NFL Reactions: Week 3

As if football doesn't already give us enough in the way of entertainment and epic stories unfolding on the field every week, the game can teach us some valuable lessons about life. That's right — football can help us learn about the world and how it works.

This week's lesson: The significance of our decisions.

As fantasy managers, we know quite a bit about decision-making. The whole game is about choosing the players to start in your lineup who give you the best chance to score the most points. That sounds easy, but we all know it isn't always that simple. There are all sorts of variables that get in the way, including injuries, the weather, game plans, matchups and many more that make decision-making process rather complicated. To succeed, one must prepare and make informed choices — and even then — you're not guaranteed a win.

Fret not, fellow fantasy aficionados. Don't kick yourself over starting who ended up being the wrong guy in your flex. Your process was likely correct. Take a look at Week 3, however, and you will see some absolute head-scratching decisions by actual NFL coaching staffs.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley left fans stunned when the team opted to throw in the end zone for a go-ahead score to Mike Williams with roughly 30 seconds left. Now, the Chargers went on to upset the Chiefs 30-24, but the choice was maddening. Why wouldn't you want to run the clock down in that spot? The Chargers could then hit a chip-shot field goal with no time left on the clock and Patrick Mahomes never gets to see the field. Instead, Mahomes got the ball back with a timeout in hand and eventually threw up a Hail Mary. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. 

Although they ended up winning, the Chargers gave themselves an opportunity to lose. It was one of those weird situations where the wrong decision is made, but it worked out. You can't always count on that.

 See also Jameis Winston touchdown pass to Marquez Callaway in Week 3.

Then there's the Cardinals. They've done a lot right this season, but Sunday was a master class in poor decision-making at the end of a half. With time expiring in the first half, coach Kliff Kingsbury sent out kicker Matt Prater to kick a 68-yard field goal. That's right — 68-yards. I stared at the screen dumbfounded. In a 7-7 game, what was the upside to likely missing a field goal? The small chance that Prater nails that kick was not worth the risk of it being short, caught by a returner and ran back for a touchdown — and that is exactly what happened. Jacksonville's Jamal Agnew ran the ball back 109 yards for a score with only big guys to try to make a tackle in the open field. A bad coaching decision leads to a surprising deficit at half.

So, what's the takeaway? Decision-making is so important to success in football — both real and fantasy. As you look back at Week 3 and look ahead to Week 4, hold yourself accountable for the choices you made. Were they right ones by your thought process? Did they work out? If so, great! If not, ask yourself why and arm yourself with that knowledge going into next week. At the end of the day, just remember this: Sometimes the real coaches get it wrong too.

Sunday Takeaways

• In case you had any doubt, it's official. Ja'Marr Chase is the real deal. The rookie racked up 65 yards on four catches on his way to a two-touchdown performance. Chase now has four touchdowns in just three games with a good chance to increase that number in a favorable matchup Thursday when the struggling Jaguars defense comes to town.
• The Buffalo backfield is one to keep an eye. Zack Moss and Devin Singletary, who are in a full-blown time share, carried 13 and 11 times, respectively. Moss, however, was more effective on the ground, rushing for 60 yards compared to Singletary's 26 yards. He also found the end zone through the air, bringing his total touchdowns up to three in just two games played. If Moss continues to be the more impactful weapon in this offense, this split may become a bit more lopsided in his favor.
• Josh Allen, the fantasy star, made his triumphant return to the tune of 358 yards passing and four touchdowns, and one score on the ground in Week 3 against a formidable Washington defense. Expect this train to keep rolling, as the Buffalo offense continues to settle in.
• Mike Williams caught seven of nine targets for 122 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 218-pounder has now reeled in four touchdown grabs through three weeks. Williams' athleticism and size make him a mismatch for most defensive backs, and Justin Herbert is constantly looking in his direction. Fantasy managers should try to erase the underwhelming start to his career from their memories. This isn't just the Keenan Allen show anymore. Williams is here to stay in 2021 and should continue to be a big part of Chargers' offensive attack.
• James Conner and Chase Edmonds both rushed 11 times in Cardinals' win over the Jaguars. Conner was more effective on the ground, totaling 43 yards and two touchdowns, while Edmonds was only able to gain 26 yards rushing. Edmonds did his damage through the air, securing seven catches for 49 yards. The backfield situation in Arizona is one that likely will give fantasy managers headaches all year. Luckily, their opportunities in this high-flying offense provide either of them the chance to score big on any given week.
• Justin Fields completed six of 20 passes for 68 yards. It wasn't exactly the coming-out party that Bears fans hoped for, as Fields was constantly under pressure by the Browns defensive front throughout the game. If Andy Dalton doesn't return, the rookie will have a chance to bounce back in Week 4 against the Lions, where he should find more success in his second week as a starter. Better days are ahead.
• Odell Beckham caught five of nine targets for 77 yards. He was the team leader in targets and receiving yards. It's possible that Baker Mayfield and Beckham have developed a stronger chemistry. Fantasy managers should consider Beckham a safe start each week. This Browns offense could take the next step in the coming weeks.
• Najee Harris showed everyone why he was worth a first-round pick this year. The rookie was the only running back to record a rush, carrying 14 times for 40 yards. Harris added 14 catches for 102 yards, leading the team in these categories. With Ben Roethlisberger underperforming as a passer, the Steelers may look to continue to rely on the University of Alabama product to help make their offense go as a true three-down back.
• Just when people were beginning to count him out, Clyde Edwards-Helaire had himself an excellent fantasy performance, albeit in a loss to the Chargers. Edwards-Helaire rushed 17 times for 100 yards, while also catching two passes for nine yards and a touchdown. Although he may not be consistent, he always has the potential in this Chiefs offense to put up the type of numbers that can help win a fantasy week.
• Cooper Kupp caught nine of 12 targets for 96 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Buccaneers. The wideout is on fire and has now caught five touchdowns through three games. Matthew Stafford continues to look his way while having a stellar start the year himself. Stafford's thrown for nine touchdowns in 2021. It is not crazy to think that these two will be No. 1 in the fantasy ranks at their respective positions at the end of the season. As mentioned last week, this Rams team looks scary. Just ask the defending Super Bowl champs.

Injury Notes

• James White suffered a hip injury during the Patriots loss to the Saints. As he misses time, J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden likely will take some of his touches while Damien Harris continues to operate as New England's lead back.
• KJ Hamler exited Sunday's game against the Jets with a knee injury. The wideout was unable to put a lot of weight on his leg as he made his way off the field. Hamler will undergo an MRI on Monday. If he is forced to miss time, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick will continue to lead the team at wide receiver. Diontae Spencer and Kendall Hinton likely will see more action, as well.
• A.J. Brown suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday's game against the Colts. If Brown misses any time, Julio Jones figures to benefit with more targets potentially coming his way. Chester Rogers figures to be involved more as well.
• JuJu Smith-Schuster left Sunday's game against the Bengals with a rib injury. The Steelers will need to rely on Chase Claypool, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud if Smith-Schuster's injury is serious. The team will also hope to get Diontae Johnson back as he recovers from a knee injury.
• Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard both exited the Giants' Week 3 loss to the Falcons with hamstring injuries. If the two wideouts are not ready to go in Week 4, Kenny Golladay will likely absorb a good deal of their targets, while Collin Johnson and Kadarius Toney should also see a bump in targets.