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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) questionable to return against Steelers

Sun Sep 22 3:31pm ET
Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hobbled off the field in the third quarter of Sunday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an apparent ankle injury and was questionable to return.

Herbert went to the sideline as the clock ticked under seven minutes in the third following a 1-yard rush by J.K. Dobbins. One play earlier, the Los Angeles signal-caller seemingly got his ankle caught under Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cameron Heyward on a sack.

Taylor Heinicke took over under center for the Chargers.

Herbert went to the blue medical tent, eventually emerging to return to the Los Angeles bench with his helmet off.

Prior to exiting, Herbert completed 12 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Herbert, 26, missed two practices and was limited in another this week due to a high ankle sprain.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Sam Darnold Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Sam Darnold

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit were fantastic as they shut down the Tennessee Titans' offense in the Packers' 30-14 win in Week 3. The Packers forced two interceptions, including a return for a touchdown by Jaire Alexander at the end of the first quarter. The defense repeatedly got to Titans' quarterback Will Levis for a whopping eight sacks and a forced fumble and recovery on the afternoon. It was a banner day for the Packers' D/ST as they'll assuredly be one of the top-scoring fantasy D/ST units of Week 3. The Packers will head back home to face the Minnesota Vikings but will be a streaming fantasy defensive option in that game with the Vikings showing some potency with quarterback Sam Darnold at the helm.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers defense had a pedestrian performance in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers defensive unit allowed 20 points while recording one interception and two sacks. In standard defensive scoring leagues, that was good for just four fantasy points. It was one of those games where the defense looked pretty good on the field but just didn't do the things that earn fantasy points along the way. They'll be a somewhat less recommended fantasy option in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, especially if Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is forced to miss the game.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III shined with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Austin showed true potential as a WR2 for the Steelers, especially with Van Jefferson (eye) missing most of the contest. He trailed only George Pickens in targets with five and flashed his impressive speed when taking a short pass from quarterback Justin Fields 55 yards to the end zone for his first score of the season. Most fantasy managers should monitor Austin's involvement in the coming weeks, but he could be an intriguing waiver-wire addition immediately in deeper leagues. He'll look to carry some positive momentum into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Sep 22 4:20pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson turned a quality game for the Packers in their 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Wilson led the running backs in rushing yards with 50 on 12 carries, while bringing in both targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Wilson's touchdown came on a screen pass where he weaved his way behind his blockers and then used his speed to scamper 30 yards for the touchdown. With MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) placed on injured reserve, Wilson is the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs. The Packers have employed a run-heavy approach in the last couple of games with Malik Willis installed as quarterback. Wilson has standalone value in deeper fantasy leagues for Week 4 against Minnesota but is more of a contingency fantasy play in case something happens to Jacobs. That said, if Wilson continues to siphon off more work from Jacobs in the Packers' backfield, Wilson could be a sneaky startable fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 22 4:10pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Green Bay. The performance was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as Hopkins had only mustered two catches for seventeen yards over the first two weeks to start the year. "Nuk" was targeted seven times on the afternoon, which led all Titans pass catchers. Calvin Ridley had been the favorite target of Levis up to this point, but Hopkins took that crown against Green Bay, snagging passes all over the field including an 11-yard touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter. Hopkins will look to build on this promising performance next week at Miami.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 22 4:10pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded five receptions for 57 yards on seven looks in the team's Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Pickens continued to operate as the clear WR1 in Pittsburgh despite being out-gained by teammate Calvin Austin III and dropping a pass on third down in the second quarter. Once again, the 23-year-old displayed chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, leading the team in targets and earning an opportunity near the end zone. Through three weeks of the season, Pickens appears to be on the cusp of a breakout campaign. He'll hope to strike paydirt for the first time this year next week against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston scored another touchdown in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnston's touchdown was the only one the Chargers scored in a slow offensive game. He was targeted twice and caught both for a total of 44 yards, including his 27-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. The Chargers offense only completed 14 passes, with Johnston tying for the team lead in receiving yards along with Ladd McConkey. Johnston looks like he's a completely different player than he was last season, and his fantasy arrow is certainly pointing way up even though Justin Herbert (ankle) may be forced to miss some time.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the team in targets and tied for the team lead in catches in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers offense was significantly slowed by the Steelers defense after two strong weeks to start the season. McConkey was targeted six times, making three catches for 44 yards. No other Charger had more than three targets, and he tied with Quentin Johnston with the 44 yards for the team lead. The Chargers ended up only completing 14 passes in this game, so McConkey's production was decent given the circumstances. The Chargers will face off against the Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (ribs) returned to the game against the Miami Dolphins. After exiting in the first quarter, Williams was announced to be able to return in the second quarter. It is great news for the Seahawks' defense and it will help the offense by extension. The Seahawks D/ST is currently having a solid outing against a Miami Dolphins team without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion).

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Sep 22 4:10pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made both of his kicks in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dicker attempted one field goal and one extra point, making both, with his field goal coming from 28 yards out in the second quarter. It was a slow game for the Chargers offense as a whole, limiting Dicker's chances. He and the Chargers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 22 4:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (knee) didn't do much in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, then was forced to leave early after aggravating his ankle injury. Herbert attempted 18 passes, completing 12 of them for 125 yards and a touchdown. He recorded one rush attempt, but did not gain any yardage. Herbert's touchdown went to Quentin Johnston in the first quarter to open the scoring, but the Chargers offense couldn't get much done after that, especially after Herbert limped off the field. It's unclear if he'll be able to start next week against the Chiefs, Taylor Heinicke would be in line for the start if Herbert misses time.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 22 4:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) was spotted in a walking boot following the Chargers' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert entered Week 3 with a high-ankle sprain and aggravated the injury midway through the game. After the game, Herbert did mention that he is hopeful to be able to play in Week 4. Prior to his exit, Herbert had thrown for 125 yards and a touchdown. Herbert was replaced by Taylor Heinicke who completed both of his passes for 24 yards. If Herbert is forced to miss time with this injury, it would be a huge blow to the Chargers offense. The offense already struggled with Herbert in the lineup against a talented Steelers defense. The loss of Herbert would affect the Chargers' pass catchers and running backs in fantasy. For now, fantasy managers should monitor the situation.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Sep 22 4:00pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins was slowed down by the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Week 3 loss. Dobbins ran the ball 15 times, gaining 44 yards. He added three catches on three targets, gaining an additional 10 yards. His 18 touches were by far the most in the Chargers backfield, as Gus Edwards was second with just three. Dobbins has clearly taken over the RB1 role for the Chargers and will certainly have bigger weeks than this very tough matchup in a low scoring game. Dobbins and the Chargers will face the Kansas City Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 22 4:00pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was perfect on the day in the Packers' 30-14 victory against the Titans in Week 3. Narveson booted home all three field goal attempts from 21, 26, and 47 yards and converted all three extra-point attempts. The Packers' offense is plenty potent enough no matter who is starting at quarterback, which is always a great thing for fantasy kickers. With three consecutive double-digit fantasy scoring games to start his NFL career, Narveson is quickly ascending the ranks of fantasy kickers and should now be considered a solid starting option going forward.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Sep 22 4:00pm CT
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards barely touched the ball in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 20-10 loss, Edwards ran the ball just three times, gaining a total of nine yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. The Bolts ran the ball 20 times, with J.K. Dobbins getting 15 of those rushes. Dobbins has clearly taken over the RB1 role in this backfield, leaving Edwards to a backup and likely goal line role. He'll have some boom weeks if game situation gets him in the red zone, but he's no more than a dart throw FLEX play most weeks.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 22 3:50pm CT
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 25 of 32 attempts for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while rushing for six yards and a score in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Outside of a turnover coming off a deflected pass, Fields was incredibly effective under center, leading Pittsburgh to its first 3-0 start since 2020. The 25-year-old completed each of his first 10 throws and scrambled into the end zone early in the second quarter. While George Pickens remained his favorite target, it was wideout Calvin Austin III on the receiving end of Fields' touchdown pass, a strike over the middle of the field taken 55 yards to the house. Fields is looking increasingly comfortable in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system and should be viewed as a high-end QB2 in fantasy for as long as he keeps the starting gig.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 22 3:50pm CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard ran six times for 14 yards, adding three receptions for 15 yards in a loss to Green Bay. It was a putrid fantasy day for the former Cowboy, who was looking like a great value in the later rounds of drafts after being featured heavily in Weeks 1-2. Game script definitely played a huge part in the low volume for Pollard, as the Titans went down very early and were forced to rely on the arm of quarterback Will Levis, which did not get them very far. Green Bay had been weak against the run coming into this game, but completely dominated the Titans up front, which did not bode well for Pollard. He will look to bounce back in Week 4 vs. Miami.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 22 3:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a minor part of the Packers' 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Jacobs tallied 43 rushing yards on the ground on 14 carries while securing his only target for a five-yard reception. Outshined by fellow running back Emanuel Wilson, Jacobs had his worst game as a Packer as he could not get much going on the day. The Packers' game plan saw Green Bay continue to emphasize the run with Malik Willis starting another game for Jordan Love (knee), who was ruled out before kickoff. For fantasy purposes, Jacobs remains a solid low-end RB1 in a tough upcoming matchup in Week 4 against the revitalized Minnesota Vikings' defensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 22 3:50pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 18 carries for 70 yards and hauled in all five of his targets for 16 yards in a 20-10 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. Harris got off to a sluggish start, concluding the first half with just three yards on the ground. Although the fourth-year pro did most of his damage in the fourth quarter, he was utilized as a pass-catcher throughout the game. Surprisingly, he received 19 more touches than Jaylen Warren after the latter became more involved in Pittsburgh's offense last week. Harris is still searching for his first touchdown of the campaign, but fantasy managers can trust his usage in neutral and positive game scripts. His next opportunity will come on the road against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 22 3:50pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears rushed two times for seven yards, adding four receptions on four targets for 54 yards in a 30-14 loss against Green Bay. It was the best fantasy performance thus far for Spears, who had been completely overshadowed by his backfield mate Tony Pollard up to this point. Because the Titans went down early and had to abandon the run, Spears saw more work and snaps than Pollard who only managed 29 scrimmage yards. The opportunities for these two backs will be heavily dependent on game script for the Titans, with a negative situation favoring Spears. The 2nd-year pro will look to continue this momentum next week against Miami in a primetime matchup.

From RotoBaller