Caleb Williams Throws for Four Touchdowns in Stellar Outing Sunday
Caleb Williams completed 19 of his 28 pass attempts for 298 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also rushed for 12 yards and didn't take a single sack. The former No. 1 pick had the best outing of his young career as he and the Bears secured their first win of the 2025 season. He has quietly put together a terrific start to his second pro season, totaling eight touchdowns and one turnover while ranking as the overall QB2 in fantasy football so far. He's a top-12 option heading into Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and should be started in most leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Source: RotoBaller
Marcus Mariota Leads Commanders to Big Win in Starter's Absence
Marcus Mariota completed 15 of his 21 pass attempts for 207 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He also carried the ball six times for an additional 40 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. All in all, it was a very solid outing from the veteran quarterback, starting in place of the injured Jayden Daniels (knee). He showcased a rapport with several Washington receivers while demonstrating an impressive ability to move the ball with his legs. It's unclear if Daniels will miss additional time, but if he does, Mariota should rank as a high-end QB2 against an Atlanta Falcons defense that just surrendered 30 points to the Carolina Panthers.
Source: RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Source: RotoBaller
Geno Smith Aided by Garbage Time, Throws for Three Touchdowns
Geno Smith completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts for 289 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. He also took five sacks and rushed for five yards. Smith seemed to clean things up following his three-interception outing last Monday night, but it's worth noting that most of his production this week came during garbage time; two of his three touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter. Interestingly, all three touchdowns were thrown to Tre Tucker, so Smith-to-Tucker could be an interesting connection to watch going forward. The veteran signal caller ranks as a mid-range QB2 for Week 4 against the Chicago Bears.
Source: RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Hurts Overcomes Slow Start, Finishes With Four Touchdowns
Jalen Hurts completed 21 of his 32 pass attempts for 226 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also added nine carries, 40 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. Hurts got off to a relatively slow start as the Eagles found themselves in an early deficit. However, the star quarterback was able to turn things around, especially in the second half, and Philadelphia managed to defeat Los Angeles. Hurts' four-touchdown outburst reminds managers that he's one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He remains a top-five fantasy quarterback heading into Week 4 against the Buccaneers.
Source: RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Replaced by Kirk Cousins Late in Blowout Loss
Michael Penix Jr. completed just 18 of his 36 pass attempts for 172 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons were held scoreless in their ugly divisional loss, prompting the team's coaching staff to replace Penix with veteran Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter. Cousins completed five of seven passes for 29 yards during his limited action. The quarterback change was likely due to the blowout and not indicative of the Falcons' depth chart moving forward. Still, managers should stay tuned to upcoming depth chart news from Atlanta nonetheless.
Source: Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Source: Atlanta Falcons
Eagles Tackle Lane Johnson Questionable To Return
Source: Philadelphia Eagles
49ers Rule Brock Purdy Out For Week 3
Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) from playing in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Iowa State product was initially feared to be out for upwards of a month, but made a late push to return earlier than expected. In any case, the 49ers will exercise caution and keep Purdy out for at least another week. Mac Jones will earn another start in his absence.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers officially ruled out quarterback Source: San Francisco 49ers
Jayden Daniels Has Knee Ligament Sprain
Jayden Daniels (knee) has a ligament sprain that prevented him from playing Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to FOX's Jay Glazer. The sophomore quarterback is able to move forward, but the injury has hampered his ability to move side-to-side, according to Glazer. In the meantime, Washington will start veteran backup Marcus Mariota while Daniels recovers.
Source: FOX Sports
Washington Commanders quarterback Source: FOX Sports
Joe Burrow Undergoes Surgery, Mid-December Targeted
Joe Burrow (toe) has officially undergone surgery and is hopeful to make a return around mid-December, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. For now, Cincinnati will turn to backup Jake Browning in Burrow's absence and hope to stay afloat in time to make a run at the NFL playoffs. Burrow's injury was a tough one for fantasy managers, who drafted the QB to be an every-week starter and didn't even get two full games. A return could happen within fantasy playoffs, but managers are going to have to lean on their bench or a trade in the meantime.
Source: NFL Network
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Source: NFL Network
J.J. McCarthy Targeting Week 7 Return
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is targeting a return in Week 7 following their week 6. Wolfson noted that McCarthy was not placed on IR and should be in the mix to return following their Week 6 bye. Managers should continue to monitor his status, as it appears the second-year QB is not expected to miss an extended period. While he remains sidelined, NFL journeyman Carson Wentz is slated to serve as Minnesota's QB1. During his first two games of his NFL career, McCarthy struggled to find much consistency as he went 24-for-41 with just 301 yards and a modest 2:3 TD:INT. However, since he missed his entire rookie season due to a meniscus tear, he may see some growing pains. Wentz carries QB2 value with upside in all formats for the time being, as he could find success throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison when he returns from suspension next week.
Source: Tracy Wolfson
According to Tracy Wolfson of CBS, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Source: Tracy Wolfson
Jack Conklin Won't Play in Week 3
Joe Flacco under center. Best of luck to the Browns trying to contain Micah Parsons. Cornelius Lucas figures to take over at right tackle for this game.
Source: Jeff Schudel
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (eye) has been ruled out for the Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Conklin suffered an eye injury that forced him to miss the season opener. As a result, Conklin sat out last week and won't play in Week 3. This is bad news for both the Browns' running game and for quarterback Source: Jeff Schudel
Harrison Smith, Christian Darrisaw Set for Season Debuts
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (illness) and offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw (knee) are both active for Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both Smith and Darrisaw have yet to take the field this season and are set to take on a major role in their debut. Smith should return to his full-time role in the Minnesota secondary. Last season, Smith logged 87 tackles with 10 deflections and three interceptions. Darrisaw is slated to slot in at left tackle, but he could see his workload slightly monitored as he has been sidelined due to a torn ACL and MCL that occurred in October 2024. Darrisaw will be a major addition for the Minnesota offensive line as they look to protect backup QBBrowns Considered Starting Dillon Gabriel Over Joe Flacco in Week 3
Dillon Gabriel over veteran Joe Flacco against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, according to beat reporter Brad Stainbrook. The Browns reportedly appreciate the respect that Flacco has earned within the organization, but they're frustrated with his lack of mobility under center. According to Stainbrook, Flacco enters Week 3 as the starter, but he's on a short leash, and the Browns aren't opposed to playing Gabriel. It's worth noting that the next player in line is Gabriel and not fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. This isn't necessarily a surprise, as Gabriel has higher draft capital and entered a game before Sanders did, but it's still worth noting. Fantasy managers in deeper superflex leagues may consider stashing Gabriel in case he is named the starter for Week 4.
Source: Brad Stainbrook
The Cleveland Browns considered starting rookie quarterback Source: Brad Stainbrook
Joe Flacco Could be on Short Leash
Joe Flacco will draw at least one more start under center for the Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. However, it sounds like the 40-year-old could be on a short leash. The Browns respect what Flacco brings to the roster and his veteran leadership. Although, Flacco isn't bringing great results under center at the moment. That being said, Dillon Gabriel could be making his NFL debut soon. The Browns believe Gabriel can bring a different environment to the football field than Flacco. Gabriel is able to move more with his feet and extend plays on the ground, which is something Flacco hasn't been able to do. If Flacco plays well this weekend, he could extend his time, but eventually Gabriel should take over at some point in 2025.
Source: Brad Stainbrook
Cleveland Browns quarterback Source: Brad Stainbrook
Kirk Cousins Not Receiving Any Trade Interest
Kirk Cousins is surprisingly not drawing much interest from around the league. The Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and San Francisco 49ers are all starting backup quarterbacks, but still no calls for Cousins. Possibly, the Falcons are asking for too much in exchange for Cousins. The 37-year-old does carry a hefty salary, which could be problematic in trade discussions. Regardless, it doesn't sound like anyone has real interest in Cousins right now. That could change if these backup quarterbacks struggle, but for now, there's no reason to roster Cousins in fantasy leagues.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Source: Ian Rapoport