NFL Week 3 Highlights: Trey Benson Shines as Raiders Thrive

The third week of the NFL season, held on September 24, 2023, showcased unexpected performances and significant developments that will impact fantasy football rosters. Among the standout moments was the emergence of Trey Benson, who stepped into a starting role following an injury to a key player. The Las Vegas Raiders demonstrated offensive resilience, while other teams faced challenges that could shape future matchups.

One of the most notable performances came from Geno Smith, quarterback for the Raiders, who was only rostered in 10% of ESPN leagues prior to Sunday. Smith threw three touchdown passes, securing his position as the third-highest scoring quarterback of the week. Despite his team facing a tough matchup against the Washington Commanders, Smith’s ability to capitalize on “garbage time” underscored his potential value in fantasy leagues, especially if the Raiders continue to struggle defensively.

In another impressive display, Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks completed 10 out of 11 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns in just the first half against the New Orleans Saints. Darnold, now rostered in 7.8% of leagues, may be a viable option for managers looking to fill gaps in their lineups, especially with upcoming matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As the NFL season progresses, the landscape of player availability changes rapidly. Managers must remain vigilant, as Week 4 will introduce the first bye weeks, affecting key players from teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers. Preparing for these absences is crucial for maintaining competitive rosters.

For those seeking deeper league options, backup quarterbacks like Marcus Mariota and Carson Wentz demonstrated potential, with Mariota scoring 20.28 points despite uncertainty surrounding his starting position. Their future performances could be pivotal as teams navigate injuries and matchups.

Benson, now stepping in for the injured James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals, is perhaps the most significant pickup of the week. Rostered in just over 54% of ESPN leagues, Benson’s opportunity to take over the starting role could make him a valuable asset despite his modest performance in relief. He is expected to assume the role of RB2 or flex player, which could yield substantial fantasy points as the season unfolds.

The running back landscape also saw the rise of Ollie Gordon II from the Miami Dolphins, who scored a touchdown despite being one of the most dropped players after Week 2. With his team showcasing the ability to support multiple relevant running backs, Gordon’s recent performance might signal a resurgence worth monitoring closely.

Fantasy managers are also keeping an eye on rookie Elic Ayomanor of the Tennessee Titans, who has been making waves with consecutive touchdown receptions. His ongoing development is noteworthy, as he competes with established players like Calvin Ridley for targets.

The tight end position saw Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots make a strong case for fantasy relevance, scoring two touchdowns and leading his position with 29.0 PPR points. As a potential high-upside option, his resurgence could impact roster decisions for many fantasy players.

As the NFL continues to unfold, the dynamic nature of player performances and injuries emphasizes the need for proactive roster management. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for fantasy players aiming for playoff contention.

With the excitement of Week 3 behind us, fantasy managers must remain agile to capitalize on emerging trends and player performances as the season progresses.