The NFL season always brings surprises, but by Week 3, the picture of who is trending upward begins to take shape.
Every year, young prospects flash their potential, veterans bounce back from slow starts and overlooked names emerge as fantasy and betting difference-makers. For fans and bettors alike, recognizing which players are ready to break out can provide both excitement and opportunity.
In Week 3, three players stand out as primed to turn potential into production: rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman, quarterback running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Brock Bowers.
Each has the talent and circumstances to change the course of games, and, by extension, the wagers tied to them. Here’s a closer look at why these athletes are among the top talent to monitor as Week 3 unfolds.
Top Three Players Ready To Break Out in NFL Week 3
Keon Coleman (WR, Buffalo Bills) | Rookie Energy Ready To Ignite
Keon Coleman enters Week 3 with the momentum of a young receiver eager to make his mark. The second-year receiver’s combination of size, leaping ability and ball-tracking skills has already caught defenders off guard. Coleman thrives in contested catch situations, a trait that separates him from many young receivers who need more time to adjust to the physicality of the NFL. With his quarterback, Josh Allen, showing growing trust, Coleman is seeing a steady uptick in targets, particularly in the red zone.
This is where bettors and fantasy managers should take note. Young wideouts often struggle with consistency, but Coleman’s crisp route-running and physical dominance make him a rare exception. He matches up favorably in Week 3 against a Miami Dolphins secondary that has given up big plays to taller receivers.
For those tracking NFL odds, Coleman represents a high-upside play, especially for touchdown props. He may not yet be a household name, but by the end of this week, Coleman’s breakout potential could be undeniable.
D’Andre Swift (RB, Chicago Bears) | Speed Vision Set To Shine
D’Andre Swift remains one of the most electric running backs in the NFL when healthy. His acceleration through gaps and ability to change direction at full speed make him a nightmare for defenders. In Week 3, Swift draws a matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defensive front that has struggled to contain shifty backs.
If his offensive line can give him even modest space, he has the vision and burst to exploit it for chunk plays.
Swift’s role in the passing game only adds to his breakout potential. Quick dump-offs and designed screens allow him to turn short touches into long gains, a critical factor in today’s pass-heavy league. Bettors should track his rushing and receiving yard totals, as both categories hold value when Swift is at full strength.
While durability has occasionally limited him in the past, when Swift is on the field, he consistently proves he belongs among the league’s top talent. Week 3 may showcase his best performance yet.
Brock Bowers (TE, Las Vegas Raiders) | A Tight End Ahead of His Time
Brock Bowers entered the league last year with rare hype for a rookie tight end, and it’s already clear why. His athleticism resembles that of a wide receiver, while his strength and blocking ability make him invaluable to any offense.
Most rookies at the position take years to develop, but Bowers already showed in 2024 that he is arguably the NFL’s top tight end. In Week 3, his team leans on him as a mismatch weapon, lining him up in the slot, out wide and even in motion to exploit favorable matchups.
Bowers’ versatility creates significant problems for defenses. Too quick for linebackers and too strong for safeties, he forces opponents to pick their poison. That flexibility translates directly into production, especially in the red zone.
Even after a modest start to the season, Bowers is worth monitoring on touchdown props or alternate yardage totals. He’s already proving he belongs in conversations of the league’s top talent. By the end of this week, he should be back in the good graces of fantasy and betting circles.
What Bettors Should Know About These Players
Sports betting success often hinges on identifying breakout performances before they happen. Coleman’s red-zone usage points to touchdown potential, while Swift’s dual-threat ability gives him multiple avenues to exceed expectations, whether on the ground or through the air. For Bowers, after a slow start, he may have soft lines set by oddsmakers.
The key for bettors is understanding how each player’s skill set interacts with the opposing defense. Matchups matter, but so do market perceptions.
For instance, Coleman’s under-the-radar status means sportsbooks may not yet price him as one of the league’s top emerging talents. Week 3 offers a unique opportunity to leverage these insights.
By acting before breakout games become mainstream storylines, bettors can maximize both excitement and return on investment.
Early Season Turning Point
Week 3 of the NFL season always marks a turning point. Teams begin to establish identities, and players start to separate themselves from the pack. For Coleman, Swift and Bowers, the conditions align for breakout performances that could swing fantasy matchups and betting slips alike. Fans who recognise these trends early position themselves not only for bragging rights but also for more informed wagers.
These athletes embody the mix of skill, opportunity, and momentum that defines true top talent in the NFL. As the weekend unfolds, keep a close eye on their performances, because in football, one breakout game can change everything.
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*Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports*
