Fantasy: Reviewing the landscape after Week 3

Each week, theScore's Justin Boone breaks down players and situations that fantasy owners need to reassess.

Week 3

• Christine Michael - A day after Michael tore up the 49ers' defense for 111 total yards and two scores, news came down that Thomas Rawls' injury is worse than previously believed. With Rawls now expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks, Michael is set up to start against the Jets in Week 4, then the team is on bye, before returning to a juicy matchup with the Falcons. Michael is a high-end RB2 with clear RB1 upside until Rawls is healthy.

• Bears' backfield - Jeremy Langford's inefficiency led to Jordan Howard getting more snaps Sunday, but an ankle injury is about to hand starting duties over to the rookie for the foreseeable future. Langford is out four-to-six weeks with a severe high-ankle sprain. Howard, who is arguably the most talented member of Chicago's backfield, is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has a legitimate chance to run away with this job. He should be the top target on the waiver wire with matchups against the Lions, Colts, and Jaguars on tap.

• Coby Fleener - The Saints' big offseason acquisition was looking like dead money after amassing just three catches for 35 yards over the first two games, but that changed Monday night. With Willie Snead ruled out and Brandin Cooks mostly held in check, Fleener went to work in the middle of the field with seven grabs for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Saints' schedule gets tougher after their Week 5 bye, but Fleener has to be in your lineup now.

• Broncos' passing game - Through two games it appeared Denver's offense would be completely dependent on their rushing attack. However, when the Bengals stifled C.J. Anderson this week, Trevor Siemian surprisingly delivered a 312-yard, four-touchdown performance that kept the Broncos undefeated. Siemian relied on Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, as he should, and gave hope to their fantasy owners, while positioning himself as a potential streamer option in upcoming games versus the Buccaneers and Falcons.

• Terrelle Pryor - Let's begin by stating the obvious, that Pryor's outstanding one-man show this week came against a Dolphins defense that looks extremely vulnerable through the air. That being said, it's remarkable anytime a player can affect a game in the way Pryor did. Josh Gordon is one week away from returning, but Pryor's ability to post receiving, rushing, and passing stats make him a must-add in fantasy.

• Eagles' backfield - We knew this would happen. Ryan Mathews is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the majority of the Eagles' shocking Week 3 win over the Steelers, and allowed Darren Sproles and rookie Wendell Smallwood to steal the show. Mathews gets a bye week to heal up, but Smallwood is an intriguing add in all leagues now after turning 17 carries into 79 yards and a score against Pittsburgh. Don't be caught unprepared next time Mathews is sidelined.

• Vincent Jackson - The end appears to be here for the man we fondly refer to as V-Jax. Mike Evans is soaking up targets in Tampa Bay and Adam Humphries has emerged as the second most productive wideout for the Bucs. Jackson has lost a step and can be safely dropped anywhere he's still owned.

• Carson Palmer - We're also going to have to keep a close eye on Palmer, as the 36-year-old seems to be increasing the frequency of his meltdown games. After flaming out of the playoffs a year ago, Palmer struggled through the preseason, before starting the year with two solid outings. Unfortunately, that was washed away on the road in Western New York, where Palmer threw four picks. With some very challenging opponents on the way, Palmer's owners may want to think about having a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency backup plan in the event Palmer's decline arrives sooner rather than later.

• Steve Smith - While most players eventually show signs of age, one man continues to defy father time. Coming back from a torn Achilles at 37 years old seemed like one mountain Smith would not be able to climb, but not only has he returned, he seems to be getting stronger as the year goes on. Smith caught eight balls for 87 yards this week and is back to being a major contributor in the Ravens' offense. The man is absolutely amazing and worthy of WR3 consideration moving forward.

• Le'Veon Bell - Guess who's back? DeAngelo Williams is the best backup rusher in the league, but Bell is the best period. Hopefully his owners survived his three-game absence and will now get a major infusion in their lineup.