De’Von Achane OUT FOR SEASON! Who Replaces Him? + Week 3 Recap (09/28 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks due to a dislocated thumb.

Bo Nix is not considered a must-roster player despite a big game against the Rams. While he had a rushing touchdown and some design runs, the Broncos' passing game lacks rhythm and consistency.

If Breece Hall were to miss time, Braylon Allen is a preferred waiver target over the Dolphins' running backs because the Jets' offensive line and scheme are superior, and the offense is more capable of scoring points.

Brian Thomas Jr. played less than 40% of snaps in his most recent game, appearing to be punished for drops in the previous week, making him difficult to trust for fantasy lineups.

The source identifies Brock Bowers as a potential league-winner and a top-tier tight end, noting he was used as a focal point mismatch receiver, split out as an X and in the slot. Despite a debate over whether Trey McBride is safer, the source argues Bowers' usage and the improved arm strength of his quarterback make him a top-three or four tight end rest-of-season if he stays healthy.

Brock Bowers is considered the TE2 for the rest of the season, with the Raiders' offensive design consistently creating favorable matchups for him.

Chase Brown maintains a strong 75% opportunity share and 62.5% route share, including 90% of two-minute drill snaps; the source expects touchdowns to come and views him as a high-value asset.

Chuba Hubbard is a true workhorse back with an 82% opportunity share, 70.6% route share, and heavy involvement in two-minute and third-down work, making him a reliable weekly fantasy play.

Davante Adams continues to prove he is one of the best values in fantasy drafts on a per-game basis, evidenced by his 7-catch, 137-yard performance on 13 targets against the Broncos.

David Montgomery had a down week but still played two-thirds of snaps and ran more routes than Woody Marks; the source advises against panicking despite the goal-line usage being annoying.

Devon Achane is out for the season due to a significant injury.

Drake London was moved around the formation in Week 3, playing at X, Z, and slot positions, and was the focal point of the passing game; the source is excited about his outlook as long as Michael Penix is the quarterback.

The source suggests Drake Maye is droppable in leagues with limited bench spots (4-5) because his rushing production has declined and the offense lacks explosive playmakers, leading to few touchdown opportunities. While he showed flashes of his previous form with a 38-yard completion to Demario Douglas, his decision-making remains poor, highlighted by inexplicable interceptions and a lack of confidence due to poor offensive line play and receivers failing to get open.

Drake Maye is struggling with poor decision-making and a 7.5% interception rate; the source considers him droppable due to the lack of talent and separation in the Patriots' receiving corps, despite upcoming favorable matchups.

The Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy for a fifth-round pick. He is viewed as a better scheme fit than Jameis Winston due to his mobility and ability to throw on the run, though he is not currently a fantasy priority.

J.J. McCarthy could potentially play this year if Jameis Winston continues to struggle, but the source believes the offense would remain a low-upside, ball-control scheme.

Jadarian Price was benched for fumbling, marking his second straight game with a fumble; the source notes this has caused his snap count to drop and puts his role in jeopardy as Zach Charbonnet nears a return.

Jalen Coker received good news regarding his quad injury and is considered day-to-day, with the source expecting at most a one-week absence.

Jameis Winston is struggling and does not look like the player seen against the Lions last year; the source notes he looks 'off' from an arm standpoint and the offense lacks upside, functioning as a ball-control unit.

Jalen Waddle's production is inconsistent due to the lack of rhythm in the Broncos' passing game. While he can see high target volume, he is prone to 'empty volume' games.

Jalen Wright missed week three with a foot injury and a stinger. In two games where Achane missed or left early last year, Wright saw 24 carries to Ollie Gordon's five, and 13 carries to Gordon's nine, though he struggled to record catches.

Jeremiah Love is a preferred dynasty asset over Ashton Gentry, following a breakout week three where he secured primary carries, catches, and goal-line work.

Josh Allen suffered a knee injury and is expected to miss time, with Case Keenum likely to start in his place.

Josh Downs recorded 172 air yards in Week 3, a career high, indicating he is being used in more diverse, explosive roles beyond just short-area routes.

Kirk Cousins is playing phenomenal football, demonstrating elite anticipation, timing, and accuracy while operating effectively within the Raiders' scheme, though he remains a wait-and-see for full trust in one-quarterback leagues.

Ladd McConkey's usage is concerning as his average route depth has increased and his slot usage has declined (28.6% in Week 3). The source notes he is more efficient out wide, but the Chargers' poor offensive line and Justin Herbert's lack of time make it difficult for McConkey to succeed as a vertical receiver. He currently has only one target of five or fewer air yards compared to 44 last season.

Malik Nabers is struggling with route participation, running only 77% of routes, which is below the 90% threshold desired for elite receivers. His recent production has been limited (six catches for 27 yards over two games), and the Giants' conservative, weather-impacted game plan combined with the quarterback situation makes it difficult to be enthused about his immediate outlook.

Matthew Stafford is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, ranking in the top three for processing and top five in arm talent, making the Rams' offense a locked-in unit for the rest of the season.

Michael Wilson had a breakout Week 3 with a 34% target share and 50% air yardage share, finishing as the WR4; he appears to have a strong connection with Jacoby Brissett.

Michael Wilson has seen a target share of 27% or better over the last two weeks and is becoming a viable late-round asset. He saw a significant increase in high-value targets in Week 3, including five red-zone, two green-zone, and four end-zone targets. The addition of screen passes to his usage provides a floor of cheap fantasy points.

Michael Wilson is a viable late-round fantasy asset who has consistently recorded seven or more targets in every game this season.

Mike Washington Jr. is showing more efficiency than Ashton Gentry in the Raiders' zone run scheme, appearing to see the field and process the play better despite limited touches.

Ollie Gordon is the preferred Dolphins running back option for the source due to his power-running profile and history as a workhorse back at Oklahoma State. While the offense may struggle to score, Gordon is viewed as the primary red-zone threat.

Rashee Rice showed flashes of speed and efficiency in the first half of his recent game, including a 34-yard catch, but appeared to labor and lose effectiveness in the second half. He remains the primary target for the Chiefs, recording seven catches for 88 yards on nine targets, though the source is monitoring whether he can sustain his performance level.

Rhamondre Stevenson leads the Patriots backfield in opportunity share (52.6%) and route share, but the source remains skeptical of the entire Patriots offense due to poor offensive line play and lack of receiving talent.

R.J. Harvey is playing the 'joker' role in Sean Payton's offense, which is highly valuable for PPR formats due to his potential for targets, explosive plays, and touchdowns.

Terrence Ferguson is an exciting player, but his usage is inconsistent. He is not a mandatory roster hold, and fantasy managers should wait to see if Puka Nacua returns before making decisions.

Trey Tucker is a volatile fantasy option, described as a 'box of chocolates,' but he is expected to be second on the team in targets and should not be dropped.

Trey McBride remains a high-volume tight end with 34 targets through three games, averaging eight or more catches per game. While the source debates his upside compared to Brock Bowers, McBride is firmly established as a top-two tight end based on his consistent target volume.

Brock Bowers is currently ranked higher than Trey McBride for the rest of the season.

Tyler Warren saw 10 targets and a 29% target share in Week 3, signaling a shift toward him being a key cog in the passing game rather than just a gadget player.

Zach Charbonnet is nearing a return from his ACL injury, and the source suggests he could potentially take over as a 'one-man show' in the backfield if Jadarian Price continues to struggle with fumbles.