Fantasy Football Week 3 Highlights: Key Players and Pickups

The third week of the NFL season delivered a mix of surprises, standout performances, and unfortunate injuries that will impact fantasy football rosters. Notably, Trey Benson stepped into the spotlight, while the Las Vegas Raiders offense showcased its potential, even amid challenges. Each Monday, fantasy managers should look closely at players available in at least 50% of ESPN standard leagues to bolster their teams for the upcoming matchups.

One of the standout performances came from Geno Smith, who appears to be finding his rhythm with the Raiders. Smith, rostered in only 10% of ESPN leagues, threw three touchdown passes against the Washington Commanders, making him the third highest-scoring quarterback for the week. Despite earlier struggles, including three interceptions in Week 2, Smith’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations highlights his potential as a reliable fantasy option moving forward.

Meanwhile, Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks also made an impression. Darnold completed 10 of 11 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of his game against the New Orleans Saints. Although he finished with only 16.72 points due to the team’s dominant lead, his upcoming matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could provide further opportunities for fantasy managers seeking a quarterback.

Running Back Updates and Emerging Stars

In the running back landscape, the injury to James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals has created a significant opportunity for Trey Benson, who is now expected to take over starting duties. Although Benson’s initial outing yielded only 51 yards and 8.1 PPR points, he is set to inherit Conner’s role as a potential RB2 or flex option, making him a player to consider adding to rosters.

Another player to watch is Ollie Gordon II of the Miami Dolphins. With a 23.3% roster percentage, Gordon scored a touchdown in the Week 3 Thursday night game, contributing to the Dolphins’ success. Although he had only nine touches, his involvement in a potent offense suggests he may have more to offer than initially perceived.

Fantasy managers should also keep an eye on backup running backs like Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr., who are sharing the backfield responsibilities for the Washington Commanders. Despite limited touches, McNichols made an impact with a 60-yard touchdown, while Rodriguez continues to lead in overall touches. This backfield could evolve quickly, so monitoring their usage is crucial.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends to Consider

In the wide receiver category, Elic Ayomanor from the Tennessee Titans has shown promise, scoring in consecutive games. Despite the team’s struggles, his performance stands out against veteran Calvin Ridley, who has yet to find his rhythm this season. For deeper leagues, Tre Tucker of the Raiders emerged dramatically, catching eight passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns, a performance that could signal his growing role in the offense.

At tight end, Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots made a strong case for fantasy managers, scoring two touchdowns and leading the position with 29.0 PPR points in Week 3. After being among the most-dropped tight ends, Henry’s resurgence could provide valuable depth for teams looking to strengthen their roster.

As the season progresses, the ever-changing dynamics of player performance and injuries will continue to shape fantasy football strategies. Week 4 marks the end of September and the beginning of bye weeks, making it essential for fantasy managers to stay proactive in their roster management.