Go here for this week's Rushing Matchups.
Top 5 Passing Matchups
Cincinnati vs Washington
The Cincinnati Bengals' passing game has struggled to find its footing early in the 2024 season, plagued by injuries and underperformance. Joe Burrow is still visibly working through a lingering wrist issue, impacting his effectiveness as a passer. Without Tee Higgins on the field and defenses easily containing Ja'Marr Chase—who has managed just 10 receptions for 97 yards thus far—the Bengals' offense has been unable to generate explosive plays. The timing couldn’t be better for a matchup against the Washington Commanders, whose defense has been one of the most exploitable units in the league. Chase remains the focal point of the passing game, accounting for 10 of the Bengals' 19 wide receiver catches, but he has yet to connect on any deep passes. The tight ends also saw increased involvement in Week 2, with Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, and Erick All Jr. combining for 14 receptions and 151 yards, providing Burrow with reliable options underneath. Another player to watch is rookie wideout Jermaine Burton, who had a disappointing training camp and saw limited action in the opener. However, he doubled his snaps in Week 2 and showcased his big-play potential with a 47-yard catch, suggesting he could be working his way back into the rotation. The good news for the Bengals is that they may get Tee Higgins back this week, as he did practice on Thursday ahead of the Monday matchup with Washington.
Once a top-tier pass defense just a few years ago, Washington has seen a decline in talent and effectiveness, making them one of the league’s most targetable units in fantasy. Baker Mayfield and his receiving corps exploited the Commanders in Week 1, and last week, Giants rookie Malik Nabers torched them for 10 catches, 127 yards, and a touchdown. Much of Nabers' production came at the expense of cornerbacks Mike Davis and Benjamin St-Juste, who struggled to keep up in coverage. Even the absence of Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who has been poor since entering the NFL, hasn’t stabilized this group, as Davis and St-Juste have continued to give up big plays. The secondary is further hindered by a lack of support from safeties Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin, who offer little help in coverage. With the Commanders ranking 25th in sack rate last season, there is also minimal pass rush to alleviate the pressure on this weakened secondary. For Burrow and the Bengals, this matchup provides a prime opportunity to get the passing game back on track and exploit a vulnerable Washington defense that has yet to find answers on the back end.
San Francisco at LA Rams
Brock Purdy has started the 2024 season in a steady, if unspectacular, fashion. After a quiet 231-yard performance in a comfortable Week 1 win, Purdy threw for 319 yards and a touchdown in last week’s loss while playing catch-up. However, the challenges are mounting for Purdy as he heads into Week 3 without two of his top offensive weapons: Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel Sr. Samuel strained his calf against the Vikings, and McCaffrey's absence means Purdy will need to lean heavily on Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings—still a solid supporting cast by any measure. Fortunately for Purdy, head coach Kyle Shanahan is adept at adapting his offense to the personnel on hand. With the absence of McCaffrey and Samuel, Shanahan has streamlined the offense into a short-to-intermediate attack that relies heavily on yards after the catch. Two key factors keep the 49ers' passing game relevant in Week 3: a favorable matchup against a Rams secondary that has struggled and the 49ers’ effectiveness in the red zone, where Purdy could see more action with McCaffrey sidelined.
The Rams, who began 2024 with promise, have quickly seen their season unravel due to injuries on both sides of the ball. The defense, in particular, was exposed last week by Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Murray completed 17 of 21 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, taking advantage of the Rams' shaky pass defense. The Cardinals’ dynamic duo of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride repeatedly found success against the Rams' secondary. Harrison’s standout performance included a 60-yard touchdown where Kamren Curl couldn’t keep up, and Kamren Kitchens missed badly on another sideline play that led to a 32-yard gain. Despite having former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White, the Rams' secondary has shown vulnerability, especially as White has battled to return to form after two major injuries. The defensive woes are compounded by a lack of pressure up front; the Rams are rebuilding their pass rush following Aaron Donald’s retirement. Rookie Jared Verse has shown potential, but the rest of the unit has struggled to win battles and disrupt the pocket. To compensate, the Rams have resorted to heavy blitzes, often leaving their shaky safeties in difficult coverage situations—a recipe that has created advantageous fantasy matchups for opposing offenses. As Purdy and the 49ers prepare to face this reeling Rams defense, the stage is set for a potentially productive outing, especially in the red zone, where Shanahan's offense often excels. Even without McCaffrey and Samuel, Purdy’s short passing game and Shanahan’s adaptability could lead to a strong performance against a Rams defense that is still searching for answers.
Buffalo vs Jacksonville
The Buffalo Bills’ offense has taken a noticeable shift in recent seasons, moving away from the high-volume passing attack that defined their 2020-21 efforts when they were frequently trying to keep pace with the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes II. Josh Allen, who attempted 38.0 passes per game in 2021, has seen his attempts drop to just 30.5 per game over his last 12 contests. While this ball-control approach may limit Allen’s ceiling in terms of sheer passing volume, it hasn’t hindered his efficiency. Through the first two games of 2024, Allen has connected on 31 of 42 passes, ranking third in the league in adjusted yards per attempt. This week, Allen and the Bills face a Jacksonville defense that showed vulnerability in Week 1, offering a favorable opportunity should the game turn into a shootout.
The only question mark surrounding the Bills' passing game is the wide receiver corps, which has yet to identify a clear alpha target. Among the pass catchers, tight end Dalton Kincaid remains the most intriguing option. Kincaid’s overall numbers have been disappointing, but his performance has been affected by circumstances beyond his control. He took a knee to the head early in Week 2 and missed much of the game, yet still managed to catch all four of his targets. When healthy, Kincaid is an every-down player who can exploit mismatches, particularly against a Jacksonville secondary currently struggling with personnel and consistency. Jacksonville’s pass defense is shaky, even when Tyson Campbell, their rising star cornerback, is available. With Campbell now on injured reserve, the Jaguars’ secondary becomes one of the most targetable units in fantasy football. Montaric Brown, a seventh-round pick from last year, and rookie Jarrian Jones have been thrust into significant roles, but neither has shown the capability to lock down the boundaries effectively. Brown graded poorly in limited action last season, and Jones, while showing potential, will be primarily occupied with defending inside targets like Kincaid and Khalil Shakir.
The Jaguars’ safeties, often occupied with deep zones or playing near the line of scrimmage, won’t provide much help in coverage, compounding the issues in the secondary. The Jaguars’ struggles are further magnified by a lackluster pass rush that has generated only eight pressures through two games. Last year, Jacksonville finished 12th in pressure rate, managing to be a serviceable pass defense. However, they are trending downward in 2024, with only two players, Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, having recorded multiple hits on the quarterback so far. If they continue to struggle to push the pocket, the Jaguars' pass defense is likely to remain a prime target for opposing offenses, especially one as efficient as Buffalo’s.
Cleveland vs NY Giants
Deshaun Watson showed signs of improvement in Week 2 after a dreadful opening performance against Dallas, where he looked utterly out of sync and overwhelmed. While Watson managed to recapture glimpses of his old form against Jacksonville, he still resembles one of the league’s bottom-tier quarterbacks. Watson’s inconsistent play over the past few seasons, coupled with his current struggles behind a makeshift offensive line that has allowed eight sacks already this year, has significantly hampered his performance. Adding to his woes, Watson has frequently panicked under pressure, leading to poor decision-making and erratic throws. Even Watson’s modest success in Week 2—throwing for 186 yards and adding a rushing touchdown—did little to instill confidence among fantasy managers who have been forced to start him. However, his prospects brighten significantly in Week 3 against a vulnerable New York Giants defense. The Giants' pass rush often leaves large gaps that Watson can exploit with his mobility, and their struggles to cover receivers and get off the field on third downs present Watson with his most favorable matchup so far this season.
The Giants have invested heavily in their pass defense in recent years, drafting multiple players in the early rounds, but the results have yet to materialize. So far, the Giants' secondary has been largely untested, facing only 26.5 pass attempts per game due to their struggles against the run. Their secondary remains one of the NFL’s weaker units, starting rookies Tyler Nubin, a second-round safety, and Dru Phillips, a fourth-round cornerback. The absence of Nick McCloud, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, has forced the Giants to start Cor’Dale Flott, who has struggled throughout his career. Second-year cornerback Deonte Banks, who had a strong rookie season, has shown signs of regression in 2024, further weakening the Giants' pass coverage. Safety play has been another sore spot, with Jason Pinnock and rookie Tyler Nubin both underperforming in coverage. The Giants’ pass rush, despite significant investments, has also failed to deliver. Offseason signee Brian Burns and 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux have yet to record a sack this season, limiting their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Arizona vs Detroit
Kyler Murray appears to be back to full confidence after struggling last year returning from his ACL injury, and his play is showing encouraging signs for the Arizona Cardinals. In his first game back, Murray was efficient but conservative, drawing some criticism for not targeting standout rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.. frequently enough. However, against the Rams in Week 2, Murray made a concerted effort to feature Harrison early and often, and it paid off. Murray connected with Harrison for a stunning back-line touchdown over All-Pro corner Tre’Davious White and later hit him on a deep ball against soft zone coverage, showcasing the duo's burgeoning chemistry. Murray finished the game 17 of 21 for 266 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating that the air attack could increasingly hinge on the rookie receiver. Harrison drew 8 of Murray’s 21 targets, proving that he’s capable of dazzling in multiple ways, and it’s becoming clear that Murray plans to lean heavily on his new star wideout moving forward. Still, tight end Trey McBride remains an integral part of the offense, having drawn more targets (15) than Harrison (11) through two games. While the target distribution may shift more in favor of Harrison as the season progresses, McBride’s high usage makes him a valuable fantasy asset among tight ends.
The Detroit Lions entered 2024 with hopes of shaking off nearly a decade of underwhelming pass defense, particularly after a disastrous 2023 finish that saw five of their last six opponents, including backups like Nick Mullens, throw for over 340 yards. The Lions have made modest improvements this season with the addition of several new faces, including first-round draft pick Terrion Arnold from Alabama. Arnold has been tasked with covering top receivers like Cooper Kupp, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin, and while he’s shown flashes of ability, he’s also given up significant completions and struggled with penalties. Across the field, former Buccaneer Carlton Davis has also had his struggles, making both cornerbacks vulnerable to big plays. Beyond the corners, the Lions’ secondary lacks depth, with journeyman Amik Robertson drawing regular snaps alongside Arnold and Davis. However, there are bright spots, particularly among the younger players. Aidan Hutchinson has quickly developed into a dominant edge rusher, consistently disrupting opposing pass games, and safety Brian Branch has shown promise in the slot. Despite these improvements, the L’ons’ pass defense remains a work in progress, and Murray’s connection with Harrison could exploit their vulnerabilities, making this an intriguing matchup to watch.
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups
LA Chargers vs Pittsburgh
Jim Harbaugh's arrival in Los Angeles has predictably brought a tough, ball-control philosophy to the Chargers. Gone are the days of Justin Herbert consistently slinging 45 passes per game as a strategic choice. Through two games, Herbert has produced just 274 passing yards—excellent news for the 2-0 Chargers but disappointing for fantasy managers expecting bigger numbers. Herbert remains one of the league's elite passers, and there will be games where he’s unleashed, but under Harbaugh’s conservative scheme, those opportunities may be few and far between. It’s particularly unlikely that the Chargers will rely heavily on Herbert and their underwhelming receiving corps against the Steelers’ stifling defense. Quentin Johnston leads the Chargers' receivers with just 89 yards, a figure that underscores the conservative nature of Harbaugh’s offense. Johnston did manage two touchdowns in Week 2, but relying on him for consistent production is risky as he and fellow wideout Ladd McConkey are largely dependent on scoring plays to deliver any fantasy value. The lack of a strong third receiving option further limits the upside of this passing attack, making it even less likely that Harbaugh will lean on the aerial game against elite defenses.
The Pittsburgh defense has been dominant through the first two weeks, throttling both of their opponents. Although they finished the 2023 season as a middle-of-the-pack unit statistically, the Steelers are on track to rank much higher this year. They held Kirk Cousins and the Falcons to just 155 passing yards (6.0 yards per attempt) in Week 1 and then intercepted Broncos rookie Bo Nix twice while holding him to 246 yards in Week 2. Justin Herbert will be the best quarterback they’ve faced so far, but given Harbaugh’s game plan, the Chargers are unlikely to challenge the Steelers' stout defense with a high-volume passing attack. Top cornerback Joey Porter Jr.. is a rising star in the Steelers' secondary, contributing significantly to shutting down Drake London (3 targets, 15 yards) and Courtland Sutton (4 targets, 26 yards) in the first two games. While the rest of the secondary isn’t elite in coverage, they rarely need to be, thanks to the Steelers’ aggressive, turnover-seeking defensive approach. Led by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh’s diverse pass rush frequently disrupts opposing quarterbacks and forces game-changing plays. Even against strong offensive lines like that of the Chargers, the Steelers have found ways to influence games, and only one of the last 16 quarterbacks they’ve faced has thrown for more than 300 yards—a garbage-time effort from Cincinnati’s Jake Browning in a lopsided Steelers win last season.
Seattle vs Miami
Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks passing attack delivered impressive performances in their Week 2 overtime win, with Smith and his receivers posting massive stat lines. However, it’s important to note that the Seahawks remain a run-focused team, and high-volume passing games from Smith are difficult to predict. Over his 37 starts as a Seahawk, Smith has attempted 35 or more passes just 14 times and surpassed 300 yards only nine times. With the Dolphins dealing with their own quarterback uncertainties, this matchup doesn’t project to be a shootout, making another high-volume passing game for Smith unlikely. If running back Ken Walker III is sidelined again, there could be a scenario where Smith is asked to throw more often, but generally, he thrives best when taking what the defense gives him. Smith has ranked 26th and 19th in air yards per throw over the last two seasons, indicating his tendency to focus on shorter, more efficient throws rather than deep shots. Most of his Week 3 could be spent checking down and looking for occasional big plays, though this will be challenging against a formidable Dolphins secondary.
The Miami Dolphins defense, despite facing offensive struggles, remains one of the stronger units in the league, particularly in pass defense. Although they struggled against the run in their Week 2 loss to Buffalo, their pass defense is still stacked with talent, even without Xavien Howard and sidelined pass rusher Bradley Chubb. The cornerback trio of Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, and Kader Kohou forms a strong defensive backbone. Ramsey, who successfully revitalized his career with an excellent 2023 season, remains a lockdown cornerback who can control opposing wideouts. Fuller, a long-underrated cornerback, has brought stability to every secondary he’s been a part of, while Kohou, though the weakest of the three in coverage, is still a dynamic playmaker. While this Dolphins secondary isn’t entirely unbeatable—they occasionally gamble and can take poor angles—they have the ability to press most quarterbacks into making suboptimal throws. With Smith’s propensity for shorter passes and Miami’s ability to pressure receivers, this could prove to be a challenging game for the Seahawks' passing attack. Expect Smith to rely heavily on safe, efficient plays and avoid high-risk throws against a talented and opportunistic Dolphins defense.
Indianapolis vs Chicago
Anthony Richardson is already proving to be one of the NFL’s most electric quarterbacks, showcasing both his physicality and arm strength. However, as a pure passer, he is still in the developmental phase of his career. After an impressive 11.2 yards per attempt in Week 1, Richardson came back down to earth, managing just 6.0 yards per attempt in his second game. His struggles were evident against the Packers, where misreads and overthrows led to costly turnovers. Despite his inconsistency, Richardson is already one of the league’s top deep passers, regularly dropping pinpoint throws downfield. But until he becomes more adept at recognizing defensive schemes, particularly when teams keep two safeties deep, Richardson will likely face some growing pains.
After the Packers game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen emphasized the need to run the ball more to help protect Richardson and limit the pressure on the young quarterback. This strategy likely signals a more balanced run-pass ratio, particularly in games where Indianapolis is not trailing. In Week 3, this might mean keeping the ball away from Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has been playing at a high level. Johnson doesn’t often shadow a single receiver, so Richardson will need to be cautious and aware of where he is on the field. Meanwhile, Michael Pittman Jr, the Colts’ top wide receiver, has gotten off to a slow start this season. Despite being targeted 16 times over the first two games, Pittman has only managed 52 receiving yards. Although Richardson is a dynamic playmaker, his fantasy upside as a passer is still uncertain, and projecting big passing days will be difficult until he develops more consistency.
The Chicago Bears have leaned heavily on their defense, given the young offense's struggles. Last season, the Bears’ pass defense ranked in the bottom third of the league, but they made significant offseason improvements, re-signing Jaylon Johnson and adding veteran safety Kevin Byard III. Early returns on those investments have been promising. In Week 1, they stifled Tennessee’s Will Levis, and in Week 2, they held Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud largely in check. While Stroud connected well with Nico Collins (8 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown), the Bears limited Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs to just 34 yards combined on 10 targets. Although the Bears' secondary lacks star power outside of Johnson, the unit has proven to be solid in coverage, providing enough support to keep games competitive while the offense finds its footing. This matchup could challenge Richardson, who may need to rely more on his rushing ability and efficiency in the short passing game.
Green Bay vs Tennessee
The Green Bay Packers' passing game is in a precarious spot this week, primarily hinging on whether Jordan Love will be available to start. Love is currently "hopeful" to play, but as of Wednesday, it's unclear if he will suit up, and the team may choose to rest him for one more week. If Love is out, Malik Willis is the likely starter, but his presence under center does little to inspire confidence in Green Bay's receivers as fantasy options. Willis, despite being the most viable backup, still struggles in many facets of quarterbacking, particularly in the passing game. Heading into last Sunday, he had a career passer rating of just 48.7, with three turnovers, no touchdowns, and a staggering 22.4% sack rate.
Coach Matt LaFleur crafted a solid game plan to mask Willis' deficiencies, relying heavily on the ground game and play-action passes to create small openings, which may be the approach again as the Packers head on the road to face the Tennessee Titans. However, that strategy comes with substantial risks, especially considering that Willis' fantasy ceiling last week amounted to just 122 passing yards and one touchdown—a performance that is hardly encouraging for fantasy managers.Willis’ limitations make it challenging for wideouts like Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, or Dontayvion Wicks to be reliable fantasy options. They become nothing more than touchdown-dependent dice rolls, with little chance of consistent production. While some running quarterbacks can offset their passing struggles with rushing yardage, Willis hasn't reached that level of dual-threat capability, further diminishing his value and that of his receivers.
The Titans have spent years prioritizing their pass defense, drafting numerous players in an effort to rebuild their secondary, many of whom have not panned out. However, their current rebuilt unit is showing signs of progress. In their opener, they held the Bears' newly revamped receiving corps to just 76 yards on 23 targets, and last week, they effectively neutralized Aaron Rodgers, causing him to have a shaky game while limiting Garrett Wilson to only 57 yards on six targets. The Titans' success stems not only from an improved secondary but also from an underrated pass rush that has helped disrupt opposing quarterbacks. The offseason addition of L’Jarius Sneed, who has quickly become a key building block, and the play of ex-Bengal Chidobe Awuzie have solidified the boundary coverage. They have also been effective at shutting down tight ends and slot receivers, which will be crucial against a Packers offense that has had to simplify its playbook to accommodate Malik Willis.
Unless Jordan Love makes an unexpected return, the Packers' air attack should be approached with caution this week. The Titans' improved defense, coupled with Willis' ongoing struggles, makes Green Bay’s passing game an unappealing fantasy option for Week 3.
Atlanta vs Kansas City
Kirk Cousins' second game in his return to the Falcons was a marked improvement over his lackluster season opener. After a rough start, Cousins completed 20 of 29 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles, showing efficiency and control with no interceptions. This was an encouraging sign, especially seeing him operate under center, suggesting that he may be getting more comfortable with his repaired Achilles. However, despite the improvement, the Falcons' offense has struggled for the majority of their first two games, with Cousins and his receivers failing to make significant downfield plays. This was evident as Cousins once again struggled to get top targets Drake London and Kyle Pitts meaningfully involved, limiting their effectiveness and fantasy appeal. The Falcons' offensive woes are magnified by their lack of a vertical threat, making it difficult to trust this unit for consistent fantasy production.
The Falcons’ matchup against the Chiefs is particularly daunting given Kansas City's defensive identity under Steve Spagnuolo. The Chiefs' defense, which ranked third in net passing yards allowed and fourth in touchdowns given up in 2023, has already demonstrated its ability to stifle strong quarterbacks this season, forcing game-changing mistakes. This defense is built on creating pressure and capitalizing on splash plays, with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis leading a fierce pass rush. This presents a significant challenge for Cousins, who has historically struggled under pressure and is currently playing with caution due to his recent injury. Most of Cousins’ snaps have been out of the shotgun or pistol, reflecting his wariness of pressure.
Kansas City’s defense will likely force Cousins into a conservative game plan, heavily reliant on checkdowns. The Chiefs' linebackers, led by Nick Bolton, excel in coverage and will be quick to close down on short passes, making it even more difficult for the Falcons’ offense to gain traction. When Cousins does attempt to air it out, he'll be up against a talented secondary. Trent McDuffie continues to develop into a top-tier cornerback, while Jaylen Watson and Chamarri Conner add their own aggressive, playmaking styles to the backfield. For fantasy managers, trusting the Falcons' passing game in this scenario remains a risky proposition until Cousins and his offense can demonstrate a more consistent downfield threat.
