Denver's backfield has shifted into a dynamic two-man punch. J.K. Dobbins carries the load with 30 carries, 139 yards and 2 rushing TDs through two games, a feat Denver hadn’t seen from a back since 2021. Rookie RJ Harvey provides big-play chops, totaling 78 yards on 11 carries for a 7.1 YPC clip, though his work has been limited by front-seven looks. Payton envisions Harvey taking over long-term, while Dobbins remains a healthy, productive piece this season. Badie handles third-down duties as McLaughlin watches from the bench. The Colts test exposed the run‑stop emphasis, making Harvey’s burst and Dobbins’ durability key to Denver’s ceiling.

Five Week 2 standouts—Drake Maye, Javonte Williams, Rome Odunze, Hunter Renfrow, and Brock Wright—are evaluated for Week 3. Maye showed accuracy with a rushing score, but sustained fantasy value hinges on Patriots’ surrounding weapons. Williams has thrived in Dallas, piling yards and TDs through two games. Odunze is Chicago’s clear airer with high target share. Renfrow flashed in Carolina but slot usage and team rhythm temper upside. Wright’s TD helped, yet he’s a risky TE option unless LaPorta is out. Week 3 lineups should weigh real upside vs. small-sample blips as the article guides decisions.

Weekly matchup rankings translate defenses into fantasy-friendly math using schedule-adjusted points allowed (Adj. FPA) to grade every defense for QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs. For the first three weeks, the rankings are opinion-driven with 2024 data as a snapshot. Standouts for Week 3 include Caleb Williams vs Dallas, Javonte Williams vs Bears, DK Metcalf vs Patriots, and Justin Fields vs Buccaneers, while noting that matchups are only one factor in start-sit decisions.

Burrow's toe injury sidelines Cincinnati’s QB stalwart through December, reshuffling the top of the QB ladder as Jake Browning steps in and Daniel Jones pushes toward QB1 range. Ekeler’s season-ending injury leaves Croskey-Merritt and Williams in focus, with Williams a real top-10 consideration amid committee questions. Odunze surges past Moore for the Bears’ WR lead, while Adams, JSN and Flowers lift the top-10 WR tier. Ferguson remains a top-10 TE, with Ridley, McLaurin slipping and Hopkins reintegrating.