Our Week 3 Fantasy Football Player Rankings Tiers Start Sit QB RB WR TE guide gives you everything you need to stay ahead of your leaguemates. John Hammersmith breaks down every position into clear start/sit tiers with updated analysis, matchup data, and usage trends so you know exactly who to start, who to sit, and which breakout players to target. Whether you need a locked-in QB1, a high-upside flex, or a streaming tight end, these Week 3 rankings will help you settle even the toughest lineup decisions.
Use these Week 3 fantasy football rankings tiers to guide your start/sit decisions for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
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High-Upside Plays With Good Week 3 Matchups
Looking to swing for the fences? These players carry big ceilings thanks to soft matchups and elite usage:
- QB Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys
Faces a vulnerable Chicago defense in a projected 51.5-point shootout. Coming off 50+ attempts and a QB6 finish. - QB Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers
Gets a Cleveland defense ranked 25th in points allowed despite strong yardage stats — high TD upside if the shootout script hits. - RB Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons
Already at 292 yards in two weeks and now draws a leaky Carolina front seven. Huge fantasy game potential. - RB Javonte Williams | Denver Broncos
Third in the league in yards after contact and finally looking healthy. Faces a soft Bears run defense. - WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks
Second in the league in targets and yards — touchdowns are coming. Could explode this week. - WR Rome Odunze | Chicago Bears
WR4 overall with heavy red-zone usage, now in a shootout spot vs Dallas. - TE Tyler Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers
Emerging as a top-2 passing option and showing YAC ability. A strong bet to pop for a touchdown.
Quarterbacks | Week 3 Fantasy Rankings
Week 3 Quarterback Start/Sit Tiers Table (Condensed)
Use this table to make lineup decisions for your Week 3 Fantasy Football Start/Sit decisions.
| Tier | Player | Team | Opponent | Proj Team Points | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamar Jackson | BAL | vs DET | 28.5 | AVG |
| 2 | Jalen Hurts | PHI | vs LAR | 24.5 | AVG |
| 2 | Dak Prescott | DAL | @ CHI | 24 | LOW |
| 3 | Jayden Daniels | WAS | vs LV | 26.5 | HIGH |
| 3 | Jordan Love | GB | @ CLE | 25 | AVG |
| 3 | Patrick Mahomes | KC | @ NYG | 24.5 | LOW |
| 3 | Justin Herbert | LAC | vs DEN | 24.5 | HIGH |
| 3 | Daniel Jones | IND | @ TEN | 23.5 | LOW |
| 3 | Kyler Murray | ARI | @ SF | 22.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Jared Goff | DET | @ BAL | 23 | AVG |
| 4 | Caleb Williams | CHI | vs DAL | 25.5 | LOW |
| 4 | Drake Maye | NE | vs PIT | 21 | HIGH |
| 4 | Baker Mayfield | TB | vs NYJ | 25.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Bo Nix | DEN | @ LAC | 22 | AVG |
| 5 | C.J. Stroud | HOU | @ JAX | 21 | LOW |
| 5 | Michael Penix Jr. | ATL | @ CAR | 23.5 | LOW |
| 5 | Jake Browning | CIN | @ MIN | 19 | AVG |
| 5 | Matthew Stafford | LAR | @ PHI | 21 | HIGH |
| 5 | Trevor Lawrence | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
| 5 | Aaron Rodgers | PIT | @ NE | 22.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Russell Wilson | NYG | vs KC | 18 | HIGH |
| 6 | Mac Jones | SF | vs ARI | 21 | LOW |
| 6 | Carson Wentz | MIN | vs CIN | 22.5 | LOW |
| 6 | Geno Smith | LV | @ WAS | 21 | AVG |
| 6 | Sam Darnold | SEA | vs NO | 25 | AVG |
| 7 | Tyrod Taylor | NYJ | @ TB | 19 | AVG |
| 7 | Joe Flacco | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 7 | Cam Ward | TEN | vs IND | 20 | AVG |
| 7 | Spencer Rattler | NO | @ SEA | 17.5 | HIGH |
Tier 1 | Lamar Jackson Stands Alone in Week 3
Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens
After two weeks, Lamar Jackson sits as the QB1 overall, averaging over a fantasy point per dropback. The No. 10–ranked Detroit defense, fresh off dismantling Chicago, will look to slow Baltimore’s offensive surge.
Tier 2 | Elite QB1 Week 3 Start Options
Start of the Week | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott bounced back with a QB6 finish after a rough opener against Philly. The concern? It took 52 pass attempts to get there, leaving him with the 28th-lowest fantasy points per dropback in Week 2. Still, Week 3 against Chicago carries the second-highest projected total on the slate (51.5). You want pieces of this game in your lineup, and Dak is one of them.
Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles
Three rushing TDs aren’t shocking for Jalen Hurts, but 253 yards with zero passing scores is. Sitting at QB14, outside QB1 territory, managers may be getting nervous. Don’t panic. As games tighten and defenses key in on Saquon Barkley and the run game, Hurts will see more dropbacks, and that means more chances to win through the air or on a scramble.
Tier 3 | QB1 Options with Some Risk
Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love’s favorite receiver is the open one, and with only 1 sack on 22 pressures, his offensive line is giving him time to find them. Cleveland’s defense is talented, ranking No. 1 in yards allowed, but they’ve also surrendered 29 PPG, 25th in the league. That gap keeps Love in the fantasy mix.
Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs
Despite Kansas City sitting middle of the pack in yardage, Patrick Mahomes has delivered QB4 production. The Giants are allowing over 30 PPG, and this could be the spark the Chiefs need after averaging just 19 PPG through two weeks.
Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has piloted the league’s 4th-ranked passing attack, averaging 280 yards per game with 5 TDs. But Denver’s 9th-ranked pass defense comes to town, making this a tougher matchup on paper.
Daniel Jones | New York Giants
Most expected Daniel Jones to stumble in Week 2, a la his infamous 80-yard faceplant in 2020. Instead, he threw for 316 yards, added a passing TD, and ran in another. Now he faces a Titans defense that’s giving up the 6th-most yards and 26+ PPG.
Kyler Murray | Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray’s rushing floor keeps him in QB1 consideration, but fewer than 200 passing yards per game caps his ceiling. With the 34th-ranked aDOT (6.5) and only 4 deep attempts so far, he’s not stretching defenses. San Francisco’s 6th-ranked pass defense should force more of the same, short passes and scrambling.
See our updated Week 3 Fantasy Football Hub:
Waiver Wire, Trade Advice, Start/Sit Analytics, IDP Start/Sit, IDP Waiver Wire
Tier 4 | Week 3 Streaming-Level Quarterbacks
Jared Goff | Detroit Lions
Rebounding from a forgettable Week 1 against Green Bay, Jared Goff took out his frustrations on Chicago with a QB1 overall finish in Week 2. Now he heads into the highest-projected scoring game of the week, a Monday Night showdown in Baltimore between two Super Bowl hopefuls.
Caleb Williams | Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams hasn’t lived up to his No. 1 pick hype yet, but he’s still sitting at QB10 in fantasy. Using his legs (85 yards and a TD) has kept him afloat, ranking top-5 in scrambles and rushing yards. Expect plenty of scoring at Soldier Field this Sunday.
Drake Maye | New England Patriots
By all accounts, Drake Maye looks like he’s taking a leap in Year 2. Currently QB7, he’s completing over 70% of his passes with a 100.9 QBR while adding rushing production. Pittsburgh in Week 3 will be his toughest test so far.
Baker Mayfield | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has whipped up back-to-back 4th-quarter comebacks to open the season. It hasn’t been pretty, but 72 rushing yards have kept his fantasy floor elevated. For now, he’s finding ways to get it done.
Bo Nix | Denver Broncos
It’s been a rough start for Bo Nix, mostly due to turnovers (3 INTs, 1 fumble) and limited rushing output. The encouraging signs: he’s top-10 in pass attempts and already thrown 4 TDs. If the offense continues to settle in, he’s a candidate for improvement heading into Los Angeles.
Tier 5 | Quarterbacks with Average Risk
Sit of the Week | C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans
Jacksonville’s defense just gave up 300+ yards to a mash-up of Joe Burrow and Jake Browning, but C.J. Stroud isn’t looking like the phenom rookie who was ready to take over the league two years ago. If he can’t right the ship here, against a divisional opponent with an exploitable secondary, you start to wonder if it’s ever coming back.
Michael Penix Jr. | Atlanta Falcons
Despite Atlanta’s win, fantasy managers didn’t share in the excitement. Penix didn’t play poorly, but the game plan crushed his volume, 21 attempts after throwing 42 in Week 1. The talent is obvious, but even with his highlight-reel arm and willingness to run, there’s a floor we have to account for.
Jake Browning | Cincinnati Bengals
In just over half of a football game, Jake Browning racked up 241 yards and 3 total TDs, plus 3 interceptions. If Jake Browning is going to masquerade as Jameis Winston for the next three months, he’s got Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins strapped in for the ride, and it’s going to be a fun watch.
Starting with C.J. Stroud, this entire tier carries the same problem: weekly floors are shaky, and the ceilings are even harder to trust. Matthew Stafford offers a “safe” baseline, but there’s no real upside unless touchdowns spike. Trevor Lawrence and Aaron Rodgers are stuck in slower-paced game scripts that hinders the expected passing volume.
Tier 6 | Quarterbacks with Low Ceilings for Week 3
Russell Wilson | New York Giants
Do you remember the last time Kansas City started 0-3? I didn’t have a wife or kids yet, just a desperate hope for more Dwayne Bowe touchdowns. The Giants may be riding high after last week, but that momentum is about to hit a wall against a humbled, legendary Chiefs squad.
The Injury Replacement Quarterbacks
Mac Jones is likely making his second start, while Carson Wentz takes over in Minnesota for at least a couple of games. Both are in well-structured systems run by sharp offensive minds, giving them spot-start potential in 2QB and SuperFlex formats.
Veteran Quarterbacks with Minimal Ceiling
Geno Smith and Sam Darnold offer serviceable floors most weeks, but the matchups ahead are tougher than usual. Without a ceiling to chase, they’re easy fades this week.
Tier 7 | Desperate Week 3 Starting Quarterbacks
This quarterback tier is a double whammy: tough defensive matchups paired with shaky offenses. Keep expectations low.
Week 3 Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End Start/Sit Tiers
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Running Backs | Week 3 Fantasy Rankings
Week 3 Start/Sit Running Backs Table (Condensed)
Use this table for your Week 3 Running Back Start/Sit decisions.
| Tier | Player | Team | Opponent | Proj Team Points | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian McCaffrey | SF | vs ARI | 21 | LOW |
| 1 | Saquon Barkley | PHI | vs LAR | 24.5 | AVG |
| 1 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | @ BAL | 23 | AVG |
| 1 | Bijan Robinson | ATL | @ CAR | 23.5 | LOW |
| 2 | Derrick Henry | BAL | vs DET | 28.5 | HIGH |
| 2 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | @ TEN | 23.5 | LOW |
| 2 | Bucky Irving | TB | vs NYJ | 25.5 | AVG |
| 2 | Josh Jacobs | GB | @ CLE | 25 | AVG |
| 3 | Travis Etienne | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
| 3 | James Conner | ARI | @ SF | 22.5 | AVG |
| 3 | Ashton Jeanty | LV | @ WAS | 21 | AVG |
| 3 | Chase Brown | CIN | @ MIN | 19 | AVG |
| 3 | Chuba Hubbard | CAR | vs ATL | 20 | LOW |
| 4 | Kyren Williams | LAR | @ PHI | 21 | HIGH |
| 4 | Breece Hall | NYJ | @ TB | 19 | HIGH |
| 4 | Alvin Kamara | NO | @ SEA | 17.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Ken Walker III | SEA | vs NO | 25 | AVG |
| 4 | Omarion Hampton | LAC | vs DEN | 24.5 | HIGH |
| 4 | TreVeyon Henderson | NE | vs PIT | 21 | HIGH |
| 4 | Javonte Williams | DAL | @ CHI | 24 | LOW |
| 5 | Jordan Mason | MIN | vs CIN | 22.5 | LOW |
| 5 | David Montgomery | DET | @ BAL | 23 | AVG |
| 5 | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | WAS | vs LV | 26.5 | LOW |
| 5 | J.K. Dobbins | DEN | @ LAC | 22 | AVG |
| 5 | Tony Pollard | TEN | vs IND | 20 | AVG |
| 5 | D’Andre Swift | CHI | vs DAL | 25.5 | LOW |
| 5 | Jaylen Warren | PIT | @ NE | 22.5 | AVG |
| 5 | Cam Skattebo | NYG | vs KC | 18 | HIGH |
| 5 | RJ Harvey | DEN | @ LAC | 22 | AVG |
| 6 | Quinshon Judkins | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Trey Benson | ARI | @ SF | 22.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Bhayshul Tuten | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL | @ CAR | 23.5 | LOW |
| 6 | Rhamondre Stevenson | NE | vs PIT | 21 | HIGH |
| 6 | Isiah Pacheco | KC | @ NYG | 24.5 | LOW |
| 6 | Nick Chubb | HOU | @ JAX | 21 | LOW |
| 7 | Dylan Sampson | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 7 | Brian Robinson Jr. | SF | vs ARI | 21 | LOW |
| 7 | Kenneth Gainwell | PIT | @ NE | 22.5 | AVG |
| 7 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA | vs NO | 25 | AVG |
| 7 | Braelon Allen | NYJ | @ TB | 19 | HIGH |
| 7 | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG | vs KC | 18 | HIGH |
| 7 | Kareem Hunt | KC | @ NYG | 24.5 | LOW |
| 7 | Brashard Smith | KC | @ NYG | 24.5 | LOW |
| 7 | Rachaad White | TB | vs NYJ | 25.5 | AVG |
| 7 | Miles Sanders | DAL | @ CHI | 24 | LOW |
| 7 | Woody Marks | HOU | @ JAX | 21 | LOW |
| 7 | Kyle Monangai | CHI | vs DAL | 25.5 | LOW |
| 7 | Jerome Ford | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 7 | LeQuint Allen | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
Tier 1 | Week 3 Elite Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers
As long as he’s healthy, Christian McCaffrey is a fantasy force of nature. He leads all RBs in targets, catches, and yards, sitting as the overall RB2 to start the season.
Saquon Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles
We know the tush push can cut into his goal-line work, but Saquon Barkley looks fresh at 28. His 46 touches have produced 178 yards and 2 scores, proof he’s the featured engine.
Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs caught 10 balls in Week 1, then followed it up with 94 rushing yards and a TD on 12 carries in Week 2. Sitting at RB10, he’s a threat on the ground, through the air, and anywhere else he lines up.
Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons
As expected, Bijan Robinson has racked up 292 total yards and a score, even with Tyler Allgeier getting more work than fantasy managers would like. Expect his efficient dominance to continue this week against Carolina.
Tier 2 | Easy Running Back Start Decisions
Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens
Despite Baltimore dropping 41 points, Derrick Henry saw just 11 carries for 23 yards, his lowest floor since his final Tennessee days. Detroit will key on him this week, making him a riskier play, though he’s never a guy you actually sit.
Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor doesn’t care how good your defense is; he’s built differently. After torching Denver for 165 yards, he now leads the NFL in rushing. Expect Indy to lean on him heavily again in a divisional matchup.
Bucky Irving | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sneaking into RB1 territory thanks to 10 catches for 58 yards and a TD, Bucky Irving has been the clear workhorse. He’s logged 31 of 44 team carries to start the season and owns a 14% target share, cementing his every-down role.
Josh Jacobs | Green Bay Packers
All but two carries have gone to Josh Jacobs, and he’s turned them into 150 yards and 2 TDs. The workload isn’t going anywhere, he’s the most consistent fantasy option in Green Bay.
Tier 3 | Week 3 Upside Running Back Starts
Travis Etienne | Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne ceded a small share of touches to Bhayshul Tuten, but stayed efficient and turned a screen into a score. He remains the featured back and should see heavy usage against Houston’s aggressive defense.
James Conner | Arizona Cardinals
As Trey Benson flashes more efficiency, James Conner is averaging just over 3 YPC. His 2 TDs have propped up fantasy value, but if the touches keep shifting, his RB2 status will be under pressure.
Ashton Jeanty | Denver Broncos
Two weeks in, the “bust” whispers are already circling. But 61 of Ashton Jeanty’s 81 yards came after forcing 7 missed tackles. The rookie is creating on his own and better box scores are ahead.
Chase Brown | Cincinnati Bengals
Similarly, Chase Brown has forced 7 missed tackles for 80 of his 90 rushing yards. He’s getting carries, but the passing-game role hasn’t shown up yet. How Jake Browning uses him through the air is something to watch closely.
Chuba Hubbard | Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard has leaned on his receiving chops; catching 8 passes, 2 for touchdowns, on his way to an RB7 start. The dual-threat role makes him a legit early-season riser.
Tier 4 | Strong Floor Running Backs with Risk in Week 3
Sit of the Week | Kyren Williams | Los Angeles Rams
We saw Blake Corum get a slight bump in carries, and the team has already said they want this backfield closer to a 65/35 split rather than the 80% dominance Kyren Williams has enjoyed. Add in a road trip to face a next-level Philadelphia defense, and Kyren looks like a TD-dependent play this week.
Offensive Concerns Create Limitations
Breece Hall and Alvin Kamara are locked-in lead backs, but their offenses lack firepower, making it easier for defenses to key in. Kamara’s 27 touches produced just an RB15 finish, while Hall’s 21 touches in Week 1 landed him at RB10. Both remain solid starts, but expectations should be tempered.
Kenneth Walker III | Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III reminded us of his home-run ability on a beautiful 19-yard TD run, showcasing his ceiling. Better yet, Zach Charbonnet looked flat, keeping Walker’s upside intact. It may be a hot-hand approach at times, but Walker’s flame burns brightest when he’s rolling.
Slow-Starting Rookie RBs
Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson haven’t lived up to their draft hype yet. Hampton generated 54 of his 72 rushing yards after contact, showing effort, but his workload dropped from 15 carries to 8. Henderson went from 6 targets in Week 1 to just 5 touches overall, a major letdown. Tough defensive matchups ahead will only make efficiency harder to count on.
Javonte Williams | Denver Broncos
Against the Giants, Javonte Williams finally looked like his pre-injury self, breaking tackles and punishing defenders. He ranks 3rd in the NFL with 113 yards after contact, trailing only Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor. With 20+ touches incoming, the Bears will have their hands full.
Tier 5 | Volatile Week 3 Running Backs
Start of the Week | Jordan Mason | Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones was never going to see 300 touches again, but Jordan Mason is built to run north and south all day. With J.J. McCarthy sidelined and Carson Wentz stepping in, Mason is guaranteed work as this offense adjusts. A juicy matchup against a reeling Cincinnati defense makes him a strong Week 3 play.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt | Buffalo Bills
Jacory Croskey-Merritt looked promising in Week 1 before cooling off against Green Bay, a defense that looks legit. He’ll get a wide-open chance this week against Las Vegas, giving us a clearer glimpse of who “Bill” really is.
Denver Broncos RBs
J.K. Dobbins is still the most trusted Denver back for fantasy, leading in red-zone touches and a couple of targets per game. RJ Harvey has flashed explosiveness and is the better receiver, but he needs more volume. Meanwhile, Tyler Badie continues to be the frustrating thorn in both of their sides.
Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys & D’Andre Swift | Philadelphia Eagles
Both Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift are flex plays at best right now. Swift has the offense to support a breakout, but Pollard looks trapped in a system with limited scoring chances.
Jaylen Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers & Cam Skattebo | Arizona Cardinals
This isn’t the week Cam Skattebo breaks out, but he should see another uptick in touches. Jaylen Warren continues to lead Pittsburgh’s backfield, and his valuable targets give him a legitimate RB1 ceiling in PPR formats.
Tier 6 | Flex Option Week 3 Running Backs
Quinshon Judkins | Cleveland Browns
Quinshon Judkins walked into the team facility this week and walked out of Sunday’s game looking like the obvious starter moving forward. The workload is still uncertain, and Green Bay won’t be an easy matchup, but the arrow is pointing firmly up.
Backup RBs with Flex Appeal
Trey Benson, Bhayshul Tuten, and Tyler Allgeier are all timeshare backs who can deliver RB2-level weeks. More importantly, each has an RB1 ceiling if thrust into a full workhorse role.
Former Star Running Backs
This group (Rhamondre Stevenson, Isiah Pacheco, and Nick Chubb) has all provided huge fantasy seasons before, but the landscape is shifting. Rhamondre Stevenson carries the most pass-catching upside, yet every back in this group could see roles chipped away as the year progresses.
Tier 7 | Week 3 Running Backs with High Risk
Week 3 Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End Start/Sit Tiers
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Wide Receivers | Week 3 Fantasy Rankings
Wide Receivers Start/Sit Rankings Tiers Week 3 (Condensed)
Use this table of Wide Receiver Rankings to set your Week 3 lineups.
| Tier | Player | Team | Opponent | Proj Team Points | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CeeDee Lamb | DAL | @ CHI | 24 | LOW |
| 1 | Justin Jefferson | MIN | vs CIN | 22.5 | LOW |
| 1 | Ja’Marr Chase | CIN | @ MIN | 19 | AVG |
| 2 | Amon Ra St. Brown | DET | @ BAL | 23 | AVG |
| 2 | Puka Nacua | LAR | @ PHI | 21 | HIGH |
| 2 | Malik Nabers | NYG | vs KC | 18 | HIGH |
| 2 | Nico Collins | HOU | @ JAX | 21 | LOW |
| 2 | Drake London | ATL | @ CAR | 23.5 | LOW |
| 2 | A.J. Brown | PHI | vs LAR | 24.5 | AVG |
| 3 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | vs NO | 25 | LOW |
| 3 | Davante Adams | LAR | @ PHI | 21 | HIGH |
| 3 | Zay Flowers | BAL | vs DET | 28.5 | HIGH |
| 3 | Ladd McConkey | LAC | vs DEN | 24.5 | HIGH |
| 3 | Garrett Wilson | NYJ | @ TB | 19 | AVG |
| 3 | Brian Thomas Jr. | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
| 3 | Mike Evans | TB | vs NYJ | 25.5 | AVG |
| 3 | D.K. Metcalf | PIT | @ NE | 22.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Rome Odunze | CHI | vs DAL | 25.5 | LOW |
| 4 | Ricky Pearsall | SF | vs ARI | 21 | LOW |
| 4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | ARI | @ SF | 22.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Deebo Samuel | WAS | vs LV | 26.5 | LOW |
| 4 | Tetairoa McMillan | CAR | vs ATL | 20 | LOW |
| 5 | Tee Higgins | CIN | @ MIN | 19 | AVG |
| 5 | Jakobi Meyers | LV | @ WAS | 21 | AVG |
| 5 | D.J. Moore | CHI | vs DAL | 25.5 | LOW |
| 5 | George Pickens | DAL | @ CHI | 24 | LOW |
| 5 | Courtland Sutton | DEN | @ LAC | 22 | AVG |
| 5 | Michael Pittman Jr. | IND | @ TEN | 23.5 | LOW |
| 5 | Jameson Williams | DET | @ BAL | 23 | AVG |
| 5 | Emeka Egbuka | TB | vs NYJ | 25.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | vs LV | 26.5 | LOW |
| 6 | Jerry Jeudy | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 6 | DeVonta Smith | PHI | vs LAR | 24.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Chris Olave | NO | @ SEA | 17.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Keenan Allen | LAC | vs DEN | 24.5 | HIGH |
| 6 | Jauan Jennings | SF | vs ARI | 21 | LOW |
| 6 | Calvin Ridley | TEN | vs IND | 20 | AVG |
| 6 | Hollywood Brown | KC | @ NYG | 24.5 | LOW |
| 6 | Travis Hunter | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
| 6 | Troy Franklin | DEN | @ LAC | 22 | AVG |
| 6 | Cedric Tillman | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 7 | Kayshon Boutte | NE | vs PIT | 21 | HIGH |
| 7 | Ellic Ayomanor | TEN | vs IND | 20 | AVG |
| 7 | Darnell Mooney | ATL | @ CAR | 23.5 | LOW |
| 7 | Wan’Dale Robinson | NYG | vs KC | 18 | HIGH |
| 7 | DeAndre Hopkins | BAL | vs DET | 28.5 | HIGH |
| 7 | Josh Downs | IND | @ TEN | 23.5 | LOW |
| 7 | Stefon Diggs | NE | vs PIT | 21 | HIGH |
| 7 | Quinton Johnson | LAC | vs DEN | 24.5 | HIGH |
| 7 | Cooper Kupp | SEA | vs NO | 25 | LOW |
Tier 1 | Elite Wide Receivers for Week 3
Ja’Marr Chase gets some company in the top tier this week from fellow 2020 classmates CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson. Lamb draws a juicy matchup with no Jaylon Johnson, while Chase and Jefferson square off with backup QBs—perfect timing to see who’s truly quarterback-proof.
Tier 2 | Must-Start Week 3 Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown was the WR1 last week and now heads into another high-scoring matchup with Baltimore. Puka Nacua sits as the WR1 on the season despite scoring just once on the ground, continuing to prove he’s already an elite NFL receiver. Malik Nabers closed out Week 2 by torching Dallas for a WR2 overall finish. All three are locked-in insta-starts.
Drake London | Atlanta Falcons
Drake London owns a 30% target share, but it’s only translated into 11 catches for 104 yards, barely startable production. The volume is too good to ignore, and the breakout will come.
Nico Collins | Houston Texans
A year ago, Nico Collins was dominating fantasy as C.J. Stroud’s clear WR1. Now he’s averaging under 10 PPG while Houston’s offense sputters. A switch has to flip soon, or it could get ugly fast.
A.J. Brown | Philadelphia Eagles
If London’s slow start has you worried, A.J. Brown’s is even worse, with fewer than 10 targets and 10 total fantasy points on the season. This won’t last, but early struggles always sting and spark panic.
Tier 3 | Huge Upside Wide Receivers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks
Second in the NFL in targets, catches, and yards, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is thriving in his new role. The touchdowns will come, and Week 3 could be the start.
Veteran WRs With Question Marks
Davante Adams is seeing the same target volume as Puka Nacua, but hasn’t capitalized at the same rate—though he still managed a WR1 finish last week. Mike Evans also hasn’t made the most of his 19 targets, catching just 10 for 107 scoreless yards. It’s early, but these longtime fantasy staples will get their chance to flip the script.
Zay Flowers | Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers has been dominant through two games, with 14 catches for 218 yards and a score. His near 40% target share will dip, but efficiency plus a couple carries per game keep him a playmaking threat in this offense.
Sophomore Struggles
Ladd McConkey can’t find the end zone, while Brian Thomas Jr. can’t seem to hang onto the ball. Both sophomores are underperforming, though one more than the other—McConkey carries a 103 QBR when targeted, compared to Thomas Jr.’s brutal 17.8. Confidence leans toward the Chargers’ offense creating more opportunities moving forward.
Tier 4 | Wide Receivers with High Ceilings Week 3
Start of the Week | Rome Odunze | Chicago Bears
The trust is there between Rome Odunze (WR4 overall) and Caleb Williams, especially in the red zone where Odunze sees most of the high-value looks. Against Dallas, I expect Williams to get him involved early as this offense looks to settle in.
Ricky Pearsall | San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings led the way in Week 2, leaving Ricky Pearsall with 4 catches for 56 yards. Still, Pearsall is running a team-high 83% of routes per dropback, keeping him in the mix every week.
Marvin Harrison Jr. | Arizona Cardinals
The connection between Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t clicked yet, with Trey McBride still operating as the top target. At just 5 targets per game, Harrison Jr. doesn’t have meaningful fantasy relevance right now.
Deebo Samuel | Washington Commanders
The No. 1 WR for Jayden Daniels has been Deebo Samuel, not Terry McLaurin. McLaurin may run more routes, but Deebo is winning the usage battle with 18 targets, 14 catches, and 121 yards through two games.
Tetairoa McMillan | Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan is passing the eye test and backing it up on the stat sheet, 11 catches on 17 targets for 168 yards. With that kind of volume, he’s firmly in the weekly WR2 conversation.
Tier 5 | Second Wide Receiver Options and Strong Flex
The Robins
Tee Higgins, D.J. Moore, and George Pickens are the WR2s on their teams, but all three carry WR1 upside. D.J. Moore has started slow with Rome Odunze commanding lead duties, while Higgins and Pickens turned in WR2 numbers in Week 2, helped by high-volume passing scripts. Expect plenty of ping-pong between big weeks and quiet ones.
The First Reads
Courtland Sutton (29%), Michael Pittman Jr. (21%), and Jakobi Meyers (33%) are the wide receiver first reads in their offenses, giving them steady weekly floors. Pittman feels the most vulnerable with Tyler Warren siphoning targets and Josh Downs lurking, while Meyers and Sutton seem locked into top-2 roles even with Troy Franklinemerging in Denver.
Jameson Williams | Detroit Lions
Jameson Williams has the juice to pop as a WR1 any given week, even as the No. 3 in team targets. His 108 yards on two catches vaulted him to WR8 overall last week, but the volatility is real, he’s just as likely to be WR58.
Emeka Egbuka | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s unlikely Emeka Egbuka keeps up a TD-per-week pace, and even with one last week he only managed WR3 numbers. Outside of those three scores, he’s sitting on just 8 catches for 96 yards, more boom-or-bust than reliable.
Tier 6 | Week 3 Wide Receivers with Risk
Sit of the Week | Jerry Jeudy | Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland passing game is a mess with Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and the TE duo all involved. Tillman has the touchdowns, Jeudy leads in targets and yards, and Harold Fannin Jr. leads in receptions. It’s a weekly guessing game, and if Joe Flacco loses the job, the whole group could sink fast.
Leading WRs on Weak Offenses
Chris Olave and Calvin Ridley are both veterans stuck in struggling offenses. Ridley’s 23% target share has produced just 7 catches for 84 scoreless yards, while Olave’s 28% share has yielded 13 catches for 108 yards and no scores. Facing Seattle and Indy’s defenses won’t make bouncing back any easier.
Keenan Allen | Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen looks rejuvenated with Justin Herbert, leading the team in targets (16) and receptions (12) with a TD in each game. With Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey also heavily involved, some down weeks are inevitable, but for now, enjoy the full Keenan Allen experience.
Marquise Brown | Kansas City Chiefs
Marquise Brown dipped to 5 targets and an ugly 6 yards per catch, down from 9.9 in Week 1. He needs heavy volume or TDs to matter, and once Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice return, his role will shrink even further.
Travis Hunter | Jacksonville Jaguars
The two-way usage hurts. Last week Travis Hunter logged almost as many defensive snaps (39) as offensive (42). Until his role becomes more offense-focused, the fantasy upside stays capped.
Troy Franklin | Denver Broncos
Troy Franklin leads Denver in targets, catches, and yards, showing his connection with college QB Bo Nix is carrying over. He’s emerging as the clear top option in this passing attack.
Tier 7 | Desperate Wide Receiver Options
Kayshon Boutte | New England Patriots & Elic Ayomanor | Tennessee Titans
Both Kayshon Boutte and Elic Ayomanor are pushing to unseat their veteran teammates as lead receivers. Boutte ran more routes than Stefon Diggs last week despite seeing just one target, while Ayomanor is already matching Calvin Ridley in target share.
Wan’Dale Robinson | New York Giants & Quentin Johnston | Los Angeles Chargers
Wan’Dale Robinson and Quentin Johnston have each delivered WR1 weeks already, but usage volatility makes them tough to trust. The Giants won’t throw at last week’s volume every game, and Johnston remains the WR3 in the Chargers’ pecking order behind Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey.
Week 3 Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End Start/Sit Tiers
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Tight Ends | Week 3 Start/Sit Rankings
Start/Sit Rankings Tight Ends Week 3 Tiers (Condensed)
These Tight End rankings can be used to answer your Week 3 Start/Sit lineup questions.
| Tier | Player | Team | Opponent | Proj Team Points | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trey McBride | ARI | @ SF | 22.5 | AVG |
| 1 | Brock Bowers | LV | @ WAS | 21 | AVG |
| 2 | Tucker Kraft | GB | @ CLE | 25 | AVG |
| 2 | Tyler Warren | IND | @ TEN | 23.5 | LOW |
| 2 | Kyle Pitts | ATL | @ CAR | 23.5 | LOW |
| 2 | Sam LaPorta | DET | @ BAL | 23 | AVG |
| 2 | Travis Kelce | KC | @ NYG | 24.5 | LOW |
| 2 | Juwan Johnson | NO | @ SEA | 17.5 | AVG |
| 3 | Zach Ertz | WAS | vs LV | 26.5 | LOW |
| 3 | T.J. Hockenson | MIN | vs CIN | 22.5 | LOW |
| 3 | Jake Tonges | SF | vs ARI | 21 | LOW |
| 3 | Mark Andrews | BAL | vs DET | 28.5 | HIGH |
| 3 | Jake Ferguson | DAL | @ CHI | 24 | LOW |
| 3 | Evan Engram | DEN | @ LAC | 22 | AVG |
| 3 | Hunter Henry | NE | vs PIT | 21 | HIGH |
| 3 | Harold Fannin Jr | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 3 | David Njoku | CLE | vs GB | 17.5 | HIGH |
| 4 | Brenton Strange | JAX | vs HOU | 22.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Cade Otton | TB | vs NYJ | 25.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Jonnu Smith | PIT | @ NE | 22.5 | AVG |
| 4 | Dalton Schultz | HOU | @ JAX | 21 | LOW |
| 4 | Tyler Higbee | LAR | @ PHI | 21 | HIGH |
| 4 | Chig Okonkwo | TEN | vs IND | 20 | AVG |
| 4 | Ja’Tavion Sanders | CAR | vs ATL | 20 | LOW |
| 4 | Theo Johnson | NYG | vs KC | 18 | HIGH |
Tier 1 | Elite Tight End Options for Week 3
Trey McBride | Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride remains the unquestioned No. 1 option in Arizona’s passing game. Kyler Murray looks to him first and last when plays break down. His role is secure, and nothing suggests that’s changing anytime soon.
Brock Bowers | Las Vegas Raiders
It wasn’t the usual dominating performance from Brock Bowers, and the knee may have played a part. Still, he saw 7 targets and came out of the game without setbacks. The usage keeps him locked in as an elite weekly starter.
Tier 2 | Tight End Easy Week 3 Start Decisions
Starts of the Week | Emerging Elite Tight Ends
Both Tucker Kraft and Tyler Warren are pushing into the elite tier with their usage. Kraft erupted for 6 catches and 124 yards in Week 2, while Warren turned his 4 grabs into 79 yards. Each offers legitimate TE1 upside every week.
The Second Read Tight Ends
Sitting just below, Kyle Pitts, Sam LaPorta, and Juwan Johnson all operate as the No. 2 options in their offenses. That role keeps them locked in as weekly starters and in deeper leagues, even flex-viable depending on roster build.
Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ offense looks sluggish, and Travis Kelce isn’t the quick fix he once was. At this stage, he’s better suited as a secondary option rather than the first read, but he still carries enough equity to remain in the TE1 mix.
Tier 3 | Week 3 Tight Ends with Risk
Sits of the Week | Low Targeted Veterans
Mark Andrews | Baltimore Ravens & Evan Engram | Denver Broncos
So far, it’s been all name, no production for Mark Andrews; just 4 targets isn’t a recipe for success. Similarly, Evan Engram has only seen 6 looks, leaving both tight ends tough to trust on such thin usage.
Zach Ertz | Washington Commanders
Zach Ertz remains a reliable target in this offense. He’s still touchdown-dependent, but the volume is strong enough to keep him a better play than most streaming options.
T.J. Hockenson | Minnesota Vikings
It’s been a frustrating start for T.J. Hockenson, and with Jordan Addison expected back soon, the target squeeze could get even tighter. Better games are ahead, but predicting when they’ll come is tough on this limited volume.
Hunter Henry | New England Patriots & Harold Fannin Jr. | Cleveland Browns
Both Hunter Henry and Harold Fannin Jr. rank second in team targets, but in different ways. Henry offers the safer weekly floor, while Fannin brings rare after-the-catch ability that could unlock big plays if the volume sticks.
Tier 4 | Tight End Options for 2 TE Leagues
Deep-League and Streaming TEs
This tier includes players who are primarily relevant in 2TE or very deep formats. Their usage and target shares are inconsistent, but a touchdown can make them serviceable in a pinch.
Week 3 Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End Start/Sit Tiers
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Lamar Jackson stands alone as the top QB1, while Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts headline the elite Tier 2 group. All three carry top-5 weekly upside.
Are there any risky QB1 options to be cautious with this week?
Yes. Jordan Love and Kyler Murray have strong upside but face injury concerns or tough defenses. They’re QB1-caliber but carry added risk.
Who are the best Week 3 running back starts?
Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Bijan Robinson are locked-in elite RB1s with heavy usage and strong matchups.
Which running backs should fantasy managers consider benching in Week 3?
Kyren Williams is the sit of the week due to a looming timeshare and a brutal matchup, while Alvin Kamara and Breece Hall have lower ceilings in struggling offenses.
Which wide receivers are must-starts in Week 3 fantasy lineups?
Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Puka Nacua are all top-tier WRs who should be locked into every lineup.
Are there any wide receivers that could disappoint fantasy managers this week?
Yes. Jerry Jeudy, Chris Olave, and Calvin Ridley headline the riskier WR group. All three are talented but are stuck in struggling passing attacks.
Who are some high-upside breakout WR candidates for Week 3?
Rome Odunze, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Zay Flowers, and Tetairoa McMillan all have strong underlying usage trends that point to potential breakout weeks.
What tight ends are must-starts in Week 3 fantasy?
Trey McBride and Brock Bowers are locked in as elite TE1s, while Tucker Kraft and Tyler Warren are surging into must-start territory as well.
Which tight ends are worth fading or streaming around this week?
Mark Andrews and Evan Engram have seen disappointing usage, while Hunter Henry and Harold Fannin Jr. are only viable in deeper leagues or 2TE formats.
How should fantasy managers use tiers to make start/sit decisions?
Tiers group players by expected weekly output rather than exact rankings. If two players are in the same tier, treat them as near equals and let matchup, weather, and roster construction break the tie.
Should I always start players ranked higher even if they have a tougher matchup?
Not necessarily. Matchups matter, but usage and volume are more predictive. A lower-ranked player in a higher tier is often safer than a higher-ranked player in a lower tier with volatile usage.
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