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Well, Week 3 was certainly one of the more interesting weeks in recent memory. Along with the usual pandemonium with regard to wins and losses, there were numerous unexpected performances from stars and no names alike.
In fact, there were so many surprising fantasy outputs from players on waivers that it was pretty hard to narrow them down to just five. So just know, that this doesn’t encapsulate all of the crazy fantasy scoring from this week, but it's rather just the tip of the iceberg.
Now, before I waste any more of your time, let's check out some of the most unexpected boom performances from Week 3.
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Unexpected Week 3 Fantasy Football Performances
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears took down the Houston Texans in Week 3, and they got a lot of help from an unexpected source. With an early David Montgomery injury, Khalil Herbert was able to show off his skill set. The backup running back exploded for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. This insane production had Herbert ranked as the RB1 in scoring for Week 3 with 29.9 Half-PPR points.
Khalil Herbert goes 52 yards! He's up to 116 yards on the day. @JuiceHerbert
📺: #HOUvsCHI on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/i8TlkqNe5b pic.twitter.com/0VcG1aEFFx— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2022
It remains to be seen if Herbert will have any more opportunities as the lead back. David Montgomery was said to have injured his ankle and knee, but their head coach Matt Eberflus said that he’s day-to-day but there hasn’t been an official report yet.
After this game, it’s clear that Herbert is a stud running back. Unfortunately, he’s limited by the presence of David Montgomery. Maybe we’ll see him get more of a 50/50 split if Montgomery is healthy. Until there's a real report on his health, though, Herbert will likely be the top waiver claim for Week 4.
Mack Hollins, Las Vegas Raiders
With Hunter Renfrow ruled out for the Raiders in Week 3, somebody outside of Davante Adams and Darren Waller needed to step up in the receiving game. That somebody was apparently Mack Hollins. Hollins has been in the NFL since 2017 and hasn’t made much of an impact as he only had 832 yards from scrimmage in his career before Sunday.
But against the Tennessee Titans, he had an explosion. Hollins went off as the top receiver for the Raiders with eight receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. That output resulted in 25.96 Half-PPR points on the day.
OHMYMACK 🤯@mackhollins with the first down‼️
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/XhGqZGqrcY
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 25, 2022
Even when Renfrow returns from injury, Hollins seems to be developing into a mainstay in this Las Vegas offense. He will most likely work primarily as a deep threat, though, so these explosions shouldn’t become the norm. But after this performance, it’s clear that Hollins has potential and that he should be given a roster spot in most leagues.
Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
This one is pretty concerning for D’Andre Swift managers. With Detroit’s star running back hobbled, Jamaal Williams took on a larger role than usual in Week 3. He finished the game with 20 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns, along with two receptions for 20 yards. Those stats resulted in him being the RB2 on the week with 23.7 Half-PPR points.
It appears that the Lions might be limiting their star running back in Swift, who has a history of durability issues. This team is looking to be competitive, so why would they want to run one of their most dynamic playmakers into the ground? While it’s less than ideal for managers of Swift, it makes sense from a football standpoint.
For Williams, if Swift’s durability issues continue, then he could turn into a player that managers start with confidence at their flex. He’s clearly taking the goal line work and he’s still a solid option for this Lions run game.
Williams shouldn’t be on waivers in most leagues, but if he is, then he’s certainly worthy of a pickup, especially with Swift’s status still relatively hazy at the moment.
DeVante Parker, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots' top wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers, was ruled out prior to their Week 3 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. That development left the door open for one of their other receivers to have a big game. Most eyes were on Nelson Agholor, who had a great game in Week 2, while many were ruling out DeVante Parker due to his disappointing start to the season.
However, instead of further disappointment, Parker went off in Week 3. The eighth-year receiver had himself a career day with five receptions for 156 yards. Those stats resulted in 18.1 Half-PPR points on the day.
DeVante Parker having yourself a day!! pic.twitter.com/boGYaTLuVs
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) September 25, 2022
Parker could be an interesting pick-up off of waivers this week, but it appears that quarterback Mac Jones could be missing time with an injury that he suffered at the end of the game. The former Dolphin's value hinges heavily on the status of that injury. However, f Jones’ injury is less severe than how it appeared, then this might be the start to more consistent performances from him.
Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
What an unexpected game this was. Even with Justin Herbert playing hobbled, nobody could’ve expected the Jaguars to win 38-10. This Jacksonville offense was rolling and one of the main contributors was Zay Jones. Jones finished his big day with 10 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, resulting in 19.5 Half-PPR fantasy points.
Zay Jones had a decent amount of training camp buzz surrounding him and it’s clear why that was. He appears to have a strong connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence while having the trust of the offense. With the Jaguars' offense looking more formidable by the week, more of these performances could be in line for Jones.
Jones had himself an impressive Week 1 which resulted in him being a popular waiver add. So, there’s probably a decent chance that he’s on someone’s roster. But if he wasn’t picked up or he was dropped after a disappointing Week 2, make sure to pick him up as the connection with Lawrence is definitely there.
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