Week 3 of the NFL season brought with it major fantasy football producers. In the first two weeks, only two players scored 30 or more points. On Sunday, four players scored 30 or more points, with Devonta Freeman netting the biggest total of the year so far with 37.30 points.
A.J. Green, Steve Smith and Andy Dalton also turned in big performances, scoring more than 30 points.
With the exception of possibly Freeman, the other three players are regular household names. Here’s the top under-the-radar fantasy football studs of week 3.
Chris Johnson, Arizona, 27.0 points
We understand that Johnson is well known among NFL fans. But to expect him to put up these numbers is like we’ve returned to 2009.
Johnson entered the season without any fanfare and actually resided on most waiver wires to begin the year. Now, he’s the main ball carrier for Arizona with Andre Ellington out, and the Cardinals offense is cruising.
Don’t forget, we’re only a year removed from Johnson totaling the least amount of carries by more than 100 during last season.
This year, he’s already at 52 carries through three games, a little more than 100 less carries than he netted all of last season. He now has 34 points in two weeks, and is making a case for continued usage once Ellington returns.
Karlos Williams, Buffalo, 17.0 points
The rookie running back is making an impact so far this season.
Williams tallied 17 points this week against Miami this week, adding to his already impressive total so far this season. He rushed for 110 yards on 12 carries and scored one touchdown.
This goes along with his already 21.12 points he amassed during weeks 1 and 2 this season. He has touchdowns in three consecutive games, and if he’s still on your league’s waiver wire, he’s worth a look, especially with LeSean McCoy’s injury problems.
Rishard Matthews, Miami, 23.30 points
Fantasy football owners will likely not pass on Matthews this week on the waiver wire.
Miami continues to show the desire to pass, and on Sunday, it was down big early, so it had to air it out plenty. Matthews was the recipient of plenty of targets, especially in the second half.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill sent 10 targets to Matthews, with Matthews catching six passes and 113 yards and two touchdowns. Matthews has been one of Tannehill’s biggest weapons so far on an offense looking to pass often. The Dolphins have been disappointing thus far, but if the offensive gameplan continues to feature a pass-heavy approach, Matthews would be a good player to nab off the waiver wire.
Gary Barnidge, Cleveland, 16.50 points
If it happens once, it may just be a coincidence. If it happens three consecutive weeks, it’s a trend.
The Oakland Raiders have been absolutely terrible against the tight end position this season. The Raiders have allowed 59.7 points in three games against tight ends.
Barnidge was the latest benefactor from the Raiders’ inability to cover tight ends.
Barnidge had totaled only 5.50 points during two weeks this season, but he nabbed six catches on 10 targets on Sunday, with one touchdown and 105 yards receiving. Don’t expect this much production out of Barnidge for the rest of the season. This has more to do with the Raiders than Cleveland’s desire to feature its tight end.
Next up for the Raiders is at Chicago.
