Week 3 NFL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets | NFL Picks Against the Spread | NFL Props | Survivor
Chris Meaney
Training camps provide our first look into NFL players and teams as we prepare for the upcoming fantasy football season. Information has been flooding our social media timelines, leaving us to determine the subsequent fantasy impact. It’s a matter of knowing which information matters and which should be ignored.
So each day in this space, we’ll take a trip through the top news and takeaways around the league’s training camps to offer up what fantasy managers need to know as we head through draft season and into the 2024 NFL regular season.
Today, we go around the entire NFL, and give the biggest takeaway for each team after Week 2 of the 2024 preseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson vs. Emari Demercado
No starters played for the Cardinals in their 21-13 loss at Indianapolis, but rookie Trey Benson posted a robust 4.8 yards per carry on nine attempts, outpacing teammate Emari Demercado. Benson had a carry for 19 yards and another for 20 yards that was negated by a holding penalty. He is your RB2 in Arizona.
Atlanta Falcons: Health Is the Priority
The Falcons sat 37 players Saturday, following the Rams’ model of providing us with little preseason content. The shocking sit was rookie Michael Penix Jr. who the Falcons “saw enough of” last week. Clearly, Atlanta believes the dynamic rookie could take over for Kirk Cousins in the event of an injury.
Baltimore Ravens: Josh Johnson QB2
Veteran Josh Johnson has been named the Ravens QB2, completing all 11 of his pass attempts to start the game. He threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Owen Wright and extended multiple plays with his legs. Johnson proved that his 38-year-old body can still play at a high level.
Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis
Rookie RB Ray Davis ran for 58 yards on just eight carries in Buffalo’s 9-3 victory over Pittsburgh. Davis is in a battle with Ty Johnson for the Bills backup role to James Cook.
Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders
The rookie tight end has made the most of his opportunities with both Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble out with injuries. Sanders has impressed as a receiver and blocker, which is critical in Dave Canales’ heavy tight end offense.
Chicago Bears: Williams to Odunze
Quarterback Caleb Williams started slow against the Bengals backups, but connected with fellow rookie Rome Odunze on this impressive 45-yard pass.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton Returner?
Rookie WR Jermaine Burton was given an opportunity as a kick and punt returner, looking good in both situations. He posted 58 yards on two kick returns and had a 23-yard punt return negated by a penalty. Burton has already looked great as a wideout in the preseason, and Cincinnati would be wise to find creative ways to get him on the field.
Cleveland Browns: D’Onta Foreman Impresses
After suffering a scary neck injury in practice earlier in the preseason, Foreman made an impressive debut with the Browns, catching five passes for 46 yards and rushing for a touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys: Trey Lance Impresses Again
Trey Lance put together a second consecutive impressive effort in the Cowboys’ 27-12 victory over the Raiders. The 24-year-old signal-caller threw a touchdown and ran for 34 yards and another score.
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix QB1
If Bo Nix isn’t named the starting quarterback in Denver, something is wrong. The rookie completed 8 of his 9 passes including a touchdown pass to Tim Patrick in the Broncos’ 27-2 shellacking of the Packers. Nix had another touchdown called back because he was slightly over the line of scrimmage. The rookie has impressed throughout the preseason.
Detroit Lions: Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki, the undrafted free agent from Utah, has broken out during training camp and continues to secure a roster spot for the Lions. Vaki was expected to be a core special teams player but is producing on offense when given a chance. He showed off his versatility with 82 total yards and four receptions in Detroit’s 24-23 win at Kansas City.
Green Bay Packers: Massive Struggles
Not much to say about the Packers’ 27-2 loss at Denver. The offense struggled all game and both Green Bay quarterbacks combined for just 80 passing yards and an interception.
Houston Texans: Metchie Shines
Houston’s 2022 second-round pick John Metchie posted six receptions, 68 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Texans 28-10 victory over the Giants. Metchie missed his entire rookie year due to leukemia, but scored his first NFL touchdown this past weekend.
Indianapolis Colts: Laquon Treadwell?
No starters played for the Colts this weekend, but Laquon Treadwell impressed with seven receptions for 72 yards. Indianapolis boasts a deep receiving room, but it was a good day overall for Treadwell.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Mac Jones, 2 Touchdowns
The former first-round pick for the Patriots threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns in the Jaguars’ 20-7 win over Tampa Bay. Jones is solidifying his role as the backup quarterback to Trevor Lawrence.
Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy Impresses
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy could not be covered by the Lions, catching three passes for 62 yards a this 22-yard touchdown.
Las Vegas Raiders: Gardner Minshew Names Starter
While both quarterbacks failed to impress, Raiders head coach Antonio Piece named veteran Gardner Minshew the starter after Las Vegas’ 27-12 home loss to Dallas.
Los Angeles Chargers: Kimani Vidal Alive
Rookie running back Kimani Vidal reminded fans of his explosive athleticism with 49 rushing yards and two receptions. Vidal was rumored to be at the end of the running back depth chart but should move up after this performance.
Los Angeles Rams: Jordan Whittington Again
The sixth-round rookie from Texas impressed yet again, catching five of his eight targets for 52 yards. Whittington has clearly made the team and may have earned the right to skip the Rams’ final preseason matchup.
Miami Dolphins: De’Von Achane, Receiving Weapon
De’Von Achane saw three targets and caught two passes, showcasing his receiving ability in the Dolphins’ second preseason game.
Minnesota Vikings: Nick Mullens QB2
Veteran Nick Mullens quelled the concerns about J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending injury, posting 135 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota’s 27-12 victory over Cleveland.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye Scores
Maye continues to impress, this time with his legs on a six-yard rushing touchdown. The rookie is making a push to be the Week 1 starter for New England.
New Orleans Saints: Taysom Hill
Not much to report from the Saints’ 16-10 loss, but Taysom Hill is clearly going to be a featured weapon for New Orleans. The 34-year-old veteran lined up at multiple positions and scored a rushing touchdown.
New York Giants: Inconsistent Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones returned to action to mixed reviews, throwing for 138 yards but two interceptions. Jones did connect with Malik Nabers late in the second quarter, but the two early interceptions have caused an already unsettled Giants fan base to get nervous.
New York Jets: Isaiah Davis
The Jets fifth-round running back saw his first touches of the preseason, rushing four times for 14 yards. Davis is a mega-producer from South Dakota State but is likely behind Braelon Allen on the Jets depth chart.
Philadelphia Eagles: Kenny Pickett Leads for QB2 Role
Tanner McKee was solid (15-of-19, 140 yards) in the Eagles’ 14-13 victory over the Patriots but threw two interceptions in Sunday’s practice. All signs point to Kenny Pickett as the QB2 behind Jalen Hurts.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylen Warren Hurt
Running back Jaylen Warren left the game with a hamstring injury. Early reports have Warren missing 2-4 weeks, putting his availability for Week 1 at Atlanta in jeopardy.
San Francisco 49ers: Jacob Cowing
The 49ers fourth-round rookie from Arizona showcased his blazing 4.38 speed, catching four passes for 51 yards and this nifty 19-yard run.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Howell Again
Sam Howell followed up an impressive first preseason game with an 11-of-14 performance, posting 153 yards and a touchdown. Howell will absolutely push Geno Smith for the starting job if the veteran struggles early.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rushing Game Impresses
Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving combined for 58 rushing yards on 10 attempts in the Jaguars’ 20-7 loss at Jacksonville. This is good news for a team that struggled with rushing efficiency all last season.
Tennessee Titans: QB2 Battle
There is still no clear winner in the Tennessee QB2 battle, after Malik Willis got the start in Saturday’s preseason game. Rudolph threw a touchdown pass, but the versatile Willis posted 30 yards rushing.
Washington Commanders: Luke McCaffrey WR2?
The Commanders are still searching for the WR2, and rookie Luke McCaffrey is in the mix. He made a nice 21-yard catch from Jeff Driskel and will look to continue the momentum in Washington’s last preseason game.
