From Lamar Jackson’s defeat of Patrick Mahomes in a Sunday night thriller to Jameis Winston and Aaron Rodgers’ reset to more routine performances, the NFL season enters its third week with another exciting slate of games. 

With regard to our fantasy performances so far, The Journal is closer to the Falcons (0-2) than the Buccaneers (2-0). Still, with a readjusted strategy and the benefit of hindsight, we’re hopeful about this week’s picks.   

Starters: $97 

Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen is poised for a breakout game during week three after a dominant running game against the Dolphins left him unable to contribute much to the offensive side of the ball. Allen threw two touchdowns in that game behind an improved offensive line and should be able to capitalize on a Washington defence that allowed 29 points to the Giants last week.

Chris Carson, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks

Chris Carson didn’t need to do much against the Tennessee Titans to rack up points — he recorded two touchdowns on just 31 rushing yards. That game came after a 91-yard performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Facing a Minnesota Vikings defence that allowed 34 points in a loss to the Cardinals last week, Carson should be able to find the endzone often in this week’s outing.

Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson caught a touchdown last week after recording double-digit receptions and nearly 70 receiving yards. Jefferson should be able to put in a strong and successful effort by playing at home for the first time this season against a Seattle Seahawks defence that allowed 33 points against the Tennessee Titans last weekend.

Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If Tom Brady has access to a time machine, he must be sharing it with Rob Gronkowski. Gronk has scored two touchdowns in each of the past two weeks, and he also boasts a catch percentage of over 80 per cent. He has been on the field for nearly every offensive play so far this season and will be a guaranteed target for Brady when the pair face the Los Angeles Rams this week. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Defence

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals this week after recording three sacks in week one and two sacks last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Steelers ‘ unit is built to pass rush after the team’s struggles in their previous game and should overwhelm Burrow and a rebuilding offensive line this week. 

Bench: $85

Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert has been a part of more crunch-time situations than any other quarterback this season so far. Through two games, Herbert has been sacked four times and thrown for three interceptions and only two touchdowns. Facing a Chiefs defence that scored a defensive touchdown and intercepted Lamar Jackson twice last game, Herbert should find this weekend challenging.

Ezekiel Elliot, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliot has had a slow start to the season, carrying the ball for only 33 yards during week one. He also saw his offensive snaps decline last week. With passing revitalized under Dak Prescott and a Philadelphia Eagles defence that has allowed only 23 points over their past two games, Elliot should struggle to see touches this outing.

Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears

Allen Robinson’s receptions have been inconsistent, likely due to the quarterback carousel of Andy Dalton and Justin Fields. As a result, Robinson has recorded under 50 receiving yards for each of the past two games and caught just over 50 per cent of his targets. Playing against a Browns defence that has shown consistent improvement since week one, Robinson may have difficulty finding his rhythm this time around.

Robert Tonyan, Tight End, Green Bay Packers 

Robert Tonyan, along with the rest of the Green Bay Packers, seems to be struggling to find solid footing this season. Over the past two games, Tonyan has been targeted seven times and played under 50 per cent of the team’s offensive snaps. Playing against a strong San Francisco 49ers defence on the road, the likelihood of Tonyan improving his performance is questionable. 

Indianapolis Colts Defence

The Indianapolis Colts defence will face off against the Tennessee Titans just as Derrick Henry has found his mid-season form, and new addition Julio Jones is beginning to settle into the offense. This season, the Colt’s defence has been inconsistent, allowing an average of 27 points per game while only netting a lone interception in their loss to the Rams. Evidently, it isn’t looking good for them this week.