We could solely be heading into Week 3, however for fantasy soccer functions, it’s feeling extra like Week 10 with the best way that accidents have very instantly 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 (smooth tissue), Justin Jefferson (quad) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) are all additionally coping with accidents, albeit trying a bit extra optimistic heading into the week.
Whether or not you’re in want of some depth at receiver attributable to accidents, otherwise you’re merely in search of some Week 3 WR sleepers, you’re in the best place. Listed here are 4 sleeper vast receivers to contemplate, 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 by the primary two weeks of the 2024 NFL season. Williams has commanded 20 complete 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 vast receivers with 9 crimson zone targets and is one in every of 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 smooth tissue harm, Williams might issue into this contest closely, a matchup projected with the best over/underneath 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 probably would probably eat the Washington Commanders’ secondary alive reverse Ja’Marr Chase… however alas, we are able to’t have every thing. If Higgins does certainly miss Week 3, Andrei Iosivas turns into an intriguing sleeper possibility.
Up to now 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 towards the worst secondary within the league to assist fantasy managers in search of a flier.
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Rams, 3%)
The San Francisco 49ers are coping with some severe harm issues throughout the board. First it was working again Christian McCaffrey that may miss time. Now, it’s vast receiver Deebo Samuel, who’s additionally anticipated to overlook a number of weeks with a calf harm. Although changing high expertise is rarely a simple job, 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 capability as a blocker, however he’s had loads of moments shining as a receiver as nicely; arguably, he would have almost definitely been dubbed Tremendous Bowl LVIII MVP had the 49ers managed a win, having each thrown and caught a landing within the Huge Recreation. This week, the 49ers will face the LA Rams, who’re permitting a league-high 0.207 EPA per play towards 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. Nonetheless, alternative — which Nailor ought to see loads of in Week 3 — is every thing, and determined instances do generally name for determined measures. The Vikings are coping with unhealthy luck on the harm entrance on their very own this yr, beginning out with a season-ending knee harm for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, adopted by an ankle harm for second-year receiver Jordan Addison and now, a quad harm for star Justin Jefferson. There’s additionally the facet be aware 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 harm, but when he’s restricted in any vogue, Nailor might see an uptick in goal share that makes him a viable flier in deep leagues. Although the Vikings have a difficult matchup towards the Houston Texans this week, Sam Darnold has appeared succesful sufficient underneath Kevin O’Connell that we are able to’t rule out a few large 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.
