Week 3 Fantasy Flames QB: Williams to silence critics

Each week the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week (Scoring thresholds – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points [10 for shockers], WR: 11 fantasy points: TE: 10 fantasy points; .5 PPR). 

Caleb Williams, Bears

The toxicity that exists on Chicago sports radio whenever the local pro football franchise is discussed rivals poisons simmering nearby in any number of industrial vats. 

Frustration flows. Disdain boils over. Sickness metastasizes. Man ... it sucks being a Bears fan. 

The Mice of the Midway are 0-2 and coming off a cratering 52-21 destruction issued by the Lions in last Sunday's Ben Johnson Bowl. Suffice it to say, feelings of despair and woe have again enveloped a city desperate for a winner.  

In fantasy, however, Wrigley Field bleacher drinks with Eddie Veder, Cindy Crawford and Anthony Rizzo aren't required to boost the mood. Two weeks in, Williams is QB8 in total fantasy scoring. That's *slightly* better than the hot take artists would lead you to believe. 

The QB's glaring misfires late against Minnesota and other visible miscues in the followup versus Detroit have instantly raised the temperature. Yes, he's withering, but his numbers accumulation is quite palatable. Most supportive, Dennis Allen's defense has displayed an aversion to employing basic coverage (No. 29 EPA per play D). That unwillingness has forced Williams airborne 32.5 times per game.

Though his ongoing volume should continue to rage, the advanced metrics profile is admittedly repugnant. Over two games, the former No. 1 overall pick is No. 26 in adjusted completion percentage according to Pro Football Focus. Most appalling, Williams is currently No. 28 in clean pocket completion rate. Someone grab this unwell Bears fan a bucket. 

Still, against Little D, Williams' QB1 production should continue. The 'Boys' secondary has the appearance of a dungeon dweller. Pro Football Focus ranked it near the bottom entering the regular season. At No. 31 in pass EPA D entering Week 3, they're living down to that expectation. 

The Windy City will continue to bluster no matter Sunday's outcome. Still, the sophomore QB's active legs (42.5 rush yards per game) and lively arm will inflict damage whether in meaningful or meaningless minutes. 

Fearless Forecast: 232 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 31 rushing yards, 21.7 fantasy points 

BONUS FLAME 

Jared Goff, Lions

A yipping Yorkshire terrier who believes he's the leader of the pack. That's how "intimidating" those slated to face Goff in a contest against the vaunted Ravens D likely view the non-threatening fantasy matchup. In your biased mind, the predictive algo has rightfully awarded your QB the checkmark. 

The Lions slinger, however, isn't a pup to take for granted. He's cunning. He's effective. And BetMGM has generously attached a 51.5 total to his game, the highest on the board in Week 3. 

In a game where the scoreboard operator should burn copious calories, Goff is sure to display an overworked arm. It's completely fathomable he chucks at least 40 passes. Featuring the Football Frankenstein (Derrick Henry), Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers and a remarkably revitalized DeAndre Hopkins, the Ravens are No. 2 in EPA per play offense for a reason. Not to be discounted, Detroit, off its 52-point gut-punching of Chicago, ranks only three spots lower. 

This opinionated nincompoop advised fantasy managers to avoid Goff in drafts. His non-existent legs meant a stellar vertical season was needed for him to meet ADP expectations. Week 1 made this punchable face look like a soothsayer. Last week's position-leading 334-5-0 line, however, laid one right on the kisser. Extending the middle-digit, he also ran for six yards. FML. 

Genuflecting at the feet of Goff, he's a trustworthy QB1 in 12-team formats. The Ravens boast plentiful talent in their secondary. Through two weeks, they're No. 10 in dropback EPA D. They have, however, allowed THE most fantasy points to passers, conceding 306.0 pass yards per game and six total TDs to the position. 

In three career matchups versus Baltimore, Goff has yet to throw a single touchdown, His 10-point lower passer rating on the road also dampens the forecast. But the numbers should rack on Monday night. Just don't bank on another dozen touchdowns from Amon-Ra St. Brown. 

Feed the man the kibble he deserves.  

Fearless Forecast: 302 pass yards, 2 pass TDs, 2 interceptions, 4 rushing yards, 21.5 fantasy points 

Season record: 2-1