1. Matthew Golden Poised to Lead Green Bay’s WRs

Golden’s stock soared in Week 3, capping his rise with a stunning 39-yard catch—his only grab, but a statement that he’s a cut above, talent-wise the other Green Bay receivers. With Christian Watson likely headed to the PUP list and Jayden Reed battling a foot injury, Golden’s the healthiest WR standing. Tetairoa McMillan edges him as the top rookie WR1 in projection, but the gap is shrinking. If Reed’s injury lingers, Golden becomes Green Bay’s downfield threat, while Romeo Doubs shifts to a possession role. Don’t sleep on him—post-Round 8, he could be the regret pick of 2025 like Brian Thomas Jr. was last year.

2. Isiah Pacheco’s Has His Burst Back

Last year, Pacheco was a hot RB1 pick until a Week 2 broken leg sidelined him for most of the season. He returned for the fantasy playoffs but lacked pop—until Friday night. While many teams rested their projected offensive starters, the Chiefs used their game as dress rehearsal for Brazil and that included crisp performances from the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and yes, Pacheco. His 3 carries for 21 yards (and a goal-line TD over Kareem Hunt) sparked optimism. Hunt challenges his red-zone role, but Pacheco’s the lead back and will get his fair share of goaline work. At a bargain ADP (around Round 7), his burst makes him a must-buy.

3. Joe Flacco Secures Cleveland’s QB Job

After decades of fantasy, I thought I’d seen it all—until Shedeur Sanders took five sacks (vs. two completions) against the Rams’ third-stringers in Week 3. Flacco’s the only viable quarterback option in Cleveland and hopefully he holds the gig for a while. If so, the 2023 late-season chemistry with TE David Njoku’s could resurface, making Njoku a solid draft target in Round 9 of 12-team leagues.

4. Ollie Gordon II and Malik Washington Heat Up in Miami

Preseason flipped the script in Miami. Jaylen Wright was pegged as De’Von Achane’s complement, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine the WR3, but Ollie Gordon II (8 carries, 5+ yards per tote) and Malik Washington (3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD from Tua) stole the show in Week 3. Gordon’s a late-round RB3 gem (Round 14) for 12-team leagues, while Washington’s versatility makes him a flex option in deeper leagues given the wide range of outcomes we have on Tyreek Hill. Preseason moved the needle—keep an eye on these two.

5. Washington’s RB Situation Remains a Mess

Washington’s backfield trio—Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Austin Ekeler—impressed, leading to Brian Robinson Jr.’s trade to San Francisco. Rodriguez’s 5-34 line (10+ yards per carry preseason average) was a bright spot in Week 3, but with JCM and Ekeler resting, the pecking order is unclear. Sometimes, a running back getting a last look in the preseason finale signals a shot at an increased role. Other times, it just means you’re stuck third on the depth chart behind the two backs who sat out. This offense will create opportunities, but in 12-team leagues, avoid over-drafting any one back as it’s shaping up to be a true committee.

6. Broncos Prove They’re Legit on Both Sides of the Ball

I’ve been preaching this all preseason: Denver’s offense is no longer a liability. Sean Payton’s crew looked sharp in Week 3, with Bo Nix targeting Courtland Sutton seven times (4 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD) in the first quarter. Perceptions lag, but this offense is undervalued in redraft leagues—Sutton’s a Round 6 steal. As Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Evan Engram grow into their roles, this entire offense is going to take a leap forward.

7. Tyquan Thornton Eyes a Role in Kansas City

New England’s WR development has been a trainwreck over the last five-to-seven years. Tyquan Thornton, a 2nd round 2022 pick, was cut after two years. Now in Kansas City, his 58-yard catch from Mahomes in Week 3 hints at value, especially with Rashee Rice facing a potential suspension. If you’ve watched Kansas City since Tyreek Hill left, 58-yard pass plays have been few and far between for some time now. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s fading, so Thornton’s a player to keep your eye on if he makes the roster.

8. Good News, Bad News for Jaydon Blue

The Cowboys are poised to start Javonte Williams at running back Week 1, but Jaydon Blue (9-25-1) stole the spotlight with a TD run on nine carries in Week 3—until a low-ankle sprain hit. His practice time will likely be limited which is detrimental, especially for a rookie. However, he’s still worthy of a late-round stash and does appear to be the early goal-line favorite. Until Blue is back to full speed, the Cowboys are likely to rely on the arm of Dak Prescott.

9. Is Tyler Lockett Still the WR2 in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s WR2 race isn’t locked, and Tyler Lockett’s veteran status is fading. Van Jefferson put on a display in Week 3 with 3 catches for 102 yards and a TD, likely earning the nod as Calvin Ridley’s complement. Lockett, like Robert Woods before him, may decline in Music City. In 12-team leagues, I’d skip all Titans WRs beyond Ridley but if you must, I’d say Jefferson is the risky late-round flier.

10. Chicago’s Offense Still Intrigues

Chicago’s starters saw more preseason action than anyone as Ben Johnson clearly wanted to give his new offense plenty of opportunities to gel. Week 3 showed Rome Odunze (3-45-1) flashing potential, Luther Burden III as a gadget play, and Olamide Zaccheaus carving a role, while D’Andre Swift’s stock rises with no clear RB2. Both Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai did not play against the Chiefs. The Bears could stumble early or surprise but their new coaching staff and passing game sparks optimism for the offense.

Dress rehearsals are over and we’re finally ready for the regular season!