Judkins emerges as top-20 fantasy sleeper as Panthers injury list swells
Analyst Jamey Eisenberg identifies Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins as a key Week 3 play, citing a favourable matchup against a depleted Carolina defence.
Fantasy football analyst Jamey Eisenberg has identified Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins as a top-20 sleeper for the upcoming Week 3, recommending him as a start in all leagues. The assessment, published by CBS Sports, suggests Judkins is poised for his best performance of the season following a slow start where he averaged just 2.2 yards per carry and scored 9.8 PPR points or less in his first two games.
The primary driver for this recommendation is Judkins' favourable matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who currently rank No. 2 in the most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. This defensive vulnerability is further exacerbated by the absence of Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd, who is out for Week 3 with a calf injury. Eisenberg notes that while Judkins is not a guaranteed start, the combination of the injury and the defensive ranking provides significant upside.
Eisenberg’s analysis also highlights the evolving role for Judkins in the Browns' backfield. In Week 2, the first game without teammate Dylan Sampson, who is dealing with a knee injury, Judkins recorded five catches for 27 yards on five targets. This increased receiving involvement is viewed as a positive indicator for his potential production in the coming weeks.
Beyond the sleeper pick, Eisenberg released specific DraftKings and FanDuel lineups for the week, featuring several high-profile players. Christian McCaffrey is highlighted for his strong historical record against the Arizona Cardinals, having recorded six touchdowns in his past five meetings. Chuba Hubbard is designated as the "Start of the Week" for the Panthers, aided by the absence of teammate Jonathon Brooks, who is out with an abdomen injury.
The DFS recommendations also account for other key injury impacts across the league. Josh Downs is favoured against the Houston Texans due to the absence of cornerback Alec Pierce, who is out with a heel injury. Additionally, tight end Trey McBride is noted for his strong historical performance against the San Francisco 49ers, while Xavier Hutchinson is suggested as a flex option following the hamstring injury to Nico Collins.
These picks reflect a broader trend in fantasy football where injury reports and specific defensive rankings play a decisive role in player valuation. The inclusion of players like Jacoby Brissett and Kenneth Walker III in the lineups further underscores the strategic depth required to navigate the week's matchups.
