As we enter the third week of the NFL season, fantasy football managers face the unfortunate reality of multiple quarterback injuries. This year has seen significant challenges, especially for those who roster stars like Joe Burrow and Justin Fields. With these injuries, finding viable replacements through free agency is critical to maintaining competitive rosters. One player who has emerged as a leading option is Daniel Jones, who has found his stride after a slow start to the season.
Key Injuries and Their Impact
The current fantasy landscape has been deeply affected by the immediate injuries to key quarterbacks:
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Often a top fantasy performer, Burrow will reportedly be sidelined for about three months due to a toe injury. This absence is dire for fantasy managers and the Bengals’ offense.
Justin Fields (New York Jets): Currently in concussion protocol, Fields is uncertain for the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His dual-threat capabilities were critical for teams relying on his outputs.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): Daniels is also struggling with a knee injury, casting doubt on his availability against a tough Las Vegas Raiders defense.
- J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings): Dealing with an ankle injury, McCarthy is not expected to play in the matchup against the Bengals.
These injuries have created an urgent need for reliable quarterbacks on fantasy rosters.
Daniel Jones: A Solid Replacement
Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts has quickly become one of the more attractive options for fantasy managers in need of a quarterback replacement. Listed with only 21.2% ownership in ESPN leagues, Jones offers upside that many waiver wire options cannot provide.
Performance: Over the first two weeks, Jones has demonstrated significant potential. He began the season with a two-touchdown game and followed up with a strong performance against the Denver Broncos, where he threw for 316 yards and tacked on another rushing touchdown. His consistency in scoring—surpassing 20 fantasy points in both games—makes him a dependable choice moving forward.
Matchup: In Week 3, Jones faces the Tennessee Titans, a team that has struggled defensively. This matchup provides an excellent opportunity for him to rack up fantasy points, especially if the Colts’ running game struggles.
- Potential for Improvement: Unlike many backup quarterbacks who have stepped into the spotlight, Jones has experience and has shown growth since his entry into the league. He has the ability to extend plays with his legs and accumulate rushing yards in addition to passing, making him a dual-threat.
Other Noteworthy Quarterback Options
While Jones stands out, several other quarterbacks are emerging as viable options as well:
Jake Browning (Cincinnati Bengals): With Burrow out, Browning is thrust into the starting role. Though he had a challenging start against the Jaguars, he managed to accumulate 17.74 fantasy points, aided by quality receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, the Bengals face tough defenses in the coming weeks.
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Owned in 33.5% of leagues, Stafford is a sturdy quarterback option. While his performances haven’t registered top-tier numbers, his experience and ability to throw for significant yardage make him a possible streaming solution, particularly with a high-scoring matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on the horizon.
- Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers): Though less frequently mentioned, Jones filled in for Brock Purdy and did well with 279 yards and three touchdowns. If he continues to start, he could also be an excellent streaming option against the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Running Back and Receiver Considerations
While quarterbacks are a priority, other positions warrant attention as injuries and performance issues reshape fantasy rosters.
Running Backs:
- Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars): Having exploded onto the scene with 15.4 fantasy points this past week, Tuten has shown promise and could be a valuable handcuff or flex option.
- Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons): Owned in 34.1% of leagues, Allgeier has continued to garner touches alongside Bijan Robinson, implying consistent potential for fantasy production.
Wide Receivers:
- Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers): With the potential for increased targets due to teammate Jayden Reed’s injury, Doubs could emerge as a viable WR option moving forward.
- Elic Ayomanor (Tennessee Titans): The rookie receiver has begun to show signs of chemistry with his quarterback and may see increased volume as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Fantasy football remains unpredictable, especially early in the season when injuries shift the dynamics significantly. As teams await the return of injured stars, players like Daniel Jones provide a beacon of hope for managers looking to remain competitive. Consistent performance coupled with favorable matchups makes Jones an appealing free agent pickup in a landscape rife with uncertainty among quarterbacks. As the season progresses, continuously monitoring injuries and matchups will be critical for maximizing roster potential.
In essence, whether you’re a Joe Burrow owner seeking a replacement or simply in need of an upgrade, Daniel Jones, along with several other emerging candidates, could offer the solution you need to keep your fantasy season on track.
