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Luther Burden III Trending Down with Quarterback Injured
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has not lived up to his preseason hype, totaling just eight catches, 95 yards, zero touchdowns, and one lost fumble through two games. To make matters worse, he's facing a quarterback downgrade heading into Week 3. Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion) are both expected to miss Sunday's game against the Eagles, leaving third-string quarterback Case Keenum in line to start. This massive shift in quarterback play will likely only hurt Burden's already iffy fantasy outlook. With Williams at the helm, Burden was a WR3, but at least he had upside in a high-powered offense. Keenum's takeover raises serious questions about whether this offense will be able to function, and therefore, Burden takes on a very low floor. The only saving grace is that the Bears might go pass-heavy in a negative game script, but that's not enough reason to start him with confidence. Managers would be better suited to find an alternative receiver to plug in at WR3/flex for the duration of Williams' absence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Christian Watson Remains Highly Productive Despite the Packers' Loss
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson caught seven of his 10 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 3 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Watson got on the board early, catching a four-yard touchdown pass to give Green Bay a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Things got worse for the Packers from there, as they ultimately surrenderd 27 unanswered points, but Watson played a role for all 60 minutes. It's fair to say that he benefitted from the negative game script, although without Josh Jacobs (commissioner's exempt list), the Packers likely would have gone pass-heavy regardless of how the game went. The 27-year-old receiver has been highly productive this year, despite sharing significant volume with Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft. Watson has scored at least 14.1 fantasy points (PPR) in all three games this season, and he's averaging 23.1 fantasy points per contest. He'll continue to be ranked as a low-end WR1 heading into Week 4 against a suspect Buccaneers defense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Golden Hits the Century Mark, Leads Team in Targets
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden caught five of his 12 targets for 100 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 3 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. The Packers suffered an ugly three-score loss at home, but Golden benefitted from the negative game script and was even able to find the end zone in garbage time. He has been a pleasant Year 2 breakout receiver so far this season, amassing 12 targets in two of his three games so far. He is also averaging 15.4 fantasy points per game in full-PPR leagues, which is a refreshing improvement from his average of 5.0 points as a rookie last year. It has also been encouraging to see that he can produce as a low-end WR2 despite the presence of wide receiver Christian Watson and tight end Tucker Kraft, who are also firmly established as fantasy-relevant options. Look for Golden to remain a productive fantasy receiver in Week 4 against an underperforming Buccaneers squad.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake London Finds His Stride in Quarterback's Return
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London caught nine of his 10 targets for 194 yards during Thursday's Week 3 win over the Green Bay Packers. London had finished with single-digit fantasy points in his first two games this season, so it was quite refreshing to see him bounce back with a huge performance on primetime television. It should come as no surprise that his breakout game lined up with the return of Michael Penix Jr., offering a major quarterback upgrade for the star receiver. As long as Penix stays healthy, London should continue to operate as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football. Additionally, even though he didn't find the end zone on Thursday, we expect him to possess significant touchdown upside going forward. He should be started in all fantasy leagues ahead of a must-watch game between the Falcons and Saints in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bijan Robinson Breaks Out for More Than 200 Scrimmage Yards
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson totaled 29 carries, 194 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Thursday's Week 3 win over the Green Bay Packers. He also caught two passes for an additional 19 receiving yards, bringing him to a total of 213 scrimmage yards in the effort. This was a truly exceptional performance, even by Robinson's high standards. He has now posted at least 31.3 fantasy points (PPR) in two of his three games so far, and he's averaging 25.9 fantasy points per game in 2026. The superstar running back was one of many players to benefit from the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who got the offense back in good shape after a 0-2 start under Cooper Rush. As long as Penix stays healthy, this offense will remain competitive and Robinson will continue to push for the overall RB1 title in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Should Fantasy Managers Be Concerned About Terry McLaurin?
Across his first two games of 2026, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has recorded just four catches for 64 yards on 13 targets. On the bright side, the veteran wideout was targeted nine times in Washington's Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and came extremely close to securing multiple touchdown grabs. However, the Commanders have gotten excellent production out of fellow veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, which could force McLaurin into a lower-volume downfield role. Perhaps most worryingly, Washington lost quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) to a dislocated elbow in Week 2, and the star signal-caller's return timeline is unclear. Between his underwhelming production so far and the quarterback uncertainty in Washington, McLaurin has slipped outside must-start territory in shallower fantasy leagues ahead of Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
KC Concepcion Jr. Struggling with Efficiency to Begin 2026
Across the first two games of his NFL career, Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. has recorded 10 catches for 71 yards on 11 targets. The Browns have schemed up ways to get the ball in Concepcion Jr.'s hands, as he also has four carries for nine yards to go along with his work as a receiver. However, the 22-year-old has struggled with efficiency and explosiveness so far, averaging just 7.1 yards per reception. Concepcion Jr. has also worked almost exclusively as a slot receiver, which has led to him playing fewer than 70% of Cleveland's snaps in both Week 1 and Week 2. While it's still early, fellow Browns rookie wideout Denzel Boston appears to be establishing himself as the number one option in Cleveland, logging seven catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets. Concepcion Jr. remains an intriguing season-long stash for fantasy managers, but he profiles as a high-floor deep-league flex option at best in the early going.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carnell Tate Difficult to Trust Amid Slow Start to 2026
The fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate has had a frustrating start to his NFL career. Across two games, the 21-year-old has recorded just seven catches for 65 yards on 11 targets. On the bright side, Tate leads Tennessee wide receivers in snaps and is the only player on the team who has reached double-digit targets. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the Titans' passing game and offense as a whole remain rough in quarterback Cam Ward's second season at the helm. Through two weeks, Tennessee ranks 30th in the NFL in passing yards, and Ward has thrown just one touchdown pass. Better days could be ahead for Tate as both he and Ward continue to get reps at the NFL level. Still, in the short term, Tate is difficult for fantasy managers to trust.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson Puts in Full Practice on Thursday
After being limited with an ankle injury on Wednesday, Los Angeles Rams second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) was listed as a full participant in practice on Thursday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Not only does Ferguson look ready to play on Sunday night in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos, but fellow TE Colby Parkins (knee) could be out after missing the first two practices of the week. Additionally, star receiver Puka Nacua (groin) has yet to practice this week and is trending towards missing his second straight game with a groin injury he suffered in practice last week. The 23-year-old Ferguson, a second-rounder last year out of Oregon, saw much more involvement in the Rams' offense in Monday night's victory over the New York Giants with Nacua out, catching six of nine targets for 54 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Despite a tough matchup this weekend against the Broncos, Ferguson will be in play again as a tight end streamer by fantasy managers if Nacua misses another contest.
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
RJ Harvey Getting Healthier, Returns to Full Practice
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (hamstring) was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to the team. Harvey came out of the Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury and was held out this past Sunday in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fellow RB J.K. Dobbins dealt with hamstring cramping on Sunday and was pulled, but he has also been upgraded to a full practice and looks to be on track to play on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Rookie Jonah Coleman (ankle), who led the backfield against the Jags because of the injuries to Dobbins and Harvey, has yet to practice this week due to an ankle injury. While sharing the backfield in the season opener with Dobbins, Harvey played only 51% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball just three times for 18 yards. He did have four receptions for 23 yards through the air, though. Even if Coleman is not cleared to play this weekend, Harvey will be hard to recommend as a flex option against the Rams, even in deep PPR leagues.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
Rome Odunze's Value in Question Amid Quarterback Uncertainty in Chicago
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has had an underwhelming start to the 2026 season, recording five catches for 95 yards on seven targets across his team's first two games. The 24-year-old entered the year battling a calf injury, which may explain some of his struggles. However, Odunze now projects to be impacted by a different injury in the games to come. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during Chicago's Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and his return timeline is currently unclear. For as long as Odunze is catching passes from Bears backup quarterbacks Tyson Bagent (concussion) and/or Case Keenum, it may be difficult for him to provide consistent fantasy production. Even in the best circumstances, Odunze is not guaranteed to see a high volume of targets in a Chicago offense that also features wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland. Between his slow start and the Bears' quarterback questions, Odunze profiles outside the top-48 at wide receiver for fantasy managers entering Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.K. Dobbins Upgrades to Full Practice on Thursday
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (hamstring) was listed as a full practice participant on Thursday, according to the team. Dobbins was pulled from Sunday's Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with hamstring cramping and never returned. He only handled 10 carries for 36 yards and was not involved as a receiver before turning things over to fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman (ankle). The 27-year-old had a lackluster season debut, too, carrying the ball only eight times for 36 yards in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Second-year back RJ Harvey (hamstring) was inactive in Week 2, but he, like Dobbins, upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after being limited. Coleman has yet to practice after apparently picking up an ankle injury on Sunday. Denver's backfield is in flux right now and is hard to gauge with all the injuries, but it is looking like both Dobbins and Harvey should be active in Week 3 on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. Until Denver's ground game gets going, though, it will be hard to trust Dobbins as much more than a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in a crowded backfield.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
Can Quinshon Judkins Rebound from His Slow Start to 2026?
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has had a quiet start to the 2026 season, recording 24 carries for 54 yards and seven catches for 44 yards on seven targets across his team's first two games. While Judkins remains the clear RB1 in Cleveland, he hasn't quite dominated backfield work the way fantasy managers were hoping before the year. In the Browns' Week 2 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Judkins played just 67% of his team's offensive snaps. Even with second-year running back Dylan Sampson (knee) on Injured Reserve, the Browns have given snaps to reserve running backs Raheim Sanders and Jaleel McLaughlin. The Browns offense was better in Week 2 than in Week 1, but Judkins will still likely need a high volume of touches to counteract what will almost certainly be a below-average offensive environment in Cleveland. Heading into Week 3, Judkins' redraft stock is slipping.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Playing Limited Role in Raiders Passing Game
Entering his first season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026, veteran wide receiver Jalen Nailor appeared to be in the best position of his career to play a featured role in his team's passing game. However, the 27-year-old has recorded just four catches for 36 yards on eight targets across the Raiders' first two games of the year. While Nailor profiles as the WR2 in Las Vegas alongside WR1 Tre Tucker, he played just 60% of his team's offensive snaps in both Week 1 and Week 2. With star Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) nearing a return from knee surgery, Nailor's role in the Las Vegas passing game could shrink even further in the weeks to come. Heading into Week 3, Nailor should be off the radar of fantasy managers in the majority of league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonah Coleman Still Not Practicing Ahead of Week 3
Denver Broncos rookie fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman (ankle), who was one of the most popular waiver-wire targets in fantasy football leagues this week, was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, fellow RBs J.K. Dobbins (hamstring) and RJ Harvey (hamstring) were both upgraded to full participants as the Broncos prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams at home on Sunday Night Football in Week 3. Harvey did not play in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Dobbins left the game with hamstring cramping and did not return. After not seeing any touches on offense in the Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Coleman played 40% of the snaps on Sunday and led Denver's backfield with 10 carries for 39 yards and his first career rushing touchdown while adding three catches for 19 yards. Coleman is a strong between-the-tackles runner with intriguing upside for the Broncos, but with both Dobbins and Harvey on track to be active in Week 3, fantasy managers who have him rostered are going to need to stay patient. If he does not get back on the field on Friday, Coleman could be ruled out for Sunday night's primetime clash with the Rams.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
Kaleb Johnson to See More Opportunities On Thursday
According to James Palmer, Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson is set to see more opportunities on Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Palmer noted that the second-year back needed time to adjust to the scheme, but he appears primed for a bigger workload tonight. In Week 1, the former Iowa standout did not log a single carry but began to carve out a more prominent role in Week 2. In their victory over the New York Jets, Johnson took eight carries for 32 yards, which ended up leading the team. Even though MarShawn Lloyd would find the back of the end zone through the air, Johnson's usage was promising. Managers should watch his usage closely on Thursday night, as he appears to be slowly emerging as the leader of this committee. Given the potential to see a large role, he carries viable flex upside in deeper 12-plus-team half-PPR formats on Thursday night.
Source: James Palmer
Source: James Palmer
Mike Evans Misses Another Practice on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (hip) was listed as a non-participant for Thursday's practice for the second straight day this week, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier on Thursday that Evans' hip does not seem like a major issue, and he has a good chance to suit up in Week 3 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The 33-year-old veteran's practice status so far this week does not coincide with the positive reports about his status for Sunday's divisional game, but Evans also has another chance to practice on Friday. The 49ers' WR room is among the most banged up in the NFL through two weeks, with Ricky Pearsall (knee) out for the year, De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) set to miss 10 weeks, and Demarcus Robinson (ankle) also out for multiple weeks, so Evans' failure to practice so far this week could just be the team trying to keep their aging veteran receiver rested for the weekend. If Evans can practice on Friday and is cleared for Week 3, he should be in all starting fantasy lineups with a potentially heavy target load coming his way.
Source: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
Tank Bigsby Not Practicing With Abdomen Issue
Philadelphia Eagles backup running backs Tank Bigsby (abdomen) and Will Shipley (foot) were both listed as non-participants in the team's first practice of the week on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Zach Berman. Meanwhile, starter Saquon Barkley (neck, shoulder), who left the game briefly in the Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans after suffering a stinger, was limited and expects to play on Monday night in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old Bigsby led the Eagles' backfield on Sunday with Barkley getting hurt, seeing 13 carries for 33 yards and his first touchdown of the season while adding two catches for five yards. Although the former third-rounder by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 does not have much standalone fantasy value as long as Barkley is active, he remains one of the best handcuff options in the NFL and could have major fantasy upside if Barkley were to miss time due to an injury this year. Barkley could be in line for a pretty big workload against the Bears on Monday night if one or both of Bigsby and Shipley are inactive.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
DeVonta Smith Misses Practice With Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. It was just the first practice of the week for the Eagles, who do not play until Monday night against the Chicago Bears in Week 3, but Smith's status must now be closely monitored over the next two days. The 27-year-old is a must-start in fantasy football when he is active, especially now that A.J. Brown is no longer in town. He came out of the gate slow in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Washington Commanders, catching three of six targets for 53 yards, but he blew up in Sunday's victory over the Tennessee Titans, catching 10 of 13 targets for 117 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season. If Smith's hamstring injury is serious enough to keep him from playing on Monday night, Dontayvion Wicks would become a must-start in fantasy lineups with tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) expected to miss multiple weeks with a knee injury he suffered in Week 2. Rookie first-rounder Makai Lemon could also get much more involved in the passing attack if Smith is inactive in Week 3.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Caleb Williams Not Expected to Play on Monday Night
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) is not expected to play on Monday night in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering a hamstring injury late in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Williams is considered week-to-week, with even head coach Ben Johnson acknowledging that his star QB is likely to miss time. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is in the league's concussion protocol and did not practice on Thursday, so if he cannot go either, third-stringer Case Keenum would be forced into action against the Eagles on Monday night. The 24-year-old Williams could not get much going with 138 yards passing, no touchdowns, and an interception on a rain-soaked field in Chicago on Sunday against a strong defense, but he had 269 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers in which Chicago nearly scored 60 points. Williams' hamstring injury is frustrating, but fantasy managers should hold him where he is rostered, as the Bears still have the potential to have an explosive offense in 2026 when Williams is healthy.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Nick Chubb Retiring With the Browns
Free-agent veteran running back Nick Chubb is returning to Cleveland to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Browns, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Chubb previously announced his retirement from the NFL at the end of August after spending seven of his eight seasons in the league in Cleveland. The 30-year-old was drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Browns in 2018 from Georgia. He had a run of four straight years in which he made the Pro Bowl from 2019 to 2022, a stretch that included four straight 1,000-yard seasons with 40 rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores in 59 starts. Everything changed in 2023, though, when Chubb tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his knee. He was never the same after that, carrying the ball 224 times for 838 yards and six touchdowns in 23 games over the last two seasons with the Browns and Houston Texans. Chubb will finish his NFL career with 7,349 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns on 1,462 carries (5.0 yards per carry) in 100 regular-season games played. He added 141 catches for 1,109 yards and another five scores through the air.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
More News About Luther Burden III
