The Tennessee Titans have suffered two crushing defeats due to some boneheaded plays by their second-year quarterback. However, in those defeats, we have seen some signs of life from their wide receiver core of Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins.
However, in both weeks, the Titans failed to score more than 17 points per game. This low-scoring offense makes us question if we should start either of these wide receivers for our fantasy football team in Week 3.
Should You Start Calvin Ridley or DeAndre Hopkins in Week 3?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Ridley is the player to start. Ridley is projected for 4.2 receptions and 45.5 receiving yards for 10.9 fantasy points, while Hopkins is slated for 3.3 receptions and 41.3 receiving yards for 9.3 fantasy points.
My rankings agree with the consensus, as Ridley is the play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. Ridley showed signs of life in Week 2 and can ride that hot game into this week to help elevate our fantasy football teams to another level for victory.
Ridley’s Week 3 Fantasy Outlook
With Hopkins struggling to return from his injury, the passing offense has leaned on Ridley to produce. Ridley has the 30th most routes run in the NFL, even while playing on a team with a two-headed running machine like the Titans.
Ridley has seen 13 targets and recorded seven receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown this season. TruMedia ranks Ridley 12th in yards per reception, while his 24.54 air yards per target total is the best in the NFL.
Oh my god Calvin Ridley 😱😱😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/8NxCdmjEwA
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) September 15, 2024
The rocket-armed Will Levis likes to target his wide receiver down the field, and we can see more of that this week against the Packers defense. We need to travel back to Week 1, where you saw the Philadelphia Eagles capitalize on A.J. Brown’s ability to create separation to make the big play. The Titans would be wise to do the same with their superstar wide receiver.
Hopkins’ Week 3 Fantasy Outlook
We wish there were more to say about the veteran wide receiver for 2024. A once bona fide superstar is now struggling with Father Time and injuries. Hopkins has only run 27 routes this year while recording two receptions on three targets. He is clearly still dealing with issues from his knee that he suffered in training camp. As long as he is on the mend, he will land as the third/fourth option on most of the Titans’ play call sheets.
Hopefully, Hopkins will return to form after he heals 100% from the injury, but how is that even possible while he plays on it? Age has caught up to this once beautiful fantasy player. The days when Hopkins provided upside for your fantasy team are a thing of the past, and he should be seen as a depth bench piece for your fantasy rosters until proven otherwise.