With three weeks behind us, we are starting to see some trends develop as the story of the 2024 NFL season is being written. What can we expect this week? We won’t know until we know, but I share my thoughts on how I view things for this slate of games. Don’t forget to read Larry Vannozzi’s weekly weather report to make sure you’re prepared for last minute alerts about mother nature’s plans in NFL cities across the country. Good luck to everyone who isn’t playing against me this week!

 

First, a few housekeeping notes..

Q’s Quick Pick Total Record: 16-24, -7.78u

Week 1: 3-12, -8.96u; Week 2: 6-5, +0.3u; Week 3: 7-7 +0.88u

Picks: Odds are from DraftKings. Picks are for entertainment purposes only and are strictly based on vibes. Check out the Wager Pass for legit gambling talk.

Start Sit Decisions: Start your studs. Otherwise, these are yours and yours alone to make. Hopefully my previews help provide context to assist you in making an informed, matchup winning decision.

Week 3 Positional Rankings: QB’s courtesy of Jacob Dunne, RB’s courtesy of Nathan Hernandez, WR’s courtesy of Nathan Hernandez, TE’s courtesy of Max Silveira, and DST’s courtesy of Brandon Furtado

 

Matchup: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: GB Packers -3 (-105)

The Quarterbacks: (GB) We start the previews with a pleasant surprise in Malik Willis. He hasn’t particularly boasted high end WR production, but his legs helped him finish as a top end QB1 last week. Jordan Love (knee) might make his return this week. If not, Willis is someone who you can stream in a pinch and play in SF leagues.. (MIN) Initial reports suggested Sam Darnold (knee) avoided catastrophic knee damage, which is good for his potential to play this week. He’s already practicing in full as of Thursday and should be ready. Be careful though, the bottom could fall put in Lambeau against a tough division foe.

The Running Backs: (GB) Josh Jacobs is in for a challenge against the Vikings, as they’re tied for the second fewest rush yards allowed and only one rushing score in 2024. He does have the clear workhorse role at the moment but Emmanuel Wilson played well last week when Jacobs did not. Jacobs remains locked in as a high upside RB2.. (MIN) Aaron Jones is going up against a pretty tough run defense so far, as they sneak into the top ten fewest yards allowed on the ground. We’ve seen two wide splits between him and Ty Chandler through three games. There’s some risk that Chandler has another busy game like week two, but Jones is still the starter, and looking forward to potential RB1 finish.

The Wide Receivers: (MIN) Did people really think Justin Jefferson was going to have a down year because Darnold at the helm? I’ll admit, I had some concerns when we thought rookie QB JJ McCarthy would start at some point. Darnold has been great for Jefferson and the offense as a whole. Continue to start with confidence. We still don’t know about Jordan Addison (ankle), but the word HC Kevin O’Connell used on Monday was “optimistic” about his playing status this weekend. That came to fruition friday when news broke Addison would be active. He’s someone you probably have to go with in deep leagues with 14 plus teams, but maybe be a bit careful in his first game back from an ankle injury that initiated in the preseason. This puts a damper on Jalen Nailor, who has made himself a name that bears WR3 status when he’s the second option.. (GB) I was hoping to have some clarity about the pecking order for the Packers receivers, but the Football Gods had other plans. Over the past two weeks, the Packers have tried to get a bit more creative with getting Jayden Reed the ball, and it’s helped provide enough of a floor to justify WR3 value until Love comes back. Christian Watson, without Love, isn’t someone we can rely on here. Ditto for Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. 

The Tight Ends: (GB) Willis has been fantastic in his own right, but Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft are nothing more than touchdown or bust players without until Love returns. Maybe even then.. (MIN) Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver are the tight ends with targets right now, but neither is worth your while.

 

Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: TE Pat Freiermuth OVER 3.5 Receptions (+125)

The Quarterbacks: (IND) Is Anthony Richardson just the Bears version of Justin Fields? He’s been great with his legs, but legitimately bad passing the ball. He’s disappointed two weeks in a row after having a stellar week one. If you believe Richardson will have better days ahead, this might be a buy-low opportunity. You could probably wait until this game is over as well, since I’m expecting another below expectation performance from Richardson against an elite Steelers defense.. (PIT) Justin Fields is looking like what Richardson was supposed to be. He finished as a back end QB1 last week and looks to have made some strides as a passer. He appears locked into the starting job in Pittsburgh. I think Fields and AR finish week 4 in the same range. Never thought I’d write a sentence like that before the season started.

The Running Backs: (IND) It’s Jonathan Taylor or bust right now for this offense. He’s  in must start territory as a projected RB1 almost every week. It feels like this week, though, could be a down one.. (PIT) For how much offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes to run the ball, you’d think one of these running backs would have more value. Najee Harris has failed to finish any better than a mid range RB2, and that’s probably where he falls again this time around. Jaylen Warren (knee) didn’t practice Thursday so watch his status. It matters more so for Harris, as Warren hasn’t been more than a legit backup used to spell Harris. One of these weeks, Cordarrelle Patterson is going to surprise us and put up a big game.

The Wide Receivers: (IND) it’s already been hard to trust any of these options, now we throw this matchup?! Michael Pittman is someone I’m looking to have a seat on my bench. Josh Downs return last week muddies the waters all around, lessening the odds Alec Pierce becomes consistently viable. It also adds just another hurdle for Adonai Mitchell to get involved in his rookie year.. (PIT) George Pickens has a chance to take advantage of a nice matchup this week, with the Colts giving up a ton of WR fantasy points so far. It’s been a struggle offensively as a whole, but maybe this isna get right game for Pittsburgh’s offense. Are there even any other receivers on this team? Someone tell OC Arthur Smith there are other receivers wearing the black and yellow.

The Tight Ends: (IND) Continue to remain disinterested in Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox.. (PIT) Pat Freiermuth has finished between TE 12-15 each of the first three weeks, making him a safe option to roll with. The Colts are ranked 26th against fantasy tight ends. Put simply, that means they give up a lot of points to the position. This Steelers offense isn’t the most well oiled machine, but maybe we see a better than normal Freiermuth game.

 

Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

Location: Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: QB Matt Stafford UNDER 215.5 Passing Yards (-115)

The Quarterbacks: (CHI) It’s been an adjustment for Caleb Williams, and we’re still going through it. The Rams offer a great opportunity to build some momentum, but until we see it, Williams is a QB2. If you’re feeling spicy and are encouraged a bit by some of the big plays we saw last week, shoot your shot calling the Williams breakout game. In fact, I probably will be in one of my leagues over Baker Mayfield.. (LAR) Matt Stafford is going to struggle against a Bears defense that has allowed the seventh fewest passing yards in the league and only two passing touchdowns through three games. I’m pivoting in super flex away from Stafford.

The Running Backs: (CHI) D’Andre Swift has been downright bad this season. The offensive line in Chicago has been even worse. Reports indicate the Bears are going to give RB3 Roschon Johnson a shot at a more prominent role. The matchup is a good one, so I’d recommend snagging Johnson off waivers if it’s not too late. He’s been my late round dart throw pick all offseason (predominantly in bestball, but still), so I may be higher than most. It looks like Khalil Herbert, despite looking pretty solid, is being passed over for a chance at a feature role. (LAR) Kyren Williams scored three touchdowns last week, and the Rams will need him to do it again. He’s going to be featured early and often as long as the two wide receivers are out. He’s a high end starting running back. It’s getting a bit difficult, but I’m still hanging on to rookie third round selection Blake Corum in our 16 team SportsEthos internal league because of his potential should Williams miss time.

The Wide Receivers: (CHI) Last week we saw the first touchdown pass from Williams to Rome Odunze. The Bears are hoping to see that for a long time, and the rookie is starting to emerge with Keenan Allen (heel) being sidelined the past two weeks. Allen practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday and Thursday, but isn’t someone we’re going to thrust into our lineup if he plays and we have other enticing options. He’s more of a WR4. DJ Moore should continue to be the focal point of the offense as the best player on that side of the ball. He’s a low end WR2 with the change to have a massive weak against the third best matchup in terms of fantasy points for wide outs. If we’re calling our shot on Williams breaking out, you’ve got to trust some weapons. That means the previously mentioned Odunze is a WR3 with upside. (LAR) Tutu Atwell was the receiving leader in terms of fantasy points. We already talked about how the Bears defense has shut down opposing passing attacks, so we’re not looking to get anyone from this room into our lineups. This includes Demarcus Robinson.

The Tight Ends: (CHI) Did Cole Kmet almost break 100 yards last week? He sure did, and has the chance to do it again facing the second lightest matchup for tight ends. Translation: Kmet is a strong streaming option in week 4 against a Rams team that is giving up the fourth most points to tight ends through three games. (LAR) Colby Parkinson didn’t see the uptick in production we would have liked with Nacua and Kupp out. He’s a decent TE2, but there’s not a ton of upside this week.

 

Matchup: Denver Broncos at New York Jets

Location: Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: WR Courtland Sutton UNDER 3.5 Receptions (+100)

The Quarterbacks: (DEN) Bo Nix had the best game of his young career last week, but the Jets have allowed just 543 passing yards, or less than 200 per game so far. I don’t expect Nix to crack the code this week.. (NYJ) Aaron Rodgers hasn’t looked like his future hall of fame self early on in his Jets tenure. With the Broncos coming to town boasting the best pass defense in the league, it’s going to be hard to trust him here as more than a touchy QB2.

The Running Backs: (NYJ) Breece Hall is a stud, so you know what to do here. The more interesting cat here is Braelon Allen. He’s getting more work as the weeks go on, and doing more with it. He should be rostered in 12 team leagues and up. The Broncos aren’t great against backs, so maybe he enters RB3/flex territory.. (DEN) Javonte Williams is the leader in the clubhouse, but Jaleel McLaughlin has a role carved out as a change of pace guy. The Jets are the 8th best team against running backs. We can’t trust Williams as more than a low end RB3, and McLaughlin is lower in the rankings. I’m not looking forward to starting either.

The Wide Receivers: (NYJ) Garrett Wilson is going have to deal with lots of CB Patrick Surtain when he’s on the field. I’m not benching Wilson, but I’m not expecting a great week either. Surtain has held three elite WRs to minimal production to begin the season and that has me worried. Things should be open for Allen Lazard, who’s been one of the biggest surprises of the early going. He could end up with WR2 numbers if coverage is truly drawn to Wilson. Maybe we see a Mike Williams game, but he’s been getting acclimated to the offense after switching teams this offseason following ACL surgery. He’s always been good for big numbers when on the field though that’s rare. So again, maybe.. (DEN) I don’t think there’s anyone we can trust here, including Courtland Sutton. He’s seen double digit targets twice in three games which is great, but that doesn’t guarantee he produces. He hasn’t topped 70 yards, and there’s no reason to think it’ll happen this Sunday against Sauce Gardner.

The Tight Ends: (NYJ) Tyler Conklin is firmly entrenched in streaming territory this week with the Broncos allowing double digit fantasy points to the tight end position as a whole two straight games.. (DEN) Greg Dulcich goosed us last week and it could very well happen again.

 

Matchup: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: Saints MONEYLINE (+130)

The Quarterbacks: (ATL) Kirk Cousins is off to a shaky start and currently sits as a borderline QB2/3. The Saints are no joke, but this game is in Atlanta and division games can get funky. Cousins remains someone to avoid this week in single quarterback formats. I’d start the next guy we’re talking about over Cousins if those were my options even though.. (NO) Things came crashing back down to earth last week for Derek Carr and the Saints offense against the Eagles last weekend’s low scoring loss at home in a game where many thought the Saints would pull off an upset. Even though the Falcons defense hasn’t given up a lot of passing stats, they also haven’t gotten to the quarterback. New Orleans has the firepower on offense to take the top off the defense and score from anywhere on the field, so count Carr in as a top 18 quarterback with top ten upside.

The Running Backs: (ATL) Bijan Robinson (shoulder) was added to the injury report as questionable Thursday, which is never great. If he starts for the Falcons, he starts for you. Keep an eye on forgotten man Tyler Allgeier, who should be the bellcow if Robinson misses. That would make Allgeier a strong starting running back. Luckily for us Bijan managers, he was upgraded to healthy on Friday. Still, this is a situation to keep an eye on until gametime. (NO) On the other side of the ball, Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs) is dealing with multiple injuries. He returned to practice Thursday in a limited capacity after completely missing practice on Wednesday. If he’s out, Jamaal Williams would likely draw the start. The Falcons have given up plenty of rushing yards, but only one rushing touchdown so far. This would make Williams a low end RB3 and deep league flex play that won’t give you zero.

The Wide Receivers: (ATL) Drake London has followed up a poor week 1 with back to back games over 15 points. The Saints have some talent in the secondary, and have been good at limiting production for wide receivers, allowing just one touchdown to the position. He and Darnell Mooney could have a hard time finding the end zone for a big day. New Orleans is one of eight teams to allow more than 70 receptions to WR’s and one of ten teams to allow more than 750 receiving yards, so they could make up the low touchdown upside with volume.. (NO) we finally saw the Chris Olave (hamstring) we’ve been waiting for. The guy who finished in top ten and puts up 20 PPR points. That’s the guy we love, and that’s the guy I hope to see this week. A friday hamstring injury suffered during practice puts his availability into serious question. Rashid Shaheed disappointed after two big games, catching none of his five targets in week three. That’s what we call a giant goose egg. It’s touch-and-go with the deep threat. He’s a flex play that you have to grit through the bad with if you want to gloat through the good. We’re dying to see a bit more consistency from the third year pro. If Olave doesn’t play, Shaheed jumps into a spot where he’s going to be in most of my lineups if I have him.

The Tight Ends: (ATL) We have to trust Kyle Pitts, right? The Saints just gave up 170 yards to Eagles’ Dallas Goedert last week, so Kyle Pitts should be able to get some production in, right? RIGHT?!.. (NO) Juwan Johnson is just another name in the tight end puke pile.

 

Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Location: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: QB Baker Mayfield  3+ Passing Touchdowns (+400)

The Quarterbacks: (TB) Baker Mayfield hasn’t hit 200 passing yards since week one, and only has three total touchdowns (two passing, one running) since then as well Last year, the Eagles were a nice team to play for a quarterback in need of a pick me up. While the yards may not be there like they were last year, the Eagles have sill given up five passing touchdowns so far, which is good for the sixth most (tied) in the league. Baker is a top 15 QB play. (PHI) Goodness gracious, starting Jalen Hurts without AJ Brown and possibly (probably?) Devonta Smith feels like a fool’s errand, but what else are you going to do? Bench him? Probably not, but don’t be surprised to see a mediocre at best game from the Eagles star passer because of the injury situation to the two top pass catchers.

The Running Backs: (TB) Is it just me, or does rookie fourth rounder Bucky Irving look like the best back in Tampa through three games? HC Todd Bowles said they’ll continue to use Rachaad White as the starter, but Irving will get to play. Eventually the tide could turn, but for now, both are RB3’s. (PHI) Saquon Barkley continues to dominate the box score and light up fantasy scoreboards everywhere. With a few injuries were monitoring on this offense, he could get even more opportunity which means even more fantasy points.

The Wide Receivers: (TB) After a down week for Mike Evans, I’m expecting a bounce back performance against a leaky secondary. It looks like a scheme change has really helped Chris Godwin get back to his former self. He should continue to produce.. (PHI) I wonder if we’ll see AJ Brown (hamstring) or DeVonta Smith (concussion) this week? If we don’t, this is a position group we can avoid altogether. If you’re fishing for flex options out of desperation, it’s probably just more from Goedert (see below) honestly. The matchup is juicy for Parris Campbell, Jahan Dotson, and Britain Covey, but can we really trust any of them? It’s Covey who’s has the most targets of the three so far. Then again, the team did trade for Dotson so clearly they see something. Rookie Johnny Wilson got his first career catch last week. What if he is the surprise beneficiary of missing targets? There’s just too much going on here, or maybe there’s nothing going on here? Either way, try and avoid this group if you can.

The Tight Ends: (TB) The Eagles have been stout against tight ends, so Cade Otton is a fade this week. He’ll remain on the streaming radar in the future, so don’t forget about him completely. He did just have a seven catch, eight target game.. (PHI) If one or both of the star wide receivers miss this week, Dallas Goedert should have another opportunity to have a blow up week. He’s a must start for game four of the regular season. If he ends up having another huge game, it might be a good opportunity to try and sell high, as the good times won’t last forever once Smith and Brown are back.

 

Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers

Location: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: WR Diontae Johnson OVER 5.5 Receptions (-110)

The Quarterbacks: (CAR) Andy Dalton revenge game! He had this Panthers offense humming in his first start this season, and the team has made it known that Dalton will remain QB1 over the underperforming Bryce Young. This is great news for the offensive pieces on this team now that the offense is running like a professional football team should. While we might have just seen the new QB boost last week, I think Dalton is a solid streaming option.. (CIN) Joe Burrow has improved each week thus far, and maybe that’s a sign he’s getting more comfortable with the surgically repaired wrist. I like Burrow as a low end QB1 against a Panthers defense that’s given up 7 passing touchdowns already.

The Running Backs: (CAR) Chuba Hubbard is coming off a two touchdown performance that saw him produce on the ground and in the receiving game. With Dalton opening up the offense, it should be easier for the Panthers to run the ball, and Hubbard is the clear beneficiary of that. We heard this week that Jonathan Brooks (knee) is ramping up activity in preparation for his much anticipated NFL debut, so Hubbard’s days as the workhorse are numbered.. (CIN) Zack Moss is the clear RB1, with Chase Brown spelling him when necessary. Carolina has been gashed on the ground all season, so enter Moss as an RB2 who could outperform that.

The Wide Receivers: (CAR) Diontae Johnson got 14 targets last week, and turned it into a top 6 WR finish in PPR leagues. I said it last week and I’ll say it again, he’s at his best when he gets the volume, and Dalton can provide that. I’m in again this week on Johnson. Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on IR, so that means Jonathan Mingo gets another shot to show his rookie season wasn’t who he is as a player. Settle down, I’m not talking about starting him. We should, however, make note and keep an eye on how this unfolds. He was a first round pick just a year ago, so there’s clearly some talent pedigree here. (CIN) We are rolling with superstar Ja’Marr Chase every single week. Tee Higgins had an uneventful season debut. He’s an incredibly talented player, but it feels like he’s underperformed so far entering his fifth season. He’s had finishes of WR28, 24, 18, and 51. Maybe he’s just destined to be in that WR2/3 mix while he’s with the Bengals, and that’s okay. It’s still valuable. From a dynasty lens, try and see if you can buy a little low on Higgins. There’s a good chance he leaves Cincy and could find himself in a situation where he’s the alpha. Andrei Iosivas has filled in admirably, providing some really good games. Higgins return muddies things a bit, and Iosivas should resort back to the WR3. I don’t expect him to go away though, as there’s been some real chemistry with Burrow. Iosivas is a flex option this week.

The Tight Ends: (CAR) No one from the Panthers tight end group stands out as noteworthy.. (CIN) Meanwhile, Mike Gesicki is quietly having a TE1 season through the first three games. I like him as a streaming option. Fourth round pick Erick All, Jr. has been getting some buzz as a player who could earn more opportunities. If you’re streaming tight ends throughout the year, just file that name away in the back of your mind for later.

 

Matchup: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans

Location: NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: QB CJ Stroud OVER 34.5 Pass Attempts (+100)

The Quarterbacks: (HOU) CJ Stroud struggled last week, but is still a top quarterback who should get things going here soon. Hes someone you could try and buy low if the Stroud manager in your league has become frustrated. The Jaguars have given up the fourth most passing yards. This could be the week we see the guy who shattered rookie records a season ago, so that buy low window may be closing soon.. (JAX) Trevor Lawrence has been disappointing so far and the Jaguars offense looks like a disaster. He’s a low end QB2. On the bright side, the Texans have given up six pass touchdowns which is good for the fourth most through 3 contests.

The Running Backs: (HOU) Joe Mixon (ankle) remains in doubt to play, as does second stringer Dameon Pierce (hamstring). That means we have a good chance at seeing Cam Akers again. Whoop-dee-doo. (JAX) Travis Etienne hasn’t exactly been the guy we drafted, currently behind guys, in some cases significantly, that were drafted well after him like NYG Devin Singletary, CAR Chuba Hubbard, and LAC JK Dobbins. The state of this offense has me concerned. Lower expectations for Etienne against a top seven run defense..

The Wide Receivers: (HOU) Nico Collins (hamstring) is one of studs you keep on starting. Seeing as he was a Thursday addition to the injury report, make sure you’ve got backup plans. Stefon Diggs has proven to be the clear second option over Tank Dell, which really limits the ladders ability to make a difference in your fantasy lineup. Diggs is a current top 12 PPR wide receiver and has scored 20 points in two of three so far. Keep riding the train.. (JAX) It was nice to see Christian Kirk bounce back after a poor first two games. with Brian Thomas, Jr. lurking and getting nine targets last week as well, both guys could wind up being startable WR2/3 type players. As for this weekend, if receivers haven’t found the end zone, it’s been tough sledding.

The Tight Ends: (HOU) Dalton Schultz is more name than game through three weeks and seems to be the forgotten man in this offense right now.. (JAX) Brenton Strange has been a fine fill in for the injured Evan Engram (hamstring). Houston poses a tough threat to the position, so maybe hold your horses this week if Strange is the starter again. Engram is someone we most likely have to trust if healthy with a thin position group.

Want to get access to Anthony’s articles? You’ll need to have a SportsEthos NFL FantasyPass membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!  

Click here to join us on Discord! And Follow us on Twitter by clicking here

Come join us at SportsEthos by filling out an application by clicking here