I don’t like to toot my own horn, but we all have to do things that we don’t like. In last week’s Quarterback Sleepers and Streamers article, we hit on Malik Willis (kind of, didn’t get 20 fantasy points, but got the win), we hit on Daniel Jones, and Baker Mayfield’s rushing touchdown salvaged his day. But that was the past, and that’s not what you’re here for. We know winning your leagues takes a lot of work. But don’t fear! FantraxHQ is doing the work for you. Whether it’s matchups to exploit, injury replacements, or flat-out hot takes, we’ve got your fix. In this article, we’ll highlight three potential quarterback sleepers and streamers for NFL Week 3 that could help you win your matchups.
Week 3 Quarterback Sleepers and Streamers
Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers
I didn’t think it would happen this soon, but it has happened: Bryce Young has been benched by the Carolina Panthers. In his first season, he didn’t look ready. The team lacked weapons. And it would take a Herculean effort, to make the Carolina Panthers a competitive football team. This year, he still doesn’t look ready, and the team still lacks weapons. That said, if he looked better, he’d still be the starter, but he’s been horrendous, and timid.
Enter Andy Dalton. Before we dive into the matchup that makes Dalton a worthy streamer, let’s give a bit of a refresher on Dalton’s background. The 6’2″ (as opposed to Young’s diminutive frame), 215 lb QB, was a former 2nd-round pick in 2011. In his best season (3rd year), he averaged 19.3 points per week (6th in the league), and he matched that season in 2015 (but in 13 games, three fewer than his 2013 season. All of his other seasons outside of 2013 and 2015, well…there’s a reason Dalton didn’t have a starting job before today. He wasn’t great. Serviceable? Yes. Good? No.
All that said, the Panthers are facing the Raiders this week, and out of 32 teams in the league, the Raiders are the 8th worst in defensive line yards before contact. That means even though the Panthers are among the league’s worst offensive lines, they’re going to get a chance to go at their equals in inferiority. In a battle of bad vs. bad, I like the veteran’s chances of making the right reads and getting the ball out quickly. Don’t be surprised if Dalton gives you a couple of TDs and 200+ yards receiving.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Purdy was statistically a top-10 QB last year, so it feels weird to call him a sleeper, but the 49ers have had a lot going on this past offseason, and Purdy has shown the negative effects of this. His top deep threat, Brandon Aiyuk missed the offseason in a contract dispute, and (Aiyuk) repaid the lost time with a few drops in Week 1. Now, Deebo Samuel will be out this week with an injury. That leaves George Kittle (who will be needed to block for the running game more than he’s needed as a pass-catcher), and Jauan Jennings as the primary receivers that Purdy has rapport with.
While it’s not the best situation in which to choose a QB, the 49ers still have a lot of things going for them. San Fran has a running game that will be able to wear down the defensive line over time (Jordan Mason in place of Christian McCaffrey), they have the best left tackle in the game to keep Purdy upright (Trent Williams), and they’re playing the Rams this week. Through the first two weeks, the Rams have the worst defensive line in the league (via yards before contact) and they have a top-five offensive line to keep him clean (the aforementioned Trent Williams helps). I don’t expect Purdy to light up the scoreboard, but as Purdy has thrown only 1 TD in the past two weeks, I think it’s fair to say that he will double that output this week.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Much like Brock Purdy in the excerpt above, Joe Burrow is historically too good of a quarterback to put in the sleeper section, but we have to be realistic about present performance. Burrow’s been fighting injuries for the past couple of years and seems to still be battling a wrist injury this year. With Ja’Marr Chase’s contract dispute taking away his offseason, we haven’t seen the production that matches Chase’s talent. Higgins has left plenty to be desired as well. While he’s been taking care of the ball (probably one of his biggest flaws), Burrow only has two TDs to on the year. Burrow’s better than that, and so is Cincinnati.
This week, the Bengals go up against the same horrific Washington defense that allowed Daniel Jones to torch them for 2 TDs and 30 yards on the ground. Burrow is better than Daniel Jones. On top of that, Burrow’s surrounding cast is better than Jones’. I see no reason that Burrow can’t match and exceed Jones’ production. The risk that the running backs cannibalize the touchdowns is a valid fear, but the Commanders are most exposed through the air. I expect the production to follow the little bit of historical data we have on this young season.
Got a beef with Bradlee’s Week 3 Quarterback Sleepers and Streamers? Let him hear about it in the comments below!