Fantasy Football Recap Week 3: 16 Things You Need To Know
As Week 3 of the NFL season began, it felt like nobody wanted to score. The early games were mostly low-scoring despite featuring two matchups between unbeaten teams. There were certainly high points like Calvin Austin’s 55-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that sealed the game for the Steelers. DK Metcalf scored on an electrifying 71-yard strike as the first quarter expired. There were also low points like Caleb Williams connecting with D.J. Moore on a Hail Mary right before halftime that ended just short of the end zone. Marvin Harrison Jr. caught a first-quarter touchdown again. The Lions used the hook and ladder to score right before halftime.
Williams threw the first passing touchdown by a quarterback taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Bucky Irving out-touched Rachaad White. There was a lot that was expected and much more that was not. It is time to break down all the significant moments of the day.
Top Players
Malik Nabers has arrived. The do-it-all receiver has breathed new life into the Giants’ offense. He caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers rushed twice for four yards and even had a pass attempt as New York opened up the playbook in an effort to get him heavily involved.
Malik Nabers is a HOF talent i’m so serious
— Akash (@YZR_Fantasy) September 22, 2024
Saquon Barkley looks born again in Philadelphia. The Eagles were unable to score in the first three quarters, but Barkley began the fourth with a bang. He raced for a 65-yard go-ahead touchdown early in the final frame. He then retook the lead with his second fourth-quarter score. He compiled 156 total yards on 21 touches. The 351 yards he has rushed for as an Eagle are the most in any consecutive three-game stretch since his rookie season.
Dak Prescott set the high water mark in passing yards for the season. He threw for 379 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns in a furious effort to lead the Cowboys back from behind. Scoring 19 of their 25 points in the fourth quarter, Dallas nearly chased down the Ravens who led by 22 at one point. Prescott contributed a touchdown with his legs, as well.
Kyren Williams was essential to the Rams’ victory on Sunday. He scored the game-tying touchdown with just under two minutes to play. It was his third touchdown of the day. Williams ran for 89 yards and a pair of scores while catching both of his targets for another 27 yards and a tuddy.
Pop Players
Sam Darnold led all quarterbacks with four passing touchdowns on Sunday. The journeyman threw four of them as the Vikings won one of the matchups of undefeated teams by throttling the Houston Texans. Darnold completed 17 passes for 181 yards and finished Sunday as the week’s leading scorer among quarterbacks.
Rome Odunze broke out in a big way. In a game where the Bears’ offense struggled to produce points early, Odunze made his presence felt. The rookie tied for the team lead in targets, catching six of 11 for 112 yards and his first career touchdown.
Andy Dalton was the cure for what ailed the Carolina Panthers. He led the team to a touchdown on their first two drives. Dalton slung the ball for 319 yards and three passing scores. It marked the first time a Carolina quarterback has thrown for 300 or more yards since Dalton did it last September.
It's so jarring how much better Andy Dalton is than Bryce Young
— Jeff "More Like Jordstian McCaffson" Krisko (@JeffKrisko) September 22, 2024
Amari Cooper burst into life on Sunday. After two quiet games to start the year, Cooper started his big day immediately. He caught a 24-yard touchdown on the first play of the game after the Giants fumbled the opening kickoff. He added a fourth-quarter score as the Browns fell short of a comeback. He finished with seven catches for 86 yards.
Dallas Goedert had a career day in the Superdome. The veteran tight end set new highs with 10 catches and 170 receiving yards as Philadelphia triumphed over the undefeated Saints. The Eagles leaned heavily on Goedert after injuries decimated the receiving corps. They started the day without A.J. Brown and lost Britain Covey and DeVonta Smith during the game.
Jauan Jennings took full advantage of his opportunity for San Francisco. Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey were all ruled out before the game increasing the likelihood of Jennings seeing action. He had been targeted at least four times in each of the 49ers’ first two games. Jennings scored his first touchdown four minutes into the game and never looked back. He hauled in 11 receptions for 175 yards and three visits to the end zone. All three were new career highs for Jennings.
Flop Players
Jameson Williams spent a quiet afternoon in Arizona. Entering the game on a hot streak, Williams cooled significantly. He caught a single pass for nine yards. Williams caught five balls in each of his first two games. Hopefully, he will return to form next week against Seattle on Monday night.
Anthony Richardson struggled in a Colts’ victory against Chicago. The young signal-caller tossed a pair of interceptions and tallied just 167 yards passing. On a day when the Colts found success on the ground, Richardson chipped in 24 yards rushing. However, his passing will need to improve to live up to expectations.
Drop Players?
Justin Herbert was knocked out of the game in the third quarter. He was immediately seen limping on the sideline. Taylor Heinicke replaced Herbert for the remainder of the game. Herbert was a game-time decision due to the ankle injury heading into the game.
DeVonta Smith exited the Eagles’ game in the third quarter. He was ruled out with a concussion.
Sam LaPorta was carted to the locker room towards the end of the second quarter. The team reported the injury as a sprained ankle.
Adam Thielen injured his hamstring on a touchdown catch just prior to halftime. He was listed as questionable to return and was later seen on the sideline in street clothes.
