This article is my favorite piece of content to put together each week, and that says a lot because I put together tons of different Fantasy Football content in all forms. This piece is also the most time-consuming, and it is not close. At the end of the day writing this “Matchup Winners” article series is worth it, because I believe it will give you a weekly edge in your Fantasy Football leagues and DFS entries.
Each week I take a look at every NFL matchup and identify who has a positive one from what the other team allows. This means looking at Fantasy PPG (points per game) allowed, yards allowed, and who can benefit from those numbers in the matchup. I will support all of my takes, but will also be realistic to note that there will always be hits and misses. I am all for accountability, but will also celebrate the wins. Last week I know I missed on guys like Adam Thielen, Juwan Johnson, Aaron Jones, Allen Lazard, Jayden Daniels, and Najee Harris. Some of my bigger hits included (in no specific order):
- Brock Bowers – 18.8 Fantasy Points
- Derrick Henry – 16.6 Fantasy Points
- JK Dobbins – 20.1 Fantasy Points
- Chris Godwin – 24.7 Fantasy Points
- David Montgomery – 17 Fantasy Points
- Jonathan Taylor – 15.5 Fantasy Points
- Jordan Mason – 17.4 Fantasy Points
- Zach Charbonnet – 17.9 Fantasy Points
- Tony Pollard – 15.2 Fantasy Points
- Malik Nabers – 28.7 Fantasy Points
- Trey McBride – 18.7 Fantasy Points
- Isiah Pacheco – 16.1 Fantasy Points
Looking to stay hot in Week 3! This is the best place to be to truly preview matchups weekly and benefit from just reading an article. Let’s get it!
Fantasy Football Matchup Winners: Week 3
Giants vs. Browns
D’Onta Foreman out-touched Jerome Ford 15 to eight last week, which draws some concern on Ford’s guaranteed volume. Ford was extremely efficient on the ground in Week 2 though, averaging 9.14 yards per rushing attempt for his 64. Foreman’s 42 yards on 14 attempts meant a much less efficient three yards per carry. In Week 1, Ford scored a rushing touchdown and also caught six balls which resulted in an 18.9 Fantasy Point week. I believe the Browns will establish the run plenty on the Giants in Week 3, who have allowed the fifth most rushing yards this season. The Giants have also allowed the eighth most Fantasy PPG to running backs so far. Even if two guys are touching the ball, I will bank on the more efficient runner with pass-catching upside in Ford.
Bears vs. Colts
The Colts have allowed the 12th most Fantasy PPG to running backs this season, but more importantly the most total rushing yards in the NFL so far. D’Andre Swift has totaled just 48 rushing yards on 24 attempts this season, which my math says is “bad”. Some positive notes beyond the bad include Swift playing 70% and 66% of the snaps in the Bears’ first two weeks, which dismisses the committee approach to that backfield that many spoke into existence. Another is the four receptions on five targets Swift had last week, which shows the potential for the Bears to utilize Swift in that aspect of the game more often as a guy who caught 62 balls back in 2021. Swift rushed for 1,049 yards just last year and averaged 5.47 yards per carry the year prior back in 2022, so I fail to think that he is not a capable rusher of the football. I will acknowledge that this offensive line is rough for Chicago, but this Colts team can be run all over. The Colts also just lost DeForest Buckner, who has been placed on the IR and is a force as a defensive lineman. Look for Swift to have a bounce-back on the ground.
Texans vs. Vikings
The Vikings allow the eighth most passing yards per game this season so far. Nico Collins has been on a monster tear, and Stefon Diggs established his presence in Week 1 with two touchdowns, but I have a gut feeling CJ Stroud is going to want to get Tank Dell going this week. Dell was targeted seven times in Week 1 and caught three of those for 40 yards. In Week 2, Dell’s usage went down with him catching just one of his four targets for negative yardage. One positive note is that Houston has been creative with Dell by having him run the ball, which he did twice for 19 yards in Week 1 then three times for 16 yards in Week 2. A banged-up Joe Mixon could mean more rushing attempts in creative ways. Let’s not forget that in Stroud and Dell’s rookie season last year, Dell finished weeks with 145, 114, and 149 receiving yards. There is upside in the sophomore and a connection with his quarterback. I am still comfortable FLEX’ing Dell this week due to what we have seen in his rookie season along with flashes of usage this year.
Sam Darnold has thrown a pair of touchdowns in each of his first two games paired with an interception, for 208 and then 268 yards. Darnold finished with 15.62 Fantasy Points in Week 1 as the QB14, and then 20.92 Fantasy Points in Week 2 as the QB4. Last week’s big performance came against the 49ers defense, and when people start talking about the Texans eating up Caleb Williams last week let’s at least acknowledge the Bears’ terrible offensive line. The Texans also allow the eighth most Fantasy PPG to quarterbacks this season so far. Darnold can be used as a streamer.
Eagles vs. Saints
With AJ Brown set to miss a couple of weeks, it is vital to have DeVonta Smith in your lineups. There is an argument that DeVonta should always be a starter weekly but his importance to Jalen Hurts obviously rises without AJB. This was evident in Week 2, with DVS earning 10 targets and catching seven of them for 76 yards and a touchdown. Smith has been targeted 18 times through two weeks and has scored 15.4 and 20.6 Fantasy Points. CeeDee Lamb finished with 90 receiving yards and a touchdown and Jalen Tolbert caught six passes for 82 yards last week in the Cowboys’ blowout loss to the Saints.
The Eagles allow the second most Fantasy PPG to wide receivers and the fifth most passing yards so far this season. I think this is a great week for Chris Olave to have his first big day. Derek Carr is off to a great start this year with 443 yards, five passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and an interception through two weeks. 47-10 and 44-19 wins for the Saints have created poor game scripts for Chris Olave so far with just eight total targets in two games. Olave did finish with an encouraging 81 yards on four receptions (20.25 yards per catch) in Week 2, and I think we can see the same in Week 3 but with more volume. Olave was targeted 138 times last season and in tougher matchups, I would bet we see him reaching double-digit numbers in that category. The Eagles offense will push Carr to keep up with them and their defense will also allow Olave to have his first big game.
Chargers vs. Steelers
The Chargers defeated the Raiders 22-10 in Week 1, then the Panthers 26-3 in Week 2. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10 in Week 1, then the Broncos 13-6 in Week 2. All I take away from this is that neither team has truly been tested on either side of the ball and that outside of the Falcons (middle-of-the-road team), their opponents were very weak ones. So let’s highlight two players to watch out for:
Ladd McConkey opened up Week 1 with two good flashes: targets with seven and a receiving touchdown. McConkey played a healthy 67% of the snaps in that game. In Week two the second-round rookie disappeared though, playing 49% of the snaps and catching just two of his four targets for 26 yards. What does not help Ladd is the passing volume, with Herbert only attempting 26 and then 20 passes due to him not really having to throw beyond that. I do think that this Steelers’ matchup will be the first (somewhat) test for the Chargers, which could mean more volume from Herbert. McConkey’s upside in the receiving yard department is questionable, but I do think he could be the most reliable target on the roster which can translate to FLEX-worthy weeks.
George Pickens opened up the season by catching six of his seven targets for 85 yards and scored 13.5 Fantasy Points. Last week, Pickens caught just two passes for 29 yards and had two big plays called back in a game that Justin Fields only completed 13 passes. It is very evident that Pickens is the most dangerous piece in this Steelers’ offense through the air as a guy coming off of a 1,140 receiving yard season, and I think the more teams contest the Steelers the more big plays we get to see. Week 3 presents a nice opportunity for a big Pickens game against the Chargers who were very friendly through the air in 2023.
Broncos vs. Buccaneers
After losing plenty of work to Jaleel McLaughlin in Week 1, Javonte Williams saw an increase in his snap percentage and usage in Week 2. Williams rushed for an extremely inefficient 17 yards on 11 rushes (1.55 yards per attempt) but caught all five targets for 48 yards. So rushing inefficiency was a red flag but 16 touches and double-digit Fantasy Points were positive signs. The Buccaneers allow the fifth most Fantasy PPG to running backs this season, so if Williams can maintain his lead role with involvement in the passing game then he could once again score double-digit Fantasy Points.
A deeper sleeper this week could be rookie Bucky Irving, especially with a handful of contextual backings. To start, the Broncos allow the 11th most Fantasy PPG to running backs and the 10th most rushing yards this season so far. Next, Rachaad White has averaged 2.07 then 1.8 yards per carry the first two weeks and is currently dealing with a groin injury. Last, the game script of this game could emphasize burning the clock on the ground and game management with the Broncos being one of the worst teams in the NFL. Irving could be a desperation play in your RB2 slot, especially in those deeper leagues where we are just looking for running backs to touch the ball to play.
Packers vs. Titans
At the time I am writing this piece, we are unsure of if we will get Jordan Love back or if Malik Willis will get his revenge game against his former team. What I am confident in saying in either scenario is that Josh Jacobs is a great play this week. Jacobs has been a limited participant this week at practice due to a back issue, which makes sense since the man carries the ball 32 times in Week 2. Jacobs finished with 151 yards on the ground last week, which gives us a flashback to 2022 when he led the league in rushing yards. Jacobs started the season with 84 rushing yards before his big rushing day last week, so he is thriving in his new home. 5.25 and 4.72 yards per carry through two weeks shows solid efficiency. The Titans have allowed the ninth most Fantasy PPG to running backs this season. Healthy Jacobs should see 18+ touches.
Tony Pollard has had a solid start to the season in his new Tennessee uniform, as the clear RB1 for the Titans. Pollard finished Week 1 with 19 touches and then Week 2 with 22 touches resulting in 18.4 and 15.2 Fantasy Point weeks. 82 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in Week 1 and five receptions for 40 yards in Week 2 highlight some upside both on the ground and through the air. Pollard will now face the Green Bay Packers who allow the seventh most Fantasy PPG to running backs and the 11th most rushing yards so far this season. Pollard should continue to be a solid RB2 in your Fantasy lineups.
Panthers vs. Raiders
The Panthers shocked many by announcing the pivot from the 2023 NFL Draft’s number one pick, Bryce Young, to veteran Andy Dalton. Opinions on this could be an entire article itself. There is a chance that this offense operates better through the air with the change but the matchup at hand is one in favor of the run game. The Raiders allow the 10th most Fantasy PPG to running backs and the fourth most rushing yards so far this season. The Panthers are desperate for a win, so establishing the run and managing the game on the ground against the Raiders makes sense. Chuba Hubbard is coming off of a week where he rushed for a very efficient 6.4 yards per carry, rushing 10 times for 64 yards. Hubbard also caught four of his five targets for minimal yards, but that PPR scoring upside potential is solid to flash. I do not think Hubbard necessarily wins you your matchup for Fantasy Football, but I do think we can see another double-digit Fantasy Point week which can be plenty useful to managers.
First-round rookie Brock Bowers looks like the best tight end for Fantasy Football this year. Bowers is truly “this year’s Sam LaPorta“. Bowers caught six of eight targets in Week 1 for 58 yards then went on to catch all nine targets for a solid 98 yards in Week 2. 11.8 and 18.8 Fantasy Points scored is a great start to Bowers’ Fantasy Football career impact. 17 targets through two weeks speaks numbers to his role in this Raiders offense, especially seeing as that total trails the legendary Davante Adams by just one. The Panthers allow the second most Fantasy PPG to tight ends this season, setting Bowers up to stay hot for Fantasy Football.
Check out all of our Week 3 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Dolphins vs. Seahawks
Skylar Thompson will start for the Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa’s recent concussion, which draws some questions about how this offense is going to operate and look in Week 3. The Seahawks allow the sixth most Fantasy PPG to tight ends this season, which could mean a week you could stream Jonnu Smith. Smith has split snaps with Julian Hill and Durham Smythe for the tight end position but is coming off of a very productive week catching six of his seven targets for 53 yards. If the Seahawks take a lead in this game or at least make it a close one, there is the chance Smith can build off of his Week 2 performance.
Week 2 was the Jaxon Smith-Njigba breakout game, and although DK Metcalf had the bigger Fantasy score it was clear that JSN was the go-to target for Geno Smith. JSN caught 12 of his 16 targets for 117 and scored 23.7 Fantasy Points. The combination of JSN not reaching more than 63 yards last season but hit 117 in this game along with the fact he earned a massive 16 targets speaks numbers to me. I have always been a firm believer in the talent, and with the possibility he turns into Smith’s most targeted player on the roster could truly mean a breakout Fantasy season. Even with Skylar Thompson, I believe Geno is going to have to push the ball again through the air plenty in Week 3. Smith threw 44 times last week and completed 33 for 327 yards, so the volume could lead to another highly useful JSN game.
Lions vs. Cardinals
Jameson Williams has transitioned quickly from a Fantasy Football sleeper to an upside-FLEX option, to a weekly wide receiver starter in Fantasy lineups. The former first-round talent has had a series of injuries and off-field matters that have impacted his career, but we are finally seeing that explosive talent we waited for. Jamo was targeted nine times and caught five of them for a massive 121 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 1 for 24.4 Fantasy Points. Williams then caught five of 11 targets last week for 79 receiving yards and scored 16.4 Fantasy Points. 20 targets through two weeks with plenty of yardage to go along with it says a lot for Jamo’s role in Detroit and upside. The Cardinals have allowed the 10th most Fantasy PPG to wide receivers this season, and if this game turns into an offensive-boxing match it could be another huge Williams week. Jared Goff is coming off of a week where he threw the ball 55 times and finished with 307 passing yards, so there is volume to be had here.
First-round talent Marvin Harrison Jr. had his breakout game in Week 2, catching four passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Trey McBride caught six balls for 67 yards and scored on a fumble for a touchdown. This dynamic wide receiver and tight end duo elevates Kyler Murray for Fantasy Football, who already has upside due to his rushing abilities which have been evident with 57 and 59 yards in the last two games. Murray threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2, and scored the most Fantasy Points for the position with 28.54. There is going to be a lot of offense in this Lions matchup for Week 3, who allow the 12th most passing yards and ninth most Fantasy PPG this season. Murray will again have top-five upside for Fantasy Football this week.
Ravens vs. Cowboys
Alvin Kamara just rushed for 115 yards and scored four total touchdowns on the Cowboys last week. Jerome Ford rushed for a touchdown against Dallas as well in Week 1. Touchdown potential paired with Derrick Henry is super juicy to hear. Henry has scored a rushing touchdown in both games as a Raven so far this season and is coming off of a much better week in terms of usage (19 touches) and rushing yardage (84). The Cowboys allow the most Fantasy PPG to running backs so far this season due to what Kamara did to them last week. The Ravens will look to gain their first win of the season this week, so establishing the run and controlling the game on the ground could be in the cards if their defense can step up against Dallas.
A deeper sleeper this week could be Jalen Tolbert, who is coming off of a week he played 86% of the snaps and caught six of his nine targets for 82 yards. Dallas played from behind in a huge loss to the Saints last week, and Tolbert led the team in targets. CeeDee Lamb is dealing with an ankle issue that is said to not be serious, and we are unsure if Jake Ferguson will play, so the role for Tolbert could remain in Week 3. The Ravens allow the sixth most Fantasy PPG to wide receivers and the most passing yards this season. If Lamb is a full go this week he could have his first MONSTER week in this matchup but I figured I would highlight the non-obvious for this article. Lamb is a solid candidate for a DFS play.
49ers vs. Rams
Jordan Mason is winning matchups in place of an injured Christian McCaffrey and is a must-start option weekly for Fantasy Football. 28 rushing attempts for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 for 22.2 Fantasy Points and then 20 rushing attempts for 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 2 for 17.4 Fantasy Points shows consistency. A workhorse role in the 49ers offense translates well for Fantasy Football and should definitely translate well against the Rams who have allowed the fourth most Fantasy PPG to running backs and the third most rushing yards so far this season.
In a perfectly healthy world, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Tyler Higbee would likely be the three top targets in the Rams offense but all are off the field with injuries. That simply means someone has to step up through the air. With a handful of names floating around for who that could be, I will stick with the go-to guy being Demarcus Robinson. Last season from Weeks 13-17 Robinson finished as the WR21, WR22, WR26, WR15, and WR29 during that stretch of games as a true Fantasy Football FLEX option. Robinson has played 92% of the snaps in both weeks, with 11 total targets but has produced 42 and 50 yards so far this season. When tossing a dart at a mix of wide receiver options for the Rams I would rather bank on the guy we have seen the most out of at the NFL level.
Chiefs vs. Falcons (Sunday Night Football)
Rashee Rice should be highlighted simply because he looks great and it continues to translate to Fantasy Football. Rice has earned 15 targets and caught 12 of them with receiving yard totals of 103 then 75 in the first two weeks. Rice is also coming off a week where he scored a receiving touchdown and has finished with 17.3 and 18.5 Fantasy Points in these two games. The impressive rookie season continues into his sophomore year and too many of of were worried about a potential suspension and new target competition. Rice currently has seven more targets, seven more receptions, and 114 more receiving yards than any other player on the Chiefs.
The Chiefs currently allow the second-most Fantasy PPG to quarterbacks and the second-most passing yards so far this season, making Kirk Cousins a good quarterback streamer this week. Cousins is coming off of a 17.54 Fantasy Point week where he threw 20/29 for 241 yards and two touchdowns. The surround weapons of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Darnell Mooney are a boost to Cousins’ ceiling and there will be plenty of passing going on in this game.
Jaguars vs. Bills (Monday Night Football)
The Bills allow the third most Fantasy PPG to running backs so far this season, which could be a boost for Travis Etienne to have his first big game. Etienne has rushed for a touchdown in both weeks so far but has yet to have the volume in touches, yardage, or pass-catching role we have seen in the past. Etienne rushed for 1,125 yards back in 2022 and then caught 58 balls in 2023 so we know the dual-threat capabilities he has. Week 3 presents a matchup to where we see the Etienne we know for Fantasy Football purposes.
The Jaguars allow the eighth most Fantasy PPG to wide receivers so far this season. Khalil Shakir currently leads Buffalo in targets (eight), receptions (eight), receiving yards (96), and is one of three players to catch a touchdown. Shakir’s 96 receiving yards are 45 more than any other player on the roster. I do not believe Shakir has tons of upside to necessarily win you your matchup, but he may have earned the role as a safer FLEX option in many lineups.
Commanders vs. Bengals (Monday Night Football)
Austin Ekeler could have sneaky value in this Bengals matchup that may force Jayden Daniels to throw the ball. A fun fact is that Ekeler leads the Commanders in receiving yards so far this season with 99 through two games. Ekeler also has the second-most receptions (tied with eight) on the roster. PPR upside could be elevated in this matchup against the Bengals who are desperate to figure things out this season.
The Commanders allow the most Fantasy PPG to quarterbacks and most Fantasy PPG to wide receivers so far this season. If there was ever a “get right” week for the Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase stack, it would be this week. Burrow has finished as the QB29 and QB10 through two weeks of football, and Chase as the WR28 and the WR47. This QB-WR combo is below expectation so far from a Fantasy Football lens. The Bengals are 0-2 right now and will focus on getting the W but you have to believe that they need a confidence boost and can do so with a huge Burrow-Chase game.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!