After two weeks of thrilling matchups and unexpected twists, fantasy owners are now faced with crucial decisions that could make or break their NFL fantasy season. We saw glimpses of players going off out of nowhere in Week 2 such as Raheem Mostert or Josh Reynolds and will definitely see some more in this upcoming slate of games…
Let’s get into some potential fantasy sleepers heading into week 3 of the NFL season…
Gardner Minshew (IND, QB) vs Baltimore Ravens
With Anthony Richardson not practicing, it seems like that Minshew will get his first start of the year. Arguably the best backup quarterback in the league, Minshew looked amazing vs the Texans throwing for 171 yards and 1 touchdown after Anthony Richardson went out due a concussion. Don’t be surprised if Minshew Mania goes crazy and has a solid game. He should certainly be available as a waiver-wire option.
Projected points: 18.5
Raheem Mostert (MIA, RB) vs Denver Broncos
Raheem Mostert had a breakout game last week vs the Patriots last week and I expect him to have some solid success vs Broncos as well. The Denver Broncos’ pass defense is tough so they’ll have to rely on the running game a bit… enter Mostert.
I’m not saying Mostert is going to go for 25 points again, but don’t be surprised with a solid 15-17 points on some decent touches.
Projected points: 16.1
Rashid Shaheed (NO, WR) vs Green Bay Packers
Even with the Saints two talented WRs in Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, Shaheed has still been able to give some solid production. He’s seen 10 targets so far in 2 weeks and caught 9 balls.
He’s a consistent deep threat in that Saints passing offense and can go out and get you 15 points any game due to his ability to stretch the field.
Projected points: 15.5
Hayden Hurst (CAR, TE) vs Seattle Seahawks
Bryce Young will not be playing in Week 3 due to an ankle injury and enter Andy Dalton. Dalton will be looking to play safe vs the Seahawks and will be looking towards a safety blanket often… that’s where Hurst comes in handy.
Hayden Hurst saw 7 targets in Week 1 and I could see him replicate that same kind of production in Week 3 with Dalton under helm. Don’t expect Hurst to get a ton of yards, but a decent amount of looks on short throws.
Projected points: 10.1
Extra: Desmond Ridder (ATL, QB) vs Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have allowed the 4th most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (25.0 PPG) and I think we see a breakout game from Ridder in a potential shootout. Ridder has shown flashes of making plays with his arm so far in his first two games.
The Atlanta Falcons are 2-0 with Ridder as their starting quarterback. He ran for nearly 40 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 and I expect him to use his legs more in this game as well.
Projected points: 17.6
