As we all know, fantasy football is as much about strategy as it is about luck.. well maybe a little more luck. But a fantasy football player should always be taking a look ahead, and we’re gonna do that here by looking at who you may need to stream in Week 3 if the injury bug hits.
All Players are under 50% owned in ESPN Leagues.
Quarterback
Josh Allen (QB, BUF) @ Cincinnati (23.2% Owned)
Josh Allen closed out the 2018 season as one of the hottest fantasy quarterbacks over the last 6 weeks. Including Week 17, Allen averaged 25.5 fantasy points per game every week after returning from injury in week 12 against Jacksonville. Coming into 2019 he seemed to be a little undervalued and showed he still can be productive even in a minus matchup. In week 1, Allen finished with an even 16 fantasy points against the Jets in a comeback victory. Allen went 24/37 for 254 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for 39 yards and 1 touchdown. The issue here is the turnovers, as Allen threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Cincinnati’s defense should give Allen enough opportunities to make plays with his feet and his arm. Russell Wilson had a 16.6 score in week 1 while only throwing the ball 20 times.
Running Back
Rex Burkhead (RB, NE) vs NY Jets (5.9% Owned)
Rex Burkhead was the surprise of Sunday night, taking the majority of snaps from the running back position for the Patriots. The Patriots Running Backs are always an issue, but Burkhead seems to have a locked-in role. The team likes his dual-threat ability and is willing to split him out wide if needed. Burkhead was in on 45.7% of snaps in week 1, 13% more than Sony Michel. He was used between the tackles and looked like the more effective runner. He received 8 carries for 44 yards and added five catches for 41 yards. Burkhead had a similar output to Duke Johnson, who is 90% owned. Burkhead should see plenty of snaps in a game with an expected game script that should leave the Patriots in a lot of running situations.
Wide Receiver
Ted Ginn Jr. (WR, NO) @ Seattle (17.3% Owned)
Ted Ginn Jr. always seems to be undervalued and goes undrafted, but Drew Brees loves his number two target. Ginn Jr. offers explosive play ability downfield, but his chemistry with Brees makes him more than just one dimensional. In week 1, Ginn caught 7/8 targets for 102 yards in the victory over Houston. Ginn Jr. played on 74.2% of snaps for the Saints and should see a similar output going forward. The Saints go into Seattle and face ad defense that just gave up 7 catches, 158 yards, and two touchdowns to deep threat John Ross III (WR, CIN) of the Bengals. Andy Dalton (QB, CIN) finished 35/51 with 418 yards and the two touchdowns. Ginn Jr. looks primed to have a solid fantasy day in week three against a Seattle defense that is looking a lot different from years past with the loss of Earl Thomas II (S, BAL).
Tight End
Mike Gesicki (TE, MIA) @ Dallas (2.2% Owned)
In a game where the Dolphins got completely blown out, Mike Gesicki did… okay? He hauled in two of six targets for 31 yards. It was a somewhat pedestrian stat line, but Gesicki will go up against a Dallas defense that just allowed 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets to Evan Engram (TE, NYG). Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, MIA) is a capable enough quarterback to get the ball in the right positions for Gesicki to make plays. The Dolphins do not have many reliable targets and would like Gesicki to develop into one. Don’t expect a 20 point game, but if you were hit by the injury bug with Jordan Reed or Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki could help you out for a week.
Defense/Special Teams
Dallas Cowboys vs Miami (29.3% Owned)
The Cowboys closed out last year as one of the most improved defenses, and look to continue that trend in 2019. Although their fantasy output was not great in their season opener against the Giants, don’t let that deter you from the matchup. The Cowboys had two takeaways and have a solid pass rush, they should be able to get past the Dolphins Offensive Line and towards Fitzpatrick, or force him into bad throws to make plays on. A few big plays hurt the Cowboys fantasy score but look for them to rebound in Week 2 and be a top option for Week 3.