👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

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.
 
 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Victor Wembanyama

Won't be Suspended Following Game 4 Ejection
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Remains Out Monday
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty Stock on the Rise With New QB in Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy

Injuries, QB Addition in Minnesota Deal Big Blow to J.J. McCarthy's Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Doesn't Meet With Steelers Over the Weekend
Chris Boswell

Steelers Agree With Kicker Chris Boswell on Four-Year Extension
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Harold Fannin Jr.

Offers Tantalizing Dynasty Upside Despite Uncertain Offense
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
Dalton Kincaid

Is Dalton Kincaid's Long-Term Dynasty Upside Fading Due to Health Concerns?
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Jordan James

Could Emerge as a Must-Roster Handcuff Option for Dynasty Managers
Jaylen Waddle

Dynasty Stock Rising After Offseason Move to Denver
Josh Downs

in Line for Expanded Role in Indianapolis
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Mike Evans

Could Be Well-Positioned for a Resurgent Season in San Francisco
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Ameer Abdullah

Jaguars Sign Running Back Ameer Abdullah for Backfield Depth
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
NFL

Ahmad Hardy in Stable Condition After Suffering Gunshot Wound on Sunday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Kayshon Boutte

in a Likely No-Win Scenario for 2026
Anthony Edwards

Powers Wolves to Game 4 Win
Tetairoa McMillan

Can Tetairoa McMillan Become a Dynasty Cornerstone?
De'Aaron Fox

Posts 24 Points as Spurs Drop Game 4 to Wolves
Justin Herbert

One of Fantasy's Biggest Offseason Winners
Victor Wembanyama

Ejected in Game 4 Loss
VJ Edgecombe

Struggles with Shot in Game 4
Oronde Gadsden

Breakout Chances Dealt a Serious Blow
Paul George

Held to Seven Points in 76ers' Game 4 Loss
David Njoku

Signing With Chargers on One-Year Deal
Josh Hart

Helps Knicks Reach East Finals
Jalen Brunson

Finishes Game 4 Sweep with 22 Points
Rasmus Dahlin

Records Two Points in Game 3 Loss
Tage Thompson

Comes Alive in Game 3 Against Canadiens
Cole Caufield

Ends Dry Spell Sunday
Alex Newhook

Nets Two More Goals in Sunday's Victory
Mitchell Marner

Notches Three Assists in Losing Effort
Beckett Sennecke

Extends Goal Streak to Three Games
Cutter Gauthier

Records Hat Trick of Assists in Game 4 Win
Ashton Jeanty

a Top-Five Dynasty RB Despite Disappointing Rookie Campaign
Devin Neal

the Potential RB2 in New Orleans in his Sophomore Season
Ricky Pearsall

Does Ricky Pearsall Still Have Breakout Potential for Fantasy Managers?
Tory Horton

Dynasty Stock on the Decline Despite Big-Play Ability
Karl-Anthony Towns

Logs Sixth Double-Double of Postseason
Mike Conley

Ayo Dosunmu Replaces Mike Conley in Starting Unit Sunday
Miles McBride

Tallies Game-High 25 Points in Series-Clincher
Tyrese Maxey

Settles for 17 Points Sunday
Joel Embiid

Scores Efficient 24 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Caris LeVert

Iffy for Monday Night
Kevin Huerter

Listed as Questionable for Game 4
Auston Matthews

Uncertain About Future With Maple Leafs
Frederik Andersen

Enjoying Special Postseason
Josh Manson

"Close" to Returning
Joel Kiviranta

Could Return to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

a Game-Time Call Sunday
Mark Stone

Unavailable Sunday
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Austin Reaves

Nears Double-Double In Game 3 Loss
LeBron James

Facing Sweep With Game 4 on Monday
Ajay Mitchell

Posts Career Playoff Night in Game 3
Chet Holmgren

Helps Thunder Move to Brink of Conference Finals
Tobias Harris

Extends 20-Point Streak in Saturday's Loss
Evan Mobley

Keeps Defensive Production Rolling Saturday
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF