Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our Fantasy Football Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

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Sept 23: Giants turn to rookie QB Jaxson Dart

Eric Moody: The Giants are turning the page on their Russell Wilson era, naming rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart as the Week 4 sarter against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson’s inconsistent play through the first three games made the move inevitable. Wilson completed just 59.1% of his passes for 778 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Outside of Week 2’s 450-yard, three-touchdown performance (30.3 fantasy points) against the Dallas Cowboys, he managed only 328 yards on 50.7% passing with zero scores and two interceptions, including critical red zone mistakes that limited production for key playmakers like Malik Nabers and frustrated Giants fans, who even chanted for Dart late in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City.

Dart, the Giants’ 25th overall pick out of Ole Miss, impressed in the preseason, completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 52 rushing yards and another score on six carries. Dart’s dual-threat ability gives the Giants a dynamic new look that contrasts sharply with Wilson’s style. With a strong supporting cast that includes Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and deep threat Darius Slayton, Dart could immediately revitalize New York’s offense.

For fantasy managers, Dart’s arrival changes the outlook. Nabers’ managers should be excited, as he posted career lows in receptions and receiving yards in Week 3 against the Chiefs. He remains a high-end WR1 against the Chargers, with upside now that a more aggressive quarterback is under center. Things are also looking up for Cam Skattebo, now the team’s lead back, who could see more carries, goal-line opportunities, and a bigger role in the passing game, firmly placing him on the RB2 radar. Dart’s rushing ability adds a further layer of upside for the offense, which also positions Robinson and Slayton as startable options in deeper leagues. Managers should monitor Week 4’s game against the Chargers closely, as Dart’s start could be the spark both the Giants and fantasy managers with New York players on their roster have been waiting for.

Sept. 23: Gibbs and Montgomery run free against the Ravens

Eric Moody: Jahmyr Gibbs (26.9 PPR fantasy points) and David Montgomery (29.4) delivered matchup-winning fantasy performances Monday night against the Ravens. Gibbs set a season high in snaps and handled 27 touches, cementing his role as the lead back. Montgomery, meanwhile, played just 36% of the offensive snaps but produced the second-highest single-game output of his career on 13 touches.

The key takeaway is that this is Gibbs’ backfield now. He’s had at least 19 touches in two of three games, and in the other game he had a season-high 104 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. That makes this a great time for fantasy managers to consider trading Montgomery.

The Ravens had no answers, allowing 224 rushing yards, their most since Week 6 of 2017. Most of the damage came between the tackles, where the Lions gained 207 yards, the most they’ve had (and the most Baltimore has allowed) in a game since ESPN began tracking the stat in 2006. That’s something to keep in mind when starting running backs against Baltimore’s defense moving forward. Gibbs and Montgomery may not find as much room in Week 4 against a Browns defensive front that leads the league in run stop win rate.

Other notes

Mark Andrews caught all six of his targets for 27.1 fantasy points, fueled by two touchdowns. That’s good, but he was still sharing snaps and routes with Charlie Kolar and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. Andrews saw most of his playing time in 11 personnel and was used less often in 12 personnel. His usage is expected to shift again once Isaiah Likely returns.

Sept. 22: Impact of CeeDee Lamb‘s high ankle sprain

Tristan H. Cockcroft: ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that Lamb’s injury, which the receiver initially attempted to play through, could cost him three to four weeks. High ankle sprains typically result in multiweek absences, so it’s no surprise that Lamb might miss that much time (or longer).

Following Lamb’s initial departure from Sunday’s game, tight end Jake Ferguson ran 27 routes and caught 12 of 13 targets sent his way for a team-leading 19.3 PPR fantasy points (among 21.2 total for the day), a reminder that it’s not always the wide receivers who benefit from an injury to one of the top names on the depth chart. George Pickens, who had identical 17.8-point scores and receiving stat lines in the past two weeks, is the most logical benefactor, moving up to be quarterback Dak Prescott‘s de facto No. 1 target. But Ferguson might stand to benefit most from a target boost for however long Lamb is out. Pickens is a weekly fantasy WR2, while Ferguson goes from being a borderline top-10 tight end to a clear member of that tier. That’s a big deal for the many of us in fantasy leagues who went the cheap route when drafting at the position.

With the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense performing as poorly as it has, Prescott should continue to handle hefty workloads, meaning Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, who move up to the Nos. 2 and 3 roles at wide receiver, could have their moments against weaker opposing secondaries. In larger leagues — think 12-teamers and deeper — either or both could warrant a look, though neither should be remotely on a standard league radar against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

Stephania Bell: Lamb was the ball carrier on a 1-yard run when he got his left ankle caught up under a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his lower leg while it was trapped against the ground. That Lamb was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain was not surprising given the mechanism of injury described above is typically associated with that injury.

The day after an injury like this — when the supportive tape has been removed and the adrenaline has evaporated — often brings the harsh reality that it will, in fact, take weeks not days to return to action. On Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters the team is considering an IR move for Lamb, which would require him to miss four games. There are two factors in determining time to return for the injury: First, the ligaments have to heal to the point where the ankle is stable and the athlete can comfortably advance the body weight over the foot on the ground. Second, the athlete has to be able to meet the demands of the position with minimal risk of injury recurrence. With high ankle sprains, the athlete often feels good walking around but deceleration and rotation, especially in the direction that simulates how the injury occurred, can take longer. Most athletes with an injury of moderate severity will report not feeling fully recovered until a minimum of four to six weeks.

Sept. 22: Who got the ball on Sunday?

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Eric Moody: Hunter Henry has cemented himself as a low-end TE1

Eric Moody reacts to Hunter Henry’s nice fantasy game vs. the Steelers.

Notebook by Eric Moody

• Jaylen Warren finished with a season-high 23 touches against the Patriots. He also led the Steelers in targets and receptions and was tied for the lead in receiving yards. Warren missed just one goal-line snap, the one in which Kenneth Gainwell scored a 1-yard rushing TD. He has scored 13 or more fantasy points in three straight games. The bigger takeaway is that Warren played a career-high 79% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps, making him a strong trade target for managers in need of a running back.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt didn’t see an expanded role in the Commanders’ backfield in the first game without Austin Ekeler. He finished with nine touches and 10.1 fantasy points, thanks to a rushing touchdown. However, Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols all played on at least 15 snaps and split touches. If this trend continues, Croskey-Merritt will be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.

• Matthew Golden stepped up for a Packers team missing Jayden Reed. He caught all four of his targets, led Green Bay in receiving yards, and even logged three rushing attempts. When Reed left in Week 2, Dontayvion Wicks moved into the slot and Golden shifted outside — and the Packers did the same thing this week. The difference was that Golden not only played more snaps in three-receiver sets but also played a higher percentage of snaps in two-receiver sets over Wicks. Golden looks poised to carve out a progressively larger role in the weeks ahead.

• Nick Chubb and Woody Marks had nearly identical snaps, routes run and targets in the Texans’ backfield against the Jaguars. Chubb finished with 12 touches and Marks with seven. For the second straight week, Marks averaged more yards per carry and also had more receiving yards than Chubb. His role in the Texans’ backfield could continue to grow as the season progresses.

• Kenneth Walker III finished with 17 touches and 50 total yards in the Seahawks’ rout of the Saints, scoring 18 fantasy points thanks to two rushing touchdowns. The good news: Walker was the clear starter and played a high percentage of snaps before garbage time. The bad news: he averaged just 2.4 yards per carry, as Seattle’s offensive line, ranked 18th in run block win rate, gave up plenty of penetration. Walker nonetheless remains a must-start in Week 4 against the Cardinals, especially if Zach Charbonnet is again out.

• T.J. Hockenson had a quiet start to the season, but that changed in Week 3 when he posted 15.9 fantasy points against the Bengals. He tied for the team lead in receptions and finished second in both targets and receiving yards. Even though he split time with Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek, Hockenson still played significantly more snaps and ran more routes, keeping him locked in as a fantasy starter moving forward.

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What to make of Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter in fantasy

Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why Brian Thomas Jr. is more of a WR2 and why fantasy managers should keep Travis Hunter on the bench for now.

• Kyle Pitts Sr. caught four of six targets for 7.9 fantasy points in the Falcons’ loss to the Panthers but continues to trend upward in usage. After rotating heavily last season, Pitts has seen a big boost in playing time, logging over 90% of snaps before garbage time in Week 3 and running routes on over 73% of early-down plays in 11 personnel. Even on a quiet offensive day for the Falcons, he tied for second in receptions and remains a key part of Atlanta’s passing attack. Pitts looks like a reliable fantasy starter moving forward.

• Harold Fannin Jr. caught three of four targets for 25 yards in the Browns’ win over the Packers, but the real story is his growing role. Fannin played 42 snaps to David Njoku‘s 50, with third-down snaps split evenly between them. He also ran 20 routes compared to Njoku’s 29. While Njoku still led the team in receiving yards, the gap between the two is narrowing. Fannin was a top waiver add after posting seven receptions and 13.6 fantasy points in Week 1, and his usage suggests he could soon run more routes than Njoku.

• Jerry Jeudy caught just one of five targets for 2.7 fantasy points but still led all Browns wideouts in snaps, routes and targets. Isaiah Bond, meanwhile, continues to eat into Cedric Tillman‘s snaps and routes run, finishing with four targets to Tillman’s three — even in a game in which the Browns’ offense barely showed up.

• Luther Burden III‘s 19.8 fantasy points will turn heads, but context matters. He finished fourth on the Bears’ WR depth chart in snaps, routes and targets, yet led the team in receiving yards. Burden capitalized on all three of his targets, aided by Colston Loveland‘s injury and more four-receiver sets. The key takeaway: Burden showed his potential, but he’ll need to overtake Olamide Zaccheaus in the pecking order to be fantasy relevant.

• Tyrone Tracy Jr. left Week 3 against the Chiefs with a shoulder injury after playing 11 of the first 15 snaps, finishing with nine touches and 5.6 fantasy points. Cam Skattebo took over, ending the game with 16 touches and 24.1 fantasy points. After this performance, Skattebo is firmly on the flex radar, whether Tracy misses time or not.

Sept. 22: Injury situations to monitor ahead of Week 4

By Stephania Bell

The following players suffered an injury in Week 3. Be on the lookout for updates as the week progresses.

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals: Conner got his right leg twisted awkwardly as he was tackled following a 9-yard run early in the third quarter and his foot and ankle appeared to be trapped under a defender. It was immediately clear the injury was serious, as medical personnel got to his side quickly. Ultimately, Conner was carted off the field and into the tunnel. Adam Schefter reported the injury was considered “severe” and would require surgery, but Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon had no timeline or prognosis to offer.

Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Harris was lined up in the backfield and as the ball was snapped, Harris took a step back with his left foot as he prepared to push off and run. That type of back step or lunge position places the Achilles under maximal tension, especially if the heel goes to the ground (or close to it). As the athlete then pushes off, the calf muscle has to contract forcefully to propel the body forward. If a player collapses to the ground as Harris did, it suggests there has been a failure within that tissue complex. Harris took the one step back with his left and as he leaned forward over his right leg, he went to the ground and did not move. The medical staff came to the field immediately to evaluate him and, shortly thereafter, Harris was taken by cart into the facility. The Chargers initially announced Harris was questionable to return to the game with an ankle injury. Within an hour, Harris was ruled out. After the game, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed an Achilles injury but offered no other details. When asked by reporters if the injury was season-ending, he indicated that was the “preliminary” thought before Harris undergoes imaging.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Lamb was the ball carrier on a 1-yard run when he got his left ankle caught up under a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his lower leg while it was trapped against the ground. Lamb then exited the game to be evaluated. He did try to return in the second quarter, but after one snap he left the game again and would not return. After the game, Lamb downplayed concerns about the severity of the injury and suggested he might be able to play next week. Expect further evaluation this week to help determine the course of action.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Evans suffered a hamstring injury and could be seen limping off the field and on the sidelines. As he exited the field and walked into the tunnel, Evans threw his helmet, seemingly frustrated by the injury. Coach Todd Bowles said Evans is set to undergo an MRI on Monday. Evans missed three games last season due to a hamstring strain.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders: McLaurin left Sunday’s game early with a quad injury. Originally deemed questionable to return, McLaurin remained out for the rest of the game.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Pierce exited the game early to be evaluated for a concussion. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants: Tracy left the Sunday night game with a right shoulder injury that he sustained following a collision with a defender, and he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Sept. 21: Early-game headlines: Daniel Jones delivers again; Pats can’t hold on to ball

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Can Daniel Jones continue his trajectory as a top-10 fantasy QB?

Daniel Dopp, Field Yates, and Stephania Bell break down Daniel Jones’ excellent start to the fantasy season.

Notebook by Liz Loza

Sunday’s first slate of action was fraught with inefficient play and sloppy surprises. Still, fantasy managers received a handful of confirmations.

Daniel Jones‘ redemption season continues: Despite a reputation for being turnover prone, Jones sewed together a third straight effort sans an INT. The former Giant completed 18 of 25 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown. He additionally continued to demonstrate his mobility, taking off four times for 27 rushing yards. The effort marked a third consecutive win for the Indianapolis Colts and yet another strong fantasy finish for the Colts’ improbable hero under center. He remains a top-10 fantasy option at the position when the Colts travel to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.

Bhayshul Tuten‘s shadow continues to loom large: The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie’s involvement surged on the heels of Tank Bigsby‘s absence in Week 2. That trend continued in Week 3, as the rookie matched Travis Etienne Jr. with 3.5 yards per carry. Tuten scored for the second week in a row, this time via the ground. While Etienne received more opportunities, Tuten has earned a sizable role in the Jaguars’ backfield rotation. He’s currently still available in over 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.

Emeka Egbuka stays productive despite injury: Egbuka was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a pair of lower body issues. Yet, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie remained productive Sunday, converting six of eight targets for a team-high 85 receiving yards. The effort resulted in a third consecutive double-digit fantasy effort for the former Ohio State standout. It’s worth nothing that Mike Evans (4-33-1) left the contest early with a hamstring injury. Were the alpha wideout to miss time, Egubka’s stock would receive a significant boost. Regardless, he’s making a case to leapfrog Chris Godwin Jr. when the veteran slot receiver eventually makes his season debut.

Patriots backfield remains murky: TreVeyon Henderson entered the season a fantasy darling, as virtual investors expected him to immediately command the New England Patriots backfield. But after two weeks of action, he had been significantly out-touched by his veteran counterparts. Undisciplined play and a pair of fumbles, however, appear to have, once again, upset New England’s tote-based apple cart. Rhamondre Stevenson coughed up the ball, allowing room for Antonio Gibson to join the rotation while also gifting Henderson with a handful of renewed opportunities. Game flow stifled the run game, but it was heartening to see Henderson lead the team in totes with 11. He also converted all three of his targets for 19 receiving yards. Still, this situation is giving “stay away.” Managers will need more clarity before starting any of the aforementioned RBs.

Looking ahead: Judkins’ stock climbing

Selected 36th overall, Quinshon Judkins made his NFL debut in Week 2. The rookie recorded a snap share of 27% in his initial effort. That percentage surged to above 70% in Week 3. Judkins showed off his power and punishing running style, registering 94 yards on 18 attempts, while also finding the end zone in the fourth quarter. He looks to be the Cleveland Browns‘ undisputed RB1. While he is a decent pass-catcher, he has yet to be deployed as such in Cleveland. That’ll lower his fantasy ceiling. Regardless, Judkins figures to garner RB2 fantasy interest moving forward. The Browns will travel to Detroit in Week 4.

Sunday’s early-game scoring leaders:

Tre Tucker, WR, Raiders 40.9 fantasy points
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts 32.8
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles 29.04
Hunter Henry, TE, Patriots 29
Geno Smith, QB Raiders 26.06
Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets 24.4
Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings 23.6
A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles 22.9
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams 22.8
Nico Collins, WR, Texans 22.4