Week 3 was a wild one, as there are many more busts than breakouts, but we got a few new ones this week, as a few, especially at the receiver position, are in a downward trend that is somewhat concerning for the rest of the season.
We have had a somewhat sufficient sample size to say certain things, but there is still time to turn it around; however, they will have to do so in a hurry. It is still early in the season.
But what I am confident in is that Rome Odunze‘s breakout is here, but players like Drake London, Ladd McConkey, and both Jacksonville Jaguars receivers Brian Thomas Jr./Travis Hunter will need to have better Week 4s in order to be confident in starting them.
As Week 3 wraps up, fantasy managers are either celebrating unexpected heroes or lamenting underwhelming performances. Let’s break down the biggest surprises and disappointments from this week’s action.
Surprises of Week 3
- Tre Tucker, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Fantasy Points: 40.9 (PPR)
Why It’s Surprising: The first 40-point fantasy day goes to Tre Tucker, who dominated in garbage time, sort of, catching 8 out of 9 targets for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns. It was mostly the efficiency that allowed him to dominate this week, as he will be a hot waiver wire priority.
Fantasy Impact: This, along with Geno Smith‘s fantasy day, is likely not sustainable for fantasy, as I wouldn’t start either (unless it’s a deeper league). He is still a must-stash on benches, as Tucker had a decent outing in Week 1.
- Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Fantasy Points: 24.9 (PPR)
Why It’s Surprising: While Omarion Hampton finally had his breakout game, it came at a cost with Najee Harris’ injury. The usage as a three-down back is encouraging, as this is what Hampton managers envisioned Greg Roman would do with this type of runner.
Fantasy Impact: The first-round rookie is a solid RB 2 or low-end RB 1 as a starting option moving forward, as the Los Angeles Chargers may still acquire a backup via trade or free agency to spell Hampton.
Bonus Surprises for Week 3
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears; Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings; Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns; Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots; Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys
The Hunter Henry spike week is a yearly thing, so I am not sure if that will be consistent week to week. But with the CeeDee Lamb injury, Jake Ferguson is already a top tight end to start. The Judkins takeover is here, as Quinshon already has the most rushing yards out of all the rookie running backs.
The Jordan Mason RB1 usage was expected based on what he did in San Francisco last year with the 49ers. The Bears could finally be playable in good matchups, as Caleb Williams showed his upside. The good news is his schedule moving forward is relatively easy, as he should be a QB 1 or 2 moving forward.
Disappointments of the Week
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Fantasy Points: 6.3 (PPR)
Why It’s Disappointing: The first rounder hasn’t been the fantasy player you drafted, either in the first or second round pick. Whether it’s due to the offensive line, Ashton Jeanty‘s pass blocking, or the game script, Jeanty just won’t be a top player at the position for fantasy unless he somehow scores multiple touchdowns.
Fantasy Impact: At this point, Jeanty managers kinda can’t sell since everyone knows about his problems in the offense for Vegas. While he can be a buy low, I wouldn’t give up too much for him either, as the Vegas RB might be good down the line, but not right now. Jeanty is barely startable as a flex moving forward.
- Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
Fantasy Points: 7.4 (PPR)
Why It’s Disappointing: At this rate, there is just no excuse for Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. to be on the same page. The same offensive coordinator as last year, and continuity didn’t help either of their causes, whether it’s Harrison’s drops or Murray’s inaccuracy, both are to blame, along with the play calling.
Fantasy Impact: He had a decent Week 1, but besides that, Harrison is a boom-bust receiver three, just like 2024. The same issues plague this offense, as the Arizona Cardinals just lost James Conner for the year. While Trey McBride hasn’t boomed yet this year, he and Murray at least have a consistent floor of double-digit fantasy points and enough target volume that Harrison just seems not to get in this offense.
The former first-rounder is just a hold, as you can’t really sell him for lower than what he’s done, and he’s only a buy low if you plan on not starting him till he shows some week-to-week consistency.
The Bonus Busts List is Big this Week
The Entire Bengals Offense- Other than Ja’Marr Chase; Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots; Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Man, the Bengals will have to trade for a new quarterback like Jameis Winston or Russell Wilson in a hurry if they want to keep this passing game afloat. Jake Browning is not it, showing why the Minnesota Vikings did, in fact, cut him multiple times, as Ja’Marr Chase is the only startable name for the time being.
Chase Brown and Tee Higgins are barely flex options if you have better alternatives, as it might be all bad for Cincinnati. Both running backs, Rhamondre Stevenson and Alvin Kamara, failed to hit double-digit PPR points this week, but for different reasons.
Stevenson’s fumbling issues crept back up in a big way against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Kamara, it was game script, but somewhat on Spencer Rattler, as the checkdowns were not there against a good Seattle Seahawks defense.
I am not worried about the Saints back, but in New England, they could flip the script to TreVeyon Henderson, despite Antonio Gibson also fumbling. Stevenson is a sit or barely a flex starter otherwise till that change happens officially, but even if not, there’s not much confidence that he won’t fumble again.
