NFL Surprise Players Through Week 3

by Liam Willerup

    Let's take a minute to be glad that football is back. And thankfully, it's been great so far. Some teams have disappointed, other teams have shocked the football world to begin the season. But specifically, there have been some players really showing out and looking like they'll have career seasons. There's also been some players that have been underwhelming. And who are these players? Let's look.

Cooper Kupp, WR Rams

Stats Through 3 Weeks: 25 receptions, 367 yards, 5 TDs

    Stafford has unlocked this man. McVay has unlocked this man. He's scored a touchdown in every game so far this season. He's leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He's a fantasy players dream right now. All signs point to Kupp being a grinder for this team, working intensely with Matt Stafford this offseason. I don't see this connection slowing down anytime soon. Who know's, Cooper Kupp might be the league leader at the end of the day. Or fall off entirely.

Derek Carr, QB Raiders

Stats Through 3 Weeks: 1,203 yards, 6 TDs, 3-0 Record

    I honestly don't know what's more surprising, the team's performance or Derek Carr playing MVP level football. He's made work of a team that lost nearly their entire offensive line, and don't have a true WR1. Renfrow, Edwards, Jones, and others have stepped up. Carr will have a test this weekend against the Chargers, and all eyes will be on this division matchup.

Calvin Ridley, WR Falcons

Stats Through 3 Weeks: 20 receptions, 175 yards, 1 TD

    Yes it is early in the season, but I expected Ridley to come out on fire this season. The preseason hype for him was insane. I was thinking this guy would be putting up the numbers Kupp has. This Atlanta offense has just looked shaky. I think Arthur Smith is still figuring things out as head coach. This offense should get going soon, and Ridley should be that guy. But right now, he's not that guy pal.

Robby Anderson, WR Panthers

Stats Through 3 Weeks: 5 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD

    First of all who let Kodak Black play for the Panthers. Second of all, this man has just been disappointing. Anderson's stats through 3 weeks look light a game he would've had last season. However, it's been three weeks and most of those yards and that TD came from one play. DJ Moore has been that guy, and Terrace Marshall seems to have a big role in this offense. Hopefully Kodak Anderson can't pick his game up. He's literally got his old quarterback playing for him. Let's see what he can do to Dallas this weekend.

Mike "Jump Ball" Williams, WR Chargers

Stats Through 3 Weeks: 22 receptions, 295 yards, 4 TDs

    I'll admit, I was one of his biggest haters. I knew the talent was there. He's the idealistic outside receiver with some speed, vertical ability, and physicality unlike any other. However, he's only had one season over 1,000 yards after being taken in the Top 10 of the 2017 Draft. Based of ESPN's projections for him, Williams is on pace to put up 1,400+ yards and double digit TDs. But will he stay consistent? Who knows. He's got the right QB situation in front of him for him to succeed, with a guy in Herbert who ain't afraid to sling the rock. Will Mike make magic this season?