Malik Nabers is entering Week 3 under a cloud of uncertainty as injuries and a quarterback change continue to weigh heavily on the New Orleans Saints’ offense. Nabers, already battling a shoulder injury and adjusting to a repaired ACL, faces added pressure with Jameis Winston at the helm, whose recent performance on Monday night raised concerns about his effectiveness.
Winston, known for his 30-touchdown season in the past, did not display that form recently. The Saints’ coaching staff appears less willing to let him throw freely, which limits opportunities for receivers like Nabers. Despite these challenges, fantasy football analysts still recommend starting Nabers in three-receiver leagues, though they suggest moving away from him if possible.
The Saints’ wide receiver situation has grown complicated as several key players are out or underperforming. A.J. Brown remains sidelined for at least another month, while Nico Collins and Zay Flowers missed the previous week. George Pickens and Drake London have yet to find their rhythm this season. These absences leave Nabers as one of the few viable options, even if his health and Winston’s current form cast doubts.
Drake London’s outlook is tied closely to the quarterback situation with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons started Cooper Rush, who averaged just four air yards per attempt and threw half of his passes to running back Bijan Robinson. This approach stifled London’s production. If one of the Falcons' top two quarterbacks returns, London is expected to regain his status as a must-start wide receiver. Until then, he remains a low-end WR2.
Meanwhile, two wide receivers are on the rise: Parker Washington and Jalen Coker. Washington is regarded as a top 12 receiver for Week 2, while Coker ranks within the top 24. Both are seen as breakout candidates, and fantasy experts advocate starting them over Nabers in Week 3.
The ongoing instability at quarterback across multiple teams adds to the uncertainty at the receiver position across the league. At least three teams will be playing with backup QBs in Week 3, a factor that complicates fantasy projections and team strategies.
Fantasy football projections are continuously updating, with analysts urging managers to monitor changes closely. The full set of Week 3 projections is available online, offering insights into which wide receivers might exceed expectations and which could underperform.
As the Saints navigate these hurdles, Nabers’ health and Winston’s ability to regain form will be critical to the offense’s success. For now, Nabers remains a tentative start in deeper leagues, but the situation calls for caution from fantasy managers and fans alike.
According to CBS.