s worth noting as we enter this week 3 matchup that doesn’t taste good from a fantasy standpoint.
McLaurin leads the team in targets, but hasn’t seen the yardage pull in his favor yet (17 yards week 1, 22 yards week 2). Field goals alone won’t get you a lot of wins, so Dan Quinn needs to figure out a way to open up the field more to create plays that will push the ball more downfield instead of relying on either the leg of your kicker or your QB running for touchdowns.
Not this week though, as Cincinnati will be looking for a rebound following a gut-wrenching loss to the Chiefs.
Dallas Goedert (TE, Eagles) at Saints
With how impressive NOLA’s defense has been and Goedert’s disappointing start to the season, don’t go chasing a breakout game this week.
With A.J. Brown set to miss this week too, it’s likely the Eagles will lean on RB Saquon Barkley again as they try to get the taste of that loss to the Falcons out of their mouth. Pass.
