NFL 2018: Top 3 Matchups for Week 3

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