Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, September 23rd, 2024, 8:15 ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Network: ABC/ESPN+
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels: Start, QB1
Jayden Daniels was a less productive fantasy Quarterback, but he showed a lot more as a passer in Week 2. In Week 3, he has another soft matchup, and if he can put the two weeks together, he could be a regular in the elite tier of players at his position. Time will tell, but in the meantime, roll him out in Week 3 and be happy you have him.
Running Back
Brian Robinson Jr.: Start, RB1
Austin Ekeler: FLEX Option
Both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler saw plenty of involvement in the game plan in Week 2. Brian Robinson has been the primary ball carrier and made some nice plays through the air as well. In Week 3, he could flirt with RB1 numbers and present as one of the biggest values in drafts this year. Austin Ekeler is still getting the target volume you want to see as well, which gives you a lite version of what the Detroit Lions have in Gibbs and Montgomery.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin: Start, WR3/FLEX
Terry McLaurin is the only Commanders player that you can consider among the wide receivers, but even he has struggled to get going. Until the Commanders scheme more downfield looks to McLaurin, he’s going to have trouble giving you the fantasy production you’re used to seeing from the Ohio State product. I would prefer to have him on the bench until we see more consistency, but he is not a horrible FLEX play if you need an upside play in Week 3.
Tight End
Zach Ertz: Sit
Zach Ertz is a low upside option at this point in his career, but if the trend from Week 2 continues, he could be a great floor play at a position that has been erratic at best this season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: Start, QB1
Joe Burrow has not quite been himself this season thus far, but he did improve from Week 1 to Week 2. In Week 3, he gets a great matchup against the Washington Commanders that you can capitalize on. Both Baker Mayfield and even Daniel Jones were able to take advantage of this soft defense. If he is on your roster, you are playing him regardless.
Running Back
Zack Moss: FLEX Option
Chase Brown: Sit
Zack Moss has the clear control of the backfield lead over Chase Brown for the time being, out-snapping his teammate 51-13 in Week 2’s narrow loss at Arrowhead. Even with a large advantage in playing time and carries (Moss had 12 to Brown’s 4), Moss only mustered a few more yards on the ground and only caught one pass in this game. While he should be started over Brown in fantasy leagues, he’s a volume-based FLEX option for now. Brown should be a firm Sit, meanwhile, until he’s able to carve out a larger role in this backfield as the more explosive option. It sure feels like we’re talking about a different AFC North backfield here, doesn’t it?
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase: Start, WR1
Tee Higgins: Sit
Andrei Iosivas: Sit
The Ja’Marr Chase BOOM week is here. The Commanders have been one of the most exploitable matchups for wide receivers in fantasy this season. He is a no-doubt starter and the potential WR1 overall this week, especially with Tee Higgins likely out again. Andre Iosivas should remain on your benches, as he produced only 7 yards last week with Higgins out.
Tight End
Mike Gesicki: Sit
It’s best not to play the Mike Gesicki game in fantasy football. The only caveat would be if you lost a player like Evan Engram or David Njoku and you need a short-term fill-in. There are certainly worse streaming options out there than the owner of the World’s Worst Griddy.