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Fantasy Football Insights: NFL Week 3 Scores, Projections, and Must-Start Players!

2024-09-19

Welcome to our comprehensive Fantasy Football guide for Week 3!

This week’s slate of games is packed with exciting matchups, crucial player insights, and projections to help you dominate your fantasy leagues.

As we gear up for the Thursday night kickoff between the New England Patriots and New York Jets, let’s dive into the projected scores, key players to lock into your lineup, and the win probabilities based on the latest stats!

New England Patriots @ New York Jets

- **Projected Score:** Jets 24, Patriots 18

- **Key Players:** Breece Hall, Rhamondre Stevenson, Garrett Wilson

Breece Hall remains a must-start after his impressive performances, while Braelon Allen, despite scoring twice last week, is a bench option unless Hall gets injured.

New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns

- **Projected Score:** Browns 24, Giants 15

- **Key Players:** Malik Nabers, Amari Cooper

Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman are causing confusion for fantasy managers; both are worth considering as flex options given their split in carries.

Green Bay Packers @ Tennessee Titans

- **Projected Score:** Packers 20, Titans 20

- **Key Players:** Josh Jacobs, Calvin Ridley

The Packers' offense may struggle, especially if they continue their run-heavy approach. Josh Jacobs remains a player to watch closely this week.

Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts

- **Projected Score:** Colts 22, Bears 19

- **Key Players:** Jonathan Taylor, DJ Moore, Michael Pittman Jr.

Anthony Richardson's inconsistency makes him a risky play against a tough Bears defense.

Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings

- **Projected Score:** Texans 24, Vikings 21

- **Key Players:** C.J. Stroud, Justin Jefferson, Joe Mixon

Tank Dell is a compelling flex option; he's getting opportunities both in the air and on the ground, monitoring his usage this week is essential.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints

- **Projected Score:** Saints 28, Eagles 23

- **Key Players:** Jalen Hurts, Alvin Kamara

With A.J. Brown possibly sidelined, DeVonta Smith's target share is going to be vital for team success.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

- **Projected Score:** Steelers 19, Chargers 19

- **Key Players:** J.K. Dobbins

Dobbins has been efficient but will need to see more volume for sustained fantasy success against a tough matchup.

Denver Broncos @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

- **Projected Score:** Buccaneers 24, Broncos 19

- **Key Players:** Rachaad White, Chris Godwin

The Broncos’ running game has struggled; however, Javonte Williams could be a great flex play if he rebounds against the Buccaneers' vulnerable run defense.

Carolina Panthers @ Las Vegas Raiders

- **Projected Score:** Raiders 21, Panthers 16

- **Key Players:** Davante Adams, Brock Bowers

With the change at quarterback for the Panthers, follow how Andy Dalton's presence affects their star receiver Diontae Johnson this week.

Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks

- **Projected Score:** Seahawks 22, Dolphins 18

- **Key Players:** Tyreek Hill, Kenneth Walker III

The Dolphins' passing game could struggle significantly with Skylar Thompson at QB, which is concerning for fantasy managers banking on Hill and Waddle.

Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys

- **Projected Score:** Cowboys 23, Ravens 22

- **Key Players:** Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry

Dak Prescott may need to step up against a formidable Ravens defense.

San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams

- **Projected Score:** 49ers 28, Rams 20

- **Key Players:** Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk

With key players out for the Rams, keep an eye on potential sleeper options like Demarcus Robinson.

Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals

- **Projected Score:** Lions 26, Cardinals 25

- **Key Players:** Kyler Murray, Amon-Ra St. Brown

Fantasy managers should look out for the performance of Jameson Williams, who might have a significant impact this game.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Atlanta Falcons

- **Projected Score:** Chiefs 26, Falcons 24

- **Key Players:** Patrick Mahomes, Bijan Robinson

Watch the Chiefs' backfield closely as injuries continue to affect their running game.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills

- **Projected Score:** Bills 26, Jaguars 20

- **Key Players:** Josh Allen, James Cook

Monitor Dalton Kincaid’s performances as he shows promise for increased production.

Washington Commanders @ Cincinnati Bengals

- **Projected Score:** Bengals 27, Commanders 21

- **Key Players:** Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Terry McLaurin

Rise and shine for potential sleeper tight end Mike Gesicki, who despite his low snap count, leads the team in targets.

Final Thoughts:

Make sure to adjust your lineups based on the injury reports and matchups as the week progresses. Your decision-making could be the key to victory in your fantasy leagues! Let the games begin, and may your fantasy roster shine!