Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers. Week 3
It's time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 3, and Dwain has you covered with in-depth player tiers, rankings, and analysis. Here are a few of his favorites for Week 3:
Find all of our positional rankings here.
Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers – Week 3
It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 3 of the fantasy football season.
Below you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, betting totals, and implied points for every game on the slate.
Last updated: 4pm, Saturday, September 24th
Quarterback
| Tier | Pos Rnk | Player | Opp | Total | Spread | Implied Points |
| 1 | QB1 | Josh Allen | at MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 1 | QB2 | Jalen Hurts | vs WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 2 | QB3 | Lamar Jackson | vs NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 2 | QB4 | Kyler Murray | vs LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 2 | QB5 | Patrick Mahomes II | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 3 | QB6 | Joe Burrow | at NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 3 | QB7 | Matthew Stafford | at ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 4 | QB8 | Kirk Cousins | vs DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 4 | QB9 | Derek Carr | at TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 4 | QB10 | Russell Wilson | at SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 4 | QB11 | Justin Herbert | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 5 | QB12 | Tua Tagovailoa | vs BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 5 | QB13 | Carson Wentz | at PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 5 | QB14 | Jared Goff | vs MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 5 | QB15 | Marcus Mariota | at SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 5 | QB16 | Tom Brady | vs GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 5 | QB17 | Aaron Rodgers | vs TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 6 | QB18 | Justin Fields | vs HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 6 | QB19 | Trevor Lawrence | at LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 6 | QB20 | Jameis Winston | at CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 7 | QB21 | Ryan Tannehill | at LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 7 | QB22 | Jimmy Garoppolo | at DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 7 | QB23 | Joe Flacco | vs CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 7 | QB24 | Mac Jones | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 7 | QB25 | Davis Mills | vs CHI | 39.0 | 3.0 | 18.00 |
| 7 | QB26 | Matt Ryan | at KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 7 | QB27 | Daniel Jones | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 7 | QB28 | Baker Mayfield | at NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
| 7 | QB29 | Geno Smith | at ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 7 | QB30 | Mitch Trubisky | at CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 7 | QB31 | Cooper Rush | at NYG | 39.0 | 1.0 | 19.00 |
| 7 | QB32 | Jacoby Brissett | at PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
Tier 1 – Josh Allen
Allen has the fourth-most regulation passing yards (614) and is tied for the most passing TDs at seven. The Dolphins are without Byron Jones (PUP), and Xavien Howard is questionable due to a groin injury.
Per PFF data, Miami continues to run the second-most man coverage (39%) despite their injuries. They also offer the second-highest zero-coverage rate (11%), which could leave Bills’ receivers in some great one-on-one matchups. The Dolphins have given up the eighth-most passing yards in regulation (531).
The Bills carry the No. 1 implied point total on the slate as six-point favorites but don’t expect them to let up in the passing game. They throw the ball the second-most in the NFL when leading by four or more points (68%).
Tier 1 – Jalen Hurts
Hurts faces off against a Commanders secondary that has allowed 531 yards (tied for eighth-most) and five TDs in regulation play. The Eagles’ QB has thrown for the seventh-most yards in regulation (576). He only has one passing touchdown, so there is room for more fantasy points.
Per PFF, no QB handles more designed rush attempts than Hurts (24.6%), and Washington has the fourth-lowest PFF run defense grade (47.3).
This is a good matchup for Hurts on both fronts, and the Commanders have played well enough to provide shootout potential. The Eagles possess a top-five implied point total.
Hurts is a SMASH play in Week 3.
Tier 3 – Joe Burrow
The Bengals have a top-six implied point total in a matchup against a Jets unit with the fourth-worst EPA against the pass. Burrow & Co. have struggled early this season, but this game provides a great opportunity for the entire offense to get back on track.
Tier 3 – Matthew Stafford
Stafford matches up against a Cardinals defense that has allowed 594 yards (second-most) and seven TDs (tied for the most) through the air in regulation play. No other defense ranks lower in PFF pass defense (36.9).
The Rams have a top-five implied point total in a contest with the third-best game total. We could see an NFC West shootout.
Stafford is a SMASH play in Week 3.
Tier 4 – Justin Herbert
Herbert (ribs) is questionable for a tilt against the Jaguars. The line has fallen 3.5 points, and the game total is down five points since the beginning of the week over at BetMGM.
The third-year QB is at risk of not playing in the late window and carries the risk of re-injury if he does suit up.
Saturday Update: He moves down to high-end QB2 territory, given the additional risk.
Tier 5 – Tom Brady
Brady won’t have Mike Evans (suspension), and the rest of his receiving corps is questionable for a matchup against Green Bay. The goat only has 402 yards and two TDs through the air in 2022, and the Packers’ pass defense sports a top-six EPA.
Saturday Update: Brady will be without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Russell Gage, Julio Jones, and Breshad Perriman are all questionable. Whoever manages to suit up likely won’t be 100% and could exit the game early.
Look elsewhere in Week 3 Brady drops to the bottom of Tier 5 and is a FADE.
Running Back
| Tier | Pos Rnk | Player | Opp | Total | Spread | Implied Points |
| 1 | RB1 | Dalvin Cook | vs DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 1 | RB2 | Christian McCaffrey | at NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
| 2 | RB3 | Jonathan Taylor | vs KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 2 | RB4 | Saquon Barkley | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 2 | RB5 | D'Andre Swift | vs MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 2 | RB6 | Austin Ekeler | at JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 2 | RB7 | Joe Mixon | at NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 2 | RB8 | Derrick Henry | vs LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 3 | RB9 | Leonard Fournette | at GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 3 | RB10 | Nick Chubb | vs PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 3 | RB11 | Aaron Jones | at TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 3 | RB12 | Javonte Williams | vs SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 3 | RB13 | Alvin Kamara | vs CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 3 | RB14 | Najee Harris | at CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 4 | RB15 | Antonio Gibson | at PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 4 | RB16 | David Montgomery | vs HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 4 | RB17 | Cordarrelle Patterson | at SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 4 | RB18 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | at DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 4 | RB19 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | at IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 4 | RB20 | Josh Jacobs | at TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 4 | RB21 | AJ Dillon | vs TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 4 | RB22 | James Conner | vs LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 5 | RB23 | Kareem Hunt | at PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 5 | RB24 | Miles Sanders | at WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 5 | RB25 | James Robinson | vs LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 5 | RB26 | Ezekiel Elliott | at NYG | 39.0 | 1.0 | 19.00 |
| 5 | RB27 | Darrell Henderson Jr. | vs ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 5 | RB28 | Dameon Pierce | at CHI | 39.0 | 3.0 | 18.00 |
| 6 | RB29 | Tony Pollard | at NYG | 39.0 | 1.0 | 19.00 |
| 6 | RB30 | Travis Etienne Jr. | at LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 6 | RB31 | Damien Harris | at BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 6 | RB32 | Devin Singletary | vs MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 6 | RB33 | Michael Carter | vs CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 6 | RB34 | Cam Akers | at ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 6 | RB35 | Rhamondre Stevenson | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 6 | RB36 | J.K. Dobbins | at NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 6 | RB37 | Rashaad Penny | at ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 6 | RB38 | Melvin Gordon III | vs SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 6 | RB39 | Chase Edmonds | vs BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 6 | RB40 | Jamaal Williams | at MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 6 | RB41 | Breece Hall | vs CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 6 | RB42 | Nyheim Hines | vs KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 6 | RB43 | Raheem Mostert | vs BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 6 | RB44 | J.D. McKissic | at PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 6 | RB45 | Mark Ingram II | at CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 6 | RB46 | Kenneth Gainwell | vs WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 6 | RB47 | Jerick McKinnon | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 7 | RB48 | Ken Walker III | at ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 7 | RB49 | Darrel Williams | vs LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 7 | RB50 | Rex Burkhead | vs CHI | 39.0 | 3.0 | 18.00 |
| 7 | RB51 | Khalil Herbert | at HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 7 | RB52 | Brandon Bolden | at TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 7 | RB53 | Eno Benjamin | at LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 7 | RB54 | Tyler Allgeier | vs SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 7 | RB55 | Kenyan Drake | vs NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 7 | RB56 | Zack Moss | vs MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 7 | RB57 | Alexander Mattison | at DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 7 | RB58 | Rachaad White | vs GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 7 | RB59 | Boston Scott | vs WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 7 | RB60 | Samaje Perine | at NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 7 | RB61 | Jordan Mason | at DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 7 | RB62 | James Cook | vs MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 7 | RB63 | Joshua Kelley | at JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 7 | RB64 | Isiah Pacheco | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 7 | RB65 | Dontrell Hilliard | at LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 7 | RB66 | Jaylen Warren | at CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 7 | RB67 | Ameer Abdullah | vs TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 7 | RB68 | Travis Homer | at ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 7 | RB69 | Hassan Haskins | vs LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 7 | RB70 | Sony Michel | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 7 | RB71 | Mike Davis | at NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 7 | RB72 | Matt Breida | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 7 | RB73 | Justice Hill | vs NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 7 | RB74 | D'Onta Foreman | at NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
| 7 | RB75 | Chuba Hubbard | at NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
| 7 | RB76 | Zamir White | vs TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 7 | RB77 | Kyle Juszczyk | at DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 7 | RB78 | Tony Jones Jr. | vs CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
Tier 1 – Dalvin Cook
Cook is only averaging 13.8 points per game, but his utilization profile remains top-six.
| Player | Snaps | Rush Att | Routes | Targets | TPRR | SDD Snaps | i5 Att | LDD Snaps | 2MIN Snaps | PPR |
| Christian McCaffrey | 87% | 69% | 72% | 21% | 19% | 95% | 100% | 95% | 100% | 16.3 |
| Saquon Barkley | 83% | 68% | 74% | 22% | 20% | 73% | 67% | 73% | 75% | 21.6 |
| Leonard Fournette | 81% | 71% | 71% | 10% | 13% | 88% | 0% | 88% | 100% | 12.6 |
| Jonathan Taylor | 75% | 80% | 63% | 9% | 13% | 70% | 50% | 70% | 35% | 17.4 |
| Joe Mixon | 74% | 88% | 55% | 15% | 19% | 18% | 100% | 18% | 72% | 16.4 |
| Dalvin Cook | 73% | 70% | 66% | 13% | 13% | 80% | 0% | 80% | 60% | 13.8 |
The Vikings are tied for the No. 1 implied points on the slate in a game at home against the Lions, where they are six-point favorites.
If Minnesota can develop a lead, Cook could be very busy against a team that has allowed the seventh-highest yards (304) and the most TDs (five) on the ground. If they can’t, that’s okay; Cook possesses the fifth-best RB route participation (66%) in the NFL and a 13% target share (top-six).
Things rarely align this well, making Cook an absolute SMASH play as my No. 1 RB in Week 3.
Tier 2 – D’Andre Swift
I am four spots ahead of expert consensus on Swift. While opposing RBs don’t correlate well from a fantasy-points perspective, Swift has that receiving profile that can make it work. Only six other backs have higher route participation (62%) than the third-year RB.
He ranks fourth in the NFL with 200 rushing yards in regulation. He is crushing all of the talent-profile metrics you love to see, per PFF:
- PFF rush grade: 84.6 (third)
- 0.30 missed tackles forced (+13 vs. three-year NFL average)
- 5.3 yards after contact average (first)
- Seven 10-plus yard runs (second)
The Lions have a top-eight implied point total, and the Vikings offer the third-most-favorable EPA against the run.
Swift is a top-five RB option in Week 3.
Tier 3 – Javonte Williams
Williams saw his snap share rise from 58% to 62% in the first two games, and he has been a pleasant surprise in the passing game. He has a 22% target share and is leading the Broncos’ backfield with a 56% route participation.
Given our limited data sample, we can’t be sure that his role is expanding, but if Williams takes over 65% of the work, it will be fun.
Last year he profiled similarly to Jonathan Taylor and Nick Chubb in efficiency metrics.
He is doing the same thing to start 2022:
| Player | Missed Tackles Forced | Average Yards After Contact | Explosive rushes |
| Javonte Williams | 0.32 | 3.86 | 23% |
| Jonathan Taylor | 0.30 | 3.45 | 18% |
| Nick Chubb | 0.49 | 3.69 | 18% |
Williams profiles as a borderline RB1 in Week 3.
Tier 3 – Alvin Kamara
Kamara (ribs) practiced in a limited fashion all week and draws the Panthers, who have allowed the second-most rushing attempts in regulation (72).
Only the Titans and Bears have allowed more regulation rushing yards than Carolina (320).
If Kamara is healthy, he offers high-end RB2 upside this weekend.
Tier 3 – Najee Harris
Harris only has 74 regulation rushing yards (34th) in two games, and the Steelers are 4.5-point dogs at home against the Browns. Harris is well below the 10.5% NFL average in explosive rush rate with an uninspiring 4%. He is also underperforming league averages in missed tackles forced (0.08) and average yards after contact (2.44)
The Steelers carry the worst implied total on the Week 3 slate, and the Browns only allow 73 rushing yards per game in regulation (fourth-least).
As a result, Harris is a FADE in Week 3.
Tier 3 – James Conner
Saturday Update: Conner (ankle) is questionable after two limited practice sessions. If he can't go, Darrel Williams handled 56% of the snaps after Conner left the game in Week 2, including passing downs. He and Eno Benjamin are low-end RB3s if Conner is out.
Tier 4 – Josh Jacobs
The Raiders are using a committee in the backfield, but it isn’t near as bad as we expected under Josh McDaniels. Jacobs isn’t getting much passing-down work (44% of two-minute offense), but he is bogarting 81% of the rushing attempts.
The Raiders are slight favorites on the road against the Titans, who have given up the second-most regulation rushing yards (334).
Saturday Update: Jacobs (illness) didn’t travel with the team to Tennessee and is at risk of missing the game. If he can’t go, we could see Zamir White handle the early-down role with Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah working in on passing downs. None should be trusted unless in deep league.
Jacobs is a low-end RB2 in Week 3.
Wide Receiver
| Tier | Pos Rnk | Player | Opp | Total | Spread | Implied Points |
| 1 | WR1 | Cooper Kupp | at ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 1 | WR2 | Justin Jefferson | vs DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 1 | WR3 | Davante Adams | vs TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 1 | WR4 | Stefon Diggs | at MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 1 | WR5 | Ja'Marr Chase | at NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 2 | WR6 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | at MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 2 | WR7 | Tyreek Hill | at BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 2 | WR8 | A.J. Brown | vs WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 2 | WR9 | Jaylen Waddle | at BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 2 | WR10 | Deebo Samuel | at DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 2 | WR11 | Mike Williams | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 2 | WR12 | Christian Kirk | at LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 2 | WR13 | Michael Pittman Jr. | vs KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 2 | WR14 | Courtland Sutton | vs SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 2 | WR15 | Tee Higgins | vs NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 2 | WR16 | Marquise Brown | at LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 3 | WR17 | Michael Thomas | vs CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 3 | WR18 | Brandin Cooks | at CHI | 39.0 | 3.0 | 18.00 |
| 3 | WR19 | DJ Moore | at NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
| 3 | WR20 | Rashod Bateman | at NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 3 | WR21 | Diontae Johnson | at CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 3 | WR22 | Terry McLaurin | vs PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 3 | WR23 | CeeDee Lamb | at NYG | 39.0 | 1.0 | 19.00 |
| 3 | WR24 | Curtis Samuel | vs PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 3 | WR25 | Gabriel Davis | at MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 3 | WR26 | Drake London | at SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 3 | WR27 | DK Metcalf | at ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 3 | WR28 | Keenan Allen | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 4 | WR29 | Allen Robinson II | vs ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 4 | WR30 | JuJu Smith-Schuster | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 4 | WR31 | Amari Cooper | vs PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 4 | WR32 | Jerry Jeudy | vs SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 4 | WR33 | Adam Thielen | at DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 4 | WR34 | Elijah Moore | at CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 4 | WR35 | Garrett Wilson | at CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 5 | WR36 | Brandon Aiyuk | vs DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 5 | WR37 | Tyler Lockett | at ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 5 | WR38 | Jakobi Meyers | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 5 | WR39 | Jahan Dotson | at PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 5 | WR40 | DeVonta Smith | at WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 5 | WR41 | Chris Olave | at CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 5 | WR42 | Treylon Burks | at LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 5 | WR43 | Darnell Mooney | at HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 5 | WR44 | Jarvis Landry | at CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 5 | WR45 | Sterling Shepard | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 5 | WR46 | Allen Lazard | vs TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 6 | WR47 | Romeo Doubs | at TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 5 | WR48 | Chase Claypool | vs CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 5 | WR49 | D.J. Chark Jr. | vs MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 5 | WR50 | Joshua Palmer | at JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 5 | WR51 | Robbie Anderson | vs NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
| 5 | WR52 | Tyler Boyd | vs NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 5 | WR53 | Julio Jones | vs GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 5 | WR54 | Russell Gage | at GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 5 | WR55 | Zay Jones | at LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 6 | WR56 | George Pickens | vs CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 6 | WR57 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 6 | WR58 | Corey Davis | vs CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 6 | WR59 | Mecole Hardman | at IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 6 | WR60 | Isaiah McKenzie | at MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 6 | WR61 | Robert Woods | at LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 6 | WR62 | Greg Dortch | vs LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 6 | WR63 | Nico Collins | at CHI | 39.0 | 3.0 | 18.00 |
| 6 | WR64 | K.J. Osborn | vs DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 6 | WR65 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | at PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 6 | WR66 | Noah Brown | at NYG | 39.0 | 1.0 | 19.00 |
| 6 | WR67 | Marvin Jones Jr. | at LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 6 | WR68 | K.J. Hamler | vs SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 6 | WR69 | Devin Duvernay | vs NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 6 | WR70 | DeVante Parker | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 6 | WR71 | Michael Gallup | at NYG | 39.0 | 1.0 | 19.00 |
| 6 | WR72 | Alec Pierce | vs KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 6 | WR73 | Nelson Agholor | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 6 | WR74 | Parris Campbell | at KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 6 | WR75 | Mack Hollins | vs TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 6 | WR76 | Ashton Dulin | at KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 7 | WR77 | DeAndre Carter | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 7 | WR78 | A.J. Green | vs LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 7 | WR79 | Christian Watson | vs TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 7 | WR80 | Kadarius Toney | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 7 | WR81 | Jamison Crowder | at MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 7 | WR82 | Breshad Perriman | at GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 7 | WR83 | Richie James Jr. | at DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 7 | WR84 | Randall Cobb | vs TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 7 | WR85 | Equanimeous St. Brown | vs HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 7 | WR86 | Quez Watkins | at WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 7 | WR87 | Josh Reynolds | at MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 7 | WR88 | Ben Skowronek | vs ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 7 | WR89 | Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | at LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 7 | WR90 | Kendrick Bourne | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 7 | WR91 | Olamide Zaccheaus | vs SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 7 | WR92 | Braxton Berrios | vs CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 7 | WR93 | Byron Pringle | vs HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 7 | WR94 | Jauan Jennings | at DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 7 | WR95 | David Sills V | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
| 7 | WR96 | Skyy Moore | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 7 | WR97 | Dante Pettis | vs HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 7 | WR98 | Demarcus Robinson | vs NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 7 | WR99 | Mike Strachan | vs KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 7 | WR100 | David Bell | vs PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 7 | WR101 | Chris Moore | vs CHI | 39.0 | 3.0 | 18.00 |
| 7 | WR102 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | vs BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 7 | WR103 | Scotty Miller | at GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 7 | WR104 | Bryan Edwards | at SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 7 | WR105 | Jalen Guyton | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 7 | WR106 | Kenny Golladay | vs DAL | 39.0 | -1.0 | 20.00 |
Tier 1 – Cooper Kupp
Kupp is my No. 1 rated player for the weekend. He leads the NFL with 29 targets and draws a matchup against PFF’s worst-graded pass defense in Arizona (36.9). The Cardinals have coughed up 594 yards (second-most) and seven TDs (tied for the most) through the air in regulation play.
The Rams and Cardinals tilt offers a top-three game total, and Los Angeles has a top-five implied point total.
No surprise here; Kupp is once again a SMASH play in Week 3.
Sep 19, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Tier 1 – Stefon Diggs
Diggs will face off against the man-happy Dolphins secondary that could be without Xavien Howard. Miami has offered up the eighth-most yards (531) through the air in regulation, and Diggs has the second-most yards (370) and four TDs.
The Bills and Dolphins could shoot out in a game tied for the best game total on the slate. No other team carries a higher implied point total than Buffalo.
Diggs is a chalky SMASH play this weekend.
Tier 1 – Ja’Marr Chase & Tier 2 – Tee Higgins
Chase and Higgins draw a matchup with PFF’s fourth-worst graded pass defense in the Jets. Chase ranks No. 9 in regulation receiving yards (183), and Higgins tied for the team target-share lead in Week 2 (27%).
The Bengals have a top-six implied point total, and their two lead WRs are SMASH options in Week 2.
Tier 3 – Diontae Johnson
Johnson is dominating the Steelers' passing attack with a 30% target share.
| Player | Pos | Routes | TPRR | Targets | ADOT | Air Yards | EZ Tgts | 3rd/4th Down Targets | PA Targets | PPR |
| Diontae Johnson | WR | 96% | 27% | 30% | 9.7 | 36% | 0% | 30% | 10% | 12.1 |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE | 78% | 27% | 24% | 6.9 | 21% | 100% | 26% | 25% | 12.4 |
| Chase Claypool | WR | 96% | 15% | 17% | 5.7 | 12% | 0% | 13% | 0% | 8.0 |
| George Pickens | WR | 93% | 8% | 9% | 21.5 | 24% | 0% | 9% | 0% | 2.3 |
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh is dropping back to pass 32.5 times per game (28th). However, they get a plus matchup against the Browns, who struggled to contain the Jets and Garrett Wilson in Week 2. Cleveland has allowed 563 (fifth-most) regulation passing yards and five TDs (third-most).
Johnson is a low-end WR2 for Week 3.
Tier 3 – Curtis Samuel
The Washington coaching staff is going out of their way to design optimal looks for Samuel.
His targets are coming in a variety of ways, per PFF data:
- 50% play action
- 32% motion
- 27% screen
- 14% RPO
The Commanders are moving him all over the formation, with 67% of routes coming from the slot and 5% from the backfield.
He has also handled 10% of their rushing attempts.
Samuel is a low-end WR2 as long as the team continues to scheme him up in such beneficial ways as a mismatch utility player.
Tier 3 – Allen Robinson and JuJu Smith-Schuster
Robinson (8.8) and Smith-Schuster (9.0) haven’t been able to take advantage of the high-flying offenses they call home. However, both get plus matchups in Week 3, along with large implied point totals, providing them another chance to get things right.
They are mid-range WR3s with a chance to SMASH.
Tier 3 – Keenan Allen
Saturday Update: Allen (hamstring) missed practice on Friday along with several other Chargers, including Justin Herbert. Allen is only a high-end WR3 this week if Herbert plays due to the risk of re-injury to both players.
Tier 4 - Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy didn’t practice on Wednesday and has one of the tougher matchups on the slate. The 49ers grade as PFF’s No. 1 coverage unit (82.9) in 2022, but they haven’t faced much competition from the Bears and Seahawks.
Vegas doesn’t expect big fireworks (44.5 game total) in a matchup where both offenses could look to slow things down and play keep-away.
Saturday Update: Jeudy (shoulder/ribs) missed practice Thursday and got in some light work on Friday. If he can’t play against the 49ers, Courtland Sutton moves into the top-10.
Jeudy gets a slight downgrade thanks to his injury and questionable matchup in Week 3.
Tight End
| Tier | Pos Rnk | Player | Opp | Total | Spread | Implied Points |
| 1 | TE1 | Travis Kelce | vs IND | 50.5 | -5.5 | 28.00 |
| 1 | TE2 | Mark Andrews | vs NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 1 | TE3 | Darren Waller | at TEN | 45.5 | -2.5 | 24.00 |
| 2 | TE4 | Kyle Pitts | vs SEA | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 2 | TE5 | Dallas Goedert | vs WAS | 47.5 | -6.5 | 27.00 |
| 2 | TE6 | George Kittle | vs DEN | 44.0 | -1.5 | 22.75 |
| 3 | TE7 | Zach Ertz | at LAR | 48.5 | 3.5 | 22.50 |
| 3 | TE8 | Pat Freiermuth | at CLE | 38.5 | 4.5 | 17.00 |
| 3 | TE9 | Tyler Higbee | at ARI | 48.5 | -3.5 | 26.00 |
| 3 | TE10 | T.J. Hockenson | at MIN | 52.0 | 5.5 | 23.25 |
| 3 | TE11 | Gerald Everett | vs JAC | 42.5 | -3.0 | 22.75 |
| 4 | TE12 | Evan Engram | at LAC | 42.5 | 3.0 | 19.75 |
| 4 | TE13 | Logan Thomas | vs PHI | 47.5 | 6.5 | 20.50 |
| 4 | TE14 | Dawson Knox | at MIA | 53.0 | -4.5 | 28.75 |
| 4 | TE15 | Hayden Hurst | vs NYJ | 45.0 | -6.0 | 25.50 |
| 4 | TE16 | Irv Smith Jr. | vs DET | 52.0 | -5.5 | 28.75 |
| 4 | TE17 | Tyler Conklin | at CIN | 45.0 | 6.0 | 19.50 |
| 4 | TE18 | David Njoku | at PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 4 | TE19 | Hunter Henry | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 4 | TE20 | Albert Okwuegbunam | vs SF | 44.0 | 1.5 | 21.25 |
| 5 | TE21 | Robert Tonyan | vs TB | 42.0 | 1.0 | 20.50 |
| 5 | TE22 | Mike Gesicki | at BUF | 53.0 | 4.5 | 24.25 |
| 5 | TE23 | Juwan Johnson | vs CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 5 | TE24 | Cole Kmet | at HOU | 39.0 | -3.0 | 21.00 |
| 6 | TE25 | Noah Fant | vs ATL | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 6 | TE26 | Isaiah Likely | at NE | 44.0 | -2.5 | 23.25 |
| 6 | TE27 | Taysom Hill | vs CAR | 41.0 | -2.5 | 21.75 |
| 6 | TE28 | Austin Hooper | vs LV | 45.5 | 2.5 | 21.50 |
| 6 | TE29 | Cameron Brate | at GB | 42.0 | -1.0 | 21.50 |
| 6 | TE30 | Jonnu Smith | vs BAL | 44.0 | 2.5 | 20.75 |
| 6 | TE31 | Harrison Bryant | at PIT | 38.5 | -4.5 | 21.50 |
| 6 | TE32 | Kylen Granson | at KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 6 | TE33 | Mo Alie-Cox | at KC | 50.5 | 5.5 | 22.50 |
| 6 | TE34 | Ian Thomas | at NO | 41.0 | 2.5 | 19.25 |
Tier 1 – Darren Waller
Saturday Update: Waller moves into Tier 1 alongside Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews with Hunter Renfrow (concussion) ruled out. We could see 50 to 60% of the targets funnel towards Waller and Davante Adams this weekend against the Titans, who have allowed 505 yards and six touchdowns passing in regulation pay.
Tier 2 – Kyle Pitts
Pitts posted a juicy 91% route participation in Week 2 but the targets still didn’t come his way. Historically, when tight ends eclipse the 80% route participation threshold, they are almost always top-12 options, so Pitts is due for an improved outing.
He gets help from the Seahawks, who rank last in EPA versus the pass, per PFF data.
The second-year tight end remains a high-end TE1 for Week 2.
Tier 2 – George Kittle
Saturday Update: Kittle (groin) was removed from the injury report for the 49ers' Week 3 matchup against the Broncos. He climbs inside my top-six.
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk will challenge for targets, but we should see a slight boost in pass attempts with fewer Trey Lance scrambles (11%) and designed-rush attempts (15%).
Tier 4 – Albert Okwuegbunam
After an encouraging 74% route participation in Week 1, the Broncos went back to a three-way rotation at tight end in Week 2.
| Player | Pos | Week | Routes | TPRR | Targets | ADOT | Air Yards | EZ Tgts | 3rd/4th Down Targets | PA Targets | PPR |
| Albert Okwuegbunam | WR | 1 | 74% | 15% | 12% | 2.2 | 3% | 0% | 8% | 40% | 8.3 |
| 2 | 59% | 9% | 7% | 6.5 | 5% | 0% | 33% | 0% | 0.0 | ||
| YTD | 67% | 13% | 10% | 3.4 | 4% | 0% | 16% | 29% | 4.2 |
Okwuegbunam faces off against a 49ers unit with the second-best PFF coverage grade, making him a tough name to click on when making lineups.
Consider Okwuegbunam a FADE in Week 3.
Key
- Total = Game total per BetMGM
- Implied points = Team expected points based on game total and spread
- Route participation = routes divided by team pass plays per PFF
- LDD = long down and distance – third and fourth down with three or more yards to go per PFF
- SDD = short down and distance – second, third and fourth down with two or fewer yards to go per PFF
- TPRR = targets per route run
- YPRR = yards per route run
- Explosive rush rate = percentage of runs that go for 10-plus yards per PFF
- Explosive target rate = percentage of targets that go for 15-plus yards per PFF
- Regulation = excludes overtime
- Injuries: Q = Questionable; D = Doubtful (typically removed from ranks on Saturday); GTD = game-time decision
