NFL Fantasy News for Week 3: Can Rams Overcome Loss of Kupp?

We’re just two games into the NFL season, and this year’s injury report looks as bad as ever. Over two dozen top-tier skill position players will miss multiple weeks of the season, a mystifying total that may have fantasy owners themselves seeking medical treatment for their depression.

The good news is multiple teams are surprisingly undefeated and look capable of sustaining their momentum. The New Orleans Saints weren’t featuring must-have players for fantasy owners before the season started. But now … perhaps some of their players are worth a second look.

Especially if you’re starters are listed below in this week’s edition of NFL Fantasy News for Week 3.

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp Headed to IR With Ankle Injury

Rams receiver Cooper Kupp left the game as Los Angeles was destroyed by the Arizona Cardinals 41-10. His high-ankle injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks, according to head coach Sean McVay.

Fantasy Impact: Expect the Rams to rely heavily on Kyren Williams, especially on early downs. He’s the clear-cut winner of this injury as Los Angeles will feature him without either Kupp or second-year athlete Puka Nacua on the field.

As for the remainder of the team’s healthy wide receivers, expect Tyler Johnson or Tutu Atwell to step into the possession receiver role that McVay’s offense has championed with Kupp and Nacua so well.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco Out 6-8 Weeks

Kansas City won a dramatic 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but the team lost starting running back Isiah Pacheco. He’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured fibula.

Fantasy Impact: Expect Carson Steele to be the beneficiary of this unexpected injury for the Chiefs. The rookie out of UCLA appears to be the first in line for carries this week against a porous Falcons defense, but Kansas City did just sign Kareem Hunt as an insurance policy.

Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki Connecting with QB Joe Burrow

Through two weeks, the leading receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals is seventh-year veteran Mike Gesicki. He’s been targeted 13 times and has 109 receiving yards without a touchdown thus far.

Fantasy Impact: Gesicki has shown he’s got a connection with Joe Burrow, and the Bengals throw more often than pass. Currently, he’s available in over 80 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, and he’s currently ranked sixth in fantasy points through two games.

Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown to Miss Multiple Games

Philadelphia had a late scratch against Atlanta as wide receiver A.J. Brown was ruled out for the Monday Night Football contest. The dynamic wide receiver suffered a hamstring injury during practice, leading to his status against the Falcons.

Fantasy Impact: The Eagles have loads of talent at wide receiver with DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson on the sidelines. Expect that both receivers will see increased targets and yardage this week as Brown is doubtful to play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love Could Return in Week 3

The initial timeline for Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love was 3-4 weeks with some reports pushing that to six weeks. Could one week be enough? There are rumors that Love could suit up this week against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: The Packers went from a dynamic offense with quarterback Jordan Love running the offense to a ground-and-pound team with Malik Willis under center. If Love plays, all Packers are viable starting options. If not, your bench is your best bet.