Justin Jefferson joins Larry Fitzgerald in elite NFL history by tying for the youngest to reach 500 receptions at 26 years and 90 days, accomplished with his first catch against Atlanta. Fitzgerald hit 500 in 2009 with Arizona, and CeeDee Lamb is now the third youngest at 26 and 149 days. The piece ties this milestone to Vikings lore, Fitzgerald’s Minnesota roots, and coaching lineage with Dennis Green, suggesting Jefferson may keep climbing toward historic numbers.

Vikings sign Desmond Ridder to bolster QB depth as J.J. McCarthy nurses an ankle sprain, while Ridder’s Bengals tenure offers Minnesota a live read on Cincinnati’s offense. Cincinnati answers with Brett Rypien to cover Burrow’s turf-toe absence. Ridder’s Falcons and Raiders chapters show a mobile, accurate quarterback with upside; Week 3 becomes a chess-match of intel and adjustments, with the lingering question whether Ridder’s knowledge translates to real on-field edge.

Akers returns to Minnesota on a new deal, stepping in as the Vikings’ presumed RB2 behind Jordan Mason after Aaron Jones’ hamstring injury. With Ty Chandler on IR and limited depth behind Mason, Akers provides a veteran, dual-threat option. Last season he tallied 67 carries for 297 yards with 10 receptions for 52 yards, plus 2 rushing TDs, while 2023 produced 38 carries for 138 yards, 1 TD, and 11 receptions for 70 yards. Depth is thin, making Akers a timely fantasy fit.

Week 3 fantasy QB rankings shape up as injuries take center stage. Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts anchor the elite, with Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes keeping pressure on the top tier. Signal callers Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy headline big-week scenarios; Jake Browning steps in for Burrow while Justin Fields health remains in question. Waiver targets and streaming options dominate the rest of the list.

Week 3 NFL preview centers on SportsLine's 5-leg parlay anchored by Green Bay's Week 3 clash with Cleveland on an alt -14.5 line (+163), led by Jordan Love's efficient start and a bolstered run game with Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons' edge. The slate includes Bills-Dolphins, Rams-Eagles, Bengals-Vikings, Chiefs-Giants, and Lions-Ravens. The model projects a payout above $18k on a $10 bet and highlights promo-bait bets tied to the selection.