Fantasy Football Panic Button: Week 3
Should fantasy managers be looking to buy, sell or hold Brian Thomas Jr., A.J. Brown, and Ashton Jeanty?
Fantasy football is a game of patience and perspective, especially in the early weeks when small sample sizes can lead to overreactions. Let’s break down the Week 1 and 2 performances of Brian Thomas Jr., A.J. Brown, and Ashton Jeanty to help you make informed decisions moving forward.
Brian Thomas Jr.: A Quiet Start
Brian Thomas Jr. hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet through two games. In Week 1, he managed just 1 catch for 11 yards against the Panthers, followed by a slightly better Week 2 performance with 4 catches for 49 yards against the Bengals. That’s a total of 5 receptions for 60 yards and no touchdowns so far.
The issue isn’t his talent—it’s the Jaguars’ offensive struggles. Trevor Lawrence has been inconsistent, and the team hasn’t been able to fully utilize Thomas’s big-play ability. For now, Thomas is a hold. His 19 targets through two weeks are still top-15 among WRs, so the opportunity is there. His potential for explosive plays makes him worth keeping on your roster, but don’t expect immediate returns until the offense finds its rhythm.
A.J. Brown: A Slow Start for a Proven Star
A.J. Brown’s start to the 2025 season has been underwhelming by his standards. In Week 1 against the Cowboys, he caught just 1 pass for 8 yards. Week 2 saw some improvement with 5 catches for 27 yards against the Chiefs, bringing his season total to 6 receptions for 35 yards. Is it him, or is the Eagles’ passing offense just not a priority at the moment? They’ve won each of their two games despite Jalen Hurts ranking 37th in aDOT, 28th in pass attempts and 31st in passing yards through Week 2, per PFF.
While these numbers are disappointing, Brown’s track record suggests this is a temporary dip. The Eagles’ offense has been leaning on their run game to start the season under new OC Kevin Patullo. That’s not sustainable, especially when the Eagles have dynamic playmakers like Brown and DeVonta Smith. Brown is coming off a 1,400-yard season and remains one of the most reliable wideouts in the league. Unless this trend continues into Week 4 or 5, keep him locked into your lineup. Selling low on a player of his caliber would be a mistake. The squeaky wheel is about to get greased — buy Brown or continue to hold.
Ashton Jeanty: Growing Pains for the Rookie
Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ rookie running back, has had a mixed start to his NFL career. In Week 1, he rushed 19 times for 38 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots, averaging just 2.0 yards per carry. Week 2 has fantasy managers tilting after turning 11 carries into 43 yards against the Chargers — bringing his season totals to 30 carries for 81 yards (2.7 YPC) and 1 touchdown. He’s also added 5 receptions for 3 yards.
Jeanty’s usage is encouraging. He’s clearly the lead back—but his efficiency and lack of involvement in the passing game are valid concerns. The Raiders’ offensive line has struggled to create running lanes, which has capped his production. Like many rookies, Jeanty may need time to adjust to the NFL’s speed. For now, he’s a flex option with RB2 upside if the Raiders’ offense improves.
The Bottom Line
Through two weeks, the key takeaway is patience. Ashton Jeanty is a rookie adjusting to the NFL, while A.J. Brown and BJT are WR1 talents who will likely bounce back with improved quarterback play. Don’t let early-season stats dictate your decisions. Fantasy football is a long game, and the payoff for staying the course could be just around the corner.