Welcome to our Week 3 Fantasy Football Player Rankings, your ultimate guide for making informed start/sit decisions. In this comprehensive analysis, John Hammersmith meticulously breaks down each position into clear tiers, offering up-to-date analysis, matchup data, and player usage trends. Whether you're on the hunt for a reliable QB1, a high-upside flex player, or a streaming tight end, this guide will empower you to navigate your toughest lineup decisions effectively.
If you're looking to swing for the fences, here are some players with significant potential due to advantageous matchups and substantial usage:
QB Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys: Facing a vulnerable Chicago defense, Prescott could excel in a projected 51.5-point shootout, building on his recent QB6 finish.QB Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers: With a favorable matchup against Cleveland’s 25th-ranked defense in points allowed, Love has high touchdown upside.RB Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons: Already boasting 292 yards in two weeks, Robinson is well-positioned for a breakout game against a leaky Carolina front seven.RB Javonte Williams | Dallas Cowboys: With impressive yards after contact, Williams is primed to exploit a soft Bears run defense.WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks: Second in the league for targets and yards, Smith-Njigba is due for a touchdown explosion this week.WR Rome Odunze | Chicago Bears: With heavy red-zone usage, Odunze is a strong option in a high-scoring affair against Dallas.TE Tyler Warren | Indianapolis Colts: Emerging as a top target, Warren is a solid bet for a touchdown.Utilize the following condensed Week 3 Quarterback Start/Sit Tiers to make informed lineup decisions:
Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens: Currently the top-ranked QB, Jackson's performance has been stellar, averaging over a fantasy point per dropback. He faces a formidable Detroit defense looking to slow down Baltimore's offensive surge.
Start of the Week: Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys: After a QB6 finish, Prescott's matchup against Chicago's weak defense makes him a must-start this week.
Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles: Despite some struggles, Hurts' rushing ability will provide opportunities for fantasy points as defenses key in on the run game.
Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers: Love’s offensive line gives him time to find open receivers, making him a viable fantasy option against Cleveland.
Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs: Mahomes has been producing despite a middle-of-the-pack offense, and a favorable matchup against the Giants could spark an explosion in points.
Jared Goff | Detroit Lions: After a strong Week 2 performance, Goff faces a high-scoring matchup on Monday Night against Baltimore.
Caleb Williams | Chicago Bears: While he hasn’t fully realized his potential yet, Williams is still a top-10 fantasy QB and could shine in a high-scoring game.
Sit of the Week: C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans: Stroud has struggled and faces a divisional opponent with a weak secondary, but he needs to prove he can capitalize on opportunities.
Russell Wilson | New York Giants: With a tough matchup against Kansas City, expectations should be tempered for Wilson this week.
Utilize the following Week 3 Running Back Start/Sit Tiers for your lineup decisions:
Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers: A fantasy powerhouse, McCaffrey leads all RBs in targets and yards, making him an elite option.
Saquon Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles: Barkley remains the focal point of his offense, showcasing his ability to produce consistently.
Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens: Despite a slow start, Henry's talent makes him a must-start, even against tough defenses.
Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts: Taylor is a dominant force and should continue to see heavy usage in a divisional matchup.
Travis Etienne | Jacksonville Jaguars: Etienne remains the featured back and is expected to see significant usage against a strong defense.
Sit of the Week: Kyren Williams | Los Angeles Rams: With a looming timeshare and a tough matchup, Williams is a risky play this week.
Start of the Week: Jordan Mason | Minnesota Vikings: Mason is poised for a strong performance against a struggling Cincinnati defense.
Use the Wide Receiver Start/Sit Rankings to set your lineups effectively:
Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, and Justin Jefferson are all must-starts this week, as they face favorable matchups.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Puka Nacua have emerged as top-tier options, with strong target shares and high scoring potential.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is thriving in his new role and is expected to find the end zone soon.
Rome Odunze | Chicago Bears: In a favorable matchup, Odunze is a significant red-zone threat and should be considered a strong option this week.
Players like D.J. Moore and Tee Higgins carry WR1 upside, making them strong flex plays in favorable matchups.
Refer to these Tight End Rankings for your lineup decisions:
Trey McBride | Arizona Cardinals: As the top target in the Cardinals offense, McBride is a must-start.
Tucker Kraft and Tyler Warren have both shown emerging talent and should be considered for your starting lineup.
Mark Andrews and Evan Engram have seen low target volume, making them risky plays this week.
This tier includes players who are primarily relevant in 2TE formats, where a touchdown can make them valuable in a pinch.
As you prepare for Week 3, remember that fantasy football rankings are not just about the numbers. Consider matchups, player usage, and recent performances to make informed decisions. Use the provided tiers to guide you in setting your lineup, and ensure that your fantasy team is positioned for success. Stay ahead of your competition with these insights and strategies!
