Fantasy Football Heat Index: Buy or Sell Surprise Performances

Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at weekend breakout performances and analyze their potential for sustained fantasy football success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are one-time or long-term options for your fantasy teams.

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Fantasy Football Heat Index

Quarterback

Jacoby Brissett (QB – ARI)

Stats:

• 38-of-52 for 280 Passing Yards
• 2 Passing Touchdowns
• 4 Rushing Attempts
• 4 Rushing Yards
• 1 Rushing Touchdown

Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB4 (25.6 fantasy points)

Analysis: After a slow start to his 11th NFL season, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett recorded a season-high 280 passing yards and three total touchdowns in the team’s 36-30 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. He scored 25.6 fantasy points and is currently the fantasy QB4 this week, one week after scoring 7.5 fantasy points and finishing as the QB28.

Fantasy managers should anticipate some inconsistency from the 33-year-old quarterback, but this breakout performance is encouraging after a challenging start to the season. With upcoming games against the New York Giants and Detroit Lions, Brissett remains a strong QB2 option for the next two weeks. Tougher matchups against the NFC West loom, but we’ll deal with that when the time comes.

Heat Index: 3

Running Back

Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)

Stats:

• 17 Rushing Attempts
• 127 Rushing Yards
• 3 Receptions
• 49 Receiving Yards

Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB8 (19.1 fantasy points)

Analysis: With Rico Dowdle ruled out with a toe injury, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren took on a bell-cow role in the team’s 30-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. He finished with 176 total yards on 20 touches and is the current fantasy RB8 this week. No other Steelers running back received more than one carry.

Dowdle remains day-to-day after missing last week, so fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status moving forward. If he remains out or limited, Warren is a must-start in most fantasy football formats. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh travels to Cleveland for Thursday Night Football in Week 4, meaning we could be in for another Warren feast in three days.

Heat Index: 4

Wide Receiver

Jordan Addison (WR – MIN)

Stats:

• 5 Receptions
• 90 Receiving Yards
• 1 Touchdown

Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR9 (17.5 fantasy points)

Analysis: Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson left Sunday’s contest with an ankle injury, leading to increased targets for Minnesota Vikings No. 2 WR Jordan Addison. The fourth-year pass-catcher delivered his best performance of the season, hauling in five of his nine targets for 90 yards and a touchdown.

We don’t know how serious Jefferson’s ankle injury is. If it’s a high-ankle sprain, he could miss several games, making Addison a must-start until Jefferson is back. If it’s a low-ankle injury, Jefferson might return as soon as Week 4 against the 0-3 Miami Dolphins, and Addison would go back to being a risky FLEX option.

Heat Index: 3

Tight End

Kenyon Sadiq (TE – NYJ)

Stats:

• 7 Receptions
• 105 Receiving Yards
• 1 Touchdown

Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE4 (20 fantasy points)

Analysis: New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq broke out in Week 3, finishing with over 100 receiving yards and a sensational touchdown reception in the team’s 31-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He’s the current fantasy TE4 behind only George Kittle, Brock Bowers and Harold Fannin Jr. heading into Monday Night Football.

The Jets have rotated four tight ends this season, but with Mason Taylor sidelined by a thumb injury, Sadiq seized his opportunity. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell was also out, meaning Sadiq worked as the team’s No. 2 target behind Garrett Wilson. After this breakout, even Taylor’s return might not be enough to keep Sadiq off the field.

Heat Index: 3

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Fantasy Football Week 4 Early Trade Targets (2026)

Making an early-season trade for a proven player who is underperforming because of the situation, game script, or injuries can put you in a much better position to win a championship. Most people fear losing a trade based on production during the first three to six weeks, but the end of the season matters most. Looking only at fantasy points can be misleading and doesn’t always tell the full story. Usage, team environment, and future schedule matter much more.

Last year, through the first five weeks of the season, we had underperformers on a points-per-game basis like Derrick Henry (RB27), Chase Brown (RB34), Tee Higgins (WR29), and Chris Olave (WR31). All four were scoring well below expectations. From Week 6 forward, Henry finished as the RB7, Brown as the RB8, Higgins as the WR9, and Olave as the WR4.

The takeaway is simple. If your studs are underperforming because of the situation and not usage, hold on. More importantly, target those same types of players on other rosters while their managers are panicking.

*It is important to note that this is being written before the Sunday night games and during the 4:00 p.m. games.

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Fantasy Football Week 4 Early Trade Targets

Quarterback Trade Targets

Brock Purdy (QB – SF)

I rarely condone trading for a quarterback in one-quarterback leagues. However, Purdy is likely sitting on someone’s bench as an extra QB, and he is one of my favorite superflex targets because I still believe he’s undervalued. Over the final eight weeks of 2025, Purdy was the QB2 on a points-per-game basis. Through the first two weeks of 2026, he is the QB4.

In Week 3, Purdy could have had an 80-yard touchdown pass, but Mike Evans caught the pass before a designed shovel to Deebo Samuel. Because of how the play was credited, that production won’t show up in Purdy’s fantasy scoring.

The 49ers face a tough Denver and Seattle defense in Week 4 and Week 5. This could impact Purdy’s value in the short term. Still, I believe in Purdy and this Shanahan scheme. If the manager who has him doesn’t need him, Purdy is a prime trade target.

Running Back Trade Targets

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

Achane left the Week 3 game with a knee injury. Early reports are that he will miss multiple weeks and could be placed on IR. Everyone is already fully out on this Miami offense, and with Achane underperforming through the first two weeks, I plan to buy at a discount. Of course, that depends on the injury’s severity.

The Dolphins will have faced three of the best defenses in the NFL over their first four weeks. A healthy 49ers defense, a Steve Spagnuolo-led Chiefs defense, and a Brian Flores-led Vikings defense. After this gauntlet, their schedule opens up significantly.

Over the past three years, Achane has averaged 16 fantasy points per game (RB8). Through the first two weeks of this season, he played 82% of the snaps (RB2), handled 66% of the rushing attempts (RB7), and had a 74% route share (RB1). The big one for me is that he also handled 100% of the goal-line opportunities.

While Miami’s offense will be less than exciting all year, Achane should still have the volume and opportunities when he returns with a more favorable schedule. I don’t see Miami playing much worse than it is right now. I like him even more in PPR leagues. If your roster can afford to wait four to five weeks, I like buying the discount now for the value later.

Chuba Hubbard (RB- CAR)

Jonathon Brooks has been placed on IR and will be out six to eight weeks with a sports hernia. Hubbard will continue to lead this backfield for the foreseeable future. Over the past two weeks, Hubbard has had a 66% snap share (RB12) and 50% route share (RB10). While this isn’t an exciting target because Bryce Young is still the quarterback, Hubbard is a good fit at his cost if you need an RB2.

We just watched the Panthers come back to earth against the Browns, scoring only 18 points and looking anemic on offense. Chuba still finished the day with 110 all-purpose yards. This will happen periodically throughout the season, but a lead back in a Dave Canales offense will see fantastic usage. In Week 3, he played approximately 82% of the rushing snaps and 85% of the passing snaps. His value has not caught up with his usage, which makes him a solid buy for a team in need of running back help.

Wide Receiver Trade Targets

Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)

Flowers is a top-10 wide receiver for the rest of the season when he is on the field. The fantasy community still hasn’t caught up because of his Week 1 hamstring injury. Per Fantasy Points Data Suite, in Week 1, he had a 32% first-read target share (WR12) and a 24% team target share (WR14). While this is a small sample size, let’s think through this logically.

Zay’s biggest target competition is 31-year-old Mark Andrews. He is also playing in a new Declan Doyle-led offense that is projected to finish as a top-five scoring offense in the league. So far this year, Baltimore has a 4.5% pass rate over expectation (10th) and a 57% pass rate (23rd).

In 2025, Baltimore had a -6.7% pass rate over expectation (31st) and a 52% pass rate (31st), and Flowers still finished as the WR14 on a points-per-game basis. With even a small increase in passing volume, he has a chance to easily finish as a top-10 wide receiver. If we see a significant increase in passing and he finds a way to score touchdowns more consistently, I believe he can break into the top five.

Week 3 was played in Brazil, and reports indicated Flowers would be on a snap count, especially given concerns about the field quality. Even though we are 20 minutes into the game, the Ravens haven’t had to throw the ball much, so it is hard to tell if that is true. Either way, if Zay is limited or doesn’t perform well because of the situation, game script, or limited usage, trade for him while you still can.

Luther Burden (WR – CHI)

I still believe in the Burden hype, and the Caleb Williams injury should give us a window to buy low. Per Fantasy Points Data Suite, Burden has seen a 31% first-read target rate (WR13). His biggest issues right now are route participation and Kalif Raymond.

The upside still exists in a Ben Johnson offense, and I am willing to buy at a discount from a manager who has already lost faith. This is a boom-or-bust target, so if you decide to trade for Burden, you need to be willing to accept the risk that he could bust.

Tight End Trade Targets

Tucker Kraft (TE- GB)

Kraft is still only 10 months removed from ACL surgery after tearing it in mid-November 2025. Even with that, he has seen a 63% route share over the past two weeks. While that is just outside the top 10 tight ends in usage, I expect his role to continue growing as the year goes on.

Green Bay has looked like a shell of itself on both sides of the ball. While it is a small sample size, the Packers have been passing at one of the highest rates in the NFL (73%), in large part because their defense has been struggling.

Jayden Reed is potentially out for the season, leaving Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft as the best pass-catching options in this offense. Kraft’s superpower is his yards-after-the-catch ability. In 2025, he averaged over 10 yards after the catch per reception. As he gets healthier, his usage should increase, and he should start getting back to his 2025 form. If the defensive issues persist, it will only make his offensive environment better.

Over the next four weeks, Green Bay plays the Buccaneers, Bears, Cowboys, and Lions. This might be the last window to buy low on Kraft.

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Is Brock Bowers Playing Week 3? Fantasy Football Injury Update

Another weekend of NFL football has arrived! Unfortunately, the injury watch for fantasy football managers is also here, and that’s certainly the case for Brock Bowers. Players who appear on the injury report and haven’t practiced much during the week can often lead to trepidation for managers trying to make fantasy football lineup decisions and/or waiver claims. Don’t fret, though – FantasyPros is here to provide you with all of the latest news and updates on the players who are questionable heading into this week. Here’s what we know about Brock Bowers‘s injury and his status for Week 3. And use our Are They Playing tool to see the probability of any injured player playing this week, including Brock Bowers. So, is Brock Bowers playing Week 3? Let’s take a look into this notable fantasy football injury.

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Fantasy Football Outlook: Will Brock Bowers Play Week 3?

Raiders TE Brock Bowers (questionable, knee) is expected to play Sunday vs New Orleans barring a surprise, per source.

Head coach Klint Kubiak said this week he was optimistic about Bowers’ return, and the Raiders did not elevate a tight end like in previous weeks.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 27, 2026

Brock Bowers (knee) listed questionable Sunday

Brock Bowers is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Saints.

Fantasy Impact: Bowers did not practice on Friday, but head coach Klint Kubiak said it was a planned day off. Bowers will need to be monitored closer to kickoff on Sunday.

See the latest odds of Brock Bowers playing this week >>

What the Experts Are Saying

• Week 3 expert consensus rankings have Bowers ranked as the TE2.
• His injury is listed on the injury report as: Knee
• He was a Limited Participant on Wednesday, a Limited Participant on Thursday, and a Non-Participant on Friday.

I’m approaching this week as if Brock Bowers will be out. He had only limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before missing Friday’s practice. The coaching staff stated that his absence on Friday was planned. I’m attempting to read the tea leaves here, but if he hasn’t practiced in full yet and was held out for the walkthrough on Friday, I’m looking at that situation as he’s more likely to return next week. Our Are They Playing Tool gives Bowers a 47% of playing this week.
– Derek Brown

Check out our NFL News Desk for the latest injury news >>

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Fantasy Football QB Rankings: Week 3 (2026)

Week 3 presents fantasy managers with several important quarterback decisions as injuries, early-season trends and matchups begin to reshape the position. Our Week 3 fantasy football quarterback rankings can help you identify the best starters, streaming options and potential players to avoid.

• Pat Fitzmaurice’s Weekly Rankings
• Andrew Erickson’s Weekly Rankings
• Derek Brown’s Weekly Rankings

Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks (Week 3)

Here are our fantasy football quarterback rankings for the week from our analysts. You can find our expert consensus fantasy football rankings for the week here. And you can also sync your fantasy football league for free using our My Playbook tool for custom advice, rankings, and analysis. Now, let’s dive into our fantasy football rankings for quarterbacks for the upcoming week.

2026 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

ECR – Expert Consensus Rankings

Fantasy Football Lineup Basics: Roster Positions

A fantasy football lineup consists of various roster positions, including quarterbacks (QB), running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), tight ends (TE), kickers (K), and team defenses (D/ST). Most leagues require you to start:

• 1 Quarterback (QB)
• 2 Running Backs (RB)
• 2 Wide Receivers (WR)
• 1 Tight End (TE)
• 1 Kicker (K)
• 1 Team Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)

Additionally, many leagues feature a “flex” position, which allows you to start an extra RB, WR or TE, providing more flexibility in your lineup. Others add another quarterback, or a “superflex,” which can be any position, including quarterback.

The Importance of Bye Weeks

Bye weeks are weeks during the NFL season when a team does not have a game. It’s crucial to be aware of your players’ bye weeks, as you’ll need to find suitable replacements to fill in for them in your lineup. Keep an eye on the NFL schedule, and plan ahead to ensure you have enough depth on your roster to cover bye weeks without sacrificing too many points.

Strategies for Setting Your Lineup

Matchups matter
Analyze your players’ opponents each week and identify favorable matchups that could lead to higher point totals. Start players facing weaker defenses to increase your scoring potential.

Consistency vs. upside
Balance your lineup with consistent performers and players with high upside, or potential for a breakout game. Consistent players provide a solid point floor, while high-upside players can be difference-makers in tight matchups.

Monitor injuries and depth charts
Stay informed about player injuries and their position on their team’s depth chart. Injuries can create opportunities for backups to step into significant roles, providing valuable fantasy points.

Stay active on the waiver wire
Regularly check the waiver wire for potential lineup additions. Key pickups can fill in for injured or underperforming players, or even become long-term starters on your team.

Making Last-Minute Adjustments

Sometimes, last-minute changes to your lineup are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as injuries or weather conditions. Stay informed and be prepared to make adjustments to your lineup when needed. Use trusted sources for NFL news and updates, and always have a backup plan in place.

Understanding and setting your fantasy football lineup is an essential skill for success in your league. By mastering roster positions, managing bye weeks and employing strategic lineup-setting techniques, you’ll be well on your way to dominating your league and claiming the championship. Stay proactive, informed, and adaptable, and you’ll be celebrating your fantasy football victories in no time. Good luck, and may the best lineup win!

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MLB DFS Picks & Underdog Player Props: Friday (9/25)

Friday’s MLB DFS main slate at DraftKings and FanDuel features 10 games, starting at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Underdog player props are also from those 11 games.

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Friday’s Top MLB DFS Picks & Player Props

Friday’s Starting Pitcher Rankings (9/25)

Tarik Skubal (SP – LAD) at San Francisco Giants

The Dodgers don’t have incentive to overtax Tarik Skubal tonight. They could yank him early to preserve his arm for the playoffs. At the same time, there’s plenty of time between this start and the National League Division Series beginning on Saturday, October 3. So, I’m not too worried about the risk of Skubal leaving early.

With that out of the way, the lefty ace has pitched well for the Dodgers. According to FanGraphs, in nine starts spanning 55 innings for Los Angeles, Skubal has tallied the following numbers:

• 4 wins
• 6 quality starts
• 2.95 ERA
• 3.16 xERA
• 3.19 xFIP
• 3.32 SIERA
• 1.13 WHIP
• 5.8 BB%
• 26.9 K%
• 13.6 SwStr%
• 27.9 CSW%
• 117 stuff+
• 104 location+
• 121 pitching+

Skubal hasn’t pitched at his Cy Young Award-winning level with the Dodgers. Still, he’s pitched quite well.

He also has a favorable matchup and jaw-dropping betting info. The Giants are 28th in wRC+ (86) with a 23.3 K% versus lefties and 24th in wRC+ (99) with a 21.2 K% at home in 2026. San Francisco is also tied for 13th in wRC+ (100) with a 24.2 K% in the previous 30 days and 22nd in wRC+ (84) with a 27.7 K% in the last 14 days. As a result, the Dodgers are -400 favorites, and the game’s total is 7.5 runs.

Jose Soriano (SP – TOR) vs. Cincinnati Reds

Jose Soriano is a positive regression candidate. In his previous five starts, totaling 30 innings, Soriano has amassed the following stats:

• 2 wins
• 2 quality starts
• 5.10 ERA
• 3.81 xERA
• 3.60 xFIP
• 3.71 SIERA
• 1.13 WHIP
• 6.3 BB%
• 19.0 K%
• 9.1 SwStr%
• 27.9 CSW%
• 97 stuff+
• 115 location+
• 112 pitching+

The gap between Soriano’s ERA and his ERA estimators is an indicator that he’s been unlucky.

Thankfully, Soriano has a get-right matchup and favorable betting info tonight. The Reds are 30th in wRC+ (88) with a 25.6 K% versus righties and tied for 23rd in wRC+ (91) with a 24.6 K% on the road this year. Cincinnati is also 20th in wRC+ (94) with a 26.0 K% in the previous 30 days and 30th in wRC+ (66) with a 26.4 K% in the last 14 days. So, the Blue Jays are -136 favorites, and the game’s total is 7.5 runs.

Robert Gasser (SP – MIL) vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Robert Gasser has run pure lately. In his last four starts and one relief appearance spanning 26.1 innings, the lefty has spun a blistering 1.71 ERA. The ERA doesn’t align with his 4.82 xERA, 4.74 xFIP, or 4.60 SIERA. Still, he has an adequate 20.2 K% and 1.10 WHIP in those starts, and his matchup and betting info suggest he could have another DFS-friendly start, namely as a bargain SP2 at DraftKings.

The Cardinals are tied for 11th in wRC+ (99) with a 19.4 K% versus lefties and tied for seventh in wRC+ (101) with a 21.8 K% on the road this season. However, the Red Birds are 26th in wRC+ (89) with a 22.8 K% in the previous 30 days and 29th in wRC+ (71) with a 25.1 K% in the last 14 days. Thus, the Brewers are -180 favorites, and the game’s total is 8.0 runs.

Suggested Lineup Stacks

• Home (Kauffman Stadium)
• Game Total/Moneyline: 7.5 Runs/KCR +115

Gavin Williams, while unlucky, has not done well on the road this year. In 13 road starts spanning 73.1 innings this year, Williams has a 4.79 ERA, 3.01 xFIP, and 1.15 WHIP, but allowed 1.84 HR/9. He allowed five runs in six innings in Kansas City on May 5. The betting info should deter many gamers from stacking the Royals, enhancing their appeal in GPPs.

• Road (Sutter Health Park)
• Game Total/Moneyline: Unlisted/HOU -150

The Astros will get the bump from hitting at Sutter Health Park tonight. They’ll also get one from facing Jacob Lopez. The lefty has an 8.49 ERA, 4.98 xERA, 5.62 xFIP, 5.22 SIERA, 1.76 WHIP, and allowed 2.70 HR/9 in his last five starts. The A’s also have a dreadful bullpen, ranking dead last in ERA.

Core Studs

• Jose Altuve has hit 15 homers with a .382 OBP, .175 ISO, .377 wOBA and 148 wRC+ in 427 plate appearances against southpaws since 2024.
• Isaac Paredes has launched 13 long-balls with a .357 OBP, .179 ISO, .353 wOBA and 131 wRC+ in 384 plate appearances against lefties since 2024.
• Vinnie Pasquantino didn’t reach base in four plate appearances last night. Still, in 128 plate appearances from August 17 through September 23, Pasquantino ripped nine round-trippers with 18 runs, 27 RBIs, a .367 OBP, .319 ISO, .414 wOBA, .387 expected wOBA (xwOBA), and 167 wRC+.

Value Plays/Punts

• Even in a down year, Corey Seager has drilled 19 dingers with 56 runs, 48 RBIs, two stolen bases, a .314 OBP, .197 ISO, .321 wOBA, and 107 wRC+ in 423 plate appearances this season.
• In 113 plate appearances against righties at home this season, Griffin Conine has slugged nine home runs with a .425 OBP, .330 ISO, .460 wOBA, and 193 wRC+.
• Walker Jenkins has mashed four taters with a .339 OBP, .250 ISO, .370 wOBA, and 139 wRC+ in 62 plate appearances against righties since the Twins called him up this season.

Friday’s Top 3 Underdog Player Props

Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet >>

Jac Caglianone (1B, OF – KC): 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs — Higher

Jac Caglianone has excelled at home, and he should be fresh after getting a night off last night. In 69 games and 270 plate appearances at home this year, Caglianone has recorded 72 hits, including 12 homers, with 39 runs, 36 RBIs, a .287 batting average, .275 expected batting average (xBA), .333 OBP, .219 ISO, .362 wOBA, and 128 wRC+.

Carter Jensen (C – KC): 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs — Higher

Carter Jensen didn’t reach base in any of his four plate appearances last night. Nonetheless, in 69 games and 276 plate appearances before last night, Jensen rattled off 63 hits, including 12 home runs, 45 runs, 34 RBIs, a .260 batting average, .241 xBA, .344 OBP, .244 ISO, .366 wOBA, and 131 wRC+.

Griffin Conine (1B, OF – MIA): 0.5 Hits — Higher

Griffin Conine has 56 hits and a .264 batting average in 247 plate appearances against righties this year. He has dominated at home with the platoon advantage, though. Conine has 32 hits and a .330 batting average in 113 plate appearances against righties at home this season.

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Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice: Jake Ferguson, Mark Andrews, Rashee Rice

Start em or sit em? Fantasy football start or sit decisions can be excruciating. While it feels great to make the right call and cruise to fantasy glory, it hurts just as much when you have someone erupt while on your bench. You can use our Who Should I Start? tool to gauge advice from fantasy football experts as you make your lineup decisions. And you can also sync your fantasy football league for free using our My Playbook tool for custom advice, rankings and analysis.

Let’s take a look at a few polarizing players and what fantasy football expert Derek Brown advises.

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Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Lineup Advice: Week 3

Here’s Derek Brown’s fantasy football Week 3 outlook for a few players to help with lineup decisions.

Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)

What a massive bounceback week for Jake Ferguson in Week 2. He opened the season as the TE44 in weekly scoring, only to finish as TE4 last week. The concerning thing in his usage, though, is the fact that his route share fell from 69.4% to 55.6%, but it’s only a one-game sample, so I’m not going to freak out. Last week, he did see a 12.9% target share with two of his four targets coming in the red zone. His touchdown equity in this offense remains substantial, but his market share of the passing offense isn’t wonderful. Last week, Ferguson did finish with 43 receiving yards (2.15 YPRR), but he had only a 13.6% first-read share. He is a serviceable touchdown-dependent streamer, though. Baltimore ranks 15th in yards per target against tight ends while giving up the 11th-most fantasy points per opportunity to the position. If Ferguson scores this week, you’ll likely be happy that you streamed him, but if he is held out of the endzone expect frustration and tears.

Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)

Through two games, Mark Andrews has seen solid usage despite being the TE15 in fantasy points per game. This is related to his zero touchdowns and is not indicative of his play. Andrews has had a 67.6% route share, a 23.2% target share, 2.13 YPRR, one red zone target, and a 30% first-read share. Those are all solid, if not VERY strong, metrics. Andrews should finally get into the end zone this week in a wonderful matchup. Dallas has allowed the eighth-most yards per target and the third-most fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.

Rashee Rice (WR – KC)

Rashee Rice‘s fantasy value is hanging on by a delicate string. Through two games, he is the WR29 in fantasy points per game, but without a score in Week 1, he would be struggling, and the fantasy community would be collectively freaking out. Rice’s stranglehold on targets in the Kansas City offense has evaporated. He has a 9.5% target share… yes, you read that correctly. Rice also has only 1.62 YPRR, a 13.7% first-read share, and two red zone targets. Rice has a nice matchup this week, but he’s only a flex play with the concerning usage. Miami has allowed the 14th-most yards per target and the seventh-most fantasy points per target to slot receivers.

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If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

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Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings & Start/Sit Advice (Week 3)

Let’s dive into Week 3 fantasy football kicker rankings and start/sit advice to help you with your adds, drops, and lineup decisions.

• Waiver Wire Advice
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• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer

Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings & Start/Sit Advice: Week 3

Two weeks of action is too small a sample size to identify who might be this year’s breakout kicker and who should be relegated to the waiver wire in hopes of finding a spark for your team. I prefer to get four weeks of action in the books before making a change at kicker, as even the top projected players can get off to a slow start.

If you drafted a top-5 ranked kicker based on ADP, chances are you are having a bit of buyer’s remorse right now. Of the top five ranked kickers entering the season that includes Brandon Aubrey, Ka’imi Fairbairn, Cameron Dicker, Jason Myers, and Cam Little, only Little ranks in the top 10 after two weeks of action, and Little just sneaks in at 10.

By comparison, Evan McPherson has just six fewer points through two games than Aubrey, Fairbairn, and Dicker combined.

My advice is not to hit the panic button on these players just yet, as I project most of them to bounce back and return closer to their career norms. If I had to pick one kicker to bail on after this week, it would be Dicker. The Chargers’ offense is in complete disarray, while a defense that was projected to be stout has been anything but. That combination could limit both the quality and quantity of his scoring opportunities.

Conversely, if there is one kicker I’m buying after a two-week sample size, it’s Evan McPherson. The talent has always been there, but the Bengals’ defense has been dreadful for much of his career, limiting his ability to become an elite fantasy scorer. Dexter Lawrence and the Bengals’ defense look legit after two strong performances against Tampa Bay and Houston, which is the perfect recipe for McPherson to continue delivering for fantasy managers.

Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings: Week 3

1	Evan McPherson	CIN	at PIT
2	Trey Smack	GB	vs. ATL
3	Eddy Pineiro	SF	vs. ARI
4	Ka’imi Fairbairn	HOU	at IND
5	Jason Myers	SEA	at WAS
6	Brandon Aubrey	DAL	vs. BAL
7	Tyler Loop	BAL	at DAL
8	Harrison Butker	KC	at MIA
9	Tyler Bass	BUF	vs. LAC
10	Cam Little	JAC	vs. NE
11	Chris Boswell	PIT	vs. CIN
12	Chase McLaughlin	TB	vs. MIN
13	Jake Bates	DET	vs. NYJ
14	Harrison Mevis	LAR	at DEN
15	Jake Elliott	PHI	at CHI
16	Will Reichard	MIN	at TB
17	Andy Borregales	NE	at JAC
18	Ryan Fitzgerald	CAR	at CLE
19	Cameron Dicker	LAC	at BUF
20	Jason Sanders	NYJ	at DET
21	Joey Slye	TEN	at NYG
22	Chad Ryland	ARI	at SF
23	Wil Lutz	DEN	vs. LAR
24	Daniel Carlson	NO	vs. LV
25	Cairo Santos	CHI	vs. PHI
26	Dominic Zvada	NYG	vs. TEN
27	Spencer Shrader	IND	vs. HOU
28	Matt Gay	LV	at NO
29	Riley Patterson	MIA	vs. KC
30	Andre Szmyt	CLE	vs. CAR
31	Nick Folk	ATL	at GB
32	Drew Stevens	WAS	vs. SEA

Widely Available Kickers With Strong Week 2 Performances

Harrison Butker (K – KC) vs. Indy

Butker came through with 17 fantasy points after a somewhat pedestrian seven-point performance in Week 1 against Denver. I want to get back on the Butker bandwagon, but he has not been a good fantasy kicker since 2023, and I need to see it for another week or so before I add him to my target section.

Spencer Shrader (K – IND) @ KC

Prior to sustaining a season-ending knee injury last season, Spencer Shrader was on pace to be an elite fantasy kicker and was averaging the same fantasy points per game as Ka’imi Fairbairn. He disappointed in a blowout loss Week 1 against Baltimore, but bounced back nicely Sunday in overtime against the Chiefs. This week he has Houston at home, a game in which both kickers could put up top-5 fantasy points.

Widely Rostered Kickers With Dud Week 2 Performances

Cameron Dicker (K – LAC) vs. Las Vegas

I hate to pick on Dicker, but he is clearly the most disappointing kicker so far this season, with just four total points through two games. What makes his slow start even more concerning is that his first two games were indoors against opponents that appeared inferior on paper. Now, the Chargers face a gauntlet of tougher opponents that could create lopsided game scripts and continue to limit Dicker’s opportunities. I’m not at full red alert just yet, but the warning signs are there, and I would start considering other options.

Week 3 Upside Plays

Trey Smack (K – GB) vs. ATL

The Packers play host to the Falcons this week, a team that has given up the 6th most points to kickers through two weeks. Smack’s K score of 28.5 is tied for the best of the week and a double-digit fantasy performance is likely. The only concern is a possible high TD game for the Packers offense, but I anticipate a floor of six points and a likely ceiling of 12 for the rookie from Florida.

Tyler Bass (K – BUF) vs. LAC

Bass has fallen out of fantasy favor over the past few seasons due to Josh Allen and the Bills’ strong performance in the red zone. While I anticipate that to continue this week, the Bills host a dreadful Chargers team that will likely struggle on both sides of the ball. This looks like a lopsided game script, and Bass could get some garbage-time field goals with the Bills up big.

Week 2 Review

Andy Borregales (K – NE) vs. Pittsburgh: 11% Roster Percentage on Yahoo

• ECR Rank: K20
• My Rank: K5
• Week 2 Finish: T K12

I was hoping for a little bit more than eight fantasy points from Andy, but he did beat his ECR rank by 8 spots and tied for 12th heading into Monday Night Football. A missed 45-yard try kept him from double digit points and a top-10 finish, but I can hang my hat on the fact that the K score did come through in projecting the volume.

Chase McLaughlin (K – TB) vs. Cleveland: 12% Roster Percentage on Yahoo

• ECR Rank: K16
• My Rank: K7
• Week 2 Finish: T 2

McLaughlin was a stud for fantasy owners on Sunday with 16 fantasy points in a shocking home loss to the Browns. Mayfield and the offense’s struggles continue to benefit the veteran kicker, who is now second on the season in points scored behind McPherson. I think the Bucs will continue to struggle offensively this week agianst the Vikings and McLaughlin should be rostered and started in most leagues.

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