Week 3 is always a turning point during the fantasy season. It’s the first week you can start to understand what players will be good and which early-season struggles are more than just a slow start. With such an important week, it’s always beneficial to secure a win, so you don’t have to rely on desperation on the waiver wire and in the trade market. Here are three players that must be in your starting lineup if they’re on your roster.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears WR
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the performance of Rome Odunze. Although the Bears have left a lot to be desired this season, Odunze has been a solid producer. Through two weeks, he has 13 receptions for 165 yards with three touchdowns. It’s clear that Odunze has established himself as the wide receiver one in Chicago. He’s the guy that Caleb Williams is going to look to regardless of what the score is.
Odunze should have a good matchup this week against Dallas’s secondary. This is the same secondary that just allowed 450 passing yards last week to Russell Wilson and the Giants. While the Bears’ offense hasn’t looked great, they should have more success moving the ball. Odunze is also set to be guarded by Kaiir Elam, who had a 60.2 PPF coverage grade, just barely above average. Odunze is in store for another big week.
Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos WR
You would be lying to yourself if you predicted the start of the season Troy Franklin has gotten off to. He’s arguably become the Broncos’ number one receiver, jumping Courtland Sutton. Through two games, Franklin has 12 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. These numbers have far exceeded the numbers he was projected to get. It looks like Franklin has established himself as Bo Nix’s most trusted target and go-to option.
The most encouraging part of Franklin’s production is the number of targets he’s getting. So far, he has 15 targets, six coming in Week 1 and nine coming in Week 2. He and Nix have built a connection over these two weeks that should continue throughout the season. While the Chargers have a solid secondary, they did give up 180 passing yards to the Raiders and 318 to the Chiefs. Franklin should be in store for a big game.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys RB
Coming into the season, many were quick to write off the Cowboys’ running back room. With it consisting of aging veterans and unproven young players, few thought any Cowboys running back would be a reliable fantasy option. However, in two weeks, Javonte Williams has proven all the critics wrong. So far this season, Williams has 151 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. He has also had eight receptions for 43 yards.
This strong start should continue against the Bears. The Bears have struggled to contain the run this season, giving up over 115+ yards in both games this year. They’ve also allowed 50+ yards to multiple players in each of those games. With the Bears having such problems containing the run, Williams should be a big part of the Cowboys’ game plan. We’ll likely see him get 15+ carries, which should result in another 50+ yards game.
Thanks for reading! Credit for my featured image goes to Nic Antaya. You can find more Fantasy Football content on Belly Up Sports and follow Brian on Twitter/X. Here is a link to the latest episode of Belly Up Fantasy Live.
