Patriots fans gauge Week 3 confidence after a Week 2 win over the Dolphins that snapped a rough start. Initial optimism cooled after Week 1, but Vrabel’s first NE victory revived belief in a quicker rebuild. The Dolphins’ stumble and Seattle’s recent surge add context, while the Jets’ Aaron Rodgers era looms as a critical AFC East benchmark. Week 3 becomes a true test of offense, defense, and coaching edge for fantasy value.

Fantasy managers will watch play-calling, usage splits, and time of possession to gauge Week 3 upside for Patriots players and the surrounding matchup dynamics. The slate tightens quickly, so leverage and pace could define this young offense’s fantasy upside.

Week 3 waiver targets center on Browns rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Steelers depth options, and Raiders speedster Dont'e Thornton Jr., with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Brenton Strange drawing attention in deeper leagues. Calvin Austin III remains a boom-bust option for Pittsburgh, while Jerome Ford and Ollie Gordon II sit on the radar for fleshed-out timeshares. Look for usage cues, matchup stressors, and bye-week considerations to guide adds this week.

Judkins holds starter vibes but faces Green Bay’s stout defense; Austin III’s live-fire ceiling grows if Rodgers stabilizes the passing game. Sampson and Ford split roles with mixed on-field usage, while Thornton’s big-play speed makes him a stash in best-ball formats. Rodriguez could carve out value as Washington reshapes the backfield, and Strange profiles as a potential streamer at tight end in deeper leagues.

Jets will be without Justin Fields due to a concussion, elevating Tyrod Taylor for his New York debut against Tampa Bay. Fields’ absence nudges the offense toward a more run-first approach, highlighting Breece Hall’s workload in a tougher matchup.

Taylor's arrival puts Hall at the center, while TB’s No.5-ranked run defense tests him. Expect Hall to anchor the Jets' ground game with a mix of short passes, and watch for any post-concussion QB adjustments that could affect Hall’s ceiling in fantasy lineups.