On to Sunday Week 3. Here's the fantasy storyline I'm following for each team:
Falcons vs. Bears -- If Julio Jones (game-time decision) starts, do you bench him? It's an odd question, but a necessary one. Will he be a reliable WR2+? Or is the risk of a first-quarter re-aggravation too much? For Chicago, I'm still waiting for David Montgomery to break out. He was probably my favorite undervalued RB this summer. He remains a good bet for top-16 production by season's end.
Bills vs. Rams -- Can Devin Singletary seize control of this backfield with Zack Moss out? And will Darrell Henderson--a 2019 fantasy lottery ticket--build off of his Week 2 breakout and become a reliable fantasy commodity?
Browns vs. Washington -- Odell Beckham, Jr. averaged 10.5 targets per game as a Giant. He's down to 8.3 as a Brown, and a few days ago acknowledged he probably won't post big numbers this year. I actually like buying on bad news and believe OBJ will be better than what we've seen so far in Cleveland. So I'm focused on his usage today. And can Antonio Gibson tighten his grip on the 1A backfield role?
Vikings vs. Titans -- Kirk Cousins looked atrocious early last year--with teammates even calling him out--before picking things up and looking like a top-14 QB. I'm watching to see whether, with Stefon Diggs gone, Cousins (with repeated QB1 seasons) can hope to be even a top-16 QB this year. And can Corey Davis continue his climb?
Patriots vs. Raiders -- The enigmatic N'Keal Harry: future fantasy starter, or NFL first-round bust? And who will emerge as Derek Carr's #1 wideout? Bryan Edwards remains my favorite pick from this group.
Giants vs. 49ers -- Will Dion Lewis lead the backfield, or is Devonta Freeman ready to take over? It has the makings of a fantasy mess, but facing multiple key injuries, the Giants are hoping someone will step up. And can Jerick McKinnon secure more backfield stability with a strong performance after two horribly unlucky injured seasons?
Eagles vs. Bengals -- Is Zach Ertz on the decline, or can we toss out his low-reception / low-yardage start as a statistical oddity? And can A.J. Green, who's averaging less than four yards per target be the #1 Cincy needs?
Steelers vs. Texans -- Will Diontae Johnson leapfrog JuJu Smith-Schuster atop the WR depth chart? And is the often injured Will Fuller still the #1 in Houston, or can someone like Brandin Cooks stake that claim today?
Colts vs. Jets -- Similar to A.J. Green, will T.Y. Hilton return to glory? With Philip Rivers at QB, I'm wary, though Parris Campbell's injury helps. And is anyone worth starting for the Jets?
Chargers vs. Panthers -- Can Joshua Kelley be a Melvin Gordon-lite, earning 12+ touches a week and carving out a weekly fantasy role? And will Mike Davis dominate backfield touches, or will Curtis Samuel eat into Davis's value?
Broncos vs. Buccaneers -- Is Noah Fant now essentially Denver's #1 receiver? And will Leonard Fournette end Week 3 as a clearer #1 RB?
Cardinals vs. Lions -- Is Larry Fitzgerald fantasy-relevant with Christian Kirk sidelined? And if Kenny Golladay returns, can he possibly come close to replicating last year's numbers with an improved receiving corps and running game?
Seahawks vs. Cowboys -- Is Chris Carson an RB1? I don't think he is, but he has a favorable matchup. And was Donald Schultz's Week 2 bust-out a fluke?
Saints vs. Packers -- Will Tre'Quan Smith continue to be the #1 receiver with Michael Thomas out? And assuming Davante Adams sits, can Allen Lazard or anyone not with the initials MVS step up?