Week 3 Fantasy Football Starts of the Week

Erik Trosclair • September 22, 2024

Let's get into it!

QB


Baker Mayfield - Baker is off to a great start this season. I like for him to keep it going against Denver this week.


Jared Goff - Goff is off to a shaky start so far this season, but this is a perfect opportunity. This Cardinals defense gives up the 3rd most points to QBs this season, and this is the highest over/under of the week.


Derek Carr - Derek Carr is playing some unreal football this season. This is the second highest over/under of the week. I think we will see some points in the Dome.


Brock Purdy - Purdy isn't off to the best start this season, but this Rams team is struggling right now. The Rams defense gives up the 4th most points to quarterbacks this season.


RB


Zamar White - Zamar is not having the season we thought he would have so far, but this Panthers defense is bad. This is a perfect game for Zamar.


Tony Pollard - Pollard is seeing a healthy workload, and is off to a great start. The Packers give up the 7th most points to running backs this season.


Zach Charbonnet - With Kenneth Walker missing another game, Zach should see nearly all of the backfield work.


Derrick Henry - This Cowboys run defense is not very good so far this season. We may see vintage Derrick Henry.


WR


DK Metcalf - Look for DK to build off of his huge game last week. The Seahawks may have to ball a lot in this one.


Marvin Harrison Jr. - Hopefully we can see some production outside of the 1st quarter in this one. This will turn into a track meet quick.


Rashid Shaheed - The Eagles have given up the 3rd most points to wide receivers this season. If he could get behind the defense once, that may be all we need for a big performance.


Jameson Williams - #sickostartoftheweek - The Cardinals are struggling on defense so far this season. Jameson has seen his snap share increase. I think we see some big plays in this one.


TE


Juwan Johnson - With Taysom Hill likely out of this contest, look for increased opportunities for Juwan.


Zach Ertz - Ertz caught a few balls last week. I think his involvement continues in this offense.


Colby Parkinson - The Rams have a lot of pass catchers that are out. Someone has to catch passes .. right? The 49ers are giving up the 4th most points to the tight end position this season.


Jonnu Smith - Smith had a solid game last week, with a backup quarterback coming in, we may see an increased workload for Smith.


K


Cairo Santos - Santos is having a great season so far. The Colts are giving up the 4th most points to kickers, and this one is in a dome.


Daniel Carlson - The Panthers have given up 73 points this season. Carlson should have a lot of opportunities in this one.


Jake Bates - This game has the highest over/under of the week. Jake should have a lot of opportunity here.


Chase McLaughlin - Chase has had several opportunities this season. I think that continues against Denver.


DST


Raiders - This Panthers team is struggling.


Browns - They are playing against Daniel Jones. That is all.


Packers - Will Levis has been mistake prone this season.


Seahawks - Look for Seattle to have a decent game against a backup QB.


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Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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Transfer Portal Spotlight: Dawson Johnson

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
TE Dawson Johnson- ODU @DawsonLJ_ 
Dawson Johnson fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 230-pound modern hybrid tight end with proven college receiving production, reliable hands and route-running, functional blocking, and positional versatility (inline, slot, H-back) who immediately adds depth, competition, and mismatch upside to a depleted TE room alongside Vance Bolyard. 
He’s a redshirt sophomore transfer from Old Dominion (Sun Belt) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered late December 2025). Originally a three-star high school recruit out of Cherry Creek HS (Englewood/Denver, CO), he signed with Florida as a true freshman (2024, redshirted with no appearances) before moving to ODU. He has three years of eligibility remaining (#19). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall) emphasizes tight ends who can contribute in 12 personnel packages, sealing edges in the run game while creating mismatches in the passing game through play-action, bootlegs, and option routes. Johnson is an ideal modern hybrid fit 
• Movement and receiving traits: Smooth mover for his size with good speed to threaten vertically, reliable hands on short-to-intermediate concepts (stick routes, seams), and the ability to flex out or operate in space as a chain-mover and safety valve. Early ODU usage (including a TD vs. ranked James Madison) highlighted his comfort getting open quickly against linebackers. 
• Blocking and physicality: Willing, technically sound functional blocker who’s not yet a dominant in-line mauler but stays on the field in multiple groupings, perfect for supporting Tulane’s run game while developing into a complete TE. 
• Versatility and intangibles: High football IQ (346 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman) and multi-positional value (inline/slot/H-back). Comes from an athletic family (brothers played D1 lacrosse/football). Tulane targeted portal TEs with immediate production potential to complement bigger in-line types like Bolyard. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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