Ride or Die: The Fantasy Footballers’ Predictions for Week 3

New name, same great segment. “Ride or Die” pits The Ballers against each other with three players to meet a certain number each week. Each Baller will pick the player to “Ride” or “Die” with the stat, similar to a “prop” bet.

Each week I will be here to recap where each of the Ballers took the wheel or gave a nice tuck and roll out of the vehicle for each one. Of course I’ll weigh in as well and we’ll keep score throughout the season so you can see how smart I really am.

As always, let me know if you’re jumping in the passenger’s seat with me or think I’m driving the crazy train here or on Twitter: @KurtKnowsBest.

“Ride or Die” Scoreboard

Let’s kick things off with a look at our “Ride or Die” scoreboard so far this season. Jason took his second weekly victory sweeping the predictions in Week 2, which extended his lead to two on second place, Andy, to two. Mike got on the scoreboard after a scoreless Week 1. Personally, I’m just glad I’m not in last.

Week 3 Podcast “Ride or Die” Predictions

The third week of the “Ride or Die” segment can be heard on the September 21 episode: “Unsolved Mysteries + Ride or Die, TNF Preview”

Christian Kirk (JAX) at LA Chargers: 12 fantasy points (Half PPR)

This line was originally at 15-points, but the Ballers moved it down to 12 since everyone was out on it. Andy thinks the Chargers secondary will keep Kirk in check, so he’s a “Die” on this prediction. Jason agrees, stating Kirk would need a TD to get to 12 fantasy points this week.

Mike was a reluctant “Ride” at 12-points for Kirk. I’ll “Ride” more confidently on this prediction. Expect for the Jaguars to be trailing in this game and need to throw a ton throughout. Kirk has seen 26% of Jacksonville’s targets this season and should find 12 half-PPR points doable.

Tom Brady (TB) & Aaron Rodgers (GB): Both to finish outside the Top-12 QBs

A double-negative was right up Jason’s alley, keeping his negative streak alive but as a “Ride” in this segment. The Big Shimmy and Andy think both defenses are going to dominate this game, especially considering the injuries that are piling up in Tampa Bay on the offensive side of the ball. I’m inclined to agree with them since neither Rodgers or Brady has posted a top-12 finish this season.

The contrarian Hitman is alone from the trio and will “Die” on this prediction, arguing that the Buccaneers defense hasn’t really been tested this season from a QB at the caliber of Rodgers.

Miles Sanders (PHI) at Washington: 70 or more rushing yards

Sanders appeared in last week’s “Kurt’s Bonus Picks” and was a miss as a top-12 guy, but that isn’t breaking my faith in the Eagles running game. The Commanders have given up the 5th-most rushing yards this season and Sanders feels pretty game-scripted into getting to help grind the clock out for Philadelphia.

Mike was a very quick “Ride” on this one, loving what he’s seen from Sanders so far this season. Jason jumped in as well, but was hesitant due to it being strictly on rushing yards and not total yards.

Andy was the lone “Die”, thinking the bar was too high despite Sanders reaching 96 and 80 yards in each of the first two weeks.

Here’s a recap of where everyone stands for Week 3’s Predictions:

Kurt’s Bonus “Ride or Die” Predictions

Antonio Gibson (WAS) vs Philadelphia: Top-15 RB

Gibson has had one of the more interesting stories so far this season. He’s gone from lead back, to returning punts to being a top-15 RB teach of the first two weeks. Gibson’s usage in Washington has been mainly out of necessity, but fantasy managers won’t complain about where they’re getting their points from.

While the sun may be setting on Gibson’s lead role for the Commanders with a Brian Robinson return coming, it will be hard to keep him out of your lineup until that happens. Gibson has a tough matchup with the Eagles in Week 3 and keeping his RB1 status may be tough, especially if Washington gets down early.

I’m going to “Die” on this one.

Amari Cooper (CLE) vs PIT: 59.5+ Receiving Yards

Cooper recovered from a stinker of an opening game with 101 yards and TD to finish as the WR9 in Week 2. Let’s be fair though, playing the Jets defense can always serve as a good way to get right for any offense. It also helps that Cooper saw an increase from 20% to 37% in WR target share from week to week.

If Jacoby Brissett continues to look Cooper’s way first – which he should since Cooper is the most talented target in Cleveland – fantasy managers can expect to comfortably start Cooper going forward. Even with a Steelers defense that has only allowed the third-fewest receiving yards so far this season, I’ll “Ride” with Mr. Cooper on this one.

Breece Hall (NYJ) vs Cincinnati: More opportunities than Michael Carter

The Jets have been an interesting fantasy football watch over the first two weeks, which is saying a lot considering Joe Flacco is playing QB for them. Coming into the season my biggest concern with this backfield was how the work would be split up and if either Carter or Hall would be able to get enough targets in the passing game to make them worthwhile.

Carter has had more work in each of the first two games for the Jets, but Breece Lightning did more with less last week, finishing as the RB12 on just 8 total touches. I’ll bet the Jets look to get Hall more involved every week, but don’t think Carter can completely disappear.

I’ll “Die” on this prediction.