After a steady start to the season, Carson Wentz ranks as the QB16 for fantasy football managers. However, with injury limiting him in Week 3, what is Wentz’s fantasy outlook this week?
Carson Wentz’s fantasy outlook for Week 3
Through the first two weeks of the season, Wentz has pretty much provided on the expectations of fantasy managers. He is QB16 at this early stage, averaging 18 fantasy points per game.
Those returns could have been higher if Wentz hadn’t left the game against the Los Angeles Rams early with an ankle injury. The problem entering Week 3 is that this is a very friendly matchup for Wentz, but there is a question about how long he will be on the field.
The Titans have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the QB position through two weeks. If Wentz were assured of playing the full game in Week 3, he would be a tremendous value play. However, the ankle injuries make that tough to trust.
History with Colts head coach Frank Reich has made for an easier transition
The retirement of eight-time Pro Bowler Philip Rivers opened the door for Colts head coach Frank Reich to be reunited with Wentz in Indianapolis. Reich was the Eagles offensive coordinator for Wentz’s first two NFL seasons in 2016 and 2017.
In addition to working with Reich, Wentz has also worked with Colts wide receivers coach Mike Groh and offensive assistant Press Taylor. As a reminder, Wentz was having an MVP-caliber season in 2017 before his season-ending knee injury. As a result, Wentz had to watch on the sidelines as backup Nick Foles led Philadelphia to a win in Super Bowl LII.
Groh replaced Reich as the Eagles offensive coordinator in 2018 and 2019. Then, Philadelphia seemed to shatter Wentz’s confidence when they drafted Jalen Hurts in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
A long-term injury resurfaced this offseason, requiring surgery. The early expectation was that Wentz could miss anywhere between a couple of games to a couple of months. Yet, Wentz was back on the field for Week 1
There was a concern about the missed practice reps, but Wentz’s familiarity with the system run by Reich limited the damage of missing significant time.
Should you start Wentz in your fantasy lineups in Week 3?
Depending on your other QB fantasy options, you have to exercise caution with Wentz in Week 3. He did not practice until Friday, and although the latest injury update on Wentz has him expected to start the game, we do not know how long he can go for. If Wentz re-aggravates his ankle(s) in the first quarter, we may not see him again.
That is where the risk lies. We have a fantastic matchup, but uncertainty over how long Wentz might be on the field to take advantage. Therefore, your mindset to starting Wentz has to be based on your roster and situation. If you have two other solid options, role with them. However, if you are in desperate need of a win and it seems like a long shot, perhaps you have to take the chances with Wentz having a big game.