Welcome back to Week 3 of Still Keeping It Real with Fantasy! There were many upsets last week such as the 49ers, Eagles, Lions, Ravens, and Cowboys (not really an upset) all losing while being favorites going into the game. The Jets also won the first game of the Aaron Rodgers era in a comeback win against the Titans. The Eagles will try to bounce back from their week two loss as they visit the red-hot Saints. The Ravens will try to pick up their first win of the season against the Cowboys (shouldn’t be very hard). For the people that started the fantasy season 0-2, The Lance’s expert and advice are here for Week 3 to give you that extra leg up over your friends or enemies.
News/Injuries
Christian McCaffrey (RB) – The 2023 touchdown leader has yet to play a single snap this season after being held out for the first two weeks due to a calf injury. He was placed on IR by the 49ers earlier this week and will be out for six weeks as he recovers from Achilles tendinitis. This provides the opportunity for backup Jordan Mason to fill in for the 49ers.
Cooper Kupp (WR) – Cooper Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain in the Rams’ loss to the Cardinals on Sunday. Coach Sean McVay has said Kupp is expected to be out for an extended period and could land on IR. With Kupp out, the Rams will likely look toward their run game with running back Kyren Williams.
Deebo Samuel (WR) – Deebo Samuel strained his calf over the weekend and is expected to miss the next couple of weeks. On the bright side, the 49ers have not placed him on IR. The 49ers will now turn to veterans Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings to run their offense.
Tua Tagovailoa (QB) – Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on IR after suffering from the third concussion of his NFL career in the Dolphin’s week 2 loss to the Bills on TNF. Running back Devon Achane will likely be forced to take on a workhorse role until Tagovailoa’s return.
Starts
Brandon Aiyuk (WR) – Although Aiyuk has looked rusty to start the season, injuries to both Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey will make the 49ers look toward their star receiver against a depleted Rams team to bounce back from their loss to the Vikings in Week 2. The Rams have given up over 100 yards and at least one touchdown to the opposing team’s wide receiver in the opening two weeks.
Jerry Jeudy (WR) – Jerry Jeudy had a successful week 2 with 5 catches for 73 yards against the Jaguars. More importantly, quarterback Deshaun Watson looked astronomically better in week 2 then he did in week 1 against the Cowboys. Jeudy will see a handful of targets against a favorable matchup in week 3 against the Giants.
Sits
Kyren Williams (RB) – The 49ers will focus on defending the run as the Rams star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are out. The Rams running back has already seen a huge dip in production over the first two weeks compared to last season and with the stacked 49ers defense waiting for him, he will struggle to reach the heights of last season.
J.K Dobbins (RB) – J.K Dobbins has surprised everyone this season as his return from an Achilles injury has been incredible. However, the Steelers have one of the best defenses in the league while only giving up 42.5 yards to the opposing number one running back and are yet to give up a rushing touchdown.
Waiver Wire
Braelon Allen (RB) – Many were reluctant to draft Braelon Allen as Jets star running back Breece Hall was expected to carry the backfield this season, but coach Robert Saleh has different ideas. The Jets lined up with both Allen and Hall on countless occasions throughout their win against the Titans where Allen had a rushing and receiving touchdown.
Tutu Atwell (WR – Tutu Atwell was a breakout star last season when Kupp was recovering from his hamstring injury to start the season. With both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp out for the Rams matchup against the 49ers, Tutu Atwell will be the main receiving option for the Rams.