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Money Makers & Heart Breakers (Fantasy Football 2021 – Week 3)

Michael Reedy
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Money Makers & Heart Breakers (Fantasy Football 2021 – Week 3)

I am struggling very hard to find something to write here for a good introduction for this week. Sometimes that happens, I get a little writers block and I just can’t think of anything witty or funny to put in here.  That’s when it hits me, I should probably just tell you that.  You probably don’t even want some long, tedious introduction anyways so this week I am making it easy.

If you are new here…

How does this work? Typically, I am not going to tell you to play anyone that is blatantly obvious. I may have to add a place where there are guys you should be playing whether I have them in here or not. If you have Patrick Mahomes, play him (unless I have him as a Heart Breaker). Christian McCaffrey, play him. For the record, CMC has an amazing match up in Week 3 and is easily a Money Maker if you want to pay up for him. There will be many times I will have a big name as a Heart Breaker for DFS.  It doesn’t mean they suck, it means that week there is better value elsewhere.

Here is a brief definition of each of my terms for anyone that might be new:

💰 Money Maker – This player will perform better than expectations

💔 Heart Breaker – This player will perform lower than expectations

💰 Money Makers

Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones

Jones has been surprisingly good for fantasy purposes the first two games of this season. Passing and rushing for a touchdown in each of the first two games. In Week 3, he gets to play against the Atlanta Falcons, who have been the worst team in the league against the quarterback position in fantasy so far this season. Granted it was Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts, but the Falcons have been burned both through the air and on the ground by quarterbacks, expect more of that this week.

$5,800 on DraftKings
$7,400 on Fanduel

NOTE: Konami Code in full effect against the Falcons.

Jared Goff

Goff has not been a bad fantasy producer this season at QB. He faces the Ravens who are a bottom 5 defense against the QB position in fantasy. Derek Carr lit them up for 435 yards and 2 touchdowns in the season opener. Look for Goff to pass the ball a lot and to give you some fantasy goodness in the process. He has 5 touchdowns and 584 yards in total the first two games of this season. He will throw and throw and throw some more.

$5,200 on DraftKings
$7,100 on Fanduel

Matthew Stafford

Do you need me to tell you to play Stafford? Probably not. But you might need me to tell you to pay up for him in DFS. The Buccaneers have given up a total of 703 yards in 5 TDs over the first two weeks of play. Stafford has thrown for multiple TDs and over 278 yards in each of the first two games. Yes, fantasy goodness prevails!

$6,400 on DraftKings
$7,600 on Fanduel

Other Quarterbacks for Week 3

Russell Wilson

$7,600 on DraftKings
$8,400 on Fanduel

Justin Herbert

$6,500 on DraftKings
$7,500 on Fanduel

Carson Wentz

$5,700 on DraftKings
$7,000 on Fanduel

Running Backs

Dalvin Cook

The Seahawks have been the worst team against running backs so far this season. They give up an average 137 yards on the ground and another 94 through the air to running backs so far. Cook will do damage on the ground and in the air.  I wouldn’t expect the Derrick Henry numbers of last week but Cook is a must-play in all formats, I am paying up in DFS.

$8,400 on DraftKings
$9,500 on Fanduel

Ty’Son Williams

The Detroit Lions have been pretty horrible to running backs in 2021. Luminaries like Eli Mitchell had 109 yards and a touchdown against them in Week 1. Aaron Jones went nuts on them in Week 2, scoring a total of 4 touchdowns. Williams has scored double-digit fantasy points in each of the first two weeks of the season. Play him.

$5,800 on DraftKings
$6,400 on Fanduel

Austin Ekeler

You know who is bad against the run? The Kansas City Chiefs are. They have given up an average of 130 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground and another 4 receptions for 30 yards through the air to running backs. Ekeler can produce both in both aspects of the game. This should be a great spot for Ekeler, I will pay up here too.

$7,200 on DraftKings
$7,000 on Fanduel

Other Running Backs for Week 3

Kenyon Drake

$5,500 on DraftKings
$5,700 on Fanduel

Chase Edmonds

$5,700 on DraftKings
$6,600 on Fanduel

Cordarrelle Patterson

$4,600 on DraftKings
$5,900 on Fanduel

Wide Receivers

Michael Pittman Jr.

You know who is the worst team in the league at defending wide receivers? The Tennessee Titans. The titans have already given up 6 touchdowns to the position this year. Pittman had a whopping 39% target share in Week 2 which produced 8 receptions for 123 yards.

$5,500 on DraftKings
$5,600 on Fanduel

Tyler Lockett

You thought he was having a great year already. Well, he will be quite chalky but that is because he is playing the second-worst defense against wide receivers. The Vikings give up an average of 236 yards and 2.5 touchdowns to the position this season. D.K. Metcalf and Lockett will both be producing again in Week 3. Lockett and Metcalf each saw 11 targets, they have a combined 71 percent target share for Seattle in Week 2. Stacks galore for Seattle this week.

$7,400 on DraftKings
$8,000 on Fanduel

Cole Beasley

Sterling Shepard toasted the WFT last week for 9 receptions and 94 yards. In Week 1, Keenan Allen roasted the WFT for 9 catches and 100 yards. Both of these guys play the slot receiver for their respective teams, Cole Beasley plays the slot for the Bills. Are you picking up what I am putting down? Say 9 receptions and over 90 yards for Beasley. I love it.

$4,800 on DraftKings
$5,400 on Fanduel

Other Wide Receivers for Week 3

Cooper Kupp

$6,800 on DraftKings
$7,900 on Fanduel

Sterling Shepard

$5,900 on DraftKings
$6,400 on Fanduel

Quintez Cephus

$3,900 on DraftKings
$5,300 on Fanduel

Corey Davis

$5,000 on DraftKings
$5,900 on Fanduel

Tight Ends

T.J. Hockenson

I know you don’t need me to tell you to play him. But you made need me to tell you that the Ravens have given up an average of 15 targets, 10 receptions, 122 yards, and a touchdown to the tight end position this season. Also, Hockenson averages 10 targets, 8 receptions 65 yards, and a touchdown a game. It continues in Week 3.

$5,200 on DraftKings
$6,300 on Fanduel

Kyle Pitts

Pitts had 5 receptions for 73 yards in Week 2. The Giants are the 4th worst defense against tight ends this season, averaging 8 receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown this season to the position. Luminaries such as Ricky Seals-Jones and Albert Okwuegbunam have scored TDs against the Giants this season from the TE position. This is the week Pitts really breaks out.

$4,900 on DraftKings
$6,200 on Fanduel

Maxx Williams

The Jaguars are a bottom 10 defense against tight ends. In Week 2, Maxx had a 19% target share for 7 receptions and 94 yards. I know the Cardinals spread it around but if you need a shot, this guy will give you a shot for a cheap play. Allowing you to pay up at other positions.

$3,200 on DraftKings
$4,700 on Fanduel

Other Tight Ends for Week 3

Noah Fant

$4,800 on DraftKings
$6,100 on Fanduel

Darren Waller

$7,400 on DraftKings
$7,400 on Fanduel

Mark Andrews

$5,000 on DraftKings
$6,000 on Fanduel

💔 Heart Breakers

Quarterbacks

Taylor Heinicke

Heinicke looked really good last week against the Giants but that wasn’t the Bills. The Bills defense is very stingy to the QB position so far this season. Quarterbacks average only 185 yards per game against them thus far. Sit him in all formats unless you need him

Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes is essentially a god and you are not sitting him in season long. But do not pay up for him in DFS. Last week, I had Dak Prescott as a heart breaker and I took some crap for it. Dak played against the Chargers last week. Now Mahomes plays against those same Chargers. He will probably produce but don’t be if he isn’t going for over 300 and 3 TDs this week, the Chargers defense is great against quarterbacks.

Teddy Bridgewater

Believe it or not the Jets have been pretty good against quarterbacks the first two weeks of the season. Teddy has been good for 2 TDs a game so far the Jets have only given up a single passing TD in the first two games. Sit him across the board.

Running Backs

Antonio Gibson

Gibson has been somewhat pedestrian the first two weeks of the season, and Week 3 he gets his toughest test facing a Bills defense giving up an average of 54 yards on the ground per week to running backs. Do not play in DFS!

Joe Mixon

In Week 2, Mixon played a defense that is tough against running backs in the Bear and he was just ok producing a total of 71 yards. In Week 3, Mixon gets to go up against a Steelers defense that is giving up an average of 54 yards on the ground to running backs per game. It doesn’t get easier. Play him in season-long do not in DFS.

Miles Sanders

The Dallas Cowboys allow a lot of yards through the air. The Dallas Cowboys allow the 9th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Sanders plays the Cowboys this week. I am sitting him where I have better options. He is a no-go in DFS.

Wide Receivers

CeeDee Lamb

The Eagles give up the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers after two weeks this season. The Cowboys play the Eagles in Week 2. Amari Cooper is doubtful for Week 3. The eagles will be able to key on Lamb. I am out on him in DFS Week 3

Tyreek Hill

The Ravens held this guy to 29 total yards in Week 2. The Chargers are also exceptionally good against wide receivers. Rough sledding for Hill again in Week 3. I am not paying up in DFS here, in season-long you better be playing him.

Brandin Cooks

I love Cooks. I have him rostered on many season-long teams and I have played him in DFS. He is just about a lock for 1000 yards this season. This week he plays against a Carolina defense that is the 6th best at covering his position. I’ll play him in season-long only.

Tight Ends

Jack Doyle

The Titans are the top defense against tight ends in the league. The Colts play the Titans in Week 3. Doyle played well in Week 2 but I expect the passes to go to the wide receivers. Doyle is a no-go.

Mike Gesicki

The Raiders give up the 6th fewest points to tight ends. Gesicki only has 3 receptions on 9 targets after the first 2 games. I am sitting him.

Thanks for checking out our Money Makers and Heart Breakers column. For more great content from The Undroppables, follow us on Twitter, follow @MikeReedyFF for more great content, and visit back soon for Mike’s weekly Untangling the Wire. Also, make sure to check out the top stream plays this week with The Stream Option.

The Undroppables Playbook | Episode 3

The Undroppables
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The Undroppables Playbook | Episode 3

Hosts Ashley and Michael sit down with NFL Network’s Steve Wyche.

College Football 2021 Round-Up | Week Three

Kyle Larson
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College Football 2021 Round-Up | Week Three

We’ve already seen a good handful of awesome games this season, and this week was no different. The conference schedules are beginning and we’re starting to see teams who know each other pretty well face off. With that, the games are getting closer and even more fun to watch. So, what happened this week?

No. 1 Alabama (2-0) @ No. 11 Florida (2-0)

Result: Alabama: 31 – Florida: 29

The Tide jumped out to a huge lead in this one, as they were up 21-3 after a first-quarter that saw QB Bryce Young throw three touchdowns. However, Florida didn’t wilt under the deficit, and they fought hard for the comeback as the run-game led the way. The Gators averaged 5.7 yards per carry against a tough Bama defense, including a standout performance from senior RB Malik Davis, who rushed 10 times for 86 yards and a score. Meanwhile, the Gators passing game left something to be desired, as QB Emory Jones completed 18 of 28 attempts while gaining 195 yards and throwing an interception. On the receiving end, TE Keon Zipperer had failed to meet expectations so far this season, but he led the team in yards this week, catching 4 balls for 51 yards.

On the offensive side for the Crimson Tide, Young continued to spread the ball around, with WRs John Metchie III and Jameson Williams leading the way. Metchie caught 6 passes for 49 yards while Williams contributed 4 catches for 61 yards. In the backfield, talented sophomore Jase McClellan continues to be outplayed by the older Brian Robinson Jr in the rushing attack, but McClellan has been able to seize a lot of the passing down work. Robinson rushed 15 times for 78 yards and a score while catching one 7 yard pass that resulted in a TD while McClellan rushed 9 times for just 17 yards but caught 4 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, the mettle of this Florida squad was impressive as they fought back into the game. The Georgia-Florida matchup later this season is looking like it could be quite the game, especially if Florida can figure out their QB situation as Anthony Richardson returns from injury this week to continue challenging Emory Jones.

Nebraska (2-1) @ No. 3 Oklahoma (2-0)

Result: Nebraska: 16 – Oklahoma: 23

Oklahoma seems to be sputtering out of the gate this season, but their struggles haven’t kept them out of the win column yet. However, barely escaping with wins against Tulane (W 40-35) and now Nebraska isn’t a good sign for the Sooners against tougher competition.

Back to this game specifically, Oklahoma saw star QB Spencer Rattler complete 24/34 pass attempts for 214 yards and a score while adding 35 yards and another TD on the ground. In the backfield, Tennessee transfer RB Eric Gray has finally found his footing on this team, as he ran 15 times for 84 yards while incumbent RB Kennedy Brooks ran 14 times for 75 yards and a score. Lastly, it was sophomore WR Jadon Haselwood who led the way in the receiving game, hauling in 6 passes for 61 yards.

On the opposing side, the Cornhuskers surprised a lot of people with their second-half heroics. Although they were unable to pull all the way back, very few pundits actually thought Big Red had a chance. QB Adrian Martinez put up one of the best performances of his career, as he completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards, a score, and this INT.

Although he played well passing the ball, Martinez struggled where he usually does well: in the rushing attack. Despite racking up 17 rushing attempts, Martinez was able to gain only 34 yards and 1 TD. Meanwhile, it was freshman WR Zavier Betts who led the Huskers in receiving yards, as he hauled in 3 balls for 61 yards, including a massive 55-yard reception. Conversely, Nebraska’s leading receiver, Montana transfer Samori Toure struggled in this game, catching just 3 passes for 27 yards.

Unfortunately for Nebraska, freshman RB Gabe Ervin went down with an injury in this game and, after surgery, is now slated to miss the rest of the season. Despite being a freshman, Ervin had been on the field quite a bit and was proving to be a solid weapon.

Georgia Tech (1-1) @ No. 6 Clemson (1-1)

Result: Georgia Tech: 8 – Clemson: 14

After Clemson lost their first game of the season to a strong Georgia team, many believed their offensive struggles had more to do with Georgia’s defense than Clemson’s offense. However, that stance lost some merit as the Tigers once again struggled to move the ball down the field.

QB D.J. Uiagalelei, who came into the season with high expectations, completed 18 of his 25 attempts, but gained just 126 yards through the air and lost a fumble. His main receiving threat, Justyn Ross, caught 7 passes but was only able to gain an average of 8.7 yards per reception, resulting in 61 yards total. However, some good did come out of the Tigers’ struggles in this game. Freshman RB Will Shipley has taken over the Clemson backfield and looks to be the next iteration of Travis Etienne. Shipley finished with 21 carries for 88 yards and 2 receptions for 6 yards, while accounting for both of the Tigers’ touchdowns. Meanwhile, no other Clemson RB surpassed 7 carries.

Meanwhile, Georgia Tech was able to move the ball down the field a couple of times, but Clemson’s defense stopped them time and time again. Redshirt-Freshman QB Jordan Yates completed 20 of his 34 attempts for 203 yards and an INT while standout RB Jahmyr Gibbs was only able to muster 30 yards on 11 attempts. For the Yellow Jackets, the season will continue to be a tough one. Georgia Tech takes on an ACC Coastal Division with plenty of talented opponents.

For Clemson, the defense will have to continue to play great for the Tigers to have a real shot at a championship later this year, and if the offense improves it would help their efforts a lot.

No. 20 Auburn (2-0) @ No. 10 Penn St (2-0)

Result: Auburn: 20 – Penn St: 28

Although Penn St boasts an impressive collection of offensive weapons, many were concerned that QB Sean Clifford was holding the offense back with his inaccuracies. This was especially apparent in week 1 against Wisconsin, where Clifford completed just 18 of 33 attempts. However, Clifford and the Nittany Lions showed up through the air this week. Clifford completed 28 of 32 passes for 208 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Senior WR Jahan Dotson was a big reason for Clifford’s success, as the two connected 10 times and gained 78 yards and a score with their connection. Meanwhile sophomore WRs Brenton Strange and Parker Washington went for 4/71/1 and 8/49/0, respectively. Alongside those performances, the rushing game didn’t show up in the same way that the passing game did, as Junior RB Noah Cain was only able to gain 45 yards on 19 carries.

For Auburn, it was almost the opposite as the passing game never showed up in this game. However, standout runner Tank Bigsby kept the Tigers in the game, rushing for 102 yards and 2 TDs on 23 attempts while freshman RB Jarquez Hunter filled in admirably whenever Bigsby needed a break, gaining 63 yards on just 9 attempts. However, underwhelming QB Bo Nix went 21/37 for just 185 yards.

Fresno St (2-1) @ No. 13 UCLA (2-0)

Result: Fresno St: 40 – UCLA: 37

Despite neither of these squads being very highly-touted before the season, both teams have done well thus far. UCLA took down LSU and Fresno challenged a very strong Oregon team earlier this year. In fact, Fresno St QB Jake Haener is amongst the very top of the passing yards leaderboard this season, as he’s averaging 366 yards per game including this week. Alongside Haener, 5th-year Senior RB Ronnie Rivers also played very well, rushing 21 times for 136 yards and 2 TDs and standout Junior WR Jalen Cropper also played a great game, racking up 14 receptions for 141 yards and a score. Outside of the Bulldogs’ stars, Redshirt-Sophomore WR Josh Kelly caught 8 passes for 120 yards.

The Bruins showcased a strong rushing attack so far this season with Brittain Brown and Zach Charbonnet, but the Bulldogs shut them down, as the two combined for 42 yards on 15 attempts. However, QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson kept the Bruins in the game, rushing for 67 yards while passing for 278 yards and 3 TDs with Kyle Phillips and Kam Brown being the main beneficiaries. Phillips caught 7 passes for 113 yards and 2 TDs while Brown caught 5 passes for 111 yards and a score.

Both teams should continue their good seasons moving forward, as both are led by elite quarterbacks and boast strong offensive attacks.

No. 19 Arizona St (2-0) @ No. 23 BYU (2-0)

Result: Arizona St: 17 – BYU: 27

The Cougars faced a big challenge coming into 2021 in replacing superstar QB Zach Wilson. While Jaren Hall has taken that mantle with poise, the entire team has stepped up so far this season. The defense is playing lights out, holding opposing offenses to just 16.7 points per game despite playing three power 5 opponents thus far (two of which were ranked). In addition, Hall has been managing games extremely well and consistently making plays to extend drives. Hall has accounted for 727 yards of offense so far this season.

Impressively, the Cougars were able to defeat the Sun Devils without a good performance from their QB, as Hall completed just 15 of 27 passes for 214 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. The running game didn’t do them any favors either, as standout RB Tyler Allgeier accounted for just 69 rushing yards on 21 attempts and the entire team mustered just 3.7 rush yards per attempt. However, when the Cougars needed it most it was the Romney brothers who stepped up. WR Gunner Romney put together a strong performance, with 6 catches for 95 yards and a score, while backup QB Baylor Romney was forced into action with just 2:01 left on the clock and threw a touchdown to TE Isaac Rex to ice the game.

For the Sun Devils, this game has to be a massive disappointment as they gained yards but ended three drives by turnovers. Standout QB Jayden Daniels went 21/29 for 265 yards through the air, but failed to find the endzone and threw two interceptions. Meanwhile, State’s elite rushing attack also got it done despite being without RB Deamonte Trayanum. Redshirt-Freshman RB Daniyel Ngata posted 8 carries for 82 yards and a score, and Rachaad White chimed in with 71 yards and a score on 15 attempts, alongside his 9 receptions for 65 yards.

Mississippi St (2-0) @ Memphis (2-0)

Result: Mississippi St: 29 – Memphis: 31

Two of the most exhilarating offenses in the NCAA met this weekend, with Mike Leach’s air-raid attack taking on Ryan Silverfield’s spread offense. Leach and the Bulldogs’ offense definitely didn’t disappoint, as QB Will Rogers attempted a ludicrous 67 pass attempts, and completed 50(!!) of them, gaining 419 yards and tossing three TDs. With this insane volume, Mississippi State had SIX players with more than 5 catches, including WR Makai Polk, who caught 11 balls for 136 yards and a TD, WR Malik Heath, who caught 9 passes for 88 yards and a TD, and WR Jaden Walley, who contributed 5 catches for 58 yards and a TD.

On the other sideline, the Tigers did well on offense, but the performance wasn’t up to par for them considering how great their offense had performed in their prior two games. Freshman QB Seth Henigan went just 16/28 for 159 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception; while star RB Brandon Thomas saw 16 rushes for 83 yards. However, senior WR Calvin Austin III played yet another amazing game. Austin caught 9 passes for 105 yards and 2 TDs and added this ridiculous punt return TD (which may have been illegal).

It’s a tough loss for a Miss St team that’s staring down the gauntlet of the SEC West in their upcoming schedule, facing 5 ranked opponents before the season is over and LSU, Texas A&M, and Alabama in their next three games. For Memphis, this is a statement win and one that proves they can play with the big boys. The Tigers have a legitimate chance to be among the top 5 teams in college football this year, but they’ll have to keep playing well. The American conference will offer some tough competition later in the year with the likes of UCF, Houston, and Tulane.

Top Individual Performances

Passing

Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong @ UNC (L 39-59): 39-54, 554 yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT

Armstrong might deserve a permanent spot on this list, as the junior has been turning in great performances all season. Virginia is also second in the NCAA in pass yards per game. This was an important test for Armstrong against a good North Carolina defense. Looking forward, Armstrong has a couple of favorable matchups against Wake Forest and Miami. If Armstrong can keep up his statistical rampage through Week 11, he’ll likely be garnering significant NFL attention.

Tulsa QB Davis Brin @ Ohio St (L 20-41): 31-54, 428 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

With a considerable talent gap between the teams, Brin’s performance to keep Tulsa in this matchup was impressive. He showed a lot of poise, but this may be a one-off performance for Brin. It will be interesting to see if Brin can continue to play well throughout the rest of the season.

USC QB Jaxson Dart @ Washington St (W 45-14): 30-46, 391 yds, 4 TDs, 2 INTs

After starter Kedon Slovis went down with an injury, the true freshman Dart stepped in and didn’t look back. He made play after play, including some impressive deep balls to Drake London. You can read more about Dart and all the other freshman performances in our new series, The Frosh Report.

Rushing

Michigan St RB Kenneth Walker III @ Miami (W 38-17): 27 carries, 172 yards

Walker has been one of the biggest surprises of the college football season thus far. After three games, Walker leads the FBS in rushing yards with 493. The man in second, Memphis RB Brandon Thomas, has just 421. With these incredible performances, the junior RB is quickly moving up draftboards. However, the concern for Walker is his lack of receiving ability, as he has just 9 receptions across his three-year career.

Ohio St RB TreVeyon Henderson vs Tulsa (W 41-20): 24 carries, 277 yards, 3 TDs

The highest-ranked RB recruit in the 2021 freshman class, Henderson has been an absolute blast to watch for the Buckeyes. He’s already relegated two very good teammates, Miyan Williams and Master Teague, to depth roles and he’s already in the very elite tier in devy, with only Bijan Robinson coming close at the RB position. Just like Dart, you can read more about Henderson in The Frosh Report.

Oklahoma St RB Jaylen Warren @ Boise St (W 21-20): 32 carries, 218 yards, 2 TDs

Cowboys QB Spencer Sanders attempted just 13 passes in this matchup, as the running game took over as the star of the show. Warren’s performance came as a surprise, as the transfer had yet to establish himself in the Cowboys backfield, rushing for 46 yards in his first two games. It will be interesting to see if Mike Gundy continues to give Warren the same amount of opportunities moving forward.

Receiving

North Carolina WR Josh Downs vs Virginia (W 59-39): 8 rec, 203 yards, 2 TDs

The electric sophomore has started strong, elevating himself into the top WR discussion for 2023. In fact, the young wideout leads all power-5 WRs in yards so far this season. His connection with Sam Howell will be vital for the QB as he tries to cement his draft stock over the course of the year.

Colorado St TE Trey McBride @ Toledo (W 22-6): 9 rec, 109 yards

Despite playing for one of the weaker teams in the FBS, McBride has turned in a litany of elite performances. Last season, McBride averaged 82.5 receiving yards per game and he’s on track to surpass that mark. This year, McBride is on a mission. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in three straight games and with 30 receptions. He’s one of my favorite TEs for the 2022 draft class.

Miami WR Charleston Rambo vs Mich St (L 17-38): 12 rec, 156 yards, 2 TDs

After beginning his career with Oklahoma, Rambo was never able to gain a role in the Sooners’ offense. However, he’s getting another chance for Miami and he looks to be one of D’Eriq King‘s favorite targets, having caught 24 passes over his first three games for the Canes.

The Stream Option (Fantasy Football 2021 – Week 3)

Derek Fuchs
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The Stream Option (Fantasy Football 2021 – Week 3)

In today’s fantasy world, streaming has become a very popular option for certain positions. However, it can still be frustration on navigating through the waiver wire. Let us help guide you through the Week 3 waivers and find you the best option at QB, TE, and DST for this week.

Quarterback

Daniel Jones vs. Atlanta Falcons

Yahoo Rostership: 20%
Opposition rank vs QB: 1st

Who would have thought I would give this advice – let alone my first article for The Undroppables – Daniel Jones is one of the best streaming options at QB this week.  He is the QB13 on the season and primarily did it with his legs with 15 attempts for 122 yards and 2 TDs.

With his floor established, his upside comes with his opponent this week as the Falcons visit Metlife stadium. The Falcons’ “defense” has already given up monster games to Jalen Hurts and Tom Brady. As a result, I look for Daniel Jones to have a career day against this last place unit.

Jared Goff vs. Baltimore Ravens

Yahoo Rostership: 15%
Opposition rank vs QB: 6th

Quantity over quality sometimes is the name of the game, and Jared Goff is our leader in that this year. Fantasy points do not matter which quarter of the game they come from so the more garbage points, the better. Jared is tied for first in the league with 93 pass attempts and with the way their defense plays, I expect that total to continue to be high.

The Baltimore Ravens have not done well defending against the pass this year.  With Derek Carr throwing for 435 yards and Patrick Mahomes going for 343, we’re seeing a very funneled defense as they have only 89 rushing yards between the two games. Look for the same script and a lot of check downs again to De’Andre Swift, T.J. Hockenson, and Jamaal Williams.

Tight Ends

Dan Arnold at Houston Texans

Yahoo Rostership: 4%
Opposition rank vs TE: 5th

I am particularly going deep on this one, but Dan Arnold had a great game against the New Orleans Saints. He finished with 4 targets, 3 receptions for 55 yards. This offense is still going to go through Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore for their offensive production but Matt Rhule is a solid game planner.

The Houston Texans were torched in Week 2 versus the Tight End By Committee (TEBC, coining this now for historical reasons) of all 3 TEs on the Browns roster. Collectively, they totaled 12 targets and 11 receptions for 107 yards.  We saw a similar stat line in Week 1 against the Jaguars as well – 9 targets, 7 receptions for 70 yards, and a score.

Maxx Williams at Jacksonville Jaguars

Yahoo Rostership: 0%
Opposition rank vs TE: 10th

Going from 1 target and no production in Week 1, Maxx Williams BLEW up in Week 2 for the Cardinals. He had 7 targets and caught all of them for 94 yards and that was with a fully stocked skill position for Kyler Murray.  The former second rounder may have finally carved out some role in this high-powered offense, look for him to continue the trend into Week 3.

The Jaguars have been playing pretty bad football under the fresh regime of Urban Meyer. Their defense has been uninspiring but that may be because their offense has been even worse. They have had trouble covering the tight ends as well, on top of every other position.

Defense/Special Teams

Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans

Yahoo Rostership: 23%
Opposition rank vs D/ST: 28th

This D/ST might not be a streamer after this week, the Football Outsiders have ranked them number 1 in DVOA for the 2021 season. They have 10 sacks, 3 ints and allowed 21 total points in 2 weeks of football. Their week 1 opponent wasn’t a great test – New York Jets – but in week 2 they stifled a red hot New Orleans Saints to just 7 points. I am not suggesting they will turn into a weekly starter but possibly be a top defense if this trend continues. To top it all off, they get David Mills in his first career start on a primetime Thursday night game.

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars

Yahoo Rostership: 51%
Opposition rank vs D/ST: 6th

There is a trend for some of the games I am targeting, as you may have noticed but for good reason. The Cardinals had a great Week 1 that a lot of managers may have wanted to capture lightning in a bottle again. In Week 2, they were burned badly. Look for this team to potentially hit the waivers from frustrated streamers and to have them rebound this week.

Looking back at Football Outsiders, they have the Cardinals as the 5th ranked DVOA and the Jaguars offense has been damn near unwatchable.  I would start them with confidence in Week 3.

UNtangling the Waiver Wire (Fantasy Football 2021 – Week 3)

Michael Reedy
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UNtangling the Waiver Wire (Fantasy Football 2021 – Week 3)

I thought that the Niners running back situation was a disaster after Week 1. Well, Week 2 taught me that Jon Snow and I know nothing. If injuries or a poor draft have you down, never fear because Untangling the Wire is here to help you sort through this week’s fantasy football waiver wire.

The fantasy football waiver wire is the place to find a lot of goodies that other people don’t want. I will stress that you may also want to watch who people are dropping sometimes when they make an add as well. I find lots of valuable players this way.

NOTE: If you are new around here this column refers to players rostered in under 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and Sleeper leagues.

Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones

I know even I can’t believe I am saying this. At the time of writing this article Danny Dimes is the number 5 scorer at the quarterback position in fantasy football. The Monday night game still needs to be played. Danny scored 21.38 points in Week 1 and 29.46 points in week 2. He trails Tom Brady in scoring by less than 8 points. Danny has rushed for a touchdown in each of the first two games and ran for 95 yards in Week 2. Atlanta is up in week 3, need I say more about his streaming potential?

19% rostered on Yahoo
10% rostered on ESPN
21% rostered on Sleeper
10% Free Agent Budget

NOTE: Konami code is in full effect for Jones the first two weeks of the season.

Derek Carr

I spell his first name incorrectly all the time, which is inexcusable. I have stated on podcasts that I like him more than most people, and I do. Carr has passed for 435 yards and 2 TDs in Week 1 and followed that up with 382 yards and 2 TDs and Week 2. I will be adding him. (P.S. – Go look at his fantasy playoff schedule, but don’t tell anyone yet)

26% rostered on Yahoo
16% rostered on ESPN
8% rostered on Sleeper
12% Free Agent Budget

Teddy Bridgewater

Steady Teddy is the epitome of efficiency and accuracy.  Seriously, this guy has helped the Broncos passing game in both real football and in fantasy. Multiple touchdowns in each of the first two games and weapons galore. I like Teddy as an add this week with the Jets up next.

17% rostered on Yahoo
15% rostered on ESPN
23% rostered on Sleeper
8% Free Agent Budget

Other quarterbacks to consider: Sam Darnold, Taylor Heinicke

Running Backs

Tony Pollard

Tony Pollard is just eating into Zeke Elliot’s production, and he looks SO good doing it. 109 yards in Week 2 and a TD rushing and 31 yards receiving. Pollard isn’t going away. A good addition to your team.

53% rostered on Yahoo
38% on ESPN
61% on Sleeper
12% Free Agent Budget

James White

White was written up here last week, yet is still out there in the majority of leagues. If you are playing in a PPR league you need to add White, if you are playing standard you really should add him. White has 6 receptions in each of the first two games. He rushed for a touchdown this past Sunday. The Patriots stalwart will easily surpass 80 receptions this season.

42% rostered on Yahoo
55% on ESPN
52% on Sleeper
20% Free Agent Budget

Cordarrelle Patterson

Patterson ranked as a top 4 scorer at running back and top 5 scorer at wide receiver in Week 2. In both Sleeper and Yahoo, he is WR only on CBS, and RB only on ESPN. So it appears no one really knows what position he plays. What we do know is that in Week 2 he both caught and ran for touchdowns. He is receiving touches and making the most out of them and that means we need to pay attention and add him where you can.

14% rostered on Yahoo
8% on ESPN
16% on Sleeper
12% Free Agent Budget

Other running backs to consider: JaMycal Hasty, Darrel Williams, J.D. McKissic

Wide Receivers

Rondale Moore

5 targets for 4 receptions yielding 68 yards last week. He followed this up with 8 targets for 7 receptions, 114 yards, and a TD in Week 2. He led the Cardinals in targets this week with 8 and that was a 22% target share. If you didn’t get him last week go get him off the wire.

33% rostered on Yahoo
19% on ESPN
50% on Sleeper
10% Free Agent Budget

K.J. Osborn

Tweeted about him as an add last week after my buddy @MasterJune70 pointed out that he is heavily included in the Vikings passing attack. Osborn is what people hoped Irv Smith would be. He had a 19% target share in Week 2 which netted him 6 targets for 5 receptions, 91 yards, and a TD. After having 7 receptions for 76 yards in Week 1.  Looks like add him and play him with Seattle up next.

2% rostered on Yahoo
1% on ESPN
9% on Sleeper
10% Free Agent Budget

Zach Pascal

Pascal was in the article last week as other receivers to consider. Seriously, consider him now. On the season, he has 3 touchdowns, he is the WR number 15 in scoring after 2 weeks.

15% rostered on Yahoo
14% on ESPN
35% on Sleeper
5% Free Agent Budget

NOTE: Sterling Shepard is still only rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues. If he is out there, he should be added ahead of these guys.

Other wide receivers to consider: Quez Watkins, Tim Patrick, Darnell Mooney

Tight Ends

Austin Hooper

Almost all the wide receivers for the Browns are injured. Baker Mayfield seems to like to throw to his tight ends. Hooper saw 5 targets for 5 receptions and 40 yards in Week 2.

48% rostered on Yahoo
49% on ESPN
35% on Sleeper
4% Free Agent Budget

Dawson Knox

He had 41 yards in week 1 and followed that up with 2 receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. I certainly don’t love him at all but right now he trails Kyle Pitts by 0.1 points in total scoring on the season. This is like the desperate person looking hard to hook up at the end of the night at a bar. If you just want someone, Knox is someone.

6% rostered on Yahoo
3% on ESPN
8% rostered on Sleeper
1% Free Agent Budget

Other tight ends to consider: Jared Cook, Harrison Bryant

Thanks for checking out our fantasy football waiver wire column. For more great content from the Undroppables, follow us on Twitter, follow @MikeReedyFF for more great content, and visit back soon for Mike’s weekly Money Makers and Heart Breakers.

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