NFL 2018: Top 3 Matchups for Week 3

Week 2 of the NFL has concluded. It was wild, unpredictable and controversial. Deshaun Watson had no idea what the game situation was and scrambled wildly for 15 seconds and then throwing the ball in the middle of the field instead of throwing it away. The Green Bay Packers were involved in another nail-biting finish, thanks to some controversial penalty calls by the refs.

But the true revelation for the young 2018 season has been two quarterbacks who took the league by storm with their unprecedented play in the first two weeks. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs 2017 first round draft pick after taking up the reigns for Alex Smith went berserk in the first two weeks tossing for a whopping 10 touchdowns reminiscing of what Deshaun Watson did with his brief 2017 stint before getting injured.

This was expected of Mahomes, but what was not expected is the performance by Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick who is filling in for the starter Jamies Winston, who is facing a 3 - game suspension, played in an unprecedented manner helping the Buccaneers upset the New Orleans Saints and the defending Super Bowl Champions Philadelphia Eagles in back to back weeks, by tossing 8 touchdowns of his own in these two games. If Fitzpatrick continues his FitzMagic in Week 3 against the Steelers, it is going to be hard for the coaching staff to remove him from the starting lineup. He could be this year's Case Keenum.

After Week 2, there are so many surprises on top of the divisions. Dolphins, Bengals, Bucs all are leading in their respective divisions. Eagles meanwhile sharing it with Cowboys and Redskins, has their franchise quarterback Carson Wentz coming back this week after being medically cleared. Josh Gordon also found a new home in perennial AFC East Winners New England Patriots.

Week 3 has its fair share of juicy matchups. Let's Take a look at the Top-3(4) matchups in Week 3.

T-3 San Francisco 49ers(1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs(2-0)

49ers will face a difficult task in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs offense, as predicted has become the must-watch offense of all the NFL in 2018. That is saying a lot considering a very high rate of high flying offenses in the league this year, including their opponents in week 3. If the Chiefs could fly pass the strong defensive units like LA Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, they are gonna put up some video game numbers in Week 3 against a soft 49ers defense.

But, the reason this made the list is because how interesting the offense is to look, the defense is keeping the other team in the game hence getting a close games in back to back shootouts. Shootouts are entertaining and hence we have this matchup here.

Chiefs Spectacular Offense, deflating defense

There is nothing much to talk about Chiefs offense week after week. Mahomes is a dynamite that will make some amazing down the field throws into tight coverage. It helps him to have the amazing team around him. Kareem Hunt in the backfield, Tyreek Hill with his speed and Kelce dominating in the red-zone and Watkins silently running past the defenses getting yards. That is the most talented all-around offense in NFL this year, no argument in that. Look for another 40 point performance from this unit this Sunday against the 49ers.

But, the defense again as expected is a huge suspect for the Chiefs team. Eric Berry being injured doesn't help this inexperienced Chiefs Defense. Justin Houston, should step up in his leadership role and bring all the players together and perform as a unit. Kendall Fuller, who was acquired from the Redskins in Alex Smith trade should step up and not leak the touchdowns.

As good as this offense is, this kind of success cannot be sustained for a long period of time. The season is very long and the defense needs to step up and bail out the offense. Come playoffs it doesn't matter how good you are on the offense, the defense helps win the championships.

Improving 49ers team

Jimmy Garropolo who won the last 5 games of the 2017 season for the San Francisco 49ers had a slow start to his 2018 campaign. Garropolo was handled by the Vikings, where he threw for three Interceptions. But, he bounced right back in Week 2 against the lions by tossing two touchdowns.

The 49ers offense has already suffered a setback due to injuries losing the starting Running Back Jerick Mckinnon for a season-ending ACL tear even before the start of the season. They also lost their starting WR Marquise Goodwin in Week 1. But, the 49ers luckily were able to find players that came and stepped right up in week 2.

Matt Breida, the back up running back has been brilliant in filling in the role as a starter, who leads the NFL through 2 weeks with 184 yards. He entrenched his position as a starter from his competitor Alfred Morris. Brieda will be the lead horseback who could be the best three-down back currently on the roster. Dante Pettis could also see many targets coming his way starting opposite to the veteran Pierre Garcon.

The San Francisco defense on the other hand remains a big suspect in 2 weeks just like the Chiefs defense. They were able to bring back the Lions in the fourth quarter by giving up 14 unanswered points. For the 49ers to have any chance against this vaunting Chiefs offense, the defense needs to step up and cover the streaking Chiefs WRs who can fly past in matter of seconds.

Fantasy Outlook

All Chiefs Skill Position Players: This is a nobrainer after what they were able to accomplish in first 2 weeks.

Matt Brieda: He is the work horse back for the 49ers and the leading rusher in NFL. Look for him to rake more yards this sunday and possibly touchdowns as well.

Under the Radar:

Pierre Garcon: Garcon is the starter and only experienced receiver in the team. He is bound have many targets coming his way this Sunday and will be a fringe flex-starter in PPR leagues this Sunday.

Caution:

Jimmy Garropolo: As much as this Chiefs defense let Phillip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger come back, 49ers do not have that many receiving weapons as Chargers and Steelers have. This game also happens to be the home opener for the Chiefs, which means Arrowhead Stadium is going to be rocking this Sunday, that place is never an easy place to play for any quarterback, just ask Tom Brady.

Prediction:

Chiefs, who blew out two of the top flight teams in the first two weeks, are not about to lose in week 3 to an inferior 49ers team.

Chiefs 42 49ers 27

T-3 Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0-0) (MNF)

Big Ben

The reason for having this matchup or the reason for having two matchups at number 3 is the same. That reason is Ryan Fitzpatrick. If Mahomes is showing everyone why the Chiefs have traded up for him. Fitzpatrick is auditioning for a starting job next offseason. He is showing he has a lot left in his tank and could be a viable stop-gap for any franchise looking for a Win-now quarterback or mentor for their future face of the franchise.

Beaming Buccaneers

Buccaneers surprised the world week 1 by defeating the defending NFC South champions the New Orleans Saints. Thanks to Fitzmagic, and his revival of DeSean Jackson's career they put up monster numbers together in Weeks 1 and 2, leading in Passing Yards and receiving yards in the NFL respectively.

Mike Evans, who struggled mightily with Jameis Winston under center, also found success with Fitzpatrick. With Winston's suspension being up after this game it is fair to wonder if Winston will get his job back with Fitzpatrick in such a hot hand. If Bucs win in week 4, there is no way Winston will be starting in week 4. Even with a loss, an argument can be made that Fitzpatrick played better in the last 4 weeks of 2017 season and the first 2 weeks of this season than the entire career of Winston.

The running game for the Buccaneers has been a suspect. Peyton Barber, who is anointed starter hasn't had the success everyone was hoping for. The running game needs to step up and help alleviate the pressure on Fitzpatrick and the passing game.

Just like the Chiefs, the offense has been high flying the defense is letting the opposing offenses to comeback. They cannot let that happen against a high octane Steelers offense who can make the defense pay early on.

Frustrated Steelers

Steelers had the rough start to what is thought to be a Superbowl campaign. Starting with Leveon Bell's absence, getting tie-up with a win-less Browns team and getting blown up by the Chiefs at home. This game is supposed to be an easy win for the Steelers but here we are Steelers are win-less and Buccaneers are undefeated and on to of the division.

The offense seems to have found its groove back in last week's match against the Chiefs after an atrocious start against the Browns. Ben Roethlisberger is very well known for his two alter-egos Home Ben and Road Ben. So far Roethlisberger has shown both these faces in the first two weeks.

The Road Ben is often bad and throws interceptions. But, this week he will be facing a Buccaneers defense who is not that threatening and should help Road Ben perform like Home Ben. Roethlisberger needs to find Antonio Brown on a regular basis. Brown has been uncharacteristically quiet in the first two weeks. In order to have any success in this high flying game, Ben should find Brown early and get a lead in the score early.

The defense which was supposed to be one of the best has been a disappointment. They let the Cleveland Browns make a comeback in week 1, which is not a good sign. With Fitzpatrick playing like a Madden QB, it is going to be another tough task for the Steelers defense just after playing catch up with Mahomes in Week 2. The defense cannot take Fitzpatrick light who lit up a stronger Philadelphia defense in Week 2.

Fantasy Outlook

James Connor, Steelers RB should again continue to get more touches with Leveon Bell continuing his holdout. Look out for another multiple TD game from him this week.

JuJu Smith Schuster, WR Steelers, with Brown getting covered lanes are opening up for Schuster and hence the targets are also going up.

DeSean Jackson, Go with the hot hand. Jackson will have his share of targets and possibly Long TDs.

Under the Radar

OJ Howard, TE Buccaneers: He could see some targets come his way especially in the red zone offense.

Jesse James, TE Steelers: James had a solid outing in the first two weeks. He could have a similar production coming his way in this Monday Night Matchup.

Caution

Ryan Fitzpatrick: As good as FitzMagic has been so far, it is bound to come back to earth, it could very well be this week. The Steelers defense is very good and could create some pressure up front on Fitzpatrick early on.

Ben Roethlisberger: Road Ben!

Prediction

This game will go down to the wire. The Bucs will take a commanding lead to start and let the Steeles comeback only for the Road Ben to show up throwing a game-killing interception.

Buccaneers 24 Steelers 23

2. LA Chargers (1-1) at LA Rams (2-0)

Rams aiming to continue its unbeaten run

This cross-town rivalry between the new neighbors in Los Angeles is going to be a High octane matchup. The winner can hold the bragging rights over the other team in the Los Angeles area. With both Chargers and Rams rosters are loaded with some superior talents in both sides of the ball.

Ravage Rams

Rams have been relentless in the two matchups so far in 2018 season on both sides of the ball. The defense allowed a combined 13 points in two weeks and also shut out the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.

The Rams offense runs through the All-Pro Running back Todd Gurley. Gurley even though didn't rack up that many yards as expected but he did do damage in the red zone situations scoring touchdowns in a consistent basis. Jared Goff continued his 2017 form into 2018 finding his new target Brandin Cooks for deep throws. But, this week the Rams offense will be tested by a resilient Chargers defense who can be tough.

The all start defense stood up to its pre-season Hype by handcuffing Derek Carr and Sam Bradford in back to back weeks. The defense is loaded with talent in the line lead by Aaron Donald and in the backend by Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. But, this week the Rams will be facing a tougher opponent in Phillip Rivers and the Chargers who themselves boast some prolific talent in the offense led by Rivers.

The Rams will be facing a tougher opponent in Chargers this week, they will need to be their 100%. The injury sustained by Todd Gurley might not be big but it is something that needs to be overseen carefully as the week progresses.

Charging Chargers

The Chargers, on the other hand, opened up the 2018 season as a favorite to win the AFC West, but as it always is the case injury bug bit them since the offseason program began in April. They lost their starting TE Hunter Henry, prompting them to sign Antonio Gates back. They also lost CBs Jason Verrett and Trevor Williams in training camp. Just before week 1 Chargers DE Joey Bosa also got injured, who is supposed to be out through October.

Chargers started the campaign whipped against the Chiefs in week 1 while coming back to groove against a lowly Bills in Week 2. Just like the Rams offense the Chargers offense is also loaded. Melvin Gordon along with Austin Ekler having been running through the defenses creating holes. Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen continued their 2017 form.

But the Chargers offense will be facing a much tougher secondary in Rams. Rams' Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib are arguably the best 1-2 punch in the NFL. It is not going to be easy facing this dynamic duo, but if there is anyone who can make these guy sweat it is Rivers.

The Chargers who saw the people drop like flies to injuries in defense had troubled mightily in that department especially in Week 1 against Mahomes and the Chiefs. They will be facing another high power offense in the Rams who can hurt you by rushing and throwing.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start

Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, and Brandin Cooks: Without Joey Bosa and Jason Verrett this defense is not that big of a threat and should ride the hot hand with these Rams starters

Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen: Rams D-Line has stuffed David Johnson big time in Week 2. But Gordon has been creating lanes and beating the defenders both with his legs and his hands. Allen who had a quite yet decent start should be started in PPR formats as he gets the monster share of targets in this Chargers offense

Under the Radar:

Austin Ekler: Ekler has been a surprise complementing Gordon in the Chargers rushing attack.

Rams Defense: Rivers is known to make some big plays, but also known for throwing back-breaking interceptions. With Talib and Peters in the secondary, they are bound to get 1-2 catches for themselves

Caution

Phillip Rivers: Rams Defense, more explanation not needed.

Prediction

This game has shootout written all over it. With two high flying offenses facing off each other look for the game to end in a game-winning field goal from newly acquired Rams kicker Sam Ficken.

Rams 27 Chargers 24

1. New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Matt Ryan and Drew Brees

These two division rivals will be battling it out this Sunday to be the second fiddle the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is a statement I never thought I would make in this season. The Saints and Falcons had rough starts to their 2018 seasons losing in week 1, but they managed to eek out Ws in week 2. Sin Saints

Sinking Saints

Saints season opened up with a FitzMagic. They happened to be the first team to face the wrath of Fitzpatrick, no one saw coming. The defense which was supposed to be improved was surprisingly non-existent. Even in the Week, 2 W against the Browns was an ugly affair. They were only leading 6-3 at the half which shows that this Saints team is not yet ready to play with the big boy teams in NFC.

The Saints passing offense is still dominant as always. Michael Thomas is making his case to be the Top 3 WR reeling in 28 of his 30 targets in just two games. Thomas is easily the Bress favorite Target followed by Alvin Kamara.

Kamara who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year last year, had a tough start rushing this year. Even though he caught a couple of touchdown passes, he totaled a combined 75 yards of rushing yards in two games, which should be seen as a cause of concern for the Saints offense. The Saints will be facing an Atlanta Defense which saw its fair share of key defenders lose to injuries. This matchup is the perfect match for Kamara to get back to his Rookie year form.

The defense, on the other hand, is a complete mess. They gave up 400 yards and 4 TDs to Ryan Fitzpatrick in the season opener. They even let Cleveland Browns make a comeback in Week 2, where they were bailed by Brees' last-minute game-winning drive. The defense which also had the Defensive Rookie of the year Marshon Lattimore needs to step up, otherwise, they will be burned big by Julio Jones and Matt Ryan, who found his form back in Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Rising Falcons

Matt Ryan and the Falcons had the worst night in the opening night kick off 2018 season. Ryan got overwhelmed by the daunting Super Bowl champion defense, who got their asses handled by FitzMagic. But, Ryan looks to be found his way back in his week 2 matchup against the Panthers tossing 2 touchdown passes while rushing for two more.

Julio Jones continues to get high target share but still not able to find the ball in the end zone. Jones caught a total of 3 TD passes in 2017 season and has none so far. If this team wants to see itself in the postseason they need to get the ball into the hands of Julio Jones more often and this is the game to start.

With the injury to Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman stepped in nicely in the starter role raking up 100+ all-purpose yards in week 2. TE Austin Hooper also had a couple of big receptions including a touchdown thus providing Ryan with more targets.

The defense, which like Chargers lost key players to injuries could not keep up with the offenses. The defense almost let Cam Newton and Panthers make a comeback. The Falcons need to be wary of the Saints and the Brees offense which could be dangerous. they need to stop Michael Thomas in order to have any kind of success in the passing situations.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start

Tevin Coleman, RB Falcons: Coleman got comfortable in the starter role by raking up 107 total yards in this starter role. Look for his role to increase in week 3.

Julio Jones and Matt Ryan. Ryan silenced his critics in week 2 with his performance and continues to be a good option in week 3 matchup. Jones should be able to finally find the end zone this week against a soft Saints pass defense.

Michael Thomas, WR Saints: 30 targets in 2 weeks...Just Start this guy every week no matter the matchup.

Alvin Kamara, RB Saints: Even though he had a rough start, he should be started because of the matchup he faces, he should be a must-start in PPR format regardless of matchups.

Under the Radar

Benjamin Watson, TE Saints, and Austin Hooper, TE Falcons: Both of these players could see some targets come their way, especially in the red zone situations. Ryan tends not to look at Jones in RZ situations that mean more targets elsewhere.

Caution

Defenses: Both the defenses had terrible start to their season, this is definitely not the week to start either of them.

Prediction

Surprise!! Another shootout. I think almost all the four matchups I have this week have shoot out written allover them. With the Momentum and current form on their side and being a home game as well I will go with Falcons this game.

Falcons 28 Saints 21