Geno Smith’s Week 2 MNF struggles overshadow a solid Raiders defense as Las Vegas dropped a high-variance shootout against Los Angeles. Smith forced throws, 3 interceptions, and just 180 passing yards, while the defense limited the Chargers to 20 points after an early turnover. Offense line woes and playmaking gaps surfaced, prompting questions about how the unit will rebound in Week 3. Depth guys Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty chipped in modest yet meaningful touches, and chatter about Brady, Carroll, and game-planning added context to the fallout.

Fantasy-wise, the takeaway is twofold: Smith’s ceiling remains volatile if the line can’t protect him, and the defense’s resilience could keep them in low-scoring streamer territory in favorable matchups. Watch for Jayden Daniels’ status and potential offensive adjustments, as well as how the Raiders’ next game script might lean into supporting cast contributions and more disciplined attacking sequences.

Houston stalls at 0-2 after a 20-19 heartbreaker to Tampa Bay, with a last second Rachaad White TD sealing it. C. J. Stroud urged unity in the locker room as the team faces a Week 3 clash with Jacksonville, seeking to steady a slow start.

Houston has averaged 14 points per game and produced only one passing TD, while the defense has been stout. The OC switch from Bobby Slowik to Nick Caley hints at faster tempo and new route concepts, a potential spark for fantasy managers monitoring every shift.

Week 3’s fantasy defense slate centers on streaming value and clear starts, led by Green Bay, Seattle, Buffalo, and Indianapolis in Tier 1 with favorable matchups and strong pressure outputs. Expect continued sack-heavy games from these units, plus solid floor from the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Chiefs. Tier 2 adds Vikings, Texans, and Cardinals in matchups that carry swing potential if pass rush and turnover luck align. Tier 3 brings Commanders, Steelers, and Eagles in sturdy, mix-and-match starts. Tier 4-6 caution managers to seek safer streams or deeper-league plays and exploit waiver opportunities.

Key Week 3 takeaways: target defenses with high sack rates and favorable implied game scripts, especially when facing rookie QBs or O-lines with documented struggles. Watch injury reports and quarterback status closely, as even small changes can swing a D/ST’s Week 3 upside. This guide emphasizes tiered rankings, waiver adds, and start/sit decisions to help fantasy managers optimize lineups and shave points off potential losses.

Tom Brady’s Raiders influence is expanding. He was seen in the coaching booth during a Monday night defeat, and his offseason roster input has been labeled invaluable by GM John Spytek. Chip Kelly confirms Brady’s film-study sessions two to three times weekly and weekly game plan reviews. The NFL has loosened broadcast-related constraints, allowing remote participation in production meetings while prohibiting practice access. Brady will call Week 3’s Cowboys-Chicago Bears game as part of his Fox duties.

The ownership hurdle was cleared last year, and Brady’s role straddles front-office insight and on-air duties, suggesting a growing advisory footprint that could shape future roster decisions even as day-to-day coaching remains separate. For fantasy purposes, the developing dynamic signals potential shifts in player usage and depth as the Raiders weigh their options around Brady’s experience.

Texans fall 20-19 at home to Tampa Bay, slipping to 0-2 as the late defense couldn’t close out the two-minute drill. Mayfield’s 11-play drive sealed it after Chubb and Noel jump-started a Houston lead with a punt return and a long TD run. Houston’s run defense surrendered 169 yards, and Stroud’s rhythm with Nico Collins wavered after an early TD. Protection issues reemerged in the second half, underscoring the need for cleaner pockets and sharper tackling to stay competitive.

Offense showed bright spots early, especially Collins on the opening strike, but the passing game needs consistent targets and red-zone execution. If Houston can fix the back-end timing with Collins and tighten late-game protection, they’ll have a clearer path to turning Week 2’s lessons into Week 3 momentum.