RADIO
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 surrendered 27 unanswered points, but Watson played a role for all 60 minutes. It's fair to say he benefited 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
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
Judge Denies Request to Seal Records in Josh Jacobs Case
The Wisconsin judge presiding over Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs' criminal case has denied the victim's request to permanently seal records, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Judge Marc Hammer has instead turned the matter back over to the Hobart/Lawrence police department, which will now determine whether it is considered fair to release those records. Both Jacobs and the victim will still have an opportunity "to appear" if a decision is made to release the records. Jacobs remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List, and with the NFL attempting to obtain key video evidence from the case, Thursday's ruling could make that a possibility. The Packers face the Falcons on Thursday night, with the backfield expected to be split again among MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson, who has emerged as potentially the most viable option from a fantasy perspective.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Trey Smack Offers Top-10 Streaming Appeal In Week 3
Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a strong streaming option after delivering in the clutch against the Jets. Smack converted both field-goal attempts in New York, hitting a game-tying 34-yarder late in regulation before drilling the 26-yard winner in overtime. He is now a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals through two games, including a 59-yarder in the opener that stands as the second-longest field goal in Packers history. The game environment should continue to provide scoring opportunities, with Green Bay favored at home and carrying an implied team total near 25 points. Atlanta has also allowed opponents five field-goal attempts through its first two games. Smack's proven range gives him additional upside if Green Bay stalls after crossing midfield. RotoBaller currently ranks him K9 in Tier 3 for Week 3. Fantasy managers can confidently use Smack as a top-10 streaming kicker, with additional tournament appeal in Thursday Showdown formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers D/ST Draws Favorable Week 3 Matchup Against Falcons
The Green Bay Packers defense has recorded seven sacks and held opponents to 2.8 yards per carry through two games. Atlanta has scored only 16 points, has yet to reach the red zone, and has allowed seven sacks. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will make his 2026 debut; his return raises Atlanta's offensive ceiling, but the Falcons' protection remains a concern. Green Bay's biggest challenge may be containing Bijan Robinson, especially with Warren Brinson (calf) out and Javon Hargrave (knee, concussion) questionable. As home favorites, the Packers could also force Atlanta into more obvious passing situations and create additional sack opportunities. RotoBaller ranks Green Bay D/ST7 in Tier 1 for Week 3, with the Falcons carrying an implied total near 19 points. Start the Packers with confidence in season-long formats and consider them a high-upside option in Thursday Showdown contests.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Set For Bounce-Back Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a low-end TE1 with considerable upside. Kraft caught two of three targets for 15 yards against the Jets, but his underlying usage remained strong. He played all 50 offensive snaps and posted a 94% route participation rate after playing just 66% of the snaps in Week 1. Kraft has five catches for 80 yards through two games, and Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, which should create additional opportunities alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Kraft has averaged 9.1 yards after the catch per reception since entering the league, highlighting his ability to create after the catch. Atlanta also presents a favorable matchup, having allowed 19.4 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, the seventh-most in the NFL, including two touchdown receptions last week. RotoBaller ranks Kraft TE9 for Week 3. Start him as a back-end TE1 with the usage and matchup to challenge for a top-six finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Golden Offers Strong Value In Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has quickly established a steady role in the passing game. He enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a solid WR2/WR3 after catching four of six targets for a team-high 58 yards against the Jets. The second-year receiver out of Texas now has 10 receptions for 153 yards on 18 targets, including 12 targets in the season opener. Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, which should keep Golden heavily involved alongside Christian Watson in two-receiver sets. Golden has yet to score a touchdown, but his production has remained consistent. The matchup may work in his favor, with Atlanta missing top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin) and edge rusher Samson Ebukam (hamstring). Green Bay will be without left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe), so protection remains worth monitoring. RotoBaller ranks Golden WR22 for Week 3 and lists him as a must-start for Thursday night. Treat him as a dependable WR2/WR3, with his steady target volume giving him a solid floor even without touchdown production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Watson Carries WR1 Upside Into Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside. Watson caught four of a team-high 11 targets for 41 yards against the Jets, including a three-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that helped fuel Green Bay's comeback. He now has 10 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 19 targets through two games, pairing big-play ability with heavy involvement. Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, leaving Watson and Matthew Golden atop Green Bay's wide receiver rotation. Protection remains a concern with left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) also ruled out, although Anthony Belton (elbow) will play at right tackle. Atlanta enters short-handed as well, with top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin) on injured reserve and edge rusher Samson Ebukam (hamstring) out. Carolina threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week. RotoBaller ranks Watson WR11 and considers him a borderline WR1 for Thursday. Fantasy managers should start him confidently as a strong WR2 with the target volume and scoring upside to finish inside the top 12.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaleb Johnson Brings Speculative Appeal Into Week 3
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has moved onto the fantasy radar for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie earned a larger role against the Jets, going from zero offensive snaps in Week 1 to 14 in Week 2 while leading the backfield with eight carries for 32 yards. Johnson also opened the game-winning overtime drive with an 11-yard run, another sign that Green Bay was willing to trust him in a key situation. His role remains difficult to project. MarShawn Lloyd matched Johnson's snap total, while Chris Brooks led the backfield in playing time and remains Green Bay's preferred option in passing situations. Johnson has yet to draw a target this season, leaving his fantasy value heavily dependent on rushing volume. Atlanta has held opponents to 126 rushing yards on 43 carries through two games and has not allowed a rushing touchdown. Despite the difficult matchup, RotoBaller ranks Johnson as RB35 for Week 3. He profiles as a speculative low-end RB3 or flex in standard and half-PPR formats but should remain on the bench in full-PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Reed Officially Ruled Out for Thursday Night Football
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (neck) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Reed was carted off from his team's Week 2 win over the New York Jets after suffering a scary-looking neck injury, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday that the team is unsure of Reed's status for the remainder of the 2026 season. With Reed sidelined, the Packers' passing game could become highly concentrated on the talented trio of wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden and tight end Tucker Kraft. While Reed has not yet been placed on Injured Reserve, it appears as though the 26-year-old is likely facing an extended stretch of missed time.
Source: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
MarShawn Lloyd Carries Significant Risk Into Week 3
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a touchdown-dependent RB4 who belongs on the bench in most fantasy leagues. Lloyd rushed six times for 20 yards and caught two passes for six yards against the Jets, salvaging his fantasy performance with a six-yard receiving touchdown. The Jets recovered a Lloyd fumble early in the fourth quarter, and he played only one more snap without another touch. Kaleb Johnson had already entered the rotation and finished with a team-high eight carries on 14 snaps. Chris Brooks led the backfield in playing time, further crowding Lloyd's path to touches. The matchup does little to help Lloyd's case. Atlanta has allowed only 126 rushing yards on 43 attempts and has yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. With Johnson taking early-down work and Brooks handling passing situations, Lloyd may be touchdown-dependent to deliver useful fantasy production. RotoBaller currently ranks him RB55 for Week 3. Keep Lloyd on the bench outside deeper leagues or desperation flex situations.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Love Has QB1 Upside In Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has thrown two touchdowns in each of his first two games and remains a viable QB1 option for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. His production dipped against the Jets, finishing with 145 passing yards on 29 attempts, but another two-touchdown performance helped Green Bay escape with an overtime win. Protection is the bigger concern, as Love has already taken seven sacks. Green Bay also lost starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) for the season to a torn patellar tendon. Anthony Belton (elbow), who replaced him against New York, is expected to play Thursday, while left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) remains uncertain. Atlanta can generate pressure, but its secondary is vulnerable without top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin). Bryce Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week despite facing pressure on 53.6% of his dropbacks. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft give Love multiple ways to attack that secondary, so the upside remains intact. RotoBaller ranks Love QB12 for Week 3, making him a reasonable low-end QB1 with top-10 upside if Green Bay's protection holds.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Skyy Moore's Big Return Doesn't Make Him a Priority Add
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Skyy Moore finally made a splash in Week 2, but almost all of it came on special teams. Moore caught two passes for six yards against the Jets and ripped off a 63-yard punt return that helped set up the game-tying field goal. Jayden Reed (neck) is now dealing with an injury serious enough that head coach Matt LaFleur said it is too early to know whether he will play again this season. That opens snaps, but it does not automatically make Moore a fantasy starter. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden remain ahead of him in the passing game, and Moore has only two catches through two weeks. RotoBaller's September 23 mid-week waiver rankings have him 61st overall and recommend him only in 14-team PPR leagues. Moore is worth a deep-league stash while Reed's situation develops, but standard-league managers should wait for actual target volume before spending a roster spot.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers Considering Using Tucker Kraft on The Offensive Line
The Green Bay Packers offensive line is in shambles early on this season, and it got worse when right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 2 win over the New York Jets. Bako-Bewele was one of four offensive linemen for Green Bay to leave Sunday's game with an injury, and at one point, the coaches were talking about using tight end Tucker Kraft at one of the O-line positions, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Head coach Matt LaFleur and the rest of the coaching staff will have a hard time coming up with an O-line combination that helps their struggling running game against the Atlanta Falcons. Kraft was on his way to a career season in 2025 before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. Expectations this year were not lowered for the 25-year-old. He caught three passes for 65 yards in the season-opening loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, but he followed it up with just two catches for 15 yards against the Jets. If he is forced to help the O-line and block more, it will be bad news for his fantasy football upside going into Thursday's matchup with Atlanta.
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
