Baker Mayfield or Derek Carr: Fantasy Football Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 3 projections 

Who would've thought that Baker Mayfield and Derek Carr would be leading all QBs through two weeks of fantasy football? Mayfield's Buccaneers era was off to a pretty decent start last year but Tampa Bay has dialled it up in 2024. As a result, Mayfield is QB1 in fantasy football after two weeks of action.

Mayfield's compatriot Derek Carr is also on his own character arc. Few were betting on the Saints to come out all guns blazing in Week 2. A 37-20 win against Washington in Week 1 was put down to the Commanders' lack of contending credentials but Week 2 is where Mayfield shined as the Bucs beat the favored Detroit Lions 20-16. Mayfield and Carr have lined up as premiere QBs entering Week 3 but could there be some regression coming?

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Baker Mayfield's fantasy projection for Week 3

The Browns and Panthers will look back on their Baker Mayfield era with a touch of regret heading into Week 3.

If the win against the Commanders didn't exactly speak volumes, Mayfield took it upon himself to make a statement against Detroit. Despite going up against a pretty strong pass rush, he finished 12-of-19 for 185 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 34 yards and a rushing touchdown.

The Bucs have struggled to get the run game going, which has directly led to Mayfield rushing for 20 yards or more in both games.

With 48.5 fantasy points (24.3 per game), Mayfield is top of the QB heap heading into Week 3 fantasy football.

Tampa Bay will face the Denver Broncos this week which is a hell of a matchup for Mayfield to rack up some more points and keep himself at the top of the pile. So far, the Broncos have allowed the 13th-highest passer rating in the league. Denver's pass defense is a respectable unit, though. There is potential for Mayfield to regress to the mean on Sunday.

Baker Mayfield vs Derek Carr: Week 3 fantasy projections

Derek Carr fantasy projection for Week 3

Klint Kubiak breathed new life into the Saints' offense and the results are there for all to see. If he keeps this up, we could very well see Kubiak line up as a head coach in the near future.

The 47-10 win over Carolina was put down to the Panthers getting used to life in the Dave Canales era. But the 44-19 whooping of the Cowboys was as big a statement as any. The Saints offense has put up 91 (!!!) points through two weeks of football. Carr finished the night 11-of-16 for 243 yards with two touchdowns and one interception to condemn Dallas to defeat.

If Mayfield is enjoying life in Tampa Bay, Carr is right behind him as QB2 in fantasy football.

In Week 3, the Saints will face an Eagles secondary that has struggled to lock things down. Philly has allowed the seventh-highest passing yards per game which doesn't exactly spell 'Super Bowl contender.' Vic Fangio will have his work cut out for him so expect Kubiak and Carr to go toe-to-toe with Philly's offense on Sunday.

---

Baker Mayfield or Derek Carr: Final verdict

Both Mayfield and Carr have favorable matchups this week but Mayfield gets the edge in Week 3. Denver's defense remains respectable but the Buccaneers have been functioning at a high level.

Baker Mayfield vs Derek Carr: Fantasy projection breakdown

We will likely see some regression from Mayfield as the season goes on but don't expect that to happen against the Broncos this Sunday. Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start analyzer is also higher on Mayfield in Week 3, projecting a return of 17 points for the Buccaneers quarterback as opposed.