Tag: fantasy football Week 3 WDIS

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 3

Week 3 starts and sits to help you field a strong lineup.

It’s Week 3 of the 2024 NFL regular season, and it has been a rocky road so far. There have been so many injuries, and we’re just two full weeks into the season.

No position has been immune to the injury bug, either. The Los Angeles Rams have lost their top two wide receivers to multiweek injuries, both of the Super Bowl teams from last season are without their starting running backs, and the Miami Dolphins lost their starting quarterback until at least Week 8.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, too. It might explain why the standings are a little upside down in some divisions. We’ll try to navigate the minefields again in Week 3, trying to help you to success.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 3:

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 3

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 3 DFS fantasy football.

Week 2 saw an early injury to Cooper Kupp strangle my attempts at a massive payday. Predicting and fading an injury from a previously uninjured player is impossible. Kupp certainly wasn’t the only player crushed by injury this week. Several superstars will be missing the next few weeks with semi-major injuries. Heck, even I, too, find myself on the IR with plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, I don’t need my feet to type this article. So, tape up and tap into Week 3 Domination!

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: Both FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate

DK Lineup: QB Derek Carr ($5.8k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.5k), RB Zamir White ($5.5k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.6k), WR Chris Godwin ($6.5k), WR Rashid Shaheed ($5.3k), TE Jonnu Smith ($3.4k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($6.2k), DST Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Kirk Cousins ($7.2k), RB Alvin Kamara ($8.4k), RB Zamir White ($6.0k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($9.3k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.9k), WR Chris Godwin ($6.6k), TE Kyle Pitts ($6.2k), FLEX Carson Steele ($5.2k), DST Indianapolis Colts ($3.8k)

FB Lineup: QB C.J. Stroud ($7.0k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.3k) RB Jordan Mason ($5.9k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.4k), WR Chris Godwin ($5.9k), WR/TE Rashid Shaheed ($5.4k), TE Jonnu Smith ($3.3k), FLEX Rashee Rice ($6.5k), SUPERFLEX Patrick Mahomes ($7.1k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Lamar Jackson $7,500 $8,800
Patrick Mahomes $7,000 $8,700
Jalen Hurts $7,300 $8,500
C.J. Stroud $7,100 $8,200
Kyler Murray $6,900 $8,300
Anthony Richardson $6,700 $8,000
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,800
Jared Goff $6,500 $7,500
Baker Mayfield $6,300 $7,700
Brock Purdy $6,000 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,800 $7,900
Justin Herbert $5,700 $7,300
Kirk Cousins $5,900 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,100
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,000
Geno Smith $5,600 $7,600
Deshaun Watson $5,500 $7,300
Sam Darnold $5,500 $7,100
Justin Fields $5,400 $6,700
Daniel Jones $5,300 $6,800
Gardner Minshew II $5,300 $7,200
Easton Stick $5,200 $6,000
Will Levis $5,200 $6,800
Bo Nix $5,100 $6,500
Skylar Thompson $5,100 $6,600
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,800
Andy Dalton $4,800 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – You might as well spend up at QB this week. There are only two solid plays in the second-tier pricing, Jared Goff and Derek Carr. There are also only two punt options, Sam Darnold and Justin Fields, and I am not overly confident in either of them.

Fantasy four-pack

C.J. Stroud, Texans @ MIN ($7,100 DK, $8,200 FD) Stroud is the safest play because of the sheer volume of his weapons and the sheer mediocrity of the Vikings’ secondary talent. Stack Stroud with Stefon Diggs in the revenge game.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ DAL ($7,500 DK, $8,800 FD) Last week, Dallas struggled with the Saints and is slipping into passing defense mediocrity. That said, you are playing Jackson for his legs (almost 8 YPC) and any passing numbers are gravy.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. DET ($6,900 DK, $8,300 FD) After finishing 2023 as the fourth-worst pass defense, Detroit has improved. Unfortunately, that improvement is only up to fifth-worst. Meanwhile, Murray threw for three scores last week and is averaging over 11 YPC.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NO ($7,300 DK, $8,500 FD) Playing without A.J. Brown (hamstring), Hurts only threw for one TD last week. Still, he ran for 85 yards and another score. Those are RB numbers juicing already decent pass numbers in what should be a shootout.

Sleepers

Derek Carr, Saints vs. PHI ($5,800 DK, $7,900 FD) DK continues to price Carr like a 1980s Yugo. Klint Kubiak has completely rebuilt this late model and outfitted him with a new V8 engine. The FD price is more appropriate, especially in what should be a shootout against a Philly defense that has given up an average of 250-2 through the first two weeks.  

Sam Darnold, Texans @ MIN ($5,500 DK, $7,100 FD) Darnold has looked like a completely different QB this season. It helps to have talent around you and a coach who doesn’t have his head up his posterior. Minnesota will have to throw a lot to keep up with the Texans. As long as Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) and Jordan Addison (ankle) play, Darnold should be able to keep this one close.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $7,700 $8,700
Bijan Robinson $7,600 $8,500
Alvin Kamara $7,500 $8,400
Jonathan Taylor $7,300 $8,000
Kyren Williams $7,100 $7,500
De’Von Achane $7,000 $7,700
Joe Mixon $6,900 $8,200
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,800 $7,900
Josh Jacobs $6,700 $7,300
James Conner $6,600 $7,400
Derrick Henry $6,500 $7,800
J.K. Dobbins $6,400 $7,200
Kenneth Walker III $6,300 $7,500
Jordan Mason $6,200 $8,300
David Montgomery $6,100 $7,100
Rachaad White $6,100 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,000 $6,800
Zach Charbonnet $6,000 $6,700
Aaron Jones $5,900 $6,600
Jerome Ford $5,800 $6,500
Samaje Perine $5,500 $6,200
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,000
Raheem Mostert $5,700 $6,500
D’Andre Swift $5,600 $6,300
Najee Harris $5,600 $6,400
Ezekiel Elliott $5,500 $6,100
Zamir White $5,500 $6,000
Tyler Allgeier $5,200 $5,900
Alexander Mattison $5,400 $5,700
Javonte Williams $5,400 $5,900
Jaylen Warren $5,300 $5,500
Ty Chandler $5,300 $5,500
Chuba Hubbard $5,200 $5,800
Kenneth Gainwell $5,200 $5,600
Bucky Irving $5,100 $5,200
Carson Steele $5,400 $5,200
Miles Sanders $5,100 $5,000
Gus Edwards $5,000 $6,000
Khalil Herbert $5,000 $5,700
Justice Hill $4,900 $5,300
Tyjae Spears $4,900 $5,200
Dameon Pierce $4,800 $5,100
Rico Dowdle $4,800 $5,400
Cam Akers $4,700 $4,000
Blake Corum $4,600 $5,000
Jamaal Williams $4,500 $5,100
D’Onta Foreman $4,400 $5,600
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,400 $5,000
Jeff Wilson Jr. $4,400 $4,900
Emanuel Wilson $4,300 $5,300
Jaylen Wright $4,300 $4,900
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,300

Running back

Weekly strategy – Alvin Kamara has found a fountain of youth. Ride him until his carriage turns back into a pumpkin. Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson make lesser-owned pivots. Derrick Henry and Rachaad White have easy matchups and usage concerns. You also can use Jordan Mason on DK, but his FD price is too high. For RB2, I like Aaron Jones, Tony Pollard, and Zamir White. Punt with whoever starts for Houston if Joe Mixon (ankle) is out.

Fantasy four-pack

Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. PHI ($7,500 DK, $8,400 FD) I thought Philly had a strong run defense. I was wrong. Opposing RBs are averaging 169.5 total yards per game. Kamara is toting the rock like it’s 2020. I’d even consider stacking him with Derek Carr.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. KC ($X,XXX DK, $8,500 FD) I didn’t love the extra usage from Tyler Allgeier last week, but you can not ignore the fact that the Falcons are weaponizing Robinson in a much saner manner than last year. He should be a lock for a 20-PPR point floor every week.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ NO ($7,700 DK, $8,700 FD) Barkley has averaged 124 combo yards per game. This will be his toughest game of the season, but the Eagles will lean heavily on him with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out.

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ DAL ($6,500 DK, $7,800 FD) Henry had a dud Week 1 because of the game script. He righted the ship in Week 2 and should continue to improve this week, as Dallas was whooped on by Alvin Kamara and Jerome Ford in back-to-back games.

Sleepers

Zamir White, Raiders vs. CAR ($5,500 DK, $6,000 FD) Carolina followed up Week 1’s 172-2 allowed to opposing RBs with an equally putrid 201-1 in Week 2. White may split touches with Alexander Mattison, but he holds a greater than 2-to-1 advantage. Both are playable here.

Tony Pollard, Titans vs. GB ($6,000 DK, $6,800 FD) With Tyjae Spears (ankle) questionable, Pollard will see a boost in touches. This puts him in the safe pivot category, especially against a Packers defense that allowed 144 total yards to opposing RBs in both games.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
CeeDee Lamb $8,800 $9,300
Justin Jefferson $8,600 $9,200
Tyreek Hill $8,400 $9,000
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,200 $9,100
Davante Adams $7,600 $7,800
Marvin Harrison Jr. $7,400 $7,500
Nico Collins $7,300 $7,600
Mike Evans $7,200 $8,300
DeVonta Smith $6,900 $8,000
Rashee Rice $7,000 $7,300
Zay Flowers $6,800 $6,800
DJ Moore $6,700 $6,500
Stefon Diggs $6,600 $6,900
Chris Godwin $6,500 $6,600
Malik Nabers $6,400 $7,100
Chris Olave $6,300 $6,700
DK Metcalf $6,300 $7,200
Brandon Aiyuk $6,200 $6,500
Drake London $5,800 $6,400
Keenan Allen $6,200 $6,200
Amari Cooper $6,100 $6,000
Xavier Worthy $6,000 $6,000
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,100 $6,200
Calvin Ridley $6,000 $6,400
Jaylen Waddle $6,000 $6,600
Jayden Reed $5,900 $5,700
Darnell Mooney $4,100 $5,300
Jameson Williams $5,800 $6,300
George Pickens $5,700 $6,300
Romeo Doubs $5,600 $5,200
Brandin Cooks $5,500 $5,900
Courtland Sutton $5,400 $5,300
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $5,400 $6,100
DeAndre Hopkins $5,300 $5,400
Rashid Shaheed $5,300 $6,300
Jerry Jeudy $5,200 $5,800
Tank Dell $5,200 $6,200
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $5,300
Jordan Addison $5,100 $5,700
Tyler Lockett $5,100 $5,900
Adam Thielen $5,000 $5,100
Demarcus Robinson $5,000 $6,100
Ladd McConkey $5,000 $5,700
Christian Watson $4,900 $5,400
Diontae Johnson $4,900 $5,300
Alec Pierce $4,800 $5,800
Joshua Palmer $4,800 $5,400
Josh Downs $4,700 $5,500
Tyler Johnson $4,700 $5,800
Ray-Ray McCloud III $3,600 $4,900
Dontayvion Wicks $4,600 $4,700
Quentin Johnston $4,600 $5,600
Greg Dortch $4,500 $5,100
Jahan Dotson $4,500 $5,500
Xavier Legette $4,500 $4,600
Jalen Nailor $4,400 $5,900
Josh Reynolds $4,400 $5,200
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,400 $5,600
Tutu Atwell $4,300 $5,500
Tyler Boyd $4,300 $4,900
Jordan Whittington $4,200 $4,600
Rome Odunze $4,200 $6,100
Jauan Jennings $4,100 $5,200
Michael Wilson $4,100 $5,000
Adonai Mitchell $4,000 $5,300
Darius Slayton $3,900 $4,800
Jalen Tolbert $3,800 $4,900
Rashod Bateman $3,800 $4,900
Jalen McMillan $3,700 $5,000
Elijah Moore $3,600 $4,900
Kalif Raymond $3,600 $4,800
Nelson Agholor $3,500 $4,300
Brandon Powell $3,400 $4,500
Devaughn Vele $3,400 $4,700
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,300 $4,300
Tim Patrick $3,300 $4,200
Van Jefferson $3,300 $4,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,200 $4,200
Mecole Hardman $3,000 $4,200
Trent Sherfield Sr. $3,200 $4,200

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – CeeDee Lamb, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the best options for WR1. Also, consider targeting a pair of Tier 2 options: Chris Godwin, Rashee Rice, DK Metcalf (hand), or Stefon Diggs. For WR3, use Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, Alec Pierce, or one of the Rams. If you punt WR3, consider Jauan Jennings, Elijah Moore, or Josh Reynolds.

Fantasy four-pack

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. BAL ($8,800 DK, $9,300 FD) The price and perception should keep his ownership down. Still, 65% of the WR receptions and WR yardage against Baltimore has come from their opponent’s WR1.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ ARI ($8,200 DK, $9,100 FD) St. Brown received the squeaky wheel grease last week. Coming off a Week 1 dud, he saw 19 targets. Build a stack with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and St. Brown.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals vs. DET ($7,400 DK, $7,500 FD) Turns out that targeting your stud rookie WR works. Kyler Murray hopefully got the message. Plus, Detroit has allowed the most WR yardage through the first two weeks.

Stefon Diggs, Texans @ MIN ($6,600 DK, $6,900 FD) This may be the easiest revenge game narrative to exploit in the history of the NFL. Diggs was a target hog with the Vikings, and he felt disrespected when they dealt him. He will go ham here.

Sleepers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. MIA ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) The algorithm hasn’t kicked up JSN’s price tag … yet. Earning 16 targets in Week 2 paced his first-ever 100-yard game. This feels like a watershed moment for Jaxon.

Rashid Shaheed, Saints vs. PHI ($5,300 DK, $6,300 FD) He may never top six receptions, but Shaheed has led all WRs in 50-plus-yard catches since the start of 2023, including two TDs of that variety this season. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has allowed a WR2 to catch a 40-yard-yard TD in both games.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,100 $7,200
Trey McBride $6,200 $6,800
Sam LaPorta $6,000 $7,000
George Kittle $5,700 $7,100
Brock Bowers $5,400 $6,300
Kyle Pitts $5,000 $6,200
David Njoku $5,100 $5,700
Mark Andrews $4,800 $6,400
Isaiah Likely $4,700 $5,600
Dallas Goedert $4,600 $5,800
Jake Ferguson $4,500 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $4,300 $5,500
Pat Freiermuth $4,000 $5,200
Cole Kmet $3,900 $5,000
Taysom Hill $3,800 $5,000
Chig Okonkwo $3,700 $5,100
Colby Parkinson $3,600 $5,300
Juwan Johnson $3,500 $5,100
Noah Fant $3,500 $4,900
Cade Otton $3,400 $5,000
Jonnu Smith $3,400 $5,000
Luke Schoonmaker $3,300 $4,900
Josh Oliver $3,200 $4,800
Tucker Kraft $3,200 $4,900
Gerald Everett $3,100 $4,600
Johnny Mundt $3,100 $4,800
Jordan Akins $3,000 $4,900
Greg Dulcich $2,900 $4,500
Hayden Hurst $2,900 $4,800
Luke Musgrave $2,900 $4,700
Kylen Granson $2,800 $4,800
Will Dissly $2,800 $4,800

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, Brock Bowers, and George Kittle are all in play up top. Otherwise, spend down for Pat Freiermuth, Colby Parkinson, or Jonnu Smith.

Fantasy four-pack

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. DET ($6,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Detroit has not seen an elite TE this season, but they allowed the eighth-most yards to the position in 2023. McBride has been tame compared to his output from last year. This could be his breakout game.

George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR ($5,700 DK, $7,100 FD) an injury to Deebo Samuel (calf) eliminates another passing game weapon for San Fran. Kittle (hamstring) saw eight targets last week. That number should climb again against a Rams defense that has allowed the fifth-most TE receptions and the third-most TE receiving yards.

Brock Bowers, Raiders vs. CAR ($5,400 DK, $6,300 FD) Bowers leads all TEs in receptions and receiving yards. Meanwhile, Carolina allowed two TE scores in Week 1. We may see Bowers score his first TD this week.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. KC ($X,XXX DK, $6,200 FD) Pitts averaging 3-23 doesn’t bring joy to his owners’ ears. Still, KC has allowed a far-and-away league-worst average of 12.5-138 to the position.  

Sleepers

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. LAC ($4,000 DK, $5,200 FD) Right out of the Arthur Smith playbook, Darnell Washington vultured Freiermuth last week. Still, Freiermuth trails only George Pickens in targets for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, only three teams have allowed more TE receptions to start the season than the Chargers.

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ SEA ($3,400 DK, $5,000 FD) Last week, Smith had seven targets and six catches. Looking back at the four games where Skylar Thompson played significant snaps in 2022, Thompson fed his TEs 6.5 targets per game, 4.5 receptions per game, and 55 yards per game. Besides throwing three TDs to the position. 

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 3

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 3 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Josh Allen JAC Ja’Marr Chase WAS
Kyler Murray DET CeeDee Lamb BAL
C.J. Stroud @MIN Nico Collins @MIN
GREAT STARTS Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Patrick Mahomes @ATL Garrett Wilson NE
Dak Prescott BAL Chris Olave PHI
Joe Burrow WAS Marvin Harrison Jr. DET
SOLID STARTERS Opp Rashee Rice @ATL
Jalen Hurts @NO Stefon Diggs @MIN
Anthony Richardson CHI SOLID STARTERS Opp
Lamar Jackson @DAL Tyreek Hill @SEA
Brock Purdy @LAR Justin Jefferson HOU
Baker Mayfield DEN Jameson Williams @ARI
Derek Carr PHI Brandon Aiyuk @LAR
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Michael Pittman Jr. CHI
Trevor Lawrence @BUF Mike Evans DEN
Caleb Williams @IND Demarcus Robinson SF
Geno Smith MIA DJ Moore @IND
Aaron Rodgers NE Khalil Shakir JAC
Sam Darnold HOU Rashid Shaheed PHI
Jared Goff @ARI Chris Godwin DEN
Gardner Minshew CAR Zay Flowers @DAL
Kirk Cousins KC Malik Nabers @CLE
Jayden Daniels @CIN DK Metcalf MIA
Justin Fields LAC DeVonta Smith @NO
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Amon-Ra St. Brown @ARI
Will Levis GB Davante Adams CAR
Deshaun Watson NYG Adam Thielen @LVR
Daniel Jones @CLE FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Malik Willis @TEN Amari Cooper NYG
Skylar Thompson @SEA DeAndre Hopkins GB
Andy Dalton @LVR Xavier Legette @LVR
Jacoby Brissett @NYJ Brian Thomas Jr. @BUF
Justin Herbert @PIT Jalen Tolbert BAL
Jordan Love @TEN J. Smith-Njigba MIA
Matthew Stafford SF Andrei Iosivas WAS
Bo Nix @TB Michael Wilson DET
RUNNING BACKS Wan’Dale Robinson @CLE
BEST BETS Opp Brandin Cooks BAL
Jordan Mason @LAR Darnell Mooney KC
GREAT STARTS Opp Tank Dell @MIN
De’Von Achane @SEA Quentin Johnston @PIT
Breece Hall NE Jauan Jennings @LAR
Alvin Kamara PHI Terry McLaurin @CIN
Zach Charbonnet MIA Jerry Jeudy NYG
SOLID STARTERS Opp Gabe Davis @BUF
Tony Pollard GB Jaylen Waddle @SEA
Bijan Robinson KC Alec Pierce CHI
Kyren Williams SF Jayden Reed @TEN
Saquon Barkley @NO Calvin Ridley GB
Jahmyr Gibbs @ARI Keon Coleman JAC
Jonathan Taylor CHI Diontae Johnson @LVR
D’Andre Swift @IND Drake London KC
R. Stevenson @NYJ George Pickens LAC
Josh Jacobs @TEN Xavier Worthy @ATL
David Montgomery @ARI SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
J.K. Dobbins @PIT Christian Kirk @BUF
Travis Etienne @BUF Allen Lazard NE
Rachaad White DEN Jalen Nailor HOU
Derrick Henry @DAL Rashod Bateman @DAL
Zamir White CAR Christian Watson @TEN
James Cook JAC Mike Williams NE
Jerome Ford NYG Joshua Palmer @PIT
Brian Robinson Jr. @CIN Ja’Lynn Polk @NYJ
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp K.J. Osborn @NYJ
Devin Singletary @CLE Rome Odunze @IND
James Conner DET A.J. Brown @NO
A. Mattison CAR Tee Higgins WAS
Zack Moss WAS Josh Downs CHI
Chuba Hubbard @LVR Josh Reynolds @TB
D’Onta Foreman NYG Jakobi Meyers CAR
Bucky Irving DEN Romeo Doubs @TEN
Ezekiel Elliott BAL Courtland Sutton @TB
Antonio Gibson @NYJ Ladd McConkey @PIT
Chase Brown WAS Jordan Whittington SF
Braelon Allen NE Britain Covey @NO
Samaje Perine @ATL Jordan Addison HOU
Austin Ekeler @CIN Keenan Allen @IND
Justice Hill @DAL Tyler Johnson SF
Cam Akers @MIN Ray-Ray McCloud KC
Aaron Jones HOU DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Javonte Williams @TB BEST BETS Opp
Najee Harris LAC Browns NYG
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Jamaal Williams PHI Seahawks MIA
Jaylen Warren LAC Jets NE
Tyjae Spears GB Raiders CAR
J. McLaughlin @TB 49ers @LAR
Carson Steele @ATL Packers @TEN
Gus Edwards @PIT SOLID STARTERS Opp
Tank Bigsby @BUF Titans GB
Tyler Allgeier KC Buccaneers DEN
Blake Corum SF Bills JAC
Raheem Mostert @SEA Texans @MIN
Joe Mixon @MIN Chiefs @ATL
Jeff Wilson Jr. @SEA Lions @ARI
Kenneth Walker III MIA Bengals WAS
Rico Dowdle BAL Bears @IND
TIGHT ENDS FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
BEST BETS Opp Ravens @DAL
George Kittle @LAR Saints PHI
Trey McBride DET Steelers LAC
GREAT STARTS Opp Colts CHI
Kyle Pitts KC Cowboys BAL
Travis Kelce @ATL Cardinals DET
Pat Freiermuth LAC Giants @CLE
Brock Bowers CAR Dolphins @SEA
SOLID STARTERS Opp Chargers @PIT
Sam LaPorta @ARI SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Mike Gesicki WAS Broncos @TB
Zach Ertz @CIN Commanders @CIN
Hunter Henry @NYJ Jaguars @BUF
Dalton Kincaid JAC Eagles @NO
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Panthers @LVR
Jonnu Smith @SEA Patriots @NYJ
Isaiah Likely @DAL Falcons KC
Cole Kmet @IND Rams SF
Dalton Schultz @MIN Vikings HOU
Mark Andrews @DAL
Taysom Hill PHI
Dallas Goedert @NO
Jake Ferguson BAL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Evan Engram @BUF
David Njoku NYG
J. Sanders @LVR
Noah Fant MIA
C. Okonkwo GB
Colby Parkinson SF

Fantasy Football: Key utilization stats to know from Week 2

Recapping the most important fantasy football player utilization data from Week 2 play.

It was another fun, and shocking, set of games in Week 2. Unfortunately, fantasy football managers in leagues from coast to coast are scrambling for replacements for some of the biggest names in the game.

In just two weeks, No. 1 overall pick Christian McCaffrey hasn’t played a down, teammate Deebo Samuel will now join him on the shelf, and that’s just one team. Justin Jefferson was nicked up, the Los Angeles Rams have lost Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to multiweek injuries, David Njoku has gone down, Keenan Allen and A.J. Brown missed a game already, and that’s just the beginning. It might only be Week 2, but we’re in midseason form as far as working the waiver wire.

In addition, it seems up is down, down is up as we’ve had some key players at positions not living up to expectations and, frankly, not even coming close.

As we look back at Week 2, we’ll check out some utilization situations, and how they’re changing the fantasy landscape going into Week 3.

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 214

Talking NFL news, fantasy lineups, injuries abound, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, a visit to the infirmary, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy Football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 3

Week 3 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 3 NFL inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: RB Aaron Jones (inactive), WR Christian Watson (inactive), WR DeAndre Hopkins (active)
Afternoon games: RB Isiah Pacheco (active), WR Kadarius Toney (active)
Sunday night:
Monday night: QB Joe Burrow

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 71 degrees, mostly clear, NNE 14 mph

Titans

Inactives: WR Colton Dowell, OT Jaelyn Duncan, LB Trevis Gipson, DL Caleb Murphy, CB Kindle Vildor, OG Peter Skoronski and QB Will Levis

Lineup notes: WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) is active once again. OG Peter Skoronski (illness) has been ruled out.

Browns

Inactives: C Luke Wypler, S Ronnie Hickman, OT James Hudson, DT Siaki Ika, CB Greg Newsome and DL Isaiah McGuire

Lineup notes: RB Nick Chubb (knee) was placed on IR and will miss the rest of the season after a gruesome knee injury in Week 2. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed RB Kareem Hunt will play after being signed earlier in the week. WR Amari Cooper (groin, shoulder) was limited Friday but doesn’t carry an injury designation. CB Greg Newsome (elbow) has been ruled out.

Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Falcons

Inactives: CB Clark Phillips III, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, QB Logan Woodside, DL Albert Huggins, DE Joe Gaziano, OG Jovaughn Gwyn and OT Isaiah Prince

Lineup notes: RB Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) won’t go after being listed as questionable.

Lions

Inactives: S Kerby Joseph, RB David Montgomery, OT Taylor Decker, DL Brodric Martin, CB Emmanuel Moseley and OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Lineup notes: RB David Montgomery (thigh) is out. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe) and WR Josh Reynolds (groin) overcame questionable labels and will play. Detroit will be without two starting offensive linemen, and four key defenders also are not available.

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 68 degrees, cloudy, SE 10 mph

Saints

Inactives: WR A.T. Perry, TE Foster Moreau, OG Nick Saldiveri, DL Kyle Phillips and CB Paulson Adebo

Lineup notes: RB Jamaal Williams (hamstring) is out. RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) practiced in full all week and will play.

Packers

Inactives: RB Aaron Jones, OT David Bakhtiari, S Anthony Johnson Jr., C Elgton Jenkins, WR Christian Watson, S Zayne Anderson and CB Jaire Alexander

Lineup notes: RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) and WR Christian Watson (hamstring) couldn’t overcome questionable tags. OG Elgton Jenkins (knee), OT David Bakhtiari (rest, knee), and CB Jaire Alexander (back) also will miss this one.

Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 82 degrees, cloudy

Broncos

Inactives: C Alex Forsyth, LB Ronnie Perkins, S JL Skinner, DT Elijah Garcia, DE Frank Clark and S Justin Simmons

Lineup notes: LB Frank Clark (hip) and S Justin Simmons (hip) will not play.

Dolphins

Inactives: WR Erik Ezukanma, OT Kion Smith, RB Salvon Ahmed, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Jaylen Waddle, TE Tyler Kroft and CB Cam Smith

Lineup notes: WR Jaylen Waddle (concussion) has been ruled out. WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and carries no tag. RB Salvon Ahmed (groin) will not be available.

New England Patriots at New York Jets (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 61 degrees, light rain, NE 14 mph

Patriots

Inactives: OG Sidy Sow, CB Jonathan Jones, WR Kayshon Boutte, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and QB Will Grier

Lineup notes: WR DeVante Parker (knee) was limited all week but carries no tag. CB Jonathan Jones (ankle) is inactive after being questionable.

Jets

Inactives: WR Jason Brownlee, S Tony X. Adams, OG Wes Schweitzer, CB Bryce Hall, LB Zaire Barnes and RB Israel Abanikanda

Lineup notes: RB Breece Hall (knee) had a full practice Friday and will play. PK Greg Zuerlein (groin) is questionable but practiced fully Friday. LT Duane Brown (shoulder/hip) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list, so RT Mekhi Becton moves to left tackle.

Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Chargers

Inactives: DL Chris Hinton, CB J.C. Jackson, RB Austin Ekeler, OT Brenden Jaimes, LB Eric Kendricks and OG Zack Bailey

Lineup notes: RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) will be out again this week. WR Mike Williams (ankle) practiced all week and is good to go. LB Joey Bosa (hamstring) is fine, though LB Eric Kendricks (hamstring) was ruled out.

Vikings

Inactives: TE Nick Muse, DT Khyiris Tonga, QB Jaren Hall, C Garrett Bradbury, DE Marcus Davenport and RB Cam Akers

Lineup notes: Starting C Garrett Bradbury (back) remains out. Recently acquired RB Cam Akers won’t play this week.

Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 66 degrees, cloudy

Bills

Inactives: OG Alec Anderson, CB Kaiir Elam, DT Poona Ford, OT Germain Ifedi and S Damar Hamlin

Lineup notes: TE Dawson Knox (back) was idle until a full session Friday, and he doesn’t carry an injury designation. RB James Cook (personal) was out Thursday due to a personal matter and returned for a full session Friday. He’s good to go.

Commanders

Inactives: TE Curtis Hodges, TE Logan Thomas, OL Trent Scott, WR Mitchell Tinsley, OT Chris Paul and DL K.J. Henry

Lineup notes: TE Logan Thomas (concussion) is out. WR Curtis Samuel (hip, illness), initially listed as questionable Friday, was removed from the report. RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hip) practiced fully all week and is good to go.

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 85 degrees, clear

Texans

Inactives: RB Dare Ogunbowale, S Jalen Pitre, LB Denzel Perryman, LB Derek Rivers, OT Laremy Tunsil, CB Tavierre Thomas and QB Case Keenum

Lineup notes: QB C.J. Stroud (shoulder) was limited Wednesday but took all the work Thursday and Friday. He’s good to go. LT Laremy Tunsil (knee) is inactive. The defense will be without LB Denzel Perryman (hand, wrist), S Jalen Pitre (chest), and CB Derek Stingley (hamstring).

Jaguars

Inactives: WR Elijah Cooks, S Antonio X. Johnson, WR Parker Washington, RB JaMycal Hasty and WR Zay Jones

Lineup notes: WR Zay Jones (knee) is out for Week 3.

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 66 degrees, drizzle

Colts

Inactives: DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, LB Isaiah Land, QB Anthony Richardson, OG Arlington Hambright, TE Will Mallory, CB Darrell Baker Jr. and C Ryan Kelly

Lineup notes: RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) began the season on the PUP with an ankle injury. QB Anthony Richardson (concussion) is also out, meaning QB Gardner Minshew will start. RB Deon Jackson has been released, and RB Trey Sermon was called up from the practice squad. Sermon spent the 2022 season in Philadelphia with Colts head coach Shane Steichen. C Ryan Kelly (concussion) also won’t play, but OG Quenton Nelson (toe) will give it a whirl.

Ravens

Inactives: LB Odafe Oweh, WR Odell Beckham Jr., C Tyler Linderbaum, S Marcus Williams, CB Marlon Humphrey, OT Ronnie Stanley and RB Justice Hill

Lineup notes: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) and RB Justice Hill (foot) are also out. RBs Melvin Gordon and Kenyan Drake were elevated from the practice squad. WR Devin Duvernay (shoulder) was limited Wednesday but made it through the rest of the week and will play. The defense will be without CB Marlon Humphrey (foot), FS Marcus Williams (pectoral), and LB Odafe Oweh (ankle). Starting C Tyler Linderbaum (ankle) and LT Ronnie Stanley (knee) also won’t play.

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 59 degrees, cloudy

Panthers

Inactives: OT David Sharpe, CB Sam Webb, S Jammie Robinson, QB Bryce Young, LB DJ X. Johnson and RB Raheem Blackshear

Lineup notes: QB Bryce Young (ankle) was out of practice all week and will miss Week 3. QB Andy Dalton will start. RB Miles Sanders (pectoral) was limited early in the week but made it back for a full session Friday and will play.

Seahawks

Inactives: CB Coby Bryant, CB Riq Woolen, S Jamal Adams, OG McClendon Curtis, OT Charles Cross and TE Will Dissly

Lineup notes: WR DK Metcalf (ribs) will give it a go. CB Riq Woolen (chest) and SS Jamal Adams (knee) are out, but FS Quandre Diggs (hamstring) will dress.

Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 76 degrees, clear

Bears

Inactives: LB A.J. Thomas, QB Tyson Bagent, RB D’Onta Foreman, S Eddie Jackson, WR Equanimeous St. Brown and LB Daniel Hardy

Lineup notes: WR Darnell Mooney (knee) was limited up to a full slate Friday, and he’s good to go. OG Nate Davis (personal) will play, while S Eddie Jackson (foot) was downgraded to out on Saturday.

Chiefs

Inactives: DE B.J. Thompson, CB Nic Jones, OT Wanya Morris, DL Keondre Coburn, LB Nick Bolton and OT Lucas Niang

Lineup notes: WR Kadarius Toney (toe) and RB Isiah Pacheco (hamstring) both will play through questionable tags. WR Justin Watson (ankle) was a full-go all week and will be ready for Week 3. LB Nick Bolton (ankle) ruled out. WR Richie James (knee) was placed on injured reserve.

Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 94 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)

Cowboys

Inactives: QB Trey Lance, C Tyler Biadasz, CB Eric Scott Jr., DL Villami Fehoko Jr., CB Israel Mukuamu, OG Zack Martin and WR Jalen Brooks

Lineup notes: WR Brandin Cooks (knee) practiced Thursday and Friday and returns in Week 3. Starting C Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) and RG Zack Martin (ankle) both will sit out this contest.

Cardinals

Inactives: TE Elijah Higgins, CB Starling Thomas, LB Josh Woods, OT Carter O’Donnell and OT Ilm Manning

Lineup notes: QB Kyler Murray (knee) is on the PUP as he recovers from a torn ACL.

Sunday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Steelers

Inactives: NT Breiden Fehoko, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, QB Mason Rudolph, OT Dylan Cook, RB Godwin Igwebuike and WR Gunner Olszewski

Lineup notes: WR Diontae Johnson (hamstring) went on IR with a hamstring injury.

Raiders

Inactives: DT Nesta Jade Silvera, S Christopher Smith II, QB Aidan O’Connell, LB Amari Burney and WR Kristian Wilkerson

Lineup notes: WR Jakobi Meyers (concussion) made it back for full practices Thursday and Friday and will play. WR Davante Adams (concussion) was evaluated for a concussion earlier in the week but is off the report.

Monday Night Football double-header

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 82 degrees, cloudy

Eagles

Lineup notes: RB Kenneth Gainwell (ribs) and WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring, thigh) avoided injury designations. RB Boston Scott (concussion) was ruled out. CB James Bradberry (concussion) and S Reed Blankenship (ribs) will return this week.

Buccaneers

Lineup notes: RB Chase Edmonds (knee) was placed on IR and will miss at least four weeks with a knee injury. LB Devin White (groin) avoided an injury label. CB Carlton Davis (toe) is questionable and will be a game-time decision.

Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 74 degrees, mostly clear

Rams

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (hamstring) is on IR and hopes to return in Week 5. WR Puka Nacua (oblique) is questionable again but isn’t in danger of missing this one.

Bengals

Lineup notes: QB Joe Burrow (calf) didn’t practice Thursday but had limited work Friday and Saturday. He is questionable. TE Irv Smith (hamstring) earned a doubtful tag.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 3

Check out our starts and sits in fantasy football for Week 3.

With the season in full swing, fantasy football managers enter Week 3 with some crucial start/sit decisions as injuries and performance trends continue to have major impacts on lineups.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11) or check out our player projections for Week 2:

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 3

A prime matchup makes this third-year pro a sound start in Week 3.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 3

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 0-2-0
All-time record: 18-33-3

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55% 74.7%
Grade F C

Last week’s performance by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn is a perfect example of why I decided to add the grading system above. He was projected for 16.6 PPR points and finished at 12.4, narrowly missing the 75 percent threshold (thanks for the wide-open drop, Mr. Osborn). But that doesn’t mean playing him hurt you in any way, so it’s hard to call it a true loss. For the sake of maintaining a baseline, it still gets chalked up as a loss.

RB Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins

Somewhat surprisingly, Williams has dominated the backfield’s carry count 25-to-9 over Samaje Perine. The two have produced nearly identical fantasy results, however, and suffice it to say, the returns haven’t been great. Williams is still trying to regain his form following last year’s torn ACL, and the expectation was he’d be slowly worked back in with Perine garnering the bulk of the early-season workload. It just isn’t been the case, and that’s a great sign for Williams, even if he hasn’t been particularly explosive.

In Week 1, we saw a much closer carry split between Williams and Perine. The former rushed 13 times to the latter’s eight, but Denver leaned on their third-year back a dozen times to the journeyman’s lone carry last weekend. Nonetheless, Perine has maintained a receiving role with four targets in each of the first two games. Williams has averaged 4.5 targets of his own.

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The Broncos don’t want this to turn into a track meet, and keeping Miami’s offense on the sideline as long as possible is the goal. Expect a heavy reliance on the ground game, and even if the Dolphins do a good job of clogging up the middle, Williams’ ability as a checkdown for Russell Wilson is an underrated aspect of his game.

Williams should start to turn the corner in Week 3 vs. a Dolphins defense that has given up running back TDs at the fourth-highest rate, and only two teams have yielded rushing yards per game at a higher figure than the 135.5 Miami has granted. The ‘Fins have allowed 5.1 yards per carry to the position. This matchup is much easier to exploit on the ground, and gamers should like Williams for his best season-to-date performance as a risky RB2 and much safer flex.

My projection: 14 carries, 66 rushing yards, 5 targets, 5 receptions, 28 yards, 1 TD (20.4 PPR points)

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 194

Talking NFL news, injury updates, DFS budgeting, and more.

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, DFS budget management, injury updates, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen