The NFL never fails to surprise, from injuries that reshape entire teams to defensive performances reminiscent of the prime “Legion of Boom.” Week 3 was no exception. Let’s break down the studs who shined and the duds who disappointed.
Stud: Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor looks like he is back to his sophomore-season form, when he averaged 22 fantasy points per game and scored 20 total touchdowns. Against the Titans this past weekend, Taylor was electric in a blowout win: 102 yards on 17 carries, three touchdowns, and a highlight 46-yard run where he shrugged off defenders like prime Marshawn Lynch. His 32.8 fantasy points led the way as the Colts continued to prove they are a legitimate contender, dominating on both sides of the ball.
One wild stat from the win: punter Rigoberto Sanchez took the field for the first time all season, ending a 19-drive streak without a punt. Indianapolis now faces a true test against a tough Los Angeles Rams defense, eager to rebound after their choke for the ages against the Eagles last week.
Dud: Malik Nabers
There might be a curse tied to being named a “Stud of the Week.” Just like Derrick Henry in Week 1, Malik Nabers fell from top dog in Week 2 to a dud in Week 3. In the Giants’ loss to the Chiefs, Nabers caught only two passes for 13 yards, finishing with just 3.3 fantasy points.
The connection with Russell Wilson that looked so promising against Dallas now seems suspect, as Nabers saw only half the targets he had the previous week. Still, Giants fans can take heart. First-round pick Jaxson Dart is set to step in, and Nabers’ production could spike with him under center. According to 247 Sports, Dart ranked sixth in Pro Football Focus’ metrics for “big-time throws” and average depth of target while in college, showcasing his willingness to attack tight windows. If Courtland Sutton could thrive against Denver’s defense, Nabers may be poised for a bounce back.
Stud: Vikings D/ST
The first defense to earn stud honors goes to the Minnesota Vikings after a dominant showing against the Bengals. In a week when defenses scored nine touchdowns across the league, Minnesota stood out with four sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two defensive touchdowns, and just 10 points allowed. That performance tallied 32 fantasy points.
Leading the charge was Isaiah Rodgers, who forced two fumbles, picked off a pass, and returned two turnovers for touchdowns in what was arguably one of the best individual defensive performances of the decade. The Bengals’ offensive struggles now raise bigger questions. There are rumblings about the need for them to trade for a better backup quarterback, but Jake Browning isn’t the problem. It is their porous O-line and until that is addressed, many of the Bengals’ offensive weapons are going to see major tickdowns in fantasy output.
Dud: Ashton Jeanty
It probably isn’t fair to label a rookie as a dud, but Ashton Jeanty has yet to deliver on the hype. Drafted in the first round of most fantasy leagues, Jeanty carried 17 times for 63 yards this past weekend and failed to register a single target in the passing game, finishing with just 6.3 points.
The workload is there, but the breakout runs are not. The blame falls largely on Las Vegas’ offensive line. Jeanty has been hit in the backfield so often that he has 145 yards after contact against just 144 total rushing yards overall. The stat almost sounds fake. Unless the Raiders address the line, Jeanty’s breakout will be on hold.
Stud: Tre Tucker
While Jeanty struggles, Tre Tucker has been thriving. Against Washington, Tucker looked like a rising star, catching eight of nine targets for 145 yards and three touchdowns, good for 40.9 fantasy points.
With defenses focused on limiting Brock Bowers, who is still playing through a knee injury, and Ashton Jeanty, Tucker has seized the opportunity. If this performance is any indication, 2024 could be his breakout season. Against a depleted Bears defense missing multiple starters, Tucker is worth a waiver-wire pickup.
Dud: Michael Penix Jr.
The Michael Penix Jr.–led Falcons turned in one of the ugliest performances of the season, a 30–0 shutout against Carolina. Penix completed just 18 of 36 passes for 172 yards, threw two interceptions, and managed only 3.78 fantasy points before being benched for Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter.
The impact has spread to Atlanta’s weapons. While Bijan Robinson has remained productive, Drake London is averaging just 10 fantasy points per game after looking like a star late last season. Penix has only two total touchdowns on the year, one passing and one rushing, yet the Falcons appear set to keep him as the starter. Given Cousins’ track record and $45 million contract, the decision raises serious questions about Atlanta’s direction.
The Emergency Room
With the NFL season in full swing, the injury bug is hitting hard. Here are three key situations fantasy managers need to monitor.
Najee Harris
Harris’ season is over after a torn Achilles suffered on a non-contact play in Week 3. Non-contact injuries like this one and Austin Ekeler’s earlier in the year are brutal to watch. The Chargers’ backfield now belongs to Omarion Hampton, who produced 129 total yards and a touchdown in Week 3. With Los Angeles’ offense humming, Hampton is a valuable trade target.
CeeDee Lamb
Lamb suffered a high ankle sprain against the Bears and is expected to miss several weeks. Though he tried to return, the injury was too limiting. With Dak Prescott missing his top target, Dallas’ offense faces a difficult matchup against Green Bay. In the meantime, George Pickens could see a volume boost and emerge as a fantasy starter.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Tracy exited after a first-quarter collision with Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson and will miss two to four weeks with a shoulder injury. Rookie Cam Skattebo filled in immediately, averaging six yards per carry, catching six passes for 61 yards, and scoring on a 13-yard run. With rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart also making his first start, the pairing of two young college stars will be worth watching.
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