Explosive WR Fantasy Football Matchups - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 3

With two weeks in the books, we finally have more data on player usage and defensive strengths.

Entering Week 3, we are primed to call some shots on which WRs have the potential to finish well above their current weekly rank.

My name is Ellis Johnson and I am unbelievably thrilled to say I was the most accurate fantasy ranker for Week 2 in the FantasyPros Rankings competition. Along with the first overall, I finished first in both the QB and WR rankings. I’m hoping to continue this hot streak with some excellent WR matchups. 

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Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

Firstly, I want to discuss Brandon Aiyuk. So far this season hasn’t been the best for the veteran WR. This may be a result of missing camp due to contract disputes but could also just mean he is primed for some positive regression. I lean towards the latter, as he has been inches away from some explosive plays. 

This week, Deebo Samuel has a calf strain, George Kittle injured his hamstring, and Christian McCaffrey is still out. That opens the door for Aiyuk to have a massive day. Following a surprising loss to the Vikings, the 49ers take on their banged-up division rivals in LA. Although the Rams' defense is not scary, my only concern is that the 49ers blow them out and don’t pass in the second half. Thankfully, Aiyuk should be one of the reasons they get ahead, making him a top-five play for me this week.

Everyone’s been waiting for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk’s big game. That should come this week against the LA Rams. Let’s look at Aiyuk’s averages sans Deebo from 2020-2023:
Receiving: 5.2 rec | 65.2 yds | 0.4 TD
Rushing: 4.2 yds | 0.1 TD
Total: 15.14 fppg

Probably his Week 3 floor. https://t.co/nTj635x17T pic.twitter.com/ob82cn9hP3

— Joshua Cho (@jbchoknows) September 18, 2024

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Godwin has started this season on fire. After the coaching staff talked about moving Godwin back to the slot more often, it’s no surprise he is back to being a top fantasy WR once again. This week he faces a fairly tough Broncos secondary at home. Although the statistics say that the Broncos are the second-best defense against the WR position, that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Last week the Broncos played Justin Fields and the Steelers, which is a perfect matchup to pad their statistics. Secondly, Patrick Surtain is one of the best corners in the league, however, he can’t cover two WRs at the same time. As a result, I expect Surtain to shadow Mike Evans, just like he covered D.K. Metcalf in Week 1 and George Pickens in Week 2. As a result, Godwin should be fed targets from the slot and across the middle of the field. I’m riding Godwin’s hot hand and predicting a top-10 finish for the veteran WR.

Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Saying Chase is going to have a good game shouldn't be surprising. So let's up the standard: I think Chase is a top-3 WR this week.

Despite only having 10 receptions for 97 yards over the first two weeks, Chase is primed for a massive performance this Monday. The Commanders are allowing the most fantasy points, and three touchdowns per game to opposing WRs. This Commanders team also has the unfortunate schedule to go into Cincinnati, after the team lost a heartbreaking game to the Chiefs and is winless on the season.

It's not only the statistics that point to Chase having a big game, it's also the narrative. Last week Chase was double-covered the whole game and failed to make a big impact. Instead, his biggest impact came on an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty, after he incorrectly thought he was hip-drop tackled. This ultimately led to a 15-yard penalty, despite Joe Burrow trying to hold Chase back.

I can't imagine Chase won't be fired up to bounce back from that performance. Even with Tee Higgins likely returning to the matchup, I think we might see one of Chase's iconic 120+ yards and two-plus touchdown days.

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