QB:
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Baker Mayfield decimated the Commanders secondary. Daniel Jones decimated the Commanders secondary. So how is Joe Burrow not going to do the same? Burrow and the Bengals have been a disaster thus far, but things should turn around as soon as they take the field this weekend against a secondary that is completely overmatched and shows little room for improvement. Look for Burrow to throw for close to 300 yards and three passing TDs.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
The Ravens have gotten off to a rough start in 2024, losing to Kansas City (expected) and Las Vegas (completely unexpected). This game against Dallas has become a “must-win,” and I am buying into Lamar doing whatever he needs to do to will the Ravens to victory. So far this season, we haven’t seen Lamar break off many big runs, but this looks like the week for him to do that. Micah Parsons will be putting pressure on him, but he should take advantage of an over-pursuing defense for some big gains. I am thinking 240 passing yards and a TD, plus 55 rushing yards and a TD.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals
By now, we know that the Lions are hard to run against and that the best way to beat them is through the air. Enter the Cardinals and Murray, who are coming off an offensive explosion against the Rams at home and are hoping to do it again this week. A confident Murray has been a rare sight over the past few seasons, so it will be interesting to see if Arizona can string together two good weeks in a row. Look for Murray to find Greg Dortch in the slot, as the Lions have shown themselves to be susceptible there in the first two games. If Murray can keep his composure in the pocket, he has a great chance to throw for 250+ yards and two TDs.
Honorable Mention: Jalen Hurts, Geno Smith
RB:
De’Von Achane, Dolphins
With Tua out for the next few weeks, Miami is going to need to rely on their running game and short passing attack. Miami Head Coach Mike McDaniel has already said this week that Achane is deserving of more touches, and with Skyler Thompson struggling to throw deep, I can see a ton of dump-offs happening to him. If Raheem Mostert is out again, Achane’s ceiling might be as high as 25-20 fantasy points. Even if Mostert plays, Achane should be a lock for 15.
Jordan Mason, 49ers
Let’s keep track of who is out for San Francisco: CMC, Deebo, and likely George Kittle (hamstring). With all that talent on the sidelines, it’s lucky that the 49ers are playing the Rams, who are almost as equally injured (Kupp and Nacua are out). The 49ers will lean on Mason as much as possible and feed him with regularity. I am convinced that Mason has more receiving chops than we’ve seen thus far, which could be great in PPR. Look for him to get 20 fantasy points, with a shot at hitting 30 if the Rams find a way to keep it competitive.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
In a video I saw this past week, Kenneth Walker was running a straight-line sprint, and after he stopped, he grabbed a hold of his oblique and started to walk off the field slowly. That short video was all the proof I needed to think that Walker will be OUT on Sunday, leaving Charbonnet as the main ball carrier. Miami struggled to stop Travis Etienne in Week 1, and they really struggled to stop James Cook in Week 2. With Charbonnet likely getting 20 touches, I think he is a lock for 90+ total yards from scrimmage and a TD.
Honorable Mention: Tony Pollard, Zamir White
