So, what statistical information should you know, and which beginners deserve your attention in the future?
Nix completed 69.4 percent of his passes and averaged a season-high 19.3 fantasy points against the Buccaneers. He also scored his second career offensive touchdown, both of which came before he scored his first. One of the big takeaways from this game is that Nix thrives when he gets adequate protection from his offensive line. He was pressured on just 25.6 percent of his 39 pass rebounds. Nix remains on the QB3 radar for Week 4 against the New York Jets, but he could be a solid option in a deep superflex format against the Raiders in Week 5.
Williams had his best performance of the season against the Colts on Sunday, setting a new passing record with 363 yards. While it was his second straight game with two interceptions, he still managed to score 17.3 fantasy points. However, he struggled with passes of 15 yards or more, struggled when pressured and struggled when blitzed. It doesn’t help that Williams has caught 20 passes off the field so far this season. Looking ahead, he has a favorable matchup against the Rams in Week 4 and is definitely on the QB2 radar.
This story will be updated after Daniels’ game Monday night.
May made his NFL debut late in the Patriots’ crushing loss to the New York Jets, replacing veteran Jacoby Brissett. New York pressured the Patriots on 49 percent of their field goal attempts on Thursday night, the most of any game this season. Can a turnaround happen in New England? Brissett has struggled, averaging just 7.50 fantasy points per game. Keep May on your watchlist as the Patriots head to San Francisco in Week 4.
This will be updated after the Penix game on Sunday night.
Best performance
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32.8% roster, 2.8% starters)
The Broncos defense has been able to shut down the Buccaneers’ offense, but the big deal is that Irving has outscored Tampa Bay with nine rushing attempts compared to Rashad White’s six. Irving also outscored White in fantasy points (11.4 to 8.5). So far this season, Irving has 25 rushing attempts for 154 yards, while White has 31 for just 67 yards. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before Irving gets more touches. If he’s available, get him before Tampa Bay faces the Eagles.
keep them on the list
Braylon Allen, New York Jets (28.0% of roster players, 3.0% of starters)
Allen led the New York Jets’ backfield with a career-high 55 rushing yards against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. He also recorded a career-high 14 touches. Allen played 21 snaps compared to Bryce Hall’s 21 in a game that the New York Jets were completely dominant in. However, Hall (22) ran more routes than Allen (6). It’s also worth noting that Allen (2.6) is generating more yards after contact per rushing attempt than Hall (2.0) this season. Allen looks like he could be a standalone asset, especially in games where the New York Jets are the favorites. He’s in just 28.0% of ESPN’s roundups.
Trey Pinson, Arizona Cardinals (36.9% of roster players, 0.9% of starters)
The Cardinals found themselves playing from behind for most of the game, limiting Benson to just two rushing attempts. By comparison, James Conner had nine rushing attempts. If Conner ends up missing time, Benson can step in and handle a good portion of the workload, making him a solid option at right back. He’s definitely worth putting on the bench if he’s available in your league. Keep in mind that Conner has had 19 or more touches in two of his three games this season.
Jonathan Brooks, Carolina Panthers (65.9% of roster)
Brooks remains on the PUP/NFI list as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last November at Texas, so he’ll miss at least the first four games. However, the Panthers’ offense showed some vitality against the Raiders with Andy Dalton at quarterback. That’s encouraging for those who have Brooks on IR. Chuba Hubbard had a standout game, finishing with 26 touches and 27.9 fantasy points. It makes you wonder what Brooks can bring to this offense when he returns.
Others to watch
Jay-Len Wright, Miami Dolphins (15.7% of roster)
The Dolphins offense struggled without Tua Tagovailoa and spent most of the game playing out of the backfield. Wright had just two rushing attempts, while Devon Atchan had 14 touches and Jeff Wilson Jr. had three. Remember, Raheem Mostert was inactive. For Wright to be relevant in fantasy, he’ll need Atchan and Mostert to miss some time.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (33.7% of roster)
Corum didn’t touch the ball against the 49ers, and it was all Kyren Williams, who had 26 touches and scored 31.6 fantasy points in Los Angeles’ win. Corum’s importance in fantasy really depends on Williams’ availability. Keep the rookie on your watchlist.
Marshawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers (12.9% of roster)
The Packers placed Lloyd on injured reserve and signed Chris Brooks from the practice squad earlier this week to add depth. Lloyd will miss at least four weeks, likely returning in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. Emmanuel Wilson is now the Packers’ second-rounder, finishing with 14 touches and 16.5 fantasy points on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. For now, Lloyd belongs on your watch list, not your fantasy roster.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (1.3% of roster)
Vidal has been inactive for three straight games (coach decision), but there’s still a chance he could emerge in the Chargers’ run-heavy offense. The easiest path to fantasy relevance would be if JK Dobbins or Gus Edwards miss time. The Chargers are averaging 35.5 rushing attempts per game, and with quarterback Justin Herbert re-aggravating his ankle injury against the Steelers, they could rely more heavily on the ground game in Week 4 against the Chiefs. Keep Vidal on your watchlist.
Carson Steele, Kansas City Chiefs (57.8% of roster)
This will be updated after the Steele game on Sunday night.
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (9.6% of roster)
This story will be updated after Davis’ game Monday night.
Wide receivers
Best Performers
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (97.0% of roster players, 75.8% of starters)
Nabers has been a revelation for fantasy managers this season, scoring 12+ touchdowns and 25+ fantasy points in back-to-back games. He even made history against the Browns on Sunday, becoming the first player ever to have 20 receptions and three receiving touchdowns in his first three games. You can count on him as a lowly No. 1 receiver heading into Week 4 against the Cowboys.
0:45
How should fantasy managers evaluate Roma Odunze in Week 4?
Matt Bowen believes Romi Odonze will be a solid third-round wide receiver for the Bears in Week 4 if Keenan Allen is out.
Rome O’Donnell, Chicago Bears (68.9% roster players, 5.8% starters)
Odonz recorded career highs in targets (11), receptions (6), receiving yards (112) and fantasy points (23.4) against the Colts on Sunday. He even scored his first touchdown. Odonz finished the game with 19.1 fantasy points. He ran nearly as many routes as DJ Moore this season and his connection with Caleb Williams is undeniable. Odonz will find himself on the radar for flexibility in deep formats against the Rams in Week 4.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (99.3% of roster players, 92.1% of starters)
Harrison had a strong fantasy performance against the Lions, though the Cardinals have struggled as a team. He has scored eight or more touchdowns and 17 or more fantasy points in back-to-back games. The Cardinals face the Commanders at home in Week 4, and their defense ranks first in the top half of fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Harrison remains a solid prospect at the No. 1 wide receiver position going forward.
keep them on the list
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (79.5% of roster players, 13.4% of starters)
McConkey scored six goals and 7.4 fantasy points against the Steelers, operating primarily from the slot. His number of snaps and routes were similar to Quentin Johnston, but he’s hard to trust in fantasy lineups with the Chargers relying so heavily on the run. Justin Herbert also aggravated a right ankle injury, which could lead to increased reliance on linebackers JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards. He’s best as a flex option in deeper leagues in Week 4 against the Chiefs.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (91.7% of roster players, 36.4% of starters)
Will update after Worthy’s game Sunday night.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (78.4% roster, 14.4% starts)
Will update after Thomas’ game Monday night.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (74.2% of roster players, 7.0% of starters)
Will update after Coleman’s game Monday night.
Others to watch
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3.7% of roster)
The story remains the same for McMillan against the Broncos. He plays the same number of snaps and runs the same number of routes as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but McMillan isn’t getting targets. With Evans and Godwin dominating the high percentage of targets, it’s hard for McMillan to be relevant in fantasy unless one of them misses time. Keep him on your watchlist.
Jalen Polk, New England Patriots (19.5% of roster)
The New England Patriots’ offensive line selection remains unclear. They had six active players against the New York Jets on Thursday night. Polk has played fewer snaps and run fewer routes than DeMario Douglas and KJ Osborne. He has seen just six targets and 31 receiving yards this season. The Patriots are dead last in the league in pass attempts and passing yards. It’s hard to see how much of a fantasy asset Polk will be unless that changes. For now, just keep him on your watchlist.
Xavier Leggett, Carolina Panthers (20.0% of roster)
The Panthers’ offense looked sharper with Andy Dalton at quarterback instead of Bryce Young against the Raiders. Leggett had three targets and 6.2 fantasy points after not being targeted at all in Week 2. That was disappointing, especially since the Panthers were heavily outscored for most of the game, while Diontae Johnson had a career-high 122 receiving yards. Now, with Adam Thielen out with a hamstring injury, there may be more opportunities for Leggett in Week 4 against the Bengals. Thielen had five targets and 13.0 fantasy points before leaving the game in the first half.
Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts (20.0% of roster)
The return of Josh Downs has had a negative impact on Mitchell’s passing game. Downs is back in the 11-man slot, just like he did last season. Meanwhile, Mitchell has only had one target against the Bears. With quarterback Anthony Richardson struggling to pass (just 14.9 fantasy points in the last two games), Mitchell doesn’t have much fantasy value right now. Keep him on your watchlist now.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (2.9% of list)
Will update after McCaffrey’s game Monday night.
tight end
Brock Powers, Las Vegas Raiders (94.4% of roster players, 79.6% of starters)
The Raiders struggled offensively against the Panthers. After scoring 8+ goals and 12+ fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2, Powers only scored 4 goals and managed just 7.1 points in Week 3. He missed some time while being checked out for a concussion, but returned later in the game. Looking ahead to Week 4 against the Browns, Powers should be more involved and be trusted as a top-tier defensive midfielder.
