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Derek Carr appears to be a man reborn in 2024. The New Orleans Saints quarterback marshalled a 44-19 whooping of the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, registering 21.8 points in fantasy in what was easily the game of the week. Through two weeks of football, Carr is QB2 in the NFL behind Baker Mayfield.
While Carr has put on the ol' razzle-dazzle, fantasy football darling Lamar Jackson has not quite hit the heights we expected after an MVP campaign. Heading into Week 3's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys isn't a bounceback game on paper so it will be interesting to see how Jackson swerves the challenge.
Derek Carr's fantasy projection for Week 3
Being QB2 behind Baker Mayfield likely wasn't on Carr's bingo card but here we are. Carr has produced 21 points or more through two weeks of football and a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles is right up Carr's alley. Klint Kubiak's first season as the Saints' offensive coordinator is also garnering a lot of buzz regarding a potential head coaching job in the near future. Kubiak's high-motion offense is clearly designed to get the best out of Carr, as evidenced by his 142.4 passer rating.
The catch here is there could probably be some regression around the corner as teams catch up to Kubiak's schemes.
However, the Saints go up against the Eagles this week and Philadelphia has not exactly been watertight when it comes to stopping passing touchdowns since last year.
Lamar Jackson's fantasy projection for Week 3
The Ravens are 0-2 to start the season so you'd be forgiven if you're not fully sold on Lamar Jackson's fantasy potential this year.
But here's where it gets a little interesting. The Ravens' fortunes don't deliver the bigger picture for Jackson's production. The reigning league MVP has thrown for over 240 yards and rushed for 40+ yards in both games and was forced to use his feet a little more against the Chiefs in Week 1. Jackson produced those numbers in just five games last year so we're clearly seeing a change in how this offense wants to use Jackson's talents.
Week 3's matchup is a tasty one for the Ravens. They face a Cowboys defense that was just lit up by Carr. Given Jackson's averaging a combined 343.5 passing and rushing yards per game, the Dallas matchup will likely be a high-scoring affair that will tilt in the Ravens' favor.
Derek Carr or Lamar Jackson: Final verdict
This feels like Jackson's game to call. The league MVP hasn't been at his absolute best but he hasn't regressed either.
The Dallas matchup affords Jackson a platform to light it up in Week 3. Our Start 'Em Sit 'Em analyzer is also high on the Ravens quarterback, projecting a return of 22 points in Week 3.
