NFL Weekly Preview Week 3 2023: Key Injuries, Difference Makers & Projected Upsets

The second week of the 2023 National Football League season is now complete and was a lot more predictable than week one. As we approach week three, here are key injuries, fantasy stars and projected upsets.

Key Injuries

We already documented the season-ending knee injury to Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb of Cedartown, Georgia and the fact the Browns have brought back Kareem Hunt.
Other significant injuries from week two included New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (out three weeks with an ankle sprain),  Arizona Cardinals defensive end Carlos Watkins (extended time with biceps surgery), Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (extended time with torn pectoral muscle), and Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (out for season with broken leg).

Fantasy Stars

Once again Patrick Mahomes is first in fantasy among quarterbacks. In week three, the Chiefs will get an easier opponent, the Chicago Bears. Mahomes’s projections are 312 yards passing, three passing touchdowns, and 23 rushing yards.

At running back, Christian McCaffrey is ranked first. In the 49ers’s Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants, he is expected to get 18 carries for 90 rushing yards and four catches for 32 receiving yards and one touchdown.

At wide receiver, the top ranked receiver is Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. On Sunday, the Vikings play the Los Angeles Chargers, who were awful in week one in stopping the pass against the Minnesota Vikings. Tua Tagovailoa had 466 yards passing and Tyreek Hill had 215 yards receiving. 

Projected Upsets

Heading into week three, I like four underdogs to win. I am picking the Jets, Raiders, Titans and Vikings. As mentioned, I am not a fan of the Chargers secondary, and Kirk Cousins should have a big day. The Jets defense controlled the Bills, and the Bills offense is significantly better than the Patriots offense. The Titans are healthier than the Browns at the moment and will have more time to prepare. Finally, the Raiders squeaked by the Broncos in week one, and should be able to do the same against the Steelers in primetime action.

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