Fantasy Football Matchup of the Week – Week 3

One of the most alluring things about fantasy football is probably one of the most frustrating things about fantasy football: the unpredictability. Just when you think you got this game figured out, Ja’Marr Chase throws up a pair of duds, Kyren Williams is a top-five RB, and Puka Nacua breaks the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie in his first two games. For all our research, analysis, and apparently feeble attempts at prognostication, this fake game we play will never cease to surprise us. And thus, we saunter on.

Last week’s Fantasy Football Matchup of the Week wasn’t the fireworks display it could’ve been, but I should’ve remembered that Bill Bellicheck does one thing very well: take away the other team’s best weapon. For Miami, that’s clearly Tyreek Hill. The Patriots executed that plan as well as they could, but couldn’t muster enough of their own offense to keep up. Oh well. At least this won’t be the last time I feature Miami in this series. They’re an exciting team to watch. 

This week, there’s only one game that jumps out at me as being a fantasy football bonanza:

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings

This matchup between two surprising 0-2 teams is sure to result in points put up in bunches. Both teams have a number of intriguing fantasy football options, and both defenses have shown vulnerabilities through two weeks. Let’s jump in and break down the Fantasy Football Matchup of the Week. 

Quarterbacks

Justin Herbert has been solid to start the 2023 campaign, averaging 267 passing yards a game and two scores. He’s always a good start with QB1 overall potential on any given week. In the right matchup, he can throw for 350-4. And with HC Brandon Staley saying there’s “no timeline” for Austin Ekeler’s return,” Herbert may be asked to put up those kinds of numbers this week in Minnesota. Start him with confidence as a top-3 QB option this week. 

Kirk Cousins is the number one quarterback in fantasy right now, and even the bright lights of Thursday Night Football couldn’t throw him off his game. Philadelphia and Tampa Bay are no pushovers on defense which makes his 354-3 average after two weeks even more impressive. He’s the perfect counterpart to Herbert. If points get put up early, we could see a repeat of the Dolphins-Chargers in Week 1 with 6+ lead changes and 70 total points. The two best quarterback starts for this week are in this game. Start Cousins and enjoy the show. If you have a decision to make with him, I’d play him over Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson, and Trevor Lawrence.

Running Backs

Ekeler is not likely to play, but if by some miracle he can suit up, I’ll play him with no hesitations.

Assuming he is inactive though, this is Joshua Kelley‘s show. He played 79% of snaps last week without Ekeler, handling 13 carries for 39 yards while missing on his only target. It was far from what fantasy managers were hoping when they saw his utilization and production in Week 1. Last week just proved that Joshua Kelley is no Austin Ekeler. Regardless, Kelley should have a better chance at production considering the Vikings just gave up 175-1 to D’Andre Swift. Consider Kelley as a flex option with RB2 upside in a possible slugfest. 

If someone were creating a “Bust” list for the first two weeks, Alexander Mattison‘s name would be high on that list. Fantasy managers can attempt to assuage their disappointment by pointing at the Buccaneers’ and Eagles’ rush defenses, but the truth is, Mattison has not looked good. He’ll have a run every now and again that gets you to sit up and take notice, but most of the time, it’s pretty lackluster. But that ends this week! This is a get-right game for Mattison, and I’m projecting him for at least 75 total yards and a touchdown! This week, I’d play Mattison over Isiah Pacheco, Miles Sanders, and Rachaad White.

Wide Receivers

Los Angeles

Keenan Allen balled out last week with 8-111-2 on 10 targets. Every time Herbert needed a completion, Allen was there to make a play. Mike Williams wasn’t too shabby either with an 8-83-0 line on 13 targets. Williams owners are pleading for Allen to share the TD-love, but if there’s ever a player to break loose for a touchdown, it’s Mike Williams. Both receivers are very much in play in a potential shootout. Allen is a safe, backend WR1 and Williams is a high-ceiling flex play that will see him end up as a WR2 if he can hit paydirt on Sunday. 

Rookie Quentin Johnston has not been involved much these first two games. He hasn’t hit double-digit yards in two weeks, and despite a great matchup, he may not again if Josh Palmer is still playing ahead of him. Until Johnston can move up in the pecking order via injury or talent, he is out of lineups, and even off rosters. If I needed a deep play, I’d turn to Palmer before Johnston. 

Minnesota

Justin Jefferson quietly has the most receiving yards through the first two weeks (309). He’s averaging 10 catches for 154.5 yards a game. But I don’t need to convince you that he’s good and that you should play him. The problem is that he hasn’t scored a touchdown yet and you’re twiddling your thumbs impatiently asking when. In due time, my good friend. Jefferson is too good to keep out of the endzone. The Chargers gave up three receiving touchdowns to Miami receivers in Week 1, two of which were to Tyreek Hill. If anyone can do their best Tyreek impression, Jefferson can. 

Rookie Jordan Addison has been the lucky recipient of Cousins’ touchdown passes. Addison has one in each of the first two games, and he could very well continue that streak in this air raid battle. Addison doesn’t see the same volume as Jefferson does, but as long as Addison can stay as efficient with his receptions as he is, he won’t need much to make a fantasy impact. He’s averaging 19 YPC. I like him more this week than DeAndre Hopkins, DJ Moore, and both Commanders’ receivers. 

KJ Osborn is a deep-league dart throw who can get you a few catches for roughly 30 yards and the chance at a touchdown. 

Tight Ends

Gerald Everett isn’t the viable streaming option we thought he might be coming into the season. Many of us were looking at Donald Parham as a real threat to Everett’s opportunities, but apparently, he is. Los Angeles is running more two tight-end sets than they’ve done in previous years, which is both good and bad. These sets ensure Everett is always on the field for opportunities, but Parham has proven to be a capable option for Herbert. Even in this great matchup, I don’t recommend starting Everett, unless you’re just looking for someone who won’t goose you. Everett’s a sure thing for a couple of catches a game. 

Ever since TJ Hockenson joined the Vikings midseason last year, he’s been a great fantasy tight end. He currently leads all tight ends in receptions (15) and is the TE1 in PPR formats. Now, take that level of talent and production, mix it up with Cousins’ propensity to throw the ball, and sprinkle in a dash of a shootout, and you got yourself a recipe for fantasy goodness. There’s no situation in which you’re not playing Hockenson this week, so keep him locked into your TE position and click “Save.” 

Then, with the extra time you have since you’re not deciding which game to watch this weekend, head over to FFFaceoff.com and check out all our latest articles, podcasts, and videos to stay up on the news and advice as we head into Week 3. 

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