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Week 3 Boom/Bust Candidates for Early Games

By now you're likely starting to get a feel for your team, but as the first two weeks have shown, just about everything we think we know is wrong. DeMarco Murray and Andrew Luck have been disappointing, Alfred Morris is being replaced, Jimmy Graham is barely being targeted, Peyton Manning can't throw anymore and Adrian Peterson is still in search of his first touchdown.

All of the preparation and studying in the world is nothing compared to the randomness and unpredictability that is fantasy football. It's the thing that we both love and hate about playing. This weekly boom/bust column is here to help you sort through the unpredictability, using logic and match up trends to determine what will most likely happen.

Full disclosure: I've had mixed results through the first two weeks of the season. In Week 1, I had a 50 percent accuracy, but in Week 2, I guessed almost everything wrong. That's the thing about early season fantasy football - the trends haven't fully taken shape yet, so there's a lot of luck involved. Here is this week's potential booms and busts for the early games.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Potential Booms for Week 3

Quarterbacks

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots:
I bet against the four-time Super Bowl champion last week in Buffalo – I won’t be making that mistake again. At home against the Jaguars is about as favorable a matchup Tom Brady's fantasy owners can have. Ryan Tannehill threw for 359 yards and two TDs in Jacksonville last weekend, so it’s tough to imagine Brady doing any worse playing in Foxborough. Deploy with confidence.

Running Backs

Joseph Randle, RB, Cowboys: Anyone who understands the nature of running backs in fantasy football knows that value is all about volume. The more touches a runner has, the better. Without Dez Bryant or Tony Romo for the foreseeable future, an uptick in carries for Joseph Randle is inevitable. They certainly aren’t going to put their trust in Brandon Weeden to go win them games. Atlanta’s defense has been very generous to running backs through the first two games of the season, and has allowed more touchdowns, receptions and receiving YDs to running backs than any other team in the NFL.

Latavius Murray, RB, Raiders: The fact that Latavius Murray is one of the few bellcow, three-down backs in the NFL makes him a great starting option nearly every week. Facing the Cleveland Browns, the worst rushing defense in the NFL (160 YDs per game allowed), only makes Murray a more enticing start in Week 3.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: After the Week 1 dud, Adrian Peterson owners let out a collective sigh of relief when the All-Pro runner got 29 carries and 134 rushing yards in Week 2. San Diego hasn’t exactly been strong in the run defense department, getting shredded by Ameer Abdullah in Week 1 and then Giovanni Bernard in Week 2. At home, fresh off of a win and a big performance, expect a statement game from Peterson in Week 3.

Wide Receivers

Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: At this point it seems that Julian Edelman may be among the two or three best slot receivers in the NFL. He’s posted back-to-back weeks of 11 catches and 97 receiving YDs and tacked on a pair of TDs in Week 2. Jacksonville has no answer for Edelman so expect another monster stat line.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Jets: Through the first two weeks of the season, the Eagles have surrendered three TDs and 362 YDs to wide receivers. Brandon Marshall has been heavily targeted and is the clear top option for Gang Green. At home against a reeling Eagles team, Marshall is a good bet to catch a TD for a third consecutive week to start the season.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans: If he plays this week (concussion), fantasy owners of DeAndre Hopkins should be salivating at the matchup against the Buccaneers. Through the first two weeks of the season, receivers have torched Tampa bay for 23 receptions, 344 YDs, and three TDs. Hopkins is clearly the best offensive weapon on the team and figures to receive a lot of targets.

Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars: After a terrible Week 1, Robinson reminded us all why he was a popular sleeper pick this offseason. Robinson grabbed six receptions for 155 YDs and a pair of TDs in a surprising win against Miami last weekend. New England’s secondary has been highly vulnerable so far and with Jacksonville likely playing from behind, Robinson should be in line for a big day.

Tight Ends

Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals: Tyler Eifert has been the best receiver in Cincinnati so far this season, even better than A.J. Green. Eifert already has three TD catches and has led his team in receiving yards in the first two weeks of the season. Despite the matchup against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense, Eifert has been too consistent early on to bench.

Ladarius Green, TE, Chargers: Provided he gets the start (concussion), Ladarius Green could exploit a Minnesota defense that has been vulnerable to tight ends in the passing attack. Green also has only two games remaining to put a strangle hold on the starting position before Antonio Gates returns from suspension, so he has even more reason to step up. Call it a gut feeling, but I think Green breaks into the endzone this week.

Defenses

New York Jets: The New York Jets have forced 10 turnovers in two games and the Eagles have turned the ball over five times during the same stretch. Coming into Metlife Stadium on Sunday afternoon against one of the better defensive fronts in the NFL, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles offense getting on track this week.

 

Potential Busts for Week 3

Quarterbacks

Sam Bradford, QB, Eagles: Against the mediocre defensive fronts of the Falcons and Cowboys during Week 1 and Week 2, Sam Bradford struggled mightily, tossing four picks against just two TDs. Now he’s going on the road against a New York Jets defense that is shaping up to be one of the best in the league. No thank you.

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray, RB, Eagles: In two games this season, DeMarco Murray has 11 rushing YDs. If that astonishingly low number doesn’t have his fantasy owners hitting the panic button, the Jets run defense certainly will. The unit hasn’t surrendered more than 69 yards on the ground and still have not given up a rushing touchdown. You most likely have to start Murray if you drafted him, but you may want to prepare for another disappointing outing.

Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers: The Muscle Hamster has looked decent throughout the first two weeks of the season, but still hasn’t reached 80 yards or broken into the endzone. He’ll face a Texans team that hasn’t given up a touchdown on the ground yet this fall and has been pretty stingy with yardage. I wouldn’t trust Martin as anything other than a flex, and even then, you’re probably better off going in another direction.

Wide Receivers

Andre Johnson, WR, Colts: Andre Johnson is starting to look like a fixture on bust list this season. Drafted as a WR2 in most formats, Johnson has looked slow and uninspiring thus far. It appears that WR Donte Moncrief is poised to move ahead of the veteran receiver as well, dropping Johnson to the number four option on offense. Add this to the fact that he’ll be facing a respectable Titans passing defense, and leaving Johnson on the bench this week seems like the smart decision.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Eagles: Two words: Revis Island. Not only does the Eagles offense look terrible this season, they’ll be headed to Metlife Stadium to face one of the league’s better looking defenses. Jordan Matthews has had a solid start to the season, so chances are good that you won’t bench him. Just remember that No. 1 receivers facing Darrelle Revis don’t often fare very well. Proceed with caution.

Tight Ends

Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys: Not only are the Cowboys without star WR Dez Bryant, they’re also without star QB Tony Romo. This leaves Jason Witten as the most seasoned pass catcher and Brandon Weeden as his quarterback. Atlanta has been pretty good against TEs so far this season and despite a good start to the season, going with Witten is risky. There’s just too much going against him to trust he has a good performance.

Defenses

Baltimore Ravens: After a negative fantasy showing against the Raiders a week ago, how can we trust Baltimore to put up big numbers against a better Cincinnati team? It may be a home divisional matchup, but this Bengals team looks more explosive and starting Baltimore is extremely risky.

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Willy Adames

Out With Side Soreness on Tuesday
A.J. Brown

on Track to Play in Week 1
Jacob deGrom

Being Skipped in Rotation Due to Shoulder Fatigue
Adley Rutschman

Scratched on Tuesday With Abdominal Discomfort
CBJ

Brendan Smith Joins Blue Jackets on Tryout Deal
STL

Milan Lucic Joins Blues for Tryout
DET

Red Wings Pick Up Travis Hamonic
Austin Riley

Doesn't Appear Ready to Return Any Time Soon
Aaron Judge

Unikely to Throw Normally Again This Year
Jalen McMillan

Could be Out Through Week 9 Bye
Indiana Pacers

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Agrees to a Multiyear Contract Extension on Tuesday
Washington Wizards

John Wall Retires After 11 NBA Seasons
Daniel Jones

Named as Colts Starting Quarterback
Jalen McMillan

Will Not Be Ready for Season Opener
Collin Sexton

Hornets Have High Hopes for Collin Sexton
Rui Hachimura

Likely to Start Season Without Contract Extension
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Hopes to Bounce Back in 2025-26
Stephen Curry

Ready to Go for New Season
Orlando Magic

Lester Quinones Agrees to Deal With Magic
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Cleared to Play on Tuesday Night
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Pulled With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Game 2 of Brewers-Cubs on Monday Postponed
Bryce Miller

to be Activated on Tuesday
Kyle Tucker

to Get Multiple Days Off
Shane Bieber

to Make Season Debut on Friday
Joe Mixon

Could Start Season on NFI List
Zack Wheeler

has Surgery to Remove Blood Clot
De'Von Achane

Unlikely to Practice This Week
Justin Jefferson

Returning to Practice
Chris Godwin

Bucs Chris Godwin Likely to Start Season on PUP List
Joe Flacco

Browns Name Joe Flacco as Their Week 1 Starter
Jalen McDaniels

Inks Deal With New Orleans
N'Faly Dante

Signs Deal With Hawks
Matthew Stafford

Practicing on Monday
Dru Smith

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Austin Dillon

Scores an Upset Victory at Richmond
William Byron

Clinches the Regular Season Championship Title at Richmond
Denny Hamlin

Pit-Road Struggles Impede Denny Hamlin's Chances of a Top Finish at Richmond
Joey Logano

Earns A Fourth-Place Finish at Richmond
Kyle Larson

Rallies to A Top-10 Finish at Richmond
Malik Nabers

Dealing With Back Injury
Khamzat Chimaev

Is The New UFC Middleweight Champion
Dricus Du Plessis

Gets Dominated At UFC 319
Aaron Pico

Suffers Knockout Loss In His UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Scores Stunning First-Round Knockout
Leodalis De Vries

Earns Promotion to Double-A
Nathaniel Lowe

Finalizing Deal with Boston
Geoff Neal

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Ketel Marte

Arizona Could Trade Ketel Marte in the Offseason
Carlos Prates

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Page

Dominates At UFC 319
Jared Cannonier

Gets Outclassed
Tim Elliott

Gets Submission Win
Kai Asakura

Still Winless In The UFC
Austin Cindric

has Arguably his Best Run of the Season at Richmond
Ryan Blaney

Contends for First Richmond Win but Comes Up Short
Alex Bowman

Finishes Second but Loses Ground in Playoffs
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Sets Personal Laps-Led Record at Richmond
Chris Buescher

Falls Out of Playoffs After Miserable Richmond Run
Coby White

Bulls Not Interested in Trading Coby White
Dereck Lively II

Expected to be Ready for Camp
Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders "Shopping" Brian Robinson Jr.
John Metchie III

Texans Trade John Metchie III to Eagles
Victor Scott II

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse

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