Week 3 is upon us, and with all the unpredictability of injuries and unexpected performances, navigating your fantasy football lineup has been tricky. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Below, we break down the key Boom and Bust players to help you make the best decisions for your Week 3 matchups.
Booms of the Week
Brandon Aiyuk (WR – San Francisco 49ers)
With Deebo Samuel banged up and Brandon Aiyuk ready to assume the WR1 role, this could be Aiyuk’s breakout game. Facing a vulnerable Rams defense, Aiyuk is primed to be a volume monster. If he can shake off any remaining rust from missing practice earlier in the season, expect him to see plenty of targets.
Projection: WR1 potential with high target volume.
Tony Pollard (RB – Dallas Cowboys)
Tony Pollard has exceeded expectations so far this season, taking on a much bigger workload than anticipated. This week, he faces the Green Bay Packers’ porous run defense, which has already allowed Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley to put up big numbers. Pollard is in line for another strong outing.
Projection: RB1 performance against a struggling defense.
Rashid Shaheed (WR – New Orleans Saints)
In what could be a high-scoring affair against the Philadelphia Eagles, Rashid Shaheed is a deep-threat receiver poised to take advantage of a secondary prone to big plays. With Derek Carr playing well, Shaheed’s speed and big-play ability make him a solid flex play this week.
Projection: Big-play upside in a potential shootout.
Jerome Ford (RB – Cleveland Browns)
Jerome Ford gets a favorable matchup against a struggling New York Giants team. While Deonte Foreman may have seen more carries last week, Ford is still the primary back. In a game where Cleveland is expected to dominate, Ford should see plenty of work.
Projection: RB2 with upside due to game script.
Busts of the Week
Malik Nabers (WR – Cleveland Browns)
Coming off a massive performance, Malik Nabers faces a much tougher challenge this week against a strong Cleveland defense. While he’s a volume receiver, the Browns’ secondary and pass rush will likely limit his opportunities. Temper expectations for Nabers in this one.
Projection: WR3 with limited upside against a tough defense.
Mike Evans (WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Mike Evans has a tough matchup this week, going up against Patrick Surtain and the Denver Broncos. While Evans is typically a must-start, the combination of game script and strong defense may leave him with fewer opportunities. Expect a quiet week from Evans.
Projection: WR3/Flex option with bust potential.
Kyle Pitts (TE – Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta offense has struggled to get Kyle Pitts involved, and it won’t get easier this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs’ secondary has been solid, and Pitts will likely be limited, especially with Chris Jones pushing the pocket and creating chaos for Kirk Cousins. This could be another disappointing outing for Pitts owners.
Projection: Low-end TE1 with bust potential due to game script.
Rachaad White (RB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Despite a favorable matchup for running backs, Rachaad White may be in for a reduced workload due to a lingering groin injury. Rookie Bucky Irving is expected to take on more of the rushing duties, making White a risky play this week.
Projection: RB3/Flex option with a chance of a lighter workload.
Conclusion:
Week 3 is shaping up to be another unpredictable one, but with these Boom and Bust players in mind, you can confidently adjust your fantasy lineup. Good luck, and be sure to check back next week for more fantasy insights!
