Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 22, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Network: CBS
Houston Texans
Quarterback
CJ Stroud: Start, QB1
CJ Stroud was a much better NFL quarterback than he was a fantasy one in Week 2, and that may be just part of his game. He is comfortable taking what a defense gives him and is great at protecting the football. These are all traits that can make his week-to-week fantasy performances anywhere from a mid-range QB1 to a high-end QB2. In Week 3, he faces another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have been a surprise this season, and this matchup could be more low-scoring than fantasy managers would like to see. Expect Stroud to find opportunities, but it may be as a lower-end QB1 (QB8 this week).
Running Back
Sit All
It is looking increasingly like Joe Mixon will miss the Texans game this week. If he does, we are going to get some combination of Dameon Pierce and Cam Akers. Neither should be in your starting lineups this week, as the Vikings have allowed less than 100 rushing yards per game. If Mixon does somehow find a way to suit up for this one, he is in the low-end RB2 conversation, as a full workload is highly unlikely.
Wide Receiver
Nico Collins: Start, WR1
Stefon Diggs: Start, WR2/FLEX
Tank Dell: FLEX Option
The Texans wide receivers have been a difficult trio to evaluate in the early goings of the season. Nico Collins stands apart from both Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell as the bonafide WR1 for this team, though, and that is something that you should not expect to change all season. Collins is the WR2 on the season in full PPR leagues, averaging 9 targets per game. His physical frame makes him an immediate mismatch for nearly every DB in the league, and his chemistry with second-year quarterback Stroud keeps improving. Collins should be a top-five option this week. Diggs and Dell will alternate who leads in targets all season, and while Diggs had the touchdowns in Week 1, he had only 37 receiving yards in Week 2. He is a touchdown-dependent WR2 going forward, and Dell is in the same boat. If I were looking to improve my wide receiver room, I would buy low on Dell now; his value is probably the lowest it will be all season.
Tight End
Dalton Schultz: Sit, TE2
Dalton Schultz had a highlight play in Week 2 but was unable to find enough volume to register on the fantasy radar. That trend will likely continue as long as the top three pass catchers for the Texans are healthy. There are players with a similar floor and much higher upside I would roll out this week over him. Zach Ertz and Mike Gesicki come to mind.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
Sam Darnold: Sit, QB2
Sam Darnold continues to impress. Last week, he had one of the best games of his entire career against the 49ers. While I would not recommend rolling Darnold out in your Week 3 matchups, he is a great Tagovailoa replacement if you are looking for an option at quarterback. Dynasty managers should be excited about what this means for JJ McCarthy‘s development as well.
Running Back
Aaron Jones: Start, RB2
Ty Chandler: Sit
Aaron Jones is a bit banged up right now with a hip injury, but it doesn’t look like he will be kept off the field this week. Jones is ahead of Ty Chandler in touches and snap share, and that should continue this week. Jones benefits from being able to make an impact through the air as well as on the ground, and the Vikings are losing pass-catchers by the bushel. Expect the veteran running back to be a focal point of the offense this week, even with a tough matchup.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: Start, WR1
Jordan Addison: Sit
Justin Jefferson is dealing with a quad injury, but you should expect to be able to fire him up with confidence this week. Jefferson has not lost much with the transition to Darnold, and in Week 3, he is my WR3. Jefferson is the best wide receiver in the NFL, and you can continue to put him in your lineup with zero hesitation. Jordan Addison is hurt right now and has missed the last few practices. If he does suit up, he is best placed on the bench as he gets back up to speed.
Tight End
Sit All
Without TJ Hockenson, there is no viable option for the Vikings at tight end. He should return later this season, but it will still take some time to ramp up before he gets back to his normal self.