Weekly Fantasy Football Strategy and Advice | Dynasty Nerds
Welcome back, IDP Nerds! We are officially halfway through the first month of the 2025 NFL season. As the season progresses, the matchups, snap counts, and scheme usage are becoming easier to identify. We’ve seen breakouts from young defenders and veteran IDPs who seem to continue their consistent performance year after year. Let’s dive into the Week 3 IDP Start Sit Fantasy Football 2025 recommendations and uncover the hidden gems to help you secure another win early in the season.
Want to Nerd out? Check out The Glossery — The Top 500 All-In-One Dynasty Rankings list featuring IDP, SuperFlex, and Tight End Premium.
Weekly Accuracy Recap | Week 3 IDP Start Sit
| Week | Hit Rate | Start Hit Rate % | Sit Hit Rate % | Streaming Hit Rate % | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 62.5% | 66.6% | 33.3% | 100% | Jarvis Brownlee CB1 |
| Week 2 | 37.5% | 66.6% | 33.3% | 0% | Tykee Smith DB11 |
I added a weekly recap feature to hold myself accountable. I’ll provide a quick recap of how we performed the previous week. We define a hit rate as a double-digit fantasy point week. If a player is recommended to start or sit and scores double-digit fantasy points, it’s considered a “hit” or “miss.” We struggled last week as both streaming options failed to perform as expected, hurting our overall hit rate. On a positive note, one of our sit options could not record a single stat, which saved fantasy managers from the dreaded zero in their lineup.
Players to Start | Week 3
Defensive Line | Week 3 IDP Start Sit
| Player | Team | Opponent | Snap% | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.J. Wonnum | Panthers | Falcons | 69% | ✅ |
| Baron Browning | Cardinals | 49ers | — | ✅ |
Defensive Line | Start/Sit Player Analysis Week 3
D.J. Wonnum | DL | Carolina Panthers
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a big win on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. They allowed three sacks on Sunday Night and now travel to Carolina to take on a divisional opponent. D.J. Wonnum is a player who can be successful in Week 3.
The former University of South Carolina pass rusher collected 4 tackles and 4 pressures last week. Through two weeks, Wonnum has a 69% defensive snap share, and the Atlanta Falcons allow the fifth-most tackles per game to the DL position. He had 5 tackles in his last game against the Falcons’ offense last season.
Baron Browning | DL | Arizona Cardinals
Divisional matchups are plentiful in Week 3, and we recommend the NFC West division for our next recommendation. The San Francisco 49ers are usually among the league’s best at not allowing sacks, but with all the injuries on offense, they have started the season slowly. The 49ers surrendered 3 sacks to the New Orleans Saints last week.
Baron Browning has a nice matchup this week. He finished as the DL44 the previous week after posting 2 tackles and an interception. The 49ers allow the most tackles per game (23.5) this season, and Browning could have another productive week for IDP managers.
Linebackers | Week 3 IDP Start Sit
| Player | Team | Opponent | Snap% | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SirVocea Dennis | Buccaneers | Jets | 91% | ✅ |
| Cedric Gray | Titans | Colts | — | ✅ |
Linebacker | Week 3 Start/Sit Rankings
SirVocea Dennis | LB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head home after a last-minute win against the Houston Texans. The defense trusts young linebacker SirVocea Dennis in a mostly full-time role; he’s played 91% of the defensive snaps through the first two games.
The former 5th-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has 14 tackles this season. This week, he has a favorable matchup against the New York Jets, who allow 14.5 tackles per game to the position. Dennis has not graded well this season, according to PFF, with a 29.6 overall grade, but his run defense grade (89.4) is 4th best among qualifying LBs. The New York Jets will likely lean heavily on their running game this week with backup Tyrod Taylor starting in place of Justin Fields. Fantasy managers can feel confident in the Buccaneers’ linebackers in Week 3.
Cedric Gray | LB | Tennessee Titans
The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the most efficient offenses through the first two games of the 2025 season. The rebirth of Daniel Jones has them without a punt yet this season. The Colts offense has surrendered 38 total tackles to the LB position this season, tied for the 5th most in the NFL.
Cedric Gray is a player who could be in for a lovely week for IDP managers. I liked Gray during the pre-draft process. You can check out his rookie profile here. He has averaged 7 tackles per game in his first full season as a starter in 2025. The Titans’ defense will be on the field for much of this game, and Gray should find himself with many tackle opportunities.
Defensive Backs | Week 3 IDP Start Sit
| Player | Team | Opponent | Snap% | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javon Bullard | Packers | Browns | — | ✅ |
| Cooper DeJean | Eagles | Rams | — | ✅ |
Defensive Backs | Start/Sit Week 3 Fantasy Football
Javon Bullard | DB | Green Bay Packers
Last week’s article covered Micah Parsons’s effect on this young Green Bay Packers defense. Javon Bullard played extremely well early into his second season. The young defensive back has 14 tackles and has yet to allow a touchdown through the first two games. Bullard is the DB27 this season and has a favorable matchup in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the second-most tackles to the safety position. Fantasy managers can start Javon Bullard with confidence.
Cooper DeJean | DB | Philadelphia Eagles
In Week 3, we get a potential playoff matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are undefeated and have two of the most complete rosters in the NFC. It’s not often I put a cornerback in the starting defensive back recommendations, but some players are built differently, and Cooper DeJean is one of those players.
The former Iowa Hawkeye has not disappointed; his fantasy production has been a plus for fantasy managers. DeJean is the DB45 this season and has averaged 7 tackles per game. The Los Angeles Rams allow 18.5 tackles per game to cornerbacks, the second most. DeJean collected 5 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the playoffs against the Rams last season. His success against them should continue in Week 3.
Players to Stream | Week 3
| Player | Pos | Team | Opponent | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheldon Rankins | DT | Texans | Colts | ✅ |
| Mason Graham | DT | Browns | Packers | ✅ |
| Andru Phillips | CB | Giants | Chiefs | ✅ |
| Kaiir Elam | CB | Cowboys | Bears | ✅ |
Sheldon Rankins | DT | Houston Texans
Houston Texans veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is having a great start to the season. Rankins is DT28 and widely available even in DT-premium scoring formats. Opposing offenses focus on the Houston defense and its elite EDGE rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, which allows the interior rushers to find one-on-one matchups. Rankins could be in line for his second straight double-digit fantasy performance.
Mason Graham | DT | Cleveland Browns
When you play with Myles Garrett, the opportunities are endless. Rookie DT Mason Graham has played 80% of the defensive snaps this season. Graham has plenty of upside this week with a matchup against Green Bay, who should be up in this game and look to feature RB Josh Jacobs. Graham has averaged 4 tackles per game this season and has a safe tackle floor to start in DT-premium leagues.
Andru Phillips | CB | New York Giants
The New York Giants’ secondary has been a fantasy goldmine this season. Three defensive backs rank in the top 36 this season after the first two games. Andru Phillips was featured in this week’s Waiver Wire. He’s a solid start against the Kansas City Chiefs, who look to get their first win of the season. Phillips was targeted 15 times in Week 2 and will likely be picked on again by Patrick Mahomes this week. He is a good streaming option at CB as long as the volume is there.
Kaiir Elam | CB | Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary has left much to be desired this season. Kaiir Elam has struggled despite playing 100% of the defensive snaps. Opposing quarterbacks will continue to target Elam heavily, allowing him to have a surplus of tackling opportunities. The Chicago Bears allow the most tackles per game (26.5) to opposing cornerbacks this season. Elam is the perfect one-week streaming option.
Want more defensive insights? Check out our IDP Rankings and full IDP Hub for the latest analysis.
Players to Sit | Week 3 Fantasy Football
| Player | Pos | Team | Opponent | Sit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | DL | Giants | Chiefs | 🚫 |
| Devin Lloyd | LB | Jaguars | Texans | 🚫 |
| Craig Woodson | DB | Patriots | Steelers | 🚫 |
Kayvon Thibodeaux | DL | New York Giants
From a fantasy perspective, the New York Giants have one of the most exciting defensive lines in the NFL. So why bench Kayvon Thibodeaux after a 25-point fantasy performance? The matchup is the easy answer: The Kansas City Chiefs are one of 14 teams allowing 14 tackles per game or fewer to opposing defensive linemen. Thibodeaux has been inconsistent over his young career. IDP managers must determine when to start him with five different DL playing 50% of the snaps this season. I’m fading him this week unless you’re desperate or banking on him having a sack.
Devin Lloyd | LB | Jacksonville Jaguars
Finding starters at the linebacker position in IDP fantasy football is hard enough every week, so finding a sit candidate isn’t ideal. One team that still gives fantasy managers trust issues is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Devin Lloyd bounced back in Week 2 after playing just 34% of snaps in the opening game. The matchup in Week 3 isn’t ideal against a Houston Texans team that allows just 9.5 tackles per game to linebackers. Despite Lloyd having double-digit fantasy points last week, his inconsistency has me concerned that he won’t be an every-down player in this defense.
Craig Woodson | DB | New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have improved their defense significantly this season, and they are doing it by playing a rookie safety on 97% of the defensive snaps. Craig Woodson has been a substantial early-season addition by IDP managers. He has 14 tackles and is the DB26 through the first two weeks. The matchup in Week 3 has me tempering expectations for Woodson; the Pittsburgh Steelers have only allowed 18 total tackles to safeties this season. This is a matchup-dependent recommendation as I love Woodson’s dynasty value this season and beyond.
Hidden IDP Gems | Week 3 Fantasy Football Start/Sit
- Carl Granderson is the top IDP scorer through 2 games—the only player to have a 40-point week.
- Talanoa Hufanga is averaging a career high 22.65 FPPG. He leads all DBs in tackles.
- Devin White’s resurgence. The veteran finds a home with the Raiders – 19 tackles through 2 games.
- Tykee Smith is having a breakout season. 1 of 3 DBs with 20 fantasy points in both games this season.
- Byron Young deserves more respect. He’s the 2nd highest scoring fantasy player overall.
- The old veterans continue to produce. Bobby Wagner and Demario Davis, at age 35 and 36, respectively, are in the top 10 in tackles.
🔒 Level Up Your IDP Game
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- 📝 IDP Hub → All of our IDP articles in one place.
- 📊 IDP Rankings Tiers → Updated IDP rankings for every position.
- 📚 The Glossery → Our Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
- 📅 Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.
FAQ | Week 3 IDP Start Sit Fantasy Football 2025
Q1: Who are the must-start IDP players for Week 3 fantasy football?
A: The top Week 3 IDP start options include D.J. Wonnum (DL, Panthers), Baron Browning (DL, Cardinals), SirVocea Dennis (LB, Buccaneers), Cedric Gray (LB, Titans), Javon Bullard (DB, Packers), and Cooper DeJean (CB, Eagles). Each player has strong matchups and snap shares that project double-digit fantasy points.
Q2: Which IDP players should I bench or fade in Week 3?
A: Kayvon Thibodeaux (DL, Giants), Devin Lloyd (LB, Jaguars), and Craig Woodson (DB, Patriots) have poor Week 3 matchups or inconsistent snap usage, making them risky starts.
Q3: Who are the best Week 3 IDP streaming options?
A: Streamable Week 3 IDPs include Sheldon Rankins (DT, Texans), Mason Graham (DT, Browns), Andru Phillips(CB, Giants), and Kaiir Elam (CB, Cowboys). All have favorable matchups that boost their tackle floors and big-play opportunities.
Q4: What are the top hidden gem IDPs to stash or start in Week 3?
A: Rising IDP producers to watch include Carl Granderson (DL, Saints), Talanoa Hufanga (DB, 49ers), Devin White(LB, Raiders), Tykee Smith (DB, Buccaneers), and Byron Young (LB, Rams). These players are trending toward long-term fantasy relevance.
Q5: Should I prioritize tackle-heavy players or sack-dependent players this week?
A: In tackle-heavy scoring formats like Dynasty Nerds’ preferred settings, linebackers and safeties with consistent tackle volume offer the safest weekly floor. Sack-dependent edge rushers are higher-risk, higher-reward plays that are better used when you need upside to win your matchup.
Q6: What positions are scoring the most IDP fantasy points early in 2025?
A: Defensive linemen have dominated through two weeks with multiple top-12 overall fantasy scorers, while safeties and every-down linebackers remain reliable weekly producers.
See our Week 3 Fantasy Football content for more ways to win:
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