Notes:
• The only major injury news is the season-ending injury to Trey Lance. The 49ers are fortunate they kept Jimmy Garoppolo around. The switch bumps Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle up my player rankings because Jimmy G is a better passer than Lance.
• Justin Herbert suffered a rib injury at the end of the Thursday night game. He gets some extra time to heal, but it could be a factor in the upcoming weeks.
• The Ravens lost, but Lamar Jackson showed why he’s going to be worth every penny whenever that contract is signed.
• Alvin Kamara and Michael Pittman each missed Week 2 with an injury. It’s likely both will be game-time decisions this week as well.
• James Conner left the game early and did not return. Darrel Williams and Eno Benjamin split the touches after he went down.
• Three running backs had more than 20 carries in Week 2: Leonard Fournette, Saquon Barkley and … James Robinson. He’s the Jaguars running back to start.
• Start your Packers running backs. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are going to get their share of work, and both are fantasy relevant.
• Don’t start the Rams’ running backs. That situation is confusing.
• He wasn’t necessarily efficient in his first game action, but Tyler Allgeier was tied with Cordarrelle Patterson in carries (10). Better days are ahead.
• Tom Brady and the Bucs could be in real trouble this week with Mike Evans suspended. Julio Jones and Chris Godwin are still on the mend from injuries.
• Jerry Jeudy hurt his shoulder and Courtland Sutton stepped up in his absence. Sutton moves up in my rankings.
• Darnell Mooney is this year’s Allen Robinson. Keep him out of your lineup for the time being.
• Dalton Schultz left the Cowboys’ win early with a knee injury. It would be a devastating blow to America’s Team if he’s forced to miss time.
• Tyler Conklin and Hayden Hurst are two tight ends I’m keeping an eye on in the next few weeks. Both have gotten a solid target share each game.
• Remember to check the weather heading into Sunday for your kicker selection.
Thursday Night Game: Steelers at Browns
Sunday Night Game: 49ers at Broncos
Monday Night Game: Cowboys at Giants
Top Pickups of the Week: Tua Tagovailoa, Jamaal Williams, Raheem Mostert, Brian Robinson, Jakobi Meyers, Curtis Samuel, Pat Freiermuth
Buy Low: Derek Carr, James Robinson, Jeff Wilson, Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, Rashod Bateman, Zach Ertz
Sell High: Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Javonte Williams, Alvin Kamara, Antonio Gibson, T.J. Hockenson
Send to the Waiver Wire: Matt Ryan, Kenyan Drake, George Pickens, Christian Watson, Skyy Moore, Cole Kmet
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins
Running Back: David Montgomery
Wide Receiver: Tee Higgins
Tight End: Dallas Goedert
Defense: Chargers
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Tom Brady
Running Back: Travis Etienne
Wide Receiver: Jahan Dotson
Tight End: Albert Okwuegbunam
Defense: Colts
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Marcus Mariota
Running back: Tony Pollard
Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins
Tight End: Evan Engram
Defense: Eagles
NFL Picks for Week 3
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 16-15-1)
Browns (vs. Steelers)
Bills (vs. Dolphins)
Bengals (vs. Jets)
Titans (vs. Raiders)
Saints (vs. Panthers)
Ravens (vs. Patriots)
Vikings (vs. Lions)
Eagles (vs. Commanders)
Chiefs (vs. Colts)
Bears (vs. Texans)
Chargers (vs. Jaguars)
Cardinals (vs. Rams)
Packers (vs. Buccaneers)
Seahawks (vs. Falcons)
49ers (vs. Broncos)
Giants (vs. Cowboys)
Five Picks Against the Spread (Season Record: 4-6)
Browns -5.5 vs. Jets
Ravens -3 vs. Patriots
Chiefs -6.5 vs. Colts
Packers +2.5 vs. Buccaneers
Cardinals +4 vs. Rams
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 6-4)
Steelers-Browns under 38.5
Eagles-Commanders under 50.5
Bills-Dolphins over 51.5
Falcons-Seahawks over 41.5
49ers-Broncos under 43.5
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson each throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns against their former team. (miss)
Week 2: Four different wideouts finish with over 100 receiving yards in the two Monday night games. (miss)
Week 3: Jalen Hurts has five total touchdowns against the Commanders.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox