We’re on to Week 3 of the 2019 NFL season, with some trends starting to form, not to mention some injuries that have changed everything both in the league and in fantasy.
As always, we’re here to help with your weekly decisions with our lineup advice. Each week, we give you the studs (players with plus matchups due to the defense they’re facing or their team situation), duds (players with tougher matchups or who are in muddled roster situations at the moment) and sleepers (a non-star you might consider starting who could be in for a big week).
Here’s what we’ve got for Week 3, and as always, good luck!!
Studs
QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Could he be a QB1 the rest of the season? It’s possible. This week, he gets a Bengals defense that’s given up the third-most yards per game to opposing rushers, and we know Allen does a lot of damage with his legs.
RB Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens
A theory: Lamar Jackson, combined with the Ravens defense, keeps the matchup against the Chiefs close. And that allows Ingram to put up solid numbers.
WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Has he passed Mike Evans as the WR1 in this offense? We’re getting there. But it’s also possible he and Evans go off against a Giants secondary that’s struggled against opposing passing attacks.
TE Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
Welcome back to the TE1 ranks! The Cardinals gave up big weeks to T.J. Hockenson and Mark Andrews, so Olsen’s next.
Duds
QB Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams
The Browns’ pass defense numbers might be inflated because of the Jets’ QB struggles on Monday, but I’m wary of their pass rush and Goff’s numbers haven’t stood out that much thus far. I’ll pass this week.
RB Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions
A touchdown last week was good, but he doesn’t have the starting RB role all to himself. And now he has to face the terrifying Eagles defense. You might not be able to bench him, so don’t expect a big day.
WR Tyrell Williams, Oakland Raiders
He could be up against Xavier Rhodes all day. No thanks.
TE O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Maybe a matchup against the Giants is what gets him going, but until I see a good day, I’m keeping him on the bench.
Sleepers
QB Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
He’s got some good passing weapons and the 49ers might put up enough points that it’ll be on Rudolph’s arm to attempt a Steelers comeback. That’s sleeper material, right?
RB Carlos Hyde, Houston Texans
The Chargers have allowed 148.5 rushing yards per game so far, fifth-worst in the NFL. Hyde has put together two impressive games (83 yards vs. the Saints, 90 against the Jaguars), so he’s a Flex candidate who might have a bigger day.
WR D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
I love what we’ve seen out of the physical specimen of a rookie, and if he faces Eli Apple, he might go off.
TE Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks
How about that last week? Five catches, 50 yards and two touchdowns! He’s worth a flier against the Saints.
