Navigating the Unpredictable NFL Landscape: Sleepers and Surprises for Week 3

The NFL season is a rollercoaster of emotions, with each week bringing a new set of surprises and challenges. As fantasy managers, we often find ourselves swinging wildly between overreaction and cautious optimism, searching for the hidden gems that can propel our teams to victory. In the aftermath of the first two weeks, it's time to take a more measured approach, leveraging the available data to identify potential sleepers and under-the-radar options that could make a significant impact in Week 3.

Uncovering the Hidden Gems: Sleepers to Watch in Week 3

Quarterback: Derek Carr - Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders' passing attack has been a focal point of their offense through the first two weeks, with Carr and his receivers airing it out on more than two-thirds of their offensive snaps. This pass-heavy approach has been driven by game scripts, as the Raiders have trailed for over 22 minutes, the third-highest mark in the league. This week, they face a Carolina Panthers defense that has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks, allowing a completion percentage over expectation of nearly 10%. With the Panthers' secondary struggling and their run defense proving to be above average, the stage is set for Carr and the Raiders' passing game to thrive.

Quarterback: Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers

Purdy's fantasy season has started slowly, as he was asked to do more in Week 2 against a stifling Vikings defense. However, this week presents a prime opportunity for the young quarterback to bounce back. The Rams' defense has been one of the most quarterback-friendly units in the league, allowing an average of 0.35 expected points added per dropback, the second-worst mark in the NFL. With the Niners' offense looking to get back on track, Purdy could capitalize on this favorable matchup and deliver his best fantasy performance of the season.

Running Back: David Foreman - Cleveland Browns

Week 2 saw a changing of the guard in the Cleveland backfield, as Foreman took over lead-back duties from Jerome Ford. Foreman led the team with 15 total touches and did most of his work in the second half, showcasing his ability to be the Browns' closer. This week, Foreman faces a Giants defense that has struggled mightily against the run, allowing 5.3 yards per carry and being torched by Aaron Jones and Brian Robinson Jr. in the first two weeks. With the opportunity to be the primary ball-carrier, Foreman could be in line for a productive outing.

Wide Receiver: Tank Dell - Houston Texans

While Dell's start to the season has been underwhelming, there are reasons for fantasy managers to remain patient. He's been on the field for 66% of the Texans' offensive snaps and has a high route participation in an offense that runs a lot of 11 personnel. This week, Dell could benefit from the Texans' matchup against the Vikings, who are known for their aggressive blitzing and use of two-high safety looks. With Nico Collins demanding more attention, Dell could find space in the intermediate areas of the field and have his first big game of the season.

Wide Receiver: Greg Dortch - Arizona Cardinals

Dortch may no longer be considered a true sleeper, but he still presents an intriguing option in Week 3. After taking a backseat to Marvin Harrison Jr. in the Cardinals' blowout win over the Rams, Dortch should play a significant role in the passing attack against the Lions. Detroit has not utilized a lot of two-high safety looks this season, which could create opportunities for Dortch to operate in the intermediate areas of the field.

Tight End: Pat Freiermuth - Pittsburgh Steelers

The tight end position has been a disappointment for fantasy managers so far this season, with players like Sam LaPorta, Travis Kelce, and Mark Andrews failing to make a significant impact. Freiermuth's path to success was predicated on Russell Wilson being Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, but with Justin Fields' grip on the job tightening, the outlook has become more uncertain. However, Freiermuth could still be a key part of the Steelers' offense this week, as he operates in the areas where Fields is most comfortable throwing the ball. Against a Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-most catches to tight ends, Freiermuth could be a valuable asset.

Tight End: Jonnu Smith - Miami Dolphins

Jonnu Smith's surprise performance on Thursday Night Football last week caught many fantasy managers off guard, but he won't be as much of a surprise this week. With Skylar Thompson starting at quarterback for the Dolphins, look for Mike McDaniel to give his new signal-caller some easy throws, especially with the secondary likely to focus a lot of attention on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Smith's average depth of target may not be high, but he could feast on volume in Week 3.

Defense: Green Bay Packers

The Titans' quarterback, Will Levis, has been a rollercoaster of excitement and frustration for Tennessee's offense. In 11 games as a starter, Levis has given the ball away 13 times, and the Titans have welcomed defenders into their backfield, allowing seven sacks. This makes for a tasty matchup for the Packers' defense, as Levis seems good for at least one gift turnover, and Green Bay's defense should be able to take advantage of the Titans' offensive line struggles.