Fantasy football is constantly evolving, with each week bringing new standout performances. In Week 3, several players emerged as top contributors, delivering crucial stats and points for their teams. From rookie breakouts to seasoned veterans, these players made a strong impact on the fantasy football scene, cementing themselves as must-starts for the upcoming weeks. Let us dive into the detailed performances of these rising stars from Week 3, along with their fantasy relevance moving forward.
Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Malik Nabers continues to prove that he is not just a one-week wonder. Following up his breakthrough performance from Week 2, Nabers exploded again in Week 3, racking up an impressive 28.2 PPR fantasy points against the Cleveland Browns. Despite struggling in one-on-one matchups against elite cornerback Denzel Ward, where he only managed to turn 12 routes and three targets into a mere 2.8 points, Nabers found success by exploiting other defensive alignments.
With 12 total targets in Week 3, Nabers now has 37 targets through his first three career games, a remarkable stat that places him third all-time since the category was first tracked in 1992. Only Puka Nacua (42) and Terry Glenn (38) saw more targets in their first three games. As the centerpiece of the Giants’ passing attack, Nabers remains a player to watch, even with a tough Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and Trevon Diggs.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley had another monstrous performance in Week 3, amassing 33.6 fantasy points in the Eagles’ dominant victory over the New Orleans Saints. This marked the second time this season that Barkley surpassed the 33-point mark, reinforcing his position as one of the league’s top fantasy running backs.
Barkley was unstoppable on Sunday, rushing 17 times for 147 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 65-yard score. His contribution did not stop there, as he added four receptions and a two-point conversion. Behind one of the best offensive lines in the league, Barkley’s big-play potential makes him a top three player heading into Week 4 against Tampa Bay.
Malik Willis, QB, Green Bay Packers
Malik Willis has made the most of his opportunity as a fill-in for the injured Jordan Love. In Week 3, Willis led all quarterbacks in the 1 p.m. ET games with 25.38 fantasy points. This performance was a significant improvement, considering Willis scored only 22.40 points across parts of 11 games during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
While only 0.68% of ESPN fantasy teams started Willis, those who did saw a massive return. However, his time as a starter may be short-lived, with Jordan Love expected to return from injury in Week 4. Still, Willis’ performance serves as a reminder of his capabilities in a starting role, and he remains an asset in two-quarterback or superflex leagues.
Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry had his best game as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, posting a season-high 30.4 fantasy points against a transitioning Dallas defense. Henry was a workhorse, carrying the ball 25 times for 151 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a 23-yard reception.
Henry has now rushed for at least one touchdown in each of the first three games of the season. His high volume and ability to find the end zone make him a reliable RB1 heading into Week 4’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings took full advantage of Deebo Samuel’s absence due to a hamstring injury, delivering a career-high 46.5 PPR points in Week 3. Jennings was the focal point of the 49ers’ offense, catching 11 of 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came in the red zone.
With Deebo Samuel out, Jennings emerged as a priority waiver wire add for fantasy managers heading into Week 4. His strong connection with quarterback Brock Purdy makes him a viable starting option against the Patriots in Week 4.
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold continues his surprising resurgence in 2024, guiding the Minnesota Vikings to their third straight win in Week 3. Darnold’s 23.24 fantasy points on Sunday marked his highest output since Week 4 of 2021, further solidifying his status as a valuable two-quarterback league option.
Darnold has thrown multiple touchdowns in each of the Vikings’ three wins this season. While his knee injury from Week 3 is worth monitoring, his performance so far suggests he could be a reliable starter for teams needing quarterback depth.
Darnold is without a doubt a dark horse when it comes to NFL fantasy football as he is not a well-known name like a Mahomes or a Burrow.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard delivered the game fantasy managers had been waiting for in Week 3, racking up a career-high 27.9 PPR points. The Panthers’ lead back made significant contributions in both the running and passing games against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Hubbard’s five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown were key to his breakout performance. His ability to contribute as a receiver makes him an even more valuable fantasy asset, especially for a team that could often find itself playing from behind. Hubbard is a must-start in Week 4 against the Bengals.
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
With veteran Keenan Allen sidelined by a heel injury, Rome Odunze stepped up for the Chicago Bears in Week 3, scoring 23.4 fantasy points. He finished with six receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown, showing his ability to stretch the field and win contested catches.
Odunze received a season-high 11 targets in Week 3, displaying his chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams. If Allen remains out, Odunze could continue to see a heavy workload in Week 4 against the Rams, making him a solid WR3 option.
Andy Dalton and Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers
Andy Dalton and Diontae Johnson were among the most surprising performers of Week 3. Dalton, filling in for the injured Bryce Young, scored 24.6 fantasy points in his best performance since Week 7 of 2022. His connection with Johnson, who scored 26.2 PPR points, was crucial to the Panthers’ offensive success.
Dalton’s accuracy and risk management, reminiscent of his Cincinnati days, helped Johnson return to fantasy relevance. Both players are worth monitoring in Week 4 against the Bengals, with Johnson being a WR3 option in deeper leagues.
Conclusion
Week 3 of the NFL fantasy football season brought an array of standout performances that have reshaped the landscape of fantasy football. From breakout rookies like Malik Nabers to veteran stars like Derrick Henry, these players are trending upward and are worth keeping on your radar for the coming weeks. With their continued success and volume of play, they are poised to make even bigger impacts in fantasy lineups moving forward.
