Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? Just like that, Week 3 of the NFL season is upon us – which means another Sunday of wall-to-wall fantasy action. Here are my QB fantasy sits and starts for week 3.
LOVE HIM: Kirk Cousins
It was another prime time game & another egg from Kirk Cousins on Monday night vs. the Eagles. Kirk predictably fell flat on his face vs. the “Birds’ in front of the entire world falling to an astonishing 2-10 on Monday Night Football. Cousins finished with just 8.8 fantasy points on 46 passing attempts. Ouch.
So why does he land on the “love” list?
Simple. The Vikings have the highest implied team total in Week 3. That’s right. Not the Bills. Not the Rams. Not the Ravens. Not the Chargers. The 1-1 Kirk Cousins led Vikings have the highest week 3 implied total this week as Vegas is projecting Minnesota to score a league high 29.25 points vs. the Lions.
Detroit has been awful vs. QB’s through two weeks – allowing Jalen Hurts (24.6 Fantasy Points) & Carson Wentz (26.7 Fantasy Points) to post monster performances. Follow the money and follow the trends. It’s basic math. If the Vikings indeed are the top scoring team this week that likely means a monster performance from their QB after a dud on Monday. Even if their not the top scoring team – points just be plentiful in which is the highest projected O/U in Week 3.
I’m starting Cousins over Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Joe Burrow & Matthew Stafford making Kirk my QB7 this week. Start him if you can.
LIKE HIM: Joe Burrow
Death, Taxes and starting your fantasy players vs. the New York Jets. Listen, I’m not breaking the bank here – if you have Joey B you’re likely starting him, but I’m just reassuring you. Burrow is coming off B2B pedestrian fantasy performances as the 25-year-old phenom has failed to clear 17 points (ESPN Standard Scoring.)
Now fast forward to Week 3 and the Bengals season is arguably on the line.
You know the terminology, big players make big plays? Yea, I’m expecting a lot of those this week as the Bengals head to New York to play a Jets defense that has been respectable vs. fantasy QB’s thus far. Regardless of the Jets early minor success, I’m expecting the Bengals to get back to the basics on Sunday. Give the ball to #9 and let him win you a football game. The Bengals come into Sunday with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins & Tyler Boyd all healthy which presents this Jets defense with by far, their most difficult matchup of the season.
The O/U has jumped two points (43->45) suggesting sharp money is coming on the over.
Big players, make big plays. Joey B, is that player.
Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Dallas Cowboys Sept 18 2364
HATE HIM: Tom Brady
I actually don’t hate Tom Brady. Matter of fact, I love him. I’m just doing every thing I can to not have him in my fantasy lineup for week 3. Despite starting the season 2-0 Tampa, to be frank, looks awful offensively.
Get this, the O/U in a Tom Brady & Aaron Rodgers matchup is 42. Vegas projects this game to be the third lowest scoring game of the week.
Mike Evans (suspension) is out. Chris Godwin (hamstring) is out. Julio Jones (Knee) is a game time decision. That leaves the dream team of Breshad Perriman, Cole Beasley, Scotty Miller & Russell Gage (Questionable – Hamstring) as Tom Brady’s top pass catchers in Week 3.
If that’s not enough – Tom Brady is dealing with a “banged up” ring finger on his right hand.
Pretty much, to make a long story short, Tom Brady should be benched in fantasy this week. Nothing personal Tom, it’s a cruel business.
