2026 Dark horses - Week 3

 

Dark horses week 3

Quarterbacks

Bryce Young vs CLE

One of the most disrespected quarterbacks in the NFL is Young. There’s good reason based off his career. Last year had 9 games without surpassing 169 pass yards. So far this season, he’s been on fire with 648 pass yards through 2 games and 7 total touchdowns. This week he faces the Browns who regardless of last week I see a flawed pass defense. Young is QB2 on the season but QB15 for week 3. I’m buying into BY this week.

Geno Smith at DET

The Lions are a top 10 offense and have scored 31 points in both games this season. They are also the second worst defense on the year as well. That means another high volume offensive game could be on tap. Geno hasn’t been special this year but believe he is getting more comfortable in the Jets offense. He will need to air it out to keep up and considering the Lions are giving up over 450 yards per game a good chance he will. I could see Geno approach 300 pass yards and have his first multi TD game of the season. 

Running backs

Emmett Johnson at MIA

On paper this game looks like a blowout in the making. The Chiefs are on fire to start the year and Miami…well, isn’t. The KC offense runs through Kenneth Walker who has been outstanding averaging 185 yards a game and the Dolphins are the second most favorable defense to opposing RBs. If the game gets out of hand, the Chiefs could give rookie Emmett Johnson more touches to keep K9 fresh.  Johnson is only averaging 3.9 yards per carry & more efficient receiving than rushing, however the opportunity and matchup could push him into a flexworthy play. 

Woody Marks vs IND

The Colts have been gashed on the ground this year, giving up over 202 yards a contest to running backs. That bodes well for starter David Montgomery but Marks is in an almost even split time share with Monty. The Texans are without star receiver Nico Collins again so I expect a run heavy attack by Houston. If the touches continue to be split and Colts continue to get beat by running backs, both Monty and Marks are in for a good day and Marks should easily outperform his current RB33 week 3 rank.

Tony Pollard at NYG

The weather in New York will have effects from the NorEaster, bringing rain & wind that could force the game to the ground for both teams. Tyjae Spears has been splitting time but hurt again so not ideal to have him playing on a sloppy field with a bad ankle. The Giants were torched on the ground last week by the Rams and star defender Brian Burns expected to miss the game. Volume, matchup and weather make for a winning combination and Pollard (RB29) a dark horse to finish top 12 this week.  

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

Adonai Mitchell vs Lions

A deep sleeper of mine as a last round draft pick, AD has been a riser over the first two weeks of the season.  He logged just a modest 126 yards over the first two games but could be set up for his best game of the season. The Lions rank 4th most favorable against opposing wide receivers on the year. Mitchell not only heavily involved in the game plan (12 targets last week) but a big play threat against a vulnerable Lions secondary. One big play is all AD needs to make him blow past his WR30 rank for week 3. 

Khalil Shakir vs LAC

There’s a hint of concern over NorEaster weather but the expectations is minimal impact on the game. DJ Moore is still hobbled and might not play (game time decision). Dalton Kincaid is on a tear to start the year and should see extra attention. But the Chargers are still struggling to stop opposing offenses, giving up over 250 yards to Kirk Cousins and Jacoby Brissett. Shakir has seen 6 targets in each game this year. I think he surpasses that mark against the Bolts and could tie his 7 reception total on the season in week 3. 

Dontayvion Wicks vs CHI

A new addition this offseason, Wicks has taken over as the new outside receiver for the Eagles. His chemistry with Hurts is growing. He has over 70 yards in each game this year and now faces a suspect Bears secondary.  I have a feeling after this week he won’t be just a bench / stash WR4. 

AJ Barner vs WAS

This is more about the matchup than the player. Barner is the starter for Seattle and while mostly blocking in a run heavy offense he still logs over 80% of the team’s offensive snaps. The Commanders have given up two touchdowns in each of their games to their opponent’s starting tight ends. Sam Darnold is expected back and while JSN will dominate targets, the team is without a reliable 2nd option. I’d say Barner is a solid bet for involvement as a safety valve & end zone target.

Terrance Ferguson at DEN

Puka Nacua is expected to miss Sunday’s tilt in Denver. Last week with Nacua out, Ferguson had a breakthrough game with 9 targets, 6 catches n 56 yards and a touchdown last week. The focus for Patrick Surtain and the Broncos strong secondary will be on Davante Adams who had 195 yards last week.  That leaves Ferguson to see a heavy target share again. Ferg almost profiles more as a big slot than traditional inline tight end so as long as Nacua is out of the lineup, Ferguson stays on the fantasy radar.