Week three was a wild one in the NFL, with the Packers falling to the Browns, the wacky ending to the Jets Bucs game, and an incredible Monday night thriller between two of the best teams in the league. There was also some heartbreak, with ole reliable James Conner looking to have suffered a gruesome leg injury. And with that, we can go ahead and get right into it.

RB Trey Benson, AZ (52%) – Well wishes to James Conner for a speedy recovery. His absence from the starting lineup creates a void they second year man Trey Benson will hopefully fill. PFF had him as the number one running back in the 2024 draft class, though it should be noted that was a weak class overall. Benson has the size, standing at 6’0, 220 lbs, and if we’re being honest with ourselves, he’s looked better than the veteran did so far this year (Conner 28 touches/96 yards, Benson 16/119). Conner averaged 18.5 touches in 2024, which bodes well for Benson’s usage considering the depth behind him is minimal with Emari Demercado bumping up to RB2. I discussed in the week one waiver article that I am a heavy bidder early, and this is a prime opportunity to do so. Realistically, how many more starting running backs will pop up on waivers the rest of the season? (FAAB: 80-100%)

Sam Darnold, SEA (11%) – While the Cardinals defense hasn’t allowed more than 220 passing yards yet this season, they’ve faced QB’s Spencer Rattler, Bryce Young, and Mac Jones through their first three games. I understand Darnold is not someone that a defense is typically kept up at night thinking about, but he’s certainly a tier or two above the three guys just listed. Arizona’s pass defense didn’t project as a strong unit coming into the season, and was an average unit at best in 2024. It’s a short week on the road, so buyer beware, but Darnold could end up a top 12 quarterback on the week. Looking ahead, Seattle plays the Buccaneers and Jaguars in weeks five and six; both plus matchups for quarterbacks. Maybe you can buy a starting QB for three weeks? (FAAB: 5-7%)

Jaxson Dart, NYG (5%) – He officially been named the starter yet, so it’s time to lock in. HC Brian Daboll emphatically stated Russell Wilson would be QB1 for week two, but failed to give the same assurance when asked after the offenses lackluster performance against the Chiefs in prime time. In your classic 10 or 12 team, one QB league, you can likely ignore this one unless you have unordinary deep benches, or your league tends to roster two QB’s. If he’s still available in super flex and you’re in need of a QB, you might have to dump the FAAB prematurely and hope he pans out. (FAAB: 1QB – 0-2%; 2QB/SF: 50%+)

Check for: IND Daniel Jones (72%)

Droppable: no notable drops.

 

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