Whew. What a week we had in the NFL. Plenty of points, plenty of disappointments, and plenty of injuries. Whatever the results, it's time to sift through the fantasy football winners and losers. Who's in a better spot today than they were yesterday? Who's in a worse spot? There's a ton to go through, so let's jump in!
Fantasy Football winners for Week 3
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Drake London! He couldn't be happier that Michael Penix is back at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. London entered Week 3 with 6 catches for 80 yards. On Thursday night against the Packers, London posted 9/194/0 on a team-high 10 targets. He and the offense are completely different with Penix back under center. All arrows are pointing up for London in the passing game moving forward.
Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are really willing to trust Warren
with a big role. Rico Dowdle was out in Week 3, and that led to Warren having 17 carries for 127 yards, along with 3 catches for 49 yards. What's most important is that there were just two other rush attempts by Steelers running backs, and no pass targets for running backs. Warren controlled 20 of the 22 running back total touches. Huge offensive usage for Warren when he can be the feature back; it's that simple.
Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Rice looked terrible in Week 1, but that's a distant memory at this point. Week 2 saw Rice go 4/83/0, and I was hesitant since that was a crazy high-scoring game that went to overtime versus the Indianapolis Colts. However, he followed that up with 7/88/0 on 9 targets this week. The top wide receiver for Patrick Mahomes is finding his footing and looking to be back in top form. This level of stability can make him a WR1 when the season is done.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
There was a ton of debate in the offseason surrounding the Jaguars' running backs of Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. The proof is starting to show that the Tuten side was the right one to back. Tuten had 15 carries for 73 yards, and one touchdown on the ground with 2 receptions for 17 yards in the air. Rodridguez was held to just 8 carries for 37 yards and a touchdown. This is the third straight game Tuten has out-touched Rodriguez.
Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks
He wasn't perfect, but Sam Darnold was legit good in his return versus the Washington Commanders. Despite the loss and the two interceptions, Darnold threw for 379 yards and 4 touchdowns. That's the fantasy upside we want to see, especially when he can connect with Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Seattle has a tough schedule, but Darnold is a clear winner since he's back and looks good.
Fantasy Football losers for Week 3
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Is it a Super Bowl hangover? It must be something because Drake Maye and the Patriots' offense look terrible. Another game with multiple interceptions for Maye, along with -0.44 EPA/play. The offense was elite last season, but the lack of consistent offensive talent around Maye seems to be negatively impacting him more this year. Losing A.J. Brown in Week 1 was huge, and the current group of wide receivers will continue to hold Maye back. He's been bad on his own, but he also needs more help.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
From one bad offense and quarterback with Drake Maye to another with C.J. Stroud. Through the first two weeks, the Indianapolis Colts defense was 32nd in the league with 0.27 defensive EPA per play. In Week 3, Stroud mustered 16/27 passing for 167 yards and one touchdown. Stroud was limited to a measly 5.7 yards per pass, against a defense that allowed 12.2 and 7.9 yards per pass in the first two weeks. They're 0-3, and it's getting late early for Stroud and the Texans.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
In a game in which Bryce Young attempted 48 passes for 291 yards and saw wide receiver Jalen Coker injured and leave early, Tet McMillan managed just two catches for 17 yards on 5 targets. A truly disappointing performance for McMillan when things were essentially ideal. If Young is going to drop back 50+ times and throw for nearly 300 yards, the Panthers' top wide receiver needs to be involved more. McMillan will be fine, but this is discouraging given the game circumstances.
Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets
Smith was legitimately awesome with 31/37 passing for 321 yards and 3 touchdowns. So how was he a fantasy "loser"? Both Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson were hurt in Week 3. The extent of their injuries isn't fully known, but this might be a sell-high spot on Smith if his two best offensive options are going to miss any time.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are a mess on offense, and Omarion Hampton is losing touches. Hampton is seeing his usage sapped away by both Keaton Mitchell – who scored in the red zone – and Kimani Vidal. Losing touches is okay sometimes, but not when the backup is taking the high-value red zone and goal-line touches. Add in the systemic offensive issues, and it's a recipe for disaster.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking 10 crucial fantasy football winners and losers from Week 3
