Fantasy Football Week 3 Starts: Two Charger Running Backs?
Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles, Quarterback
After two horrendous weeks, Wentz is in a position to bounce back. His next matchup is against a Cincy defense that made Baker Mayfield look like a Pro Bowler. Last Thursday night against the Bengals, Mayfield connected with Odell Beckham Jr. for a 43-yard touchdown and almost had another long touchdown if it weren’t for a missed holding call. With a deep threat like DeSean Jackson, the big play opportunities for Wentz are there. Not to mention the two big red-zone targets in Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert that he has as well. Given the number of weapons and a favorable matchup, Carson Wentz could have a field day through the air.
Austin Ekeler/Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers, Running Backs
Yes, I know I put two running backs on the list, but that’s because I think they are both worth starting. Just last season the Chargers sustained two fantasy running backs in Austin Ekler and Melvin Gordon. Given how impressive Kelley has looked these past few weeks, it is safe to assume that he has surpassed Justin Jackson and solidified himself as the number two running back and goal-line back in this offense. This Sunday they face a Carolina defense that has given up the most scrimmage yards and touchdowns to running backs. In the Chargers’ last outing both Ekeler and Kelley saw 20+ touches and considering how effective they looked, this is a trend that should continue. Austin Ekeler is already a weekly starter and with a big performance from Kelley this week, he could establish himself as a weekly RB2/Flex moving forward.
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys, Wide Receiver
Perhaps the steal of the draft, rookie CeeDee Lamb has found a role in a high-powered Dallas offense. Lamb has seen the second-most targets in back to back weeks, clearly earning the trust of quarterback Dak Prescott. Seattle has been generous to receivers, especially in the slot. Their defense saw slot receivers Russell Gage post 9 receptions for 114 yards and Julian Edelman finished with 8 receptions for 179 yards. With the Seattle, Dallas matchup anticipating to be a shootout, CeeDee Lamb should see plenty of targets and put up some big numbers.
Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans, Tight End
Another week, another touchdown. Jonnu is no stranger to finding the end zone, posting three touchdowns in two weeks. With A.J. Brown still dealing with an injury, Jonnu should continue to see targets from quarterback Ryan Tannehill. This weekend, the Titans are facing a Minnesota defense that gave up 111 yards to Colts tight end, Mo Allie-Cox. They’ve surrendered 71 points in two weeks now and can’t seem to stop anyone. Jonnu Smith has emerged as Tannehill’s favorite red-zone weapon and should see another good game with plenty of scoring opportunities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, D/ST
With injuries to Drew Locke, Courtland Sutton, and Philip Lindsay, this feels like an obvious choice. This is a strong Bucs defense that has proven to be effective in stopping both the rushing and passing game. I expect this Bucs defense to take full advantage of a short-handed Denver Broncos team and limit their few remaining playmakers. Whether it’s Ryan Finely or newly acquired Blake Bortles under center, this is a must-start defense.
Writer
-By: Sunny Choudhury