Poof! Just like that, NFL week three has come and gone. The offensive performances during week three eclipsed some of the play in week two.   Showing improvement and some pretty dope plays, we see team offenses settling in, such as the Vikings and Seahawks. The Jaguars and Raiders still appear lost at times on offense. Hopefully, these teams will make the necessary adjustments to improve, especially Raider Nation.

Last week Ray-Ray McCloud III and Kenneth Gainwell were the topics for possible pickups on your waivers.  Especially in a league like Scott Fish Bowl (SFB14) that offers points in the return game.  McCloud had a modest finish in week three, finishing outside the top 30 for wide receivers in SFB14.  McCloud’s snap percentage was at 95% in week three. He is also the primary slot receiver for the Falcons. Gainwell took a huge back seat to Super Saquon on offense, getting only two catches for twelve yards. Gainwell did get to return the ball twice for 51 yards. Let’s see if these two players available on the waiver wire can return more value to boost your return game in week four.

Calvin Austin

At times, return men in the NFL can be trusted to do more, whether on offense or defense.  Calvin Austin’s role as a wide receiver in the Steeler’s offense is increasing.  Last week Austin’s snap percentage went up to 54% and his targets went up to five.  Before you make fun of five targets, please understand that this offense is growing.  Justin Fields attempted 32 passes at a 78% completion.  Midway through the fourth quarter and up by three points Fields found Austin down the middle of the field allowing Austin to do the rest using his speed to take it to the house!  This week Austin faces a Colts team struggling to find their identity on both offense and defense. The Colts also have only given up one kick return to the opposing team. However, the Steeler’s next two opponents are Dallas (wk. 5) and Las Vegas (wk.6).  Both teams have allowed opportunities to kick returners. Either having a more prominent role in the offense or returning punts, Calvin Austin needs to be considered as a pickup for fantasy football.  He is currently rostered in three percent of Sleeper Leagues.

Brandon Powell

Who would have thought the Vikings would start the season 3-0?  Even JC, our resident Vikings fan at The Sports Affiliation, didn’t foresee that. The Vikings are an entertaining team to watch, and this week they are facing their divisional opponents, the Packers. In week three, we saw the Packers dominate the Titans. This week the Vikings face their divisional opponent Packers.  This matchup features two strong defenses.  We may see an increase in punts this week.  The Packers did allow three special team returns in week three.  Brandon Powell will be called upon to help in the return game. In week three he had a 43% snap percentage and only a mere two targets, a very limited role in the offense. If an injury were to occur to any of the starters, he could see an increase in both categories. Monitor Jordan Addison’s practices leading to week four. Coach Kevin O’Connell does expect him back this week, but the Vikings have a week six bye and could err on the side of caution with their winning record.  This could give Powell an opportunity at more snaps until Addison returns.  The Vikings face the Jets in week five. The Jets have allowed only 70 yards on three kick returns, but they have given up the ninth-most punt return yardage at 64.  Brandon Powell is not rostered at all in Sleeper and should be monitored.