We’re being treated to another double-header on Monday night in Week 3. I’ll have previews of both games below, but first it’s time to consider what we learned from the rest of the Week 3 Sunday slate. Sadly, I not only had to watch the Dolphins-Broncos game, but I also need to talk about it.

De’Von Achane looks incredible

Conventional wisdom has suggested the Dolphins could use a better running game. Last week, Raheem Mostert had a decent day. He had a decent day in Week 3, too, but with Salvon Ahmed inactive, we got a heavy dose of Achane. The rookie did not disappoint. He carried 18 times for 203 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 30 yards and two touchdowns. He’s fast and explosive and looks like he’ll give the Dolphins another dimension. In short, a good team looks like it might be even better.

The Denver Broncos look lost

It’s not just about starting 0-3, though that is bad. It’s the fact the Broncos lost two winnable games at home after having a lead then went on the road and had a historically bad performance. They gave up the most points in team history, allowing the Dolphins to score 10 touchdowns. And it wasn’t even all Tyreek Hill. Achane went for four touchdowns, as did Mostert. The defense couldn’t stop a thing and the offense—while better than a year ago—isn’t good enough. Sean Payton came to restore a winning culture and so far, that remains to be seen.

The Chicago Bears also look lost

Again, it’s not just about the 0-3 start. I thought the Bears would be better, maybe not a playoff team, but it seemed like they’d be better. So far, that’s not been the case. The Bears were embarrassed at home by the Packers in Week 1, then got handled by the Buccaneers in Week 2. But all of that was just an appetizer to prepare fans for the suffering of Week 3, when the team faced complete domination at the hands of the Chiefs, who built a 41-0 lead by mid-way through the third quarter. The Bears look bad on offense and defense, and it’s clear the coaches and quarterback Justin Fields are on the hot seat.

And now, on to Monday Night Football.

Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

This is a battle of unbeaten teams and, while the early half of the double-header, is likely the better of the two games tonight. The Eagles were expected to be good and it’s no shock they are 2-0. The Buccaneers have been a bit pluckier; winning in Minnesota in Week 1 and then beating the Bears in Week 2. They’ve also played two games without turning the ball over. Can that continue?

For the Eagles, you’re playing Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert. I also like the backfield duo of Kenneth Gainwell and D’Andre Swift, though it’s not an easy front to run against. They will likely split the work and are both more likely in the flex range.

For the Buccaneers, we’ve seen the Eagles pass defense give up some yards and points. I like Baker Mayfield as a low-end QB2, but I like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as a start. In the backfield, Rashaad White looked better in Week 2, but he’s still more of a flex for me.

I’m taking the Eagles to move to 3-0.

Los Angeles Rams (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)

A re-match of the Super Bowl from 2021, both these teams have had an interesting road since then. The Rams bottomed out in 2022 and looked to be mediocre in 2023, but they’ve been a surprise. The Bengals were in the AFC Championship Game in 2022 and I thought they could be contenders again. Instead, Joe Burrow has struggled as has the rest of the team. So, what to expect tonight.

For the Rams, I like Matthew Stafford as a high-end QB2. He’s been great, even without Cooper Kupp. That’s thanks to Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua, and I’m starting both. Tight end Tyler Higbee is more hit-and-miss and is a TE2 for me. In the backfield, Cam Akers is gone and it’s all about Kyren Williams. He’s a start for me and he’s been getting volume and making it work.

The Bengals could be without Burrow, who is a game-time decision. They will also likely be without Irv Smith at tight end. Even if Burrow plays, he’s a low-end QB2 for me. I’m likely staying away. You’re still starting Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they are low-end WR2s for me. I do like Joe Mixon as a start, as hopefully the run game can keep the Bengals in it.

I’m taking the Rams in this one.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending