The Chiefs wore Free 4 shirts for Rashee Rice before the home opener vs. Philadelphia, a gesture Andy Reid labeled as affection for a teammate, not a political statement about the NFL. Rice sits out six games due to a personal conduct policy violation from a 2024 Dallas crash. He had 79 catches as a rookie in 2023, and despite an injury-shortened 2024, he posted postseason numbers. He can return October 19 against the Raiders.

Washington may turn to Marcus Mariota in Week 3 if Jayden Daniels cannot play, thanks to the team’s smart investment in a proven backup. Mariota flashed efficiency in relief last season (18-for-23, 205 yards, 2 TD vs Carolina) and has 11 NFL seasons of starting and backup experience. If Daniels is unavailable, Mariota could provide a stable, quarterback-run threat and sustain the offense against the Raiders, keeping fantasy options alive for Washington’s pass-catchers and backs.

Buffalo Bills host the Miami Dolphins in Thursday Night Football as Week 3 opens, with Buffalo riding a 2-0 start and Miami slumping 0-2. Bills are the heavy -13.5 favorite, and the slate features two undefeateds in Philly vs Los Angeles and Arizona vs San Francisco. Giants vs Chiefs caps Sunday Night, while Lions visit Ravens on Monday Night Football. The full card lists every Week 3 game with lines, totals, and FPI odds to guide fantasy lineups and bold bets.

Fantasy emphasis centers on exploiting high-scoring expectancies and favorable game scripts. Track line moves and totals for starts like top offenses and potential shootouts, while identifying mid-range sleepers in games with clear target volume or pace advantages. Use the odds and projections to balance upside with risk as Week 3 decisions tighten.

Week 2 delivered tight finishes and quotable moments that fantasy managers will want to weigh. The Eagles and Chiefs renewed a marquee duel, while Detroit faced a familiar coach in Chicago, the Cowboys notched their first win, and Miami continued to struggle. Postgame voices from players and coaches hinted at evolving roles, target shares, and play-calling tendencies that could shift Week 3 projections.

These reactions translate into actionable fantasy angles: which backfields may lean toward clearer roles, where receivers could see upticks in targets, and how defensive schemes might influence matchup outcomes. This roundup distills the Week 2 chatter into concise takeaways to sharpen Week 3 roster decisions and in-season bets.