We might solely be heading into Week 3, however for fantasy soccer functions, it’s feeling extra like Week 10 with the way in which that accidents have very abruptly began to mount.
Wideouts A.J. Brown (hamstring), Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) are all set to overlook a number of video games. In the meantime, Amon-Ra St. Brown (delicate tissue), Justin Jefferson (quad) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) are all additionally coping with accidents, albeit trying just a little extra optimistic heading into the week.
Whether or not you’re in want of some depth at receiver on account of accidents, otherwise you’re merely on the lookout for some Week 3 WR sleepers, you’re in the correct place. Listed here are 4 sleeper huge receivers to think about, in addition to my top-75 WR rankings for Week 3.
WR flex of the week: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (vs. Cardinals)
Welcome to the flex, Mr. Williams! It seems the previous first-round decide has lastly reached his breakout season because the WR7 in standard-scoring leagues via the primary two weeks of the 2024 NFL season. Williams has commanded 20 whole targets over Weeks 1 and a couple of, catching 10 of them for 20 receiving yards and a rating, rating top-five in yards per reception. He additionally leads all huge receivers with 9 purple zone targets and is one among simply seven receivers with 3+ targets ultimately zone, increasing his alternative for scoring in an already potent Lions offense.
With Amon-Ra St. Brown managing a delicate tissue damage, Williams might issue into this contest closely, a matchup projected with the very best over/below of the week at 52.5 factors.
Week 3 WR sleepers
Rostership percentages in Yahoo! Fantasy leagues are indicated in parentheses.
Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Commanders, 7%)
The Bengals appear prone to be with out Tee Higgins once more this week as he offers with a nagging hamstring subject. It’s unlucky timing for fantasy managers, as he doubtless would doubtless eat the Washington Commanders’ secondary alive reverse Ja’Marr Chase… however alas, we will’t have all the pieces. If Higgins does certainly miss Week 3, Andrei Iosivas turns into an intriguing sleeper possibility.
Previously two weeks with out Higgins, Iosivas has performed a full-time function, working simply two fewer routes and seeing two fewer targets than star Ja’Marr Chase. None of their wideouts had greater than 35 receiving yards this previous week, however every of Iosivas’ two receptions went for touchdowns. Now, he’ll get a matchup in opposition to the worst secondary within the league to assist fantasy managers on the lookout for a flier.
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Rams, 3%)
The San Francisco 49ers are coping with some severe damage issues throughout the board. First it was working again Christian McCaffrey that might miss time. Now, it’s huge receiver Deebo Samuel, who’s additionally anticipated to overlook a number of weeks with a calf damage. Although changing prime expertise isn’t a straightforward process, the Niners do have a pleasant quantity of depth on offense, and a key piece of that depth is WR3 Jauan Jennings.
Jennings is usually praised for his capacity as a blocker, however he’s had loads of moments shining as a receiver as properly; arguably, he would have probably been dubbed Tremendous Bowl LVIII MVP had the 49ers managed a win, having each thrown and caught a landing within the Huge Sport. This week, the 49ers will face the LA Rams, who’re permitting a league-high 0.207 EPA per play in opposition to and the second-highest landing drive proportion within the league (40%) per PFF.
Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Texans, 1%)
This play isn’t for the weak of coronary heart. Nevertheless, alternative — which Nailor ought to see loads of in Week 3 — is all the pieces, and determined occasions do typically name for determined measures. The Vikings are coping with unhealthy luck on the damage entrance on their very own this yr, beginning out with a season-ending knee damage for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, adopted by an ankle damage for second-year receiver Jordan Addison and now, a quad damage for star Justin Jefferson. There’s additionally the aspect word that T.J. Hockenson stays out in his personal restoration from an ACL tear simply final season.
There’s optimism that Jefferson received’t miss time with the damage, but when he’s restricted in any trend, Nailor might see an uptick in goal share that makes him a viable flier in deep leagues. Although the Vikings have a difficult matchup in opposition to the Houston Texans this week, Sam Darnold has seemed succesful sufficient below Kevin O’Connell that we will’t rule out a few huge performs.
Fantasy soccer: Week 3 WR rankings
Kate Magdziuk is an editor and contributor for Yahoo Fantasy and co-host of the Locked On Dynasty Soccer podcast. She can also be the managing editor for Behind The Metal Curtain, SB Nation’s unique Pittsburgh Steelers weblog. Her earlier bylines embrace Professional Soccer Focus, NBC Sports activities Rotoworld and 4for4 Soccer, amongst others.
