Roundtable Week 3: For Real/Fool's Gold

Photo: USA Today Sports

Welcome to Week 3 of the 2023 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.

This week's roundtable features these four topics:

• For Real, Fool's Gold (see below)
• The Footballguys' Subscriber Contest
• Week 1 vs. Week 2
• Replacement RB Strategy

Let's roll.

For Real/Fool's Gold

Matt Waldman: Which two of these September Wonders are for real in 2023? Which two are Fool's Gold?

• Anthony Richardson
• Mac Jones
• Kyren Williams
• Brian Robinson
• James Cook
• Rachaad White
• Puka Nacua
• Josh Reynolds
• Tutu Atwell
• Kendrick Bourne

Go.

Jeff Haseley: Puka Nacua. In two games, Nacua has shown that he can get separation and catch the ball consistently (71.4% reception percentage). He has also established a rapport with Matthew Stafford as a reliable outlet. These are skills and abilities that you want to see from any wide receiver and he has shown this in a limited amount of time. Even when Cooper Kupp returns, I feel Nacua will still be able to produce as a receiver in the Rams offense. The production might tail off, but even half of what he's doing now is lineup-worthy.

Anthony Richardson. So far, he has not been able to complete a game without an injury, which is a concern. However, he has shown that he can produce fantasy points as a rusher and passer. As long as he is able to set foot on the field, he should be a reliable fantasy asset moving forward, and he's only going to get better.

Kendrick Bourne. In two games, we've seen the good and bad of Kendrick Bourne. He will give us some good games with a score or high yardage but he will also provide some weeks where he can't make the big play to elevate his numbers. The lack of consistency will ultimately be the reason why he is fool's gold.

Tutu Atwell. While he's making good on his opportunity now, I feel he will be squeezed out of the target rotation once Cooper Kupp returns. Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will be sure to keep Puka Nacua involved, but will there be enough balls to go around to include Atwell as well? He's likely the odd man out. He could still have some splash plays, which will lead to splash weeks, but lack of consistency will hurt him overall.

Daniel Harms: Brian Robinson is the clear running back to play in Washington, with 37 carries through the first two weeks to Gibson’s five. Even though Gibson runs more routes, Robinson has out-targeted him 5-4 and has a reception TD to add to his two rushing TDs last week. Eric Bieniemy has found the running back he wants to get the ball to, and the offense is functionally working well. Robinson has some tough matchups with the NFC East, but the volume will be there, and the passing work has boosted his impact this season. He’s for real.

Nacua is the clear number two receiver on the Rams when Cooper Kupp returns and is currently the WR1 until then. With 35 targets through his first two NFL games, the focus is there for Nacua. Sean McVay is scheming him up, and Stafford trusts him to be where he needs to be. He’s predominantly used on the outside in the Rams offense, which makes it easier for Nacua and Kupp to co-exist. I broke down his Week 1 performance here on X, believing he will stick.

Bourne is not a player the Patriots will feature. He’ll fall into a few big weeks, but his performance in Week 2 should be expected going forward. As much as I would like to see him featured, there’s nothing to suggest that will be the case.

Rachaad White played against two below-average defenses to open the season. He struggled against the Vikings and broke through against the Bears, where everything was working for the Bucs. That won’t be the case going forward, and their offensive line is going to struggle against better defensive fronts. White will have more mediocre weeks going forward.