Congratulations on making it through another work week. And some pre-congratulations for making it through what is sure to be a stressful and/or entertaining and/or brutal Week 3. As always, here are some contrarian bargains and busts--players the experts are convinced will perform one way, and I'm convinced will perform very differently.
At quarterback, I once again like Jared Goff, despite his consensus QB-25 ranking. The Ravens' supposedly vaunted defense has looked neither vaunted nor much like a defense, giving up 68 points in two games. Goff arguably looks more comfortable than he has since Cooper Kupp's season-ending injury in 2018. On paper, Detroit might have one of the worst wideout corps in recent NFL history. But with D'Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson combining for 14 catches per game, there's enough firepower to push Goff into deep-league streaming conversations. And Kirk Cousins (QB-15) deserves more fantasy love every season, and this one is no exception. This might be the best offense he's ever helmed, and he's playing like a top-10 quarterback. On the flip side, Justin Herbert (QB-9) is off to a slow start and faces a deceptively tough matchup against a Chiefs team coming off a shocking loss.
At running back, Tony Pollard (RB-35) is ranked too low. While his Week 2 breakout is not a sign of things to come, he's better than a stand-alone RB4 at home against Philly. I also like Javonte Williams (RB-27) breaking out against the Jets and pushing further past Melvin Gordon in the 1A vs. 1B battle. On the flip side, Bill Belichick and the Patriots will be ready for Alvin Kamara (RB-3). As I've written before, until/unless the Saints' passing game really gets going, Kamara will struggle to dominate like he has in the past.
At wideout, for the third straight week, Sammy Watkins (WR-48) is undervalued. And yes, take a flyer on Odell Beckham Jr. (WR-61); I'm banking on OBJ as a nothing-to-lose WR3/4 in an offense aching for playmaking receivers. And once again, I'm pushing the perennially underrated Tim Patrick (WR-43). On the flip side, Stefon Diggs' (WR-4) sub-elite campaign will remain sub-elite with, at best, a non-top-16 performance against Washington.
At tight end, I like Dalton Schultz (TE-22) in a game where Dallas should put up 30+. On the flip side, Tyler Higbee isn't consistent enough to warrant his TE-11 ranking; I would want a more TD-friendly TE in his place.
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At quarterback, I once again like Jared Goff, despite his consensus QB-25 ranking. The Ravens' supposedly vaunted defense has looked neither vaunted nor much like a defense, giving up 68 points in two games. Goff arguably looks more comfortable than he has since Cooper Kupp's season-ending injury in 2018. On paper, Detroit might have one of the worst wideout corps in recent NFL history. But with D'Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson combining for 14 catches per game, there's enough firepower to push Goff into deep-league streaming conversations. And Kirk Cousins (QB-15) deserves more fantasy love every season, and this one is no exception. This might be the best offense he's ever helmed, and he's playing like a top-10 quarterback. On the flip side, Justin Herbert (QB-9) is off to a slow start and faces a deceptively tough matchup against a Chiefs team coming off a shocking loss.
At running back, Tony Pollard (RB-35) is ranked too low. While his Week 2 breakout is not a sign of things to come, he's better than a stand-alone RB4 at home against Philly. I also like Javonte Williams (RB-27) breaking out against the Jets and pushing further past Melvin Gordon in the 1A vs. 1B battle. On the flip side, Bill Belichick and the Patriots will be ready for Alvin Kamara (RB-3). As I've written before, until/unless the Saints' passing game really gets going, Kamara will struggle to dominate like he has in the past.
At wideout, for the third straight week, Sammy Watkins (WR-48) is undervalued. And yes, take a flyer on Odell Beckham Jr. (WR-61); I'm banking on OBJ as a nothing-to-lose WR3/4 in an offense aching for playmaking receivers. And once again, I'm pushing the perennially underrated Tim Patrick (WR-43). On the flip side, Stefon Diggs' (WR-4) sub-elite campaign will remain sub-elite with, at best, a non-top-16 performance against Washington.
At tight end, I like Dalton Schultz (TE-22) in a game where Dallas should put up 30+. On the flip side, Tyler Higbee isn't consistent enough to warrant his TE-11 ranking; I would want a more TD-friendly TE in his place.
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Personalized Fantasy Advice Sign-up: www.fantasyfootballforwinners.com/p/personalized-fantasy-advice.html
Follow on Twitter: @_FF4W