Last week, there were several hits in this column. Jayden Reed found the end zone twice, Tank Dell had seven catches and a TD, and Tutu Atwell had 82 combined yards. This week, we look to do it again. This is Fantasy Sleepers Week 3!
Unless noted, all players listed are available in 75% or more of Yahoo Leagues.
Quarterbacks
Sam Howell Washington (21%)
Washington has a massive opportunity for a statement win against the Buffalo Bills. If the Commanders can pull it off, it will officially be Howell-mania in the DMV. Through two games played, Howell has passed for 501 yards and four total TDs. Buffalo has been stingy to opposing QBs, but they have had the luxury of facing off against Zach Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo. Howell is now QB12 Overall on the season, and his trajectory is pointing up.
Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay (19%)
I did not think I would be writing about Baker Mayfield as a Week 3 sleeper, but here we are. Mayfield has had a terrific start to the season. He has led Tampa Bay to a 2-0 record. Mayfield passed for two TDs in Week 1 and followed it up with a 317-yard performance in Week 2. This marked the first time Mayfield had passed for 300+ yards since 2021. One intriguing aspect of Mayfield’s usage is not reflected in the box score- his rushing attempts. Through two games played, Mayfield has 14 rushing attempts. Philadelphia is a tough matchup, but they have issues in the secondary.
Running Backs
Devon Achane Miami (36%)
I know. This is cheating. Achane is rostered in too many places to qualify for this article, but I will attempt to sneak this past my editors. If Achane is available in your league, add him. Add him now. Stop reading this and add him.
He is going to get work this weekend behind Raheem Mostert. This could be his breakout game. Over the second half of the season, Achane could be a player that we start every week as a locked-in RB2. He is not a high-volume player, but he can do much on high-value touches. Additionally, he is one of the fastest RBs in football.
Kendre Miller New Orleans (24%)
Miller will make his NFL debut this week at home against Green Bay. His availability is much needed as Jamaal Williams suffered an injury and will miss some time. Miller is a two-way back with explosiveness and speed. Even with Alvin Kamara returning next week, Miller has a chance to carve out a weekly role. The Saints selected him in Round 3 of the NFL Draft for a reason. If you are desperate at RB2, throw him in there. The floor is not great, but the ceiling is higher than you think.
Tyjae Spears Tennessee (22%)
Spears was efficient in Week 2, rushing for 49 yards on only eight carries. He added two more targets (caught both) after four targets in Week 1. The Titans are ramping up his usage. Spears is at the very least, one of the best handcuffs in fantasy football and on his way to becoming a “handcuff plus.” Derrick Henry missed practice on Thursday. The Titans claim it was a rest day, but he has the questionable tag nonetheless. If Henry misses, Spears is a top 18 play at the RB position.
Craig Reynolds Detroit (2%)
David Montgomery will miss some time with a quad injury. Reynolds assumes the goal-line role and short-yardage role. Jahmyr Gibbs will have an even more significant role this week (he played 48% of snaps in Week 2), but he only had seven carries last game. I would only start Reynolds if desperate, but with all these RB injuries, there are some desperate RB needy managers out there—God speed.
Wide Receivers
Jayden Reed Green Bay (18%)
It is shocking to see just how many leagues where Jayden Reed is still available. After leading Green Bay WRs in targets in Week 1 with five, Reed saw even more in Week 2. Reed had eight targets, finishing with four catches for 37 yards and two TDs.
Christian Watson‘s availability is up in the air. But whether he plays or not, Reed is an ascending player coming off of a big game. I am using him in a few spots.
Tank Dell Houston (25%)
Despite his promising Week 2, Dell is still available in 75% of Yahoo Leagues. Dell had ten targets and caught 7 for 72 yards and a TD in Houston’s loss to Indianapolis. Dell has a real chemistry with C.J. Stroud and the coaching staff’s confidence. Per Josh Larky of The 33rd Team, who appeared on First Class Fantasy this week, the Texans have scored more WR PPR points than any team besides the Miami Dolphins—roster Dell where you can.
Robert Woods Houston (19%)
Woods has quietly put together a strong start. He has 12 catches on 19 targets with at least 57 yards in each of his two games. Woods is still available in many leagues. I prefer Dell, but Woods could also eat in a game where Houston must keep up with Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.
K.J. Osborn Minnesota (6%)
Osborn has had six targets in back-to-back games and found the end zone last week against Philadelphia. Consider him if you are in a tough spot and are looking for a potential out-of-nowhere upside play. Los Angeles and Minnesota have the highest total of any Week 3 game. The Vikings have enough passing volume that Osborn will have the occasional big game. This could be one of them.
Tight Ends
Cade Otton Tampa Bay (3%)
Otton has one of the highest snap shares of any TE in football (97% against Chicago) and is coming off of a promising performance (six catches, 41 yards). But the appeal in using Otton lies in the matchup. Philadelphia has allowed 15 catches and three TD receptions to TEs in their first two games this season.
Last year, the Eagles were incredibly generous to TEs, with 12 TE performances allowed. This feels like an Otton game.
Luke Musgrave Green Bay (19%)
I am contractually obligated to remind you that Luke Musgrave is a baller. The BIG breakout game is coming. We will continue to chase it. He is an every-down player with elite athleticism. Musgrave led all TEs in Air Yards in Week 1 and now has an indoor game in New Orleans.
Tyler Conkin New York Jets (3%)
Gross, Theo recommended a Jet. I am logging off. Trust me, I am trying to stay as far from this game as possible. New England and New York are squaring in what should be a slug fest. With a total of 36.5, expect few points. There is also a chance that this game could be played in the rain. Conklin is a low ADOT extension of the running game. The Patriots also could funnel targets his way as they concentrate on stopping Garrett Wilson and the Jets running game.
Defenses
Note: Most fantasy managers do not roster two defenses. Our threshold is defenses available in 55 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Cleveland (44%)
The Browns defense had a big fantasy performance in Week 2, with two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery in a 26-22 loss to Pittsburgh.
This week, they can do it again vs. a beatable Tennessee offense in a big home game.
Seattle (41%)
The Seahawks defense has been extremely generous to opposing offenses, allowing 30+ points in back-to-back games. The Panthers offense has been bad so far and now turn to Andy Dalton with Bryce Young unavailable with an injury—backup QB, cross-country game on the road. Play the matchup.
LA Rams (2%)
The Rams defense showed up big time in Week 1, allowing only 13 points to Seattle. We can now consider using them again on the road in Cincinnati. The Bengals could be without Joe Burrow, and if that is the case, then Jake Browning will make his first NFL start.
Are you not familiar with Jake Browning? Most are not. The 27-year-old has one regular season pass attempt in his NFL career.
