Denver fell to No.16 in USA TODAY's NFL power rankings after Week 2, a 29-28 loss to Indianapolis, exposing offensive concerns as they head to Los Angeles to face the Chargers.

Bo Nix targets Troy Franklin as the primary weapon, and Franklin's rising production hints at a growing fantasy role for Denver's pass catchers.

Across the AFC West, Chargers No.6, Chiefs No.8, Raiders No.23; Eagles No.1 and Miami No.32 define the league. Week 3's Broncos-Chargers matchup will shape early-season fantasy decisions.

NFL teams increasingly rely on capable backups as the league's quarterback depth becomes a defining edge. The league-wide ranking spotlights 12 signal-callers who would step into a starting role with meaningful fantasy value, led by Kirk Cousins’s high-floor approach and Jake Browning’s improved sizing of Burrow’s Bengals. The piece weighs recent performance, supporting cast, and o-line strength to separate reliable veterans from high-variance upshots, framing Week 3 as a potential turning point for fantasy rosters.

From Jaxson Dart’s rookie upside to Marcus Mariota’s steady fill-in floor and Tanner McKee’s elevated camp vibes translating to the field, the list blends proven production with upside. The discussion also considers Anthony Richardson’s high ceiling despite a limited track record and Jacoby Brissett’s bridge-class efficiency, creating a practical guide for managers tracking backups across all leagues.

As Burrow’s injury reframes Cincinnati’s short-term outlook, the landscape for Week 3 and beyond hinges on how these backups leverage opportunity, line support, and big-play receivers. The analysis helps fantasy managers gauge which backups could emerge as weekly starters or high-floor DFS plays when the top signal-caller is unavailable.