Quarterback
Justin Fields, Chicago (vs Denver)
Fields isn’t a true sleeper as he was drafted to start for fantasy teams, but after three weeks of disappointment, some fantasy players might be benching him this week. Don’t. The Broncos have one of the worst defenses in the league, and we are getting close to the point in the season when the Bears figured out that they need to loosen up the offense around Fields and use him more as a runner. We know Fields has a ceiling of QB1 on the week. This week, he might hit it.
Russell Wilson, Denver (at Chicago)
Wilson is in a good spot this week against a Bears defense that has been in disarray from day one. The Broncos are going to use explosive rookie Marvin Mims more, and they have a healthy Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy to boot. Wilson could get into a shootout with Fields in a best-case scenario.
Jordan Love, Green Bay (vs Detroit) **Thursday**
Love has been impressive through the first three weeks of his tenure as the Packers starting quarterback. He hasn’t had his best deep threat yet, and his best running back has only played one game. This week, both should be back on the field, and Love is facing a defense that looked very vulnerable until they faced Desmond Ridder last week.
Daniel Jones, NY Giants (vs Seattle)
Jones is a boom/bust proposition week-to-week, but this week favors more boom than bust. The Seahawks haven’t had a good day defending the pass yet this season, and that’s who Jones gets on Monday night. Hopefully, Saquon Barkley will be back to boost the offense, but even if he’s not, then that puts more on Jones, which can result in big fantasy output. He was one of the best quarterbacks in Week 2 in basically one half of good play vs. Arizona.
Running Back
Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris, Pittsburgh (at Houston)
If not now, when? The Steelers running back duo faces a Texans defense that was still generous to opposing running backs last week even though their pass defense took a step forward vs. Trevor Lawrence. The Texans allowed three running back scores in Week 1, Zack Moss’s breakout game in Week 2, and 160 total yards and a score in Week 3. Both Steelers backs are flex plays this week.
Javonte Williams, Denver (at Chicago)
Williams should lead the Broncos backfield in touches and get the first call at the goal line. The Bears have already allowed seven running back touchdowns and at least one in every game. Williams should be getting up to speed now after coming back earlier than expected from an ACL-plus injury last year.
Roschon Johnson, Khalil Herbert, Chicago (vs Denver)
Have we mentioned that this game pits two of the worst defenses in the league against each other? This is the Denver defense that just allowed eight running back touchdowns last week. The Commanders' backs put up 182 total yards and two scores against them the week before that. Johnson is probably the better play with his passing game and short-yardage running skills, but Herbert could break a long run or two against this poor tackling unit.
Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City (at NY Jets)
McKinnon has been steadily on the field for only about one-third of the time, but last week, he showed that he can still yield multiple scores and a viable fantasy game. This week vs. the Jets, McKinnon could be the preferred back in the red zone, so the defense has to lighten up to match with him as a pass catcher.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle (at New York Giants)
Charbonnet finally got jumpstarted last week when the Seahawks' running game stampeded through the Panthers defense. The Giants' run defense has given up at least 26 running back carries, 114 total yards, and a score to opposing running backs in every game. Charbonnet has one of the best outlooks of any #2 back this week.
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