This article is part of our Depth Chart Watch series.
Cardinals QB - With Carson Palmer again sitting out due to his shoulder issue in Week 3, Drew Stanton shocked the world by delivering a competent effort against the Niners - 244 yards, two scores, no turnovers and a huge win to go to 3-0. Palmer's out indefinitely, so Stanton's going to get some real run here.
Cardinals RB - With Jonathan Dwyer deactivated indefinitely following his arrest on assault charges, no Arizona running back aside from Andre Ellington saw more than one touch Sunday against San Fran. It's clear that Arizona no longer has any faith in Stepfan Taylor, and Jalen Parmelee is just a body. This situation will turn into a huge nightmare if Ellington suffers a major injury at any point.
Cardinals WR - The John Brown emergence tour continued Sunday, as he caught all four balls that came his way and was on the receiving end of both of Stanton's touchdowns. Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald caught only three of his seven targets for 34 yards and lost a fumble. Frankly, Fitz looks like he's slipping quite significantly, leaving room for Brown to overtake him and make him the de facto No. 3 receiver. If we're being truthful, Michael Floyd is really No. 1 already.
Falcons RB - Don't be fooled - even though Devonta Freeman got 11 carries to Steven Jackson's 14 on Thursday, it was all during garbage time with the Falcons sitting their starters. And Freeman was pitiful, gaining 12 rushing yards and losing a fumble. Meanwhile, Jackson ran strong, while Jacquizz Rodgers (five rushes for six yards and one catch for three yards) was marginalized. It's not surprising that Atlanta wanted to see more of the talented young Freeman, but he did not impress and is still solidly third on the chart. It's worth noting that even though he fumbled, Antone Smith generated impressive yardage (50) and a touchdown on just four rushes. He's shown legit big-play ability.
Falcons WR - With Roddy White (hamstring) sitting out, Harry Douglas was in line for extra work Thursday, but he ended up suffering a foot injury in the second quarter. That didn't do a lot for Devin Hester - even though he returned a punt for a touchdown and notched his first rushing score - as he was targeted just once, generating 25 yards. It sounds like both White and Douglas will be good to go next week in Minnesota, so they'll be back to No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Ravens RB - I knew Lorenzo Taliaferro's time was coming. With Bernard Pierce (thigh) out, Taliaferro outrushed Justin Forsett 18-11, gaining 91 yards and a touchdown. That's making a strong case to stay in the lineup, but it'll be tough with Pierce possibly back next week.
Ravens WR - Steve Smith keeps leading the way in trmrs of production, but I think Torrey Smith will do away with that edge over the course of the year. Marlon Brown and Jacoy Jones remain marginal.
Bills RB - The Bills trailed for the entirety of Sunday's game, so they didn't end up handing it off much. When they did, C.J. Spiller out-touched Fred Jackson 10-6, but Jackson produced yardage far more efficiently. And then there's the receiving - Jackson reeled in eight passes on 10 targets for 78 yards and a score. While Spiller was effective in the pass game too, that swings the overall touches to 14-13 in Jackson's favor. So, really, nothing's changed.
Bills WR - While Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods were co-leaders in targets among Bills wideouts (eight), each produced just 19 yards. Ouch. The Bills' running backs and tight end were targeted 18 times, taking a lot of touches away from the receivers. And that's pretty much always going to be the case.
Panthers QB - Cam Newton ended up getting pulled from Sunday night's game for Derek Anderson, but that's because the Panthers got thoroughly routed by Pittsburgh. Nothing to see here.
Panthers RB - With DeAngelo Williams (thigh) out again, the Panthers turned to Jonathan Stewart once more, but they had to try to play catch-up with the pass game for the entire second half, so Stewart ended up carrying the ball only five times and catching it three more. He averaged 6.2 YPC on those five rushes, at least. Mike Tolbert ended up with just six touches (three carries, three catches), hardly producing anything.
Panthers WR - Corey Brown (or Philly Brown, if you prefer) stepped into the No. 2 receiver role with Jerricho Cotchery out Sunday, and he caught seven of nine balls for 66 yards - not bad, very Cotchery-esque. He also muffed a punt, but hey. Kelvin Benjamin delivered another huge game to really lock himself in as the No. 1 man here, and No. 3 receiver for Carolina isn't a highly fantasy-relevant position right now - even when they throw a lot.
Bears WR - Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) are both set to play Monday night against the Jets' brutal secondary. Santonio Holmes will be wanting some revenge against his old teammates, too - he's a sneaky start, as you gotta think the Bears will do a little game-planning around him, particularly given that the Jets will likely do their best to double both Marshall and Jeffery as often as possible.
Bengals WR - With A.J. Green (toe) back in the fold Sunday, everything was back to normal, with him serving as No. 1 receiver. But Mohamed Sanu has firmed up a major role in the Bengals' game plans, as he saw eight targets to Green's nine and again flashed some QB skills, as he threw a touchdown pass to Andy Dalton in a terrific little role reversal. Now the Bengals hit their early Week 4 bye, with Marvin Jones (foot) sounding like a reasonable possibility to get healthy and push Sanu to No. 3 on the chart in time for their Week 5 tilt with the Patriots.
Browns QB - Brian Hoyer threw for 290 yards and a score Sunday, keeping Johnny Manziel solidly on the bench even in a week of major turnover at quarterback.
Browns RB - Terrance West got outplayed by Isaiah Crowll, who carried 11 times to Crowell's 12, in the absence of Ben Tate (knee). Tate will likely return after the Browns' Week 4 bye, displacing both West and Crowell on the chart.
Broncos WR - The return of Wes Welker didn't hurt Emmanuel Sanders at all. In fact, it helped him - Sanders saw 15 targets, catching 11 of them for 149 yards. Meanwhile, Welker was solid in his return, while Demaryius Thomas turned in another disappointing game. Thomas's quiet start to the season has to be getting concerning for fantasy owners, but he remains the No. 1 receiver in town. Theoretically. Hard to ignore that Sanders has seen 33 targets this year to 27 for Thomas.
Lions RB - Reggie Bush came alive with a 99-total-yard day in Week 3 even though Joique Bell got 15 rushes to his 12. Bell was miserable on the ground (33 yards, good for a 2.2 YPC) and a non-factor in the passing game, which should swing the pendulum back in Bush's direction to some degree. This seems like it could be a situation where, rather than producing two fantasy-relevant backs as many expected, will in actuality produce one hard-to-predict fantasy-relevant back most every week.
Packers RB - A 3.3 YPC combined with an early fumble that Detroit returned for a touchdown resulted in Eddie Lacy grabbing some pine for a good bit of time Sunday, with James Starks ending up carrying eight times for 38 yards to Lacy's 11 rushes for 36. That's now three straight poor games for Lacy, and though they've come against quality defensive fronts, top running backs are supposed to be able to run through that. Starks is gonna be a popular pickup this week, and for good reason.
Packers WR - Neither Davante Adams nor Jarrett Boykin stuck out in Week 3, reinforcing Aaron Rodgers' preference for Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Adams drew some ire from Rodgers over a route miscommunication, which may have damaged some of the trust Rodgers had been building in him.
Texans RB - Arian Foster sat out due to a hamstring issue Sunday, and in his absence, Alfred Blue was the main rusher for Houston, delivering an impressive, if not necessarily overwhelmingly fantasy-friendly, line of 13 carries for 78 yards (6.0 YPC!) and a 10-yard catch. Meanwhile, Jonathan Grimes and Ronnie Brown were barely utilized. Foster seems likely to be back in next week, but you never know - these hamstring things can linger.
Colts RB - Both Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson ran competently Sunday, but Bradshaw was better again despite fewer touches. Richardson made three catches and 14 carries into 80 yards; Bradshaw made two catches and nine carries into 83 yards and a TD. This situation just seems to keep shaking out in Bradshaw's direction, doesn't it?
Colts TE - Both Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen caught four balls, including a touchdown, on Sunday. After neither was used very much on Monday Night Football last week, the two tight ends were Andrew Luck's favorite targets in Week 3. But you can't count on both of them to produce on a weekly basis - if you have to roll with one, Allen's still my choice.
Jaguars QB - Yep, the Jags finally saw enough of Chad Henne, all of 2.5 weeks into the season. Another brutal half of football made them switch to Bortles, who at the very least managed to look like a competent NFL quarterback in the second half of Sunday's blowout loss to the Colts. Don't expect to see Henne again anytime soon.
Jaguars RB - Toby Gehart managed to gain a whole 63 yards in Week 3, which is an improvement, at least. But it's well worth noting that the Jags gave a decent look to Denard Robinson, who outgained Gerhart by a yard on the ground (33-32) on eight carries to Gerhart's nine. There's probably not that much fantasy value to be squeezed from this position no matter who's the main guy, since the Jacksonville offensive line is so brutal, but Robinson's worth a deep-league pickup.
Jaguars WR - The return of Cecil Shorts and continued solid play by Allen Robinson marginalized Allen Hurns' involvement Thursday, but he turned his only reception into a 63-yard touchdown, which is about as nice a one-catch, three-target game as you can have. Shorts and Robinson were targeted 10 times each, and Hurns' three looks were actually the most among all the rest of the Jags. With Bortles starting now, these guys all get a little boost.
Jaguars TE - With Marcedes Lewis and Clay Harbor hurt, the Jags rolled out a combination of Mickey Shuler, Marcel Jensen and Will Ta'ufo'ou in Sunday's game, and no one in that trio showed anything particularly resembling fantasy relevance. Lewis will miss most of the year, but Harbor sounds like he's getting close to a return; he'll see primary duties once ready.
Chiefs RB - You like you some Knile Davis? With Jamaal Charles (ankle) unable to go, Davis turned out a cool 132 and a score on a 32-carry load. But the crazy thing was Joe McKnight, of all people, leading the Chiefs in targets (seven), catches (six) and receiving yards (64)… oh, and he scored two touchdowns. Pretty damn good, lads, but it sounds like Charles will only miss this one week.
Chiefs TE - Travis Kelce news again! He caught his first NFL touchdown Sunday, and though he only accumulated 36 yards on three catches, hey, that'll do in a rout. As usual, Kelce outproduced Anthony Fasano.
Dolphins RB - Lamar Miller demonstrated his value on Sunday with a 108-yard rushing day on just 15 carries, plus four catches for 24 yards. Heck of a day for a guy whose team got blown out. No other Dolphins back touched the ball more than three times (woo, Daniel Thomas!); no surprises there, as things get real ugly on the depth chart after Miller. Meanwhile, Knowshon Moreno seems to think he can get back at the short end of his timeline, which means he could potentially return in Week 6. But that's optimistic.
Dolphins WR - Jarvis Landry was significantly involved in the pass game once again this week, drawing seven targets (as many as Brian Hartline), but catching just three for 24 yards. Not that Hartline was terribly good despite catching a touchdown. It's interesting that Landry's worked his way into the No. 3 role here, but there's not much fantasy intrigue involved in being the Dolphins' No. 3 receiver.
Vikings QB -Matt Cassel hurt his foot Sunday, and all of a sudden, the Teddy Bridgewater era dawned. Bridgewater looked competent, but not spectacular, showed some legs and at least was better than Cassel. It sounds like Cassel's going to miss serious time with fractures in his foot, and that means Bridgewater's pretty much the starter going forward, period.
Vikings RB - Despite a surprising ability to make occasional big plays in the passing game, Matt Asiata continues to not get the job done. He averaged a miserable, yet Asiata-esque 2.9 YPC against New Orleans on Sunday, and while he broke a 41-yard reception, he turned his other five pass targets into two catches for -5 yards. Meanwhile, the Vikes gave Jerick McKinnon few opportunities - just two carries for a one-yard loss and two catches for nine yards. McKinnon was targeted five times, though, so it would have been nice to see him produce something more than that. Adrian Peterson doesn't sound like he'll be returning anytime soon, so this job remains a bit up in the air.
Patriots RB - Stevan Ridley dominated the carries again in Week 3, but at least Shane Vereen caught four balls despite another quiet day. It might be time to start worrying about Vereen a little; Bill Belichick is too unpredictable.
Patriots WR - It's never a surprise to see Julian Edelman get targeted 13 times, but on Sunday, Tom Brady's second-favorite receiver was Brandon LaFell, who saw eight targets, catching four for 46 yards. Danny Amendola, Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson remain useless. Tom Brady just isn't that guy who makes studs out of nobody receivers anymore.
Saints RB - With Mark Ingram (hand) out, Khiry Robinson drew most of Sunday's workload, rushing 18 times for a mediocre 69 yards. Pierre Thomas wasn't any more effective on his own eight carries, but did score a touchdown and contribute three receptions. Better times will come for the Saints' backs, as this was kind of a strange game.
Saints WR - Brandin Cooks made a nice comeback Sunday, catching eight balls on 10 targets for 74 yards - all team highs. While Marques Colston caught only two balls, at least one went for a score. It really is looking like Cooks has become the Saints' true No. 1 receiver already, with Colston and Kenny Stills more like co-No. 2 guys.
Giants WR - Victor Cruz finally woke up on Sunday, but Rueben Randle turned 10 pass targets into a miserable five catches for 27 yards. Preston Parker was the No. 3 receiver in this one, catching three for 33.
Jets RB - It'll be interesting to see how Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory are able to attack the vulnerable Chicago run defense Monday night. This game could go a long way toward establishing an edge in this timeshare for one or the other.
Jets WR - Eric Decker (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night; if he can't go, the Jets will lean more heavily on Jeremy Kerley and David Nelson (yikes), but it sounds like Decker is reasonably likely to play.
Raiders RB - Darren McFadden "led" the Oakland rushing attack again this week, delivering a 3.3 YPC on 18 carries and just six yards on four catches. So that's bad. Latavius Murray made his three rushes into one whole yard, which is not very good either. Maurice Jones-Drew (hand) really can't return soon enough. Next week seems possible, but it's conceivable that the Raiders hold him out through their Week 5 bye, giving McFadden another shot.
Raiders WR - James Jones led a lackluster Oakland receiving corps again Sunday, and it seems that he and Rod Streater are now safely installed atop the league's ugliest wide receiver depth chart.
Eagles TE - Both Zach Ertz and Brent Celek were totally useless Sunday, with Celek failing to reel in any of four targets, while Ertz caught two balls for 14 yards. Expect better results going forward, but this timeshare isn't doing either guy (especially Ertz) any favors.
Seahawks WR - Percy Harvin returned to being Seattle's most-targeted receiver in Week 3, but made only 42 yards out of his seven catches and didn't even get a chance to run the ball. And this guy's the Seahawks' only fantasy-relevant receiver.
Chargers RB - Donald Brown got all of Ryan Mathews' rushing load and then some - 31 carries! - and averaged exactly two yards per tote. His five catches for 27 yards didn't make up for that much. Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead suffered a major ankle injury Sunday and is probably done for the season, leaving the Chargers flailing for options in the running game while Mathews (knee) remains out.
Chargers WR - We've again hit that time of year when Eddie Royal starts catching all the world's touchdowns. Fresh off Week 2's seven-catch effort, he reeled in four passes for 42 yards and two scores in Buffalo on Sunday. Meanwhile, Malcom Floyd caught a pair of 49-yarders to lead the team in receiving yards. And Keenan Allen (groin) did nothing - just two catches for 11 yards. This top three is a situation in flux right now.
Chargers TE - Despite there being no apparent problem with Antonio Gates, he ended up with jut an eight-yard reception on one target Sunday for an extraordinarily disappointing encore to last week's three-touchdown game. Meanwhile, Ladarius Green got loose for four catches on six targets for 64 yards. I suspect things swing back in Gates' direction next week.
49ers RB - The Niners largely went to the air Sunday - and when they did run it, Colin Kaepernick did so 13 times. That left Frank Gore with just six carries, which he turned into 10 yards and a pile of sadness for his fantasy owners. Carlos Hyde's owners made out marginally better, as he vultured a touchdown despite carrying just thrice for 13 yards. He also lost two yards on two receptions, so that's not so hot. The San Fran running game, for all the talent it had in place before the season, has looked totally lost early on this season.
49ers TE - Vernon Davis (ankle) couldn't go Sunday, but no one picked up the slack for him; Derek Carrier was the only tight end targeted, catching one of two for 23 yards. Pray for Davis's rapid return.
Rams QB - It seems like the Rams are settled on rolling with Austin Davis over Shaun Hill at quarterback going forward, and Davis delivered an interesting mixed bag Sunday - he went a very fine 30-for-42 for 327 yards and three scores, but was also picked twice. Fantasy owners can get over the interceptions for all those yards and touchdowns, though of course he won't draw Dallas every week. Still, Davis has been efficient, and if the running game remains as effective as it was in Week 3, he'll be a sneaky-strong fantasy play.
Rams RB - While Benny Cunningham again cut into Zac Stacy's playing time in Week 3, this time Stacy was far more effective, totaling 121 yards on 12 rushes and five catches. Cunningham, meanwhile, gained just 29 yards on his nine totes and five yards on his lone catch. Stacy's PPR owners have to be thrilled with the unexpected receiving production, and it wouldn't be surprising if this game tilted the pendulum further in Stacy's direction going forward.
Rams WR - After two extremely quiet games, Kenny Britt "broke out" Sunday with five catches for 69 yards. It doesn't sound like much, but he'd only caught one pass in the season's first two games, so: progress! Brian Quick didn't match his nine-target total from Weeks 1 and 2 in Week 3 - he was thrown to just four times - but he still produced 62 yards and a score on two catches. Quick has truly been this team's first option.
Buccaneers RB - In perhaps the most embarrassing game in Tampa Bay history, the Buccaneers found themselves with the most unappetizing choice imaginable at running back: Bobby Rainey, who couldn't hold onto the ball, or Mike James, who couldn't advance it forward. At all. They ended up leaning heavily on Rainey, especially in the pass game, as he ended up leading the team in catches (seven), receiving yards (64) and rushing yards (41). James touched the ball five touches for -1 yards. Doug Martin (knee) should probably, if there is any mercy in this world, be back in time for Week 4.
Buccaneers WR - Although Vincent Jackson had a rough day Thursday (just two catches for 15 yards and a lifesaving touchdown), he still led the team in targets with nine, as usual. No changes here; outside of V-Jax and Mike Evans, there's no Bucs receiver you want to go near in the vast majority of fantasy formats.
Buccaneers TE - With Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) out Thursday, Brandon Myers saw added work, as did Luke Stocker. Neither gained all that much mileage. ASJ should return soon enough, and he'll likely return to essentially splitting the No. 1 duties with Myers.
Titans QB - Although Jake Locker's received the ol' vote o' confidence, his second straight two-interception game ain't gettin' it done, and he just barely avoided two more turnovers Sunday, as the Titans recovered his two fumbles. Charlie Whitehurst's no man's starting quarterback, so if Tennessee does make a change eventually, it's more than likely gonna be to rookie Zach Metternberger, who flashed some nice skills at times in the preseason.
Titans RB - Despite getting trucked 33-7, the Titans somehow found time to run the ball with their running backs 22 times Sunday against the Bengals. But what's surprising is that Bishop Sankey ended up touching the ball the most, with 10 carries and a catch for a total of 70 yards. Meanwhile, Shonn Greene had a garbage day (10 rushes, 33 yards) that he rescued to some degree for his fantasy owners via a garbage-time one-yard touchdown. Sankey appears to have at least surpassed Dexter McCluster on the depth chart, and Greene's going to have trouble holding him off for No. 1. See if he's been cut in your league(s).
Redskins QB - Kirk Cousins made fantasy owners go "RG-who?" with a 427-yard, three-touchdown game against the Eagles. So yeah, no worries about the potential ascendance of Colt McCoy here.
Redskins RB - Roy Helu (knee) only touched the ball twice in his return to the field after being forced out of last week's game, but he turned those two touches into a 55-yard reception and a one-yard TD plunge. Not bad for a day's work. Meanwhile, Alfred Morris got pretty much all the carries (23), which is basically the way of things.
Redskins WR - Pierre Garcon said, "My fantasy value is quite fine, Andrew, thanks for asking" with a massive 11-catch, 138-yard, touchdown-scoring effort Sunday against the Eagles, and fantasy owners of both Garcon and DeSean Jackson (five catches for 117 and a score) have to feel good about Cousins now. And they have to be happy about those top two receivers being healthy, too.
Redskins TE - With Jordan Reed out again, Niles Paul turned in another very competent effort, reeling in six balls for 68 yards. Blocking-type "starting" tight end Logan Paulsen was targeted just twice, making a pair of short catches for seven yards.
