🏈 (Updated 6:15 pm) Monday Night Football: Two Undefeated Teams Collide

NFL Week 3 Monday Night Football

MONDAY, SEPT 25

Most of Week 3's games are in the books, with plenty of drama yesterday, from the Dolphins dropping 70 - yes, 70! points on the Broncos to the Chargers overtaking the Vikings for their first win of the season.

But wait, there's more. 

Tonight, we have two games scheduled to close out the week, the first one starting at 7:15 pm with the Eagles at Bucs followed by the Rams at Bengals starting at 8:15 pm.


It’s almost game time. Let’s get it!

1. Monday Night Football: 2 Games to Watch

2. MNF Updated Inactive Lists

3. Week 3 Winners

4. Week 4 Early Injury Report

Eagles (2-0) at Bucs (2-0)

• WHERE: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)

• WHEN: 7:15 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN+, NFL+

• MONEYLINE: Eagles: -225 | Buccaneers: +185

• SPREAD: Eagles -5 | O/U: 46
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Eagles vs. Buccaneers: Week 3 Showdown Preview

• Jalen Hurts Under the Spotlight:

  • Needs to step up against Tampa; 0-2 record against them.

  • Previous encounters:

    • Regular season 2021: 12 of 26 passes, 115 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception.

    • 2021 Wildcard playoff: 23-for-43, 258 yards, 2 interceptions, 1 TD.

  • Hope: A decisive win to soothe fans with high Super Bowl hopes.

  • Issue: Taking sacks; already 7 in two games. A call for quicker ball release.
    
    

• Haason Reddick's Return:

  • Anticipated: His first sack of the season, potentially two.

  • Previous stint: 11 days post broken thumb, now playing with a wrap.

  • Sirianni's take: Reddick's presence itself changes games; sacks come in waves.
    
    

• Reed Blankenship's Interception Watch:

  • Eagles' stats: Six turnovers forced but only one interception.

  • Prediction: Blankenship might intercept Mayfield, who hasn't thrown one yet this season.
    
    

• Sydney Brown's Potential Involvement:

  • A call for increased playtime for the third-round rookie.

  • Likely opportunity: Slot reps due to Avonte Maddox's injury, with competition from Mario Goodrich.
    
    

• Special Teams Transition:

  • Change: Arryn Siposs out, Braden Mann in as punter and holder.

  • Focus: Holding for Jake Elliott, who's had a strong start with 50+ yard field goals.

  • Goal: Mann should aim for a net punting average above 40 yards, which Siposs found challenging.
    
    

Our Take

Baker Mayfield has a strong chance of challenging the current NFC champions, especially with his impressive set of pass catchers. If Tampa's defense can exploit the inconsistencies in Philly's offense, the Bucs might capitalize. However, despite these factors, trusting Mayfield over Jalen Hurts is difficult, especially when considering the formidable defense Mayfield is set to face.

With both teams undefeated, the match promises high stakes and intense action. Eagles' fans are keen to see how their team will rise to the challenge.

Rams (1-1) at Bengals (0-2)

• WHERE: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)

• WHEN: 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NFL+

• MONEYLINE: Rams: +130 | Bengals: -155

• SPREAD: Bengals -3 | O/U: 44
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Rams vs Bengals: Week 3 Showdown Preview

Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams) - Performance Analysis:

• Status: Set to start against the Bengals after a tough loss to the 49ers.

• Stats: Threw for 641 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in two games.
  

Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals) - Calf Injury:

• Status: Questionable for Monday's game after an aggravated calf injury.

• Stats: Completed 56.9% of his passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns this season.

• Note: If unavailable, backup Jake Browning will make his first career start.
  

Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams) - Performance Analysis:

• Status: Healthy; showing significant promise in his rookie season.

• Stats: Recorded 15 receptions in a recent game, the highest by a rookie in a single game in NFL history.
  

Kyren Williams (RB, Los Angeles Rams) - Performance Analysis:

• Status: Leading the backfield after Cam Akers was traded to the Vikings.

• Stats: Achieved his first 100-plus scrimmage yard game against the 49ers and ended the week with an NFL-best four scrimmage TDs.
  

Our Take

Joe Burrow, who previously led the Bengals deep into the postseason, has been off to a slow start this year. As Week 3 approaches, there's concern about his calf injury, especially with the challenge of facing Aaron Donald. Even if he plays, his fitness level is in question. On the other side, Sean McVay's Rams offense is thriving, with rookie Puka Nacua breaking records. Given the uncertainties surrounding Cincinnati, especially Burrow's health, and the Rams' consistent early-season performance under McVay, the prediction leans towards the Rams.

Eagles

• Boston Scott (RB)

• Quez Watkins (WR)

• Mario Goodrich (CB)

• Tanner McKee (QB)

• Moro Ojomo (DT)

• Albert Okwuegbunam (TE)

Bucs

• Carlton Davis III (CB)

• SirVocea Dennis (LB)

• Calijah Kancey (DT)

• Markees Watts (DE)

• Deadrin Senat (DT)

• Payne Durham (TE)

Rams

• na as of 6:15 pm

Bengals

• na as of 6:15 pm

Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs):

• Led Chiefs to a 41-10 victory over Chicago Bears.

• Finished with a 127.3 passer rating, 24-of-33 for 272 yards, and three TDs.

• Achieved 22nd career game with three TDs and no interceptions, tying Aaron Rodgers' record.

• Became the fastest player to achieve 25,000 passing yards.

Raheem Mostert & De'Von Achane (RBs, Miami Dolphins):

• Dominant in a 70-20 win over Denver Broncos with combined 285 rushing yards and eight total TDs.

• Both players achieved significant milestones, matching and setting records.

Justin Herbert (QB, Los Angeles Chargers):

• Commanded a 28-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings with 405 yards, three TDs, and zero interceptions.

• Demonstrated resilience against the blitz, with an 85% completion rate.

Brian Branch (DB, Detroit Lions):

• Stellar in Detroit's 20-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

• Has 18 tackles, an interception, and a TD over three weeks, hinting at a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year claim.

Matt Gay (Kicker, Indianapolis Colts):

• Crucial in a 22-19 win over Baltimore Ravens with a 5-of-5 record, including a historic 53-yarder.

• Became the first kicker to score four 50+ yard field goals in a single game.

Jonathan Gannon (Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals):

• Secured his debut coaching win with a 28-16 upset over the previously dominant Dallas Cowboys.

Andrew Beck (Fullback, Houston Texans):

• Shocked in a 37-17 win over Jacksonville Jaguars with an 85-yard kick-return TD.

• Became the heaviest player ever to record a kick-return touchdown, showcasing the value of the fullback position.

Week 3 of the NFL season brought a sigh of relief for many as the onslaught of injuries from the initial two weeks eased up a bit. However, several pivotal players suffered setbacks that could reshape fantasy football strategies in the coming weeks.

From potential season-enders to minor hindrances, here's an in-depth look at the injury landscape and its implications for fantasy managers.

Week 3 Injury Report & Fantasy Impact

1. Mike Williams (WR, Los Angeles Chargers) - Knee Injury:

   • Status: MRI due after a potentially serious left knee injury, possibly season-ending.

   • Projection: Return TBD. Fears of a torn ACL which could end his 2023 season.
     
     

2. Derek Carr (QB, New Orleans Saints) - Shoulder Injury:

   • Status: Hit hard by Green Bay's Rashan Gary; potential AC or SC joint sprain. Less serious than initially feared.

   • Projection: Estimated Week 7 return. Typically, AC joint sprains sideline QBs for ~2 weeks, while SC joint sprains may extend it to 3-4 weeks.
     
     

3. Justin Fields (QB, Chicago Bears) - Possible Concussion:

   • Status: Displayed concussion-like symptoms in a game blowout but returned to play. NFLPA's concussion guidelines may not have been strictly followed.

   • Projection: Monitor closely; potential Week 4/5 return if concussion confirmed.
     
     

4. Gus Edwards (RB, Baltimore Ravens) - Concussion:

   • Status: Confirmed concussion. Forced to leave the game to the locker room.

   • Projection: Estimated Week 5 return. NFL RBs typically miss around 1.8 games after a concussion.
     
     

5. Patrick Mahomes II (QB, Kansas City Chiefs) - Ankle Injury:

   • Status: Suffered an ankle injury but continued to dominate in the game against Chicago.

   • Projection: Expected to play in Week 4. Might have limited practice due to the injury. Played through a high ankle sprain last season and likely won't be severely limited.

Notes:

• Overall: Week 3 saw fewer injuries than previous weeks, but some are still significant.

• Fantasy Implications: Pay close attention to injury reports if you have these players in your lineup. Backup options or replacements may be necessary based on these preliminary reports.