RADIO
Brock Bowers a Must-Start if He's Active in Week 3
Is this the week that Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) makes his 2026 debut? He was considered "day-to-day" throughout the week and logged limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday's practice. He is officially questionable for a Week 3 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. It's unclear if Bowers' "DNP" practice status on Friday was due to precaution or because there was some sort of setback. Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak previously said that Bowers was "very close" to playing in Week 2, and the outlook for his Week 3 availability for a game in New Orleans has generally been optimistic. Bowers missed the first two games of the 2026 season after he underwent a meniscus trim in his left knee on Sept. 8. If Bowers is active, there is also the possibility that he is on some sort of pitch count, but that remains unclear. He currently ranks as RotoBaller's No. 5 tight end and faces a defense in New Orleans that is giving up 205 passing yards per game. If healthy and not limited, expect Bowers to immediately slot back into a premier option in the passing game. He is projected to score 10.4 fantasy points in Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Parker Washington a WR1 Despite Tough Matchup
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington should be a huge part of the offense in Week 3 against the New England Patriots. With top corner Christian Gonzalez spending more time on the perimeter, Washington should be busy out of the slot. The breakout star has been electric to start the year, proving to be Jacksonville's clear top receiving target. He currently has 12 catches on 18 targets, 181 yards, and a touchdown after two games. He isn't among the top-tier fantasy options at the position just yet, but if he continues to perform like this against a top defense, then he should already be considered a draft-day steal. Washington will look to prove he is matchup-proof the rest of the season in Week 3 against the Patriots.
Source: Parker Washington RotBaller
Source: Parker Washington RotBaller
Could Jacob Cowing Be in for Larger Role for 49ers against Cardinals?
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing could be in line for an increased role against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 due to injuries within the team's wide receiver unit. Cowing has played 29 offensive snaps over two weeks and is yet to record an offensive statistic. However, with fellow wideouts Demarcus Robinson (ankle) ruled out, Mike Evans (hip) questionable, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) on injured reserve, and Ricky Pearsall (knee) out for the season, the 49ers may be forced to rely on Cowing more in the passing game. If Evans isn't available, Cowing, Deebo Samuel, and KhaDarel Hodge, along with tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey, could all see upticks in usage. The Cardinals are giving up 203 passing yards per game. Cowing is currently way off the radar for Week 3, checking in as RotoBaller's No. 117 wideout. He is projected to score just 2.9 fantasy points. Cowing is not a recommended start this week, but could be a stash option if the 49ers continue to get decimated by injuries in the wide receiver corps.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bhayshul Tuten a Reliable RB2 Against Patriots
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten has been the clear top back to start the year, and that should continue in Week 3 against the New England Patriots. The Jaguars had a rough overall offensive output against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, but that was not because of Tuten. The former combine standout finished Week 2 with 65 rushing yards and a touchdown. The only thing limiting Tuten's fantasy upside has been his lack of involvement in the passing game (just three receptions through two games). After an offensive struggle, the Jaguars could look to change their approach a bit and throw more short passes to overcome another top defense. That could mean more involvement in the passing game for Tuten. However, until he shows that, he will remain a solid RB2. Given his rushing volume in a high-powered offense, fantasy managers should feel confident starting Tuten in Week 3.
Source: Bhayshul Tuten RotoBaller
Source: Bhayshul Tuten RotoBaller
Mike Evans' availability is Cloudy for Week 3 Matchup with Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (hip) is officially questionable heading into a divisional matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 due to a hip issue. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday. Evans suffered the hip injury in the fourth quarter of a 35-13 Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Following that game, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said he believed Evans was "fine," but Evans' practice availability this week illustrates that the team is being cautious with its veteran wide receiver. San Francisco is dealing with multiple injuries within its wide receiver corps, so Evans could be in for a large role against a decent Arizona defense that allows 203 passing yards per game over two weeks. Evans has seen 10 targets through two games and has recorded nine receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. He is RotoBaller's No. 15 wide receiver for Week 3 and is projected to score 10.9 fantasy points. His status is worth monitoring before any lineup decisions can be made.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Pittman Jr. a Shaky Flex Option Due to Foot Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) heads into a Week 3 matchup with the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals with a questionable designation due to a foot injury. He has logged three straight limited practices this week, and his status is cloudy for Sunday. Pittman missed a Week 2 game against the New England Patriots, a 20-3 loss for the Steelers, due to the injury. In a 20-13 Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Pittman recorded three receptions for 58 yards (19.3 yards per catch) and played 59 offensive snaps. The Bengals are currently allowing 253.5 passing yards per game, ranking 26th in the NFL, so it could potentially be a strong matchup for Pittman if he is active. RotoBaller ranks Pittman as its No. 51 wideout for Week 3 and projects him to score 7.7 points. If healthy, Pittman is a streaming option worthy of flex consideration, but given Pittsburgh's offensive woes, he is not a must-start player.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dak Prescott Set Up For Success In Week 3 vs Ravens
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott got back on track in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders after a dismal upset loss on the road to the divisional rival New York Giants in Week 1. In the Cowboys home opener, Prescott threw for 279 yards and four passing touchdowns -- two to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and two to tight end Jake Ferguson. The Commanders didn't put up much of a fight defensively -- that likely won't be the case in Week 3, with the Baltimore Ravens coming to Dallas coming off an upset loss to the New Orleans Saints. Baltimore's pass defense is solid, and have allowed just 231 passing yards and one passing TD per game through the first two weeks. Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, in combination with Lamb and Ferguson, form one of the best pass-catching trios in the NFL. Prescott may not rack up four touchdowns against them, but he should check in at low-end QB1/high-end QB2 range for fantasy football.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyler Tucker Expected to Miss Start of Season
St. Louis Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker (knee) isn't expected to be available at the start of the season, according to Lou Korac of NHL.com. The 26-year-old injured his knee in training camp and likely won't have enough time to recover for the season opener against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 2. Tucker held a regular role on the Blues' defense last season, appearing in 69 games. He recorded 17 points (three goals, 14 assists), 68 SOG, 51 blocks, and 100 hits. Youngsters Logan Mailloux and Theo Lindstein could benefit from Tucker's absence.
Source: Lou Korac
Source: Lou Korac
Jaylen Warren Looks Like Strong Play vs. Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) is questionable for Week 3's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but if he can suit up, he is in a strong spot with fellow running back Rico Dowdle (toe) already ruled out for the Steelers. Warren was a limited participant in Friday's practice, so that is a good sign for his participation. For the season, Warren has 21 carries for 89 yards, which is good for 4.2 yards per attempt. He also has seven receptions for 61 receiving yards. Warren has always been a good pass-catching back, and he should continue to be involved with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' passing game. With Dowdle missing, Warren is in line for a big contest with the potential for a few big catches and more involvement in the rushing attack. The Bengals defense is good, but Warren has a positive matchup heading into Week 3.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Sire Gaines A Game-Time Decision
Boise State's second-leading rusher Sire Gaines (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for the Broncos as they take on Western Michigan on Saturday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. "He's considered a true game-time decision, as he'll be evaluated after warm-ups," posted Thamel to X. Gaines has toted 234 yards rushing and two touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per carry this season. Western Michigan is allowing 157.7 yards rushing per game this year, including giving up 209 yards on the ground to Rice last week. Gaines finished Week 3 with 102 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries during a win over South Dakota.
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
Jason Dickinson Likely to Miss Start of Season
Edmonton Oilers center Jason Dickinson (foot) will likely miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign. He has re-aggravated a foot injury he had been dealing with during the postseason. The Oilers acquired Dickinson from the Chicago Blackhawks in March and signed him to a five-year, $20 million contract extension in the summer. He is considered an important bottom-six piece, though head coach Mike Babcock must now seek alternatives to start the year.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Trevor Lawrence Looking to Bounce Back in Week 3
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a rough Week 2 against the elite Denver Broncos defense, finishing with just six fantasy points. He will be looking to bounce back against the New England Patriots, another top-flight defense. The Patriots defense has only given up 16 points through two games, but that was against Drew Lock and Aaron Rodgers. Lawrence will serve as a much harder opponent for them, so it will be interesting to see whether he comes out motivated or falters once again. The Patriots defense is highlighted by top corner Christian Gonzalez, but versatile receiver Parker Washington, Lawrence's favorite target, will likely spend more time in the slot away from where Gonzalez will be. If the Jaguars are able to run the ball well and rely heavily on Washington again, then Lawrence should serve as a fine QB1 start against the Patriots.
Source: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
Source: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
Hollywood Smothers Good to Go
Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (undisclosed) has been removed from the SEC availability report and is good to go for the Longhorns in a critical SEC matchup with Tennessee. "How he warmed up was going to dictate his usage today against Tennessee," posted On3's Pete Nakos to X. Smothers has led the way for the Texas running game with 198 yards rushing and two touchdowns over the first three games of the year. He has also totaled seven receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. Smothers will face a Tennessee defense that has allowed 138 yards rushing per game this season.
Source: Pete Nakos
Source: Pete Nakos
Canucks Place Filip Chytil on Injured Reserve
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil (shoulder) landed on Injured Reserve Friday. The move is retroactive to Sept. 24. Chytil hurt his shoulder in a preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers. He is considered week-to-week. Fortunately, Chytil avoided another concussion, but he is set to miss some time again. The Canucks begin their 2026-27 campaign on Tuesday against the Oilers. Chytil will center Vancouver's third line when he's ready to return to action. Last season, he was limited to 12 outings, scoring three goals.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Optimism That Eric Singleton Will Play vs. Ole Miss
Florida wide receiver Eric Singleton (undisclosed) has yet to record a reception this season after exiting the Gators' Week 1 win over Florida Atlantic and subsequently missing his team's next two games of the year, wins over Campbell and Auburn. But there is optimism that he will suit up for Florida this week against Ole Miss. "More optimism for Eric Singleton," said ESPN's Pete Thamel on College Gameday. "(Florida head coach) Jon Sumerall told me he feels decent about Singleton playing today as a true game-time decision." Singleton goes up against a Rebels pass defense that has allowed 214.7 yards passing per game this season.
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
