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Monday Morning NFL Recap - Week 3 Surprises, Busts & Laughers

In the interest of full disclosure: I was at a music festival this weekend, so now I'm about 80% certain that I have every conceivable form of lung disease.  You would not believe the things people were throwing on those bonfires.  I mean, I saw people throwing in used napkins, lighters, plastic water bottles, styrofoam, you name it. The ACME-branded box of nitroglycerin containers was in one of the other fire pits, sadly.  Wily E. was on the other side of the stage.

Seriously, though, if you see the headline "mildly entertaining Internet writer dies of emphysema" in the Southern California area, at least you've been adequately prepared for the grieving process. I bring this up mostly because there were some incredibly entertaining meltdowns this week, and things melting down that shouldn't have been seemed like a decent lead-in.

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It's Monday Morning... What Just Happened

The Stars:

  • The Minnesota Vikings' Defense - You know how every year, you go to ESPN and you read a million draft guides that say "don't take a defense till second to last, just before the kicker" and then you watch the Seahawks, Texans, Broncos, etc. go in like the ninth and you're sitting there trying to figure out who you're gonna stream in Week 1?  Did you pick the Vikings?  If you did, can you tell me how you go around not bragging about it literally all the time?  I'm incapable of it.  I've been congratulating myself to everyone I know for three weeks now.  It's like a disease.  The Vikings have put up 21, 14, and 25 points, and two of those games came against Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton.  True story: someone in my league drafted THREE defenses and none of them were Minnesota.  If the Vikings keep it up, I'm gonna be disowned by Halloween.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs' Defense - I went back and forth on this.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to write in the Chiefs' defense for picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick six (6) times here, or if I wanted to wait and make fun of the Jets further down in the column.  Then I just realized that six picks (with a pick-six) was terrible enough that it certainly deserved to be mocked here multiple times.  Ryan Fitzpatrick actually mailed out handwritten apology letters to every Jets fan in the country for his historically terrible performance.  Sadly, though, Jets fans, Marcus Peters and Eric Berry intercepted them before they could get to you.  If you were fortunate enough to start the KC defense, however, I need you to understand what you've done to your opponent.  There's no comeback from "his/her defense dropped 35 on me, man...the defense" except for finding solace in the welcoming embrace of your buddy Mr. Daniels.  Just know that you drove them to this.  You monster.
  • Carlos HydeHyde struggled through most of the game, but punched in two touchdowns late in order to cement his status as #1 RB this week, and trick us into thinking the 49ers didn't get obliterated by the Seahawks yesterday.  Chip Kelly is a next-level football coach, y'all.
  • Terrelle PryorThere was a point today at which Terrelle Pryor was the Browns' leading receiver AND passer.  While that may be the Brownsiest stat of all time, his multifaceted efforts (8 receptions/144 yards; 4 carries/21 yards/1 TD; 3-5 passing for 35 yards ), the last man standing in Cleveland's potentially intriguing WR corps could not carry the Browns to victory against the Dolphins.  And yeah, I know that "leading passer" thing was fairly disingenuous as Cody Kessler threw for 244 yards, but we all know the track record of USC quarterbacks in this league.  The Browns, proud starters of like 30 quarterbacks since 1999, took a look at this track record and said "nah, man, we can fix that."  Eventually, Kessler will do something that obliterates Mark Sanchez's buttfumble in the ignominy rankings.  It's ordained by fate itself.
  • Marvin JonesThe Lions wideout had 6 catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns.  Of course, the Lions still lost this game, in which they had more total yardage, more first downs and ten more minutes of possession, but he definitely gets an A for effort.
  • Antonio Brown14 points on yardage alone is impressive, and the 12 receptions he had make me once again furious that no one in my league will allow me to switch the scoring rules to 1-point PPR.
  • Carson WentzWentz topped himself again in the game against Pittsburgh, once again avoiding interceptions on his way to a 300 yard, 2-TD outing against the Steelers.  Which is starting to get tremendously annoying as a person whose team celebrated its return to Los Angeles by NOT drafting Wentz.

 

The Busts:

  • The New York Jets - My working theory is that Ryan Fitzpatrick had a Walkman as a child, but it was damaged to the point where the only music it could play is the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Give It Away," and it's now just a conditioned autonomic response.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is making 12 million dollars this year, which means that each interception cost the Jets $125,000.  The last thing to do that much damage and cost New York that much money was the housing bubble bursting.  The last person to so thoroughly kill a representative of New York like that was Aaron Burr.  The last time anything in New York was shut down that hard, the blackout was credited with the advent of hip-hop.  I could keep going, but if I do I'll be writing till sunrise.  Wait, wait hold on - the last time anyone sucked that hard and that publicly, we almost impeached a president.  OK, now I'm done.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs - SURPRISE, B*TCH!  Bet you didn't see this coming!  Seriously, though, KC, the Jets spotted you 6 turnovers that weren't immediately returned for touchdowns, and you only managed 10 points off of them?  You do know that etiquette only demands that you turn down a gift three times before you take it, right?
  • Rob GronkowskiLook, it's another coaching masterstroke from Bill Belichick!  "We'll stick Gronkowski in the game, but we won't actually use him, they'll never see it coming!"  Congrats, bro, you just masterfully manipulated the team that solved its quarterbacking problem by throwing $72 million at a quarterback John Elway took great care to throw shade out as the door was hitting him on the ass.  Truly, Belichick operates on a plane incomprehensible to mere mortals like us.  Also, a shout-out to NFL.com, whose app didn't finish loading my draft until 5 rounds in and left me stuck with the human embodiment of Four Loko.  Ugh.

 
That's about it for me - I need to go finish coughing up chunks of what I assume to be pure asbestos out of my lungs.  See you next time.
 
 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Zach Ertz

Could Still Contribute in Dynasty Leagues
De'Aaron Fox

Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Dyami Brown

Holds Little Dynasty Value in His Return to Washington
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Julian Champagnie

Notches 22 Points With Four Triples Tuesday
Trevor Etienne

Could Still Find Dynasty Relevance After Quiet Rookie Season
Stephon Castle

Leads Spurs in Scoring Tuesday Night
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Victor Wembanyama

Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
Bam Knight

Dynasty Value Has Run Dry in Crowded Running Back Room
Alex Caruso

a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Jared McCain

Produces 20 Points in First Playoff Start
Mac Jones

and 49ers Agree to a Revised Contract
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 32 Points in Game 5 Win
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Tory Horton

Could Do Some Stuff "Toward the End of Spring"
Patrick Mahomes

Takes Part in First OTA Practice on Tuesday
Los Angeles Chargers

Derwin James Jr. Becomes Highest-Paid Safety for the Second Time in his Career
Chris Brooks

Emerging as Top Handcuff to Stash?
MarShawn Lloyd

Sees Short-Term Value Soar
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla Wins Coach of the Year
Jalen Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 5 on Tuesday
Bucky Irving

is Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Zion Williamson

to See More Versatile Role
Parker Washington

Jaguars Think Parker Washington Can Replicate Second-Half Production
Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson to Remain Cavaliers Head Coach Next Season
Josh Jacobs

Arrested on Five Charges, Booked Into Jail
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Josh Sweat

Cardinals Receiving Trade Calls on Josh Sweat
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Tetairoa McMillan

Working With the Training Staff on Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Jerome Ford

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Jerome Ford?
John Metchie III

Poised for Breakout Season with New Team in 2026?
Jalen Milroe

Is Jalen Milroe Still Worth Stashing in Dynasty Formats Entering 2026?
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Is Kyle Pitts Sr. a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Coming Off Breakout Season?
Nico Collins

Agrees to Contract Adjustment with Texans
Chris Brooks

Carries Buy-Low Dynasty Appeal into 2026
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
Sahith Theegala

Searching For Swing at Charles Schwab Challenge
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads Knicks in Scoring During Series-Clincher
Jalen Brunson

Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF