TST NFL Fantasy Football Week 3 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

Week Three of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be a chaotic week for fantasy football managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

QUARTERBACKS  

Start ‘Em 

Dak Prescott (DAL) @ Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS - 18.4: One of the biggest surprises two weeks into the regular season is how competitive the Dallas Cowboys have been. Avoiding the defensive discussion, Prescott has played well in both weeks. Week One was not stellar, in terms of fantasy, but Week Two was vastly different, slinging the ball for 361 passing yards, two TDs and finished with 22 FPTS. In Week Three, he will take on the Bears, who let J.J. McCarthy and Jared Goff to go over 22 FPTS. Chicago has also allowed a league-most seven TD passes and have given up the most FPTS to opposing QBs.  

Drake Maye (NE) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 18.0: This is the third consecutive week where I put Maye in my starting list, and given the matchup this week against the Steelers in Foxborough, this is a slam dunk. The Steelers have not had any luck doing anything remotely positive against QBs this season. They have allowed the fifth-most FPTS scored to QBs and eighth-most passing yards allowed and given up five TD passes through the first two weeks. Unexpectedly, the Steelers defense has also coughed up a whopping 63 points through the first two weeks of the season, which is the most since 1989. Maye exploited a weak Miami secondary last week and he should do the same this week to another vulnerable unit that has only posted three sacks and is dealing with a number of injuries on that side of the ball.  

Caleb Williams (CHI) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 19.2: This hasn't been the type of start for the second year QB. However, Williams’ fantasy capital is at an all-time high, currently standing as the QB10 this season. To be quite honest, he has no excuses this year to be bad with his new highly regarded head coach, an upgraded O-line and while still having a great number of play-makers to throw the ball to. This week, he plays a weak Cowboys defense that has allowed the third-most FPTS, passing and rushing yards allowed to QBs this season. The Cowboys are coming off an OT slugfest against the Giants, and if an “over the hill” Russell Wilson can pass for 450 yards and score three TDs, Williams can be lined up for a massive day 

Honorable Mentions: Brock Purdy (SF) vs. Arizona Cardinals, Daniel Jones (IND) @ Tennessee Titans, C.J. Stroud (HOU) @ Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Sit ‘Em

Jared Goff (DET) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 16.4: I was teetering with this selection. It was hard to not put Goff in my “starts” coming off a magnificent day against the Bears, throwing for 334 passing yards, five TD and finishing just under 34 FPTS. However, his Week One performance still lingers in my head, and I imagine him having a similar type of outing on the road against the Ravens. As far as game script, the Lions will have to pass the ball A LOT to keep up with the high velocity Ravens’ offense. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will come to fruition. The Ravens defense is a tough unit and is a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of the Ravens defense allowing up the fourth-most FPTS to QBs (26.14), Josh Allen’s unreal Week One performance paid big dividends, finishing with 38.76 FPTS. Goff still has a cannon on him and has plenty of weapons to his disposal, but he’s not Josh Allen; He can’t carry the load by himself. If you want or need to start Goff, be cautious of the tough task at hand.

Geno Smith (LV) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 15.6: If you didn’t watch the Monday Night Football double header, Smith had a rough night on the field against the Chargers, throwing for 180 yards on 43 attempts with three interceptions. While he hasn’t received a lot of help from his teammates, Smith has thrown a league most four interceptions with one TD. This week, he will travel to take on the Commanders, who are great at pressuring the QB. While Jordan Love had a field-day on them the previous week, the Commanders have generated the second-highest pressure rate and have allowed the second-lowest completion percentage. Even with all of the QBs being ravaged by injuries, they’re better options out there. I hope you put a waiver-wire claim for Daniel Jones or even Mac Jones, who have more favorable matchups.  

Matthew Stafford (LAR) @ Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 16.0: Stafford has a rough draw this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, who didn’t allow Prescott or Patrick Mahomes to throw for 200 yards. What's even more shocking is that both QBs combined for just one passing TD. The Eagles have the seventh-lowest QB completion percentage (37%), the third-lowest passer rating and the fourth-lowest yards-per-attempt. Mahomes had to use his legs to find himself on the right side of the fantasy spectrum. Stafford, a 37-year-old with lingering back problems, cannot do that at this stage of his career. I know he played well against the Eagles last year, but I don’t see it this time. Like I said about Smith, they’re better options out there. Please go explore.     

RUNNING BACKS 

Start ‘Em

Jordan Mason (MIN) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 14.7: With the unfortunate news of Aaron Jones Sr. heading to the IR due to a hamstring injury, this opens the door for Mason to take further control of the RB1 role in Minnesota. Before the injury, Mason already looked like the better back. He is more explosive and is better at running between the tackles. While running for 789 yards with three TDs as the backup for Christian McCaffrey last year in San Francisco, he has rushed for 98 yards on 24 carries and has averaged 4.1 yards per-carry this season. Mason will go against the Bengals, who have allowed the second-most FPTS (29.35) to running backs this season. Expect a big night for the four-year back out of Georgia Tech.  

Javonte Williams (DAL) @ Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS - 16.1: I’ll admit it, I was wrong in my Week One prediction on Williams, who rushed for just 54 yards but found the end zone twice against the Eagles. I didn’t want to put him on my list last week because I wasn’t certain if he could do it again against the Giants. He did, making me look like a complete fool. He ran for 97 yards with a rushing touchdown and caught six balls out of the backfield for 33 yards, finishing with 25 FPTS. This week, Williams will face the Bears, who have averaged the fourth-most FPTS to running backs (28.55), allowed the sixth-most rushing yards (148.5 per-game) and fifth-most yards per carry (5.3). Williams is a must-start this week.

Kenneth Walker (SEA) vs New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 12.5: Welp, I was wrong calling Walker a potential bust candidate. Maybe. While he did give fantasy managers a scare following his utterly disappointing Week One performance, he restored his reputation by rushing for over 100 yards with a rushing touchdown and averaged 8.1 yards per-carry against the Steelers. Teammate Zach Charbonnet finished with more carries for the second straight game. However, Walker and Carbonnet have the same total amount of touches through the first two games. While being more big-play reliant, Walker has a solid matchup this week against the Saints, who have allowed the seventh-most FPTS to running backs, while also giving up 5.5 yards per-carry on outside runs, which has been Walker's bread and butter this season. 

Honorable Mentions: TreVeyon Henderson/Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Jaylen Warren (PIT) @ New England Patriots, Isaiah Pacheco (KC) @ New York Giants, D’Andre Swift (CHI) vs. Dallas Cowboys.  

Sit ‘Em

Tyrone Tracy Jr. / Cam Skatebo (NYG) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 10.1 (Both): While I do think the rookie Skattebo is slightly the better option to go with between the pair, I would completely avoid either this week against the Chiefs. There are a couple of reasons why I’m swerving away, but the main reason is because there is no clear consensus on who holds pole position. In Week One, Tracy had the clear snaps advantage over Skattebo (74% - 12%), and in Week Two, Skattebo finished with 52 percent of the snaps compared to Tracy’s 42 percent. Last week's snaps could be explained by the way the game was dictated in the shootout against Dallas. The rookie finished as the leading rusher (45 yards), while Tracy had more receiving yards (36 yards). Skattebo has also got all the goal-line carries, which makes him a better fantasy play. However, the Giants take on the Chiefs, who average the sixth-fewest FPTS (14.70) to running backs this season. 

JK Dobbins (DEN) vs Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 11.8: While most people will choose to fade RJ Harvey, I believe that fantasy managers should also avoid playing Dobbins this week. While Dobbins is the clear RB1, he plays the stout Chargers defense, which is ranked as the third-best defense to opposing RBs in fantasy. They’re also one of 10 teams who haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown this season, and are located in the middle of the pack in terms of receiving yards allowed to RBs. Dobbins has registered double-digit performances through the first two weeks, but he will meet his match this week.  

The Cleveland Browns’ running back room (Jerome Ford, Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson) vs. Green Bay Packers; FPTS - 9.0 (Judkins), 6.8 (Ford), 4.9 (Sampson): What’s interesting about the Browns and their running backs is that all of them can hold some sort of value for fantasy. The rookie Sampson showcased his skills out of the backfield and provided 17.3 FPTS during Week One and 10.9 points last week. Now with the other rookie, Judkins, having a 10.1 FPTS week under his belt, he enters the fold. The veteran, Ford, already has fantasy relevance associated with his name. However, I believe this room will eventually be led by Judkins at some point this season. Focusing solely on this week, the Browns will play a Green Bay defense that has shut down both Detroit and Washington on the ground. Avoid using this trio of backs this Sunday. 

WIDE RECEIVERS 

Start ‘Em 

Rome Odunze (CHI) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 15.3: When observing the stats for the Bears receiving core, you can assume that there could be an emerging WR1 brewing over current leader DJ Moore. Through the first two weeks, Odunze has more targets (20), receptions (13), yards (165) and touchdowns (3). Watching Williams go through his progresses on the field, you see that he is targeting the second-year receiver out of Washington more often, which is making him more valuable for fantasy managers. And while also having the most air yards on the team, he has a great matchup this week against the Cowboys, who have allowed the most yards and third-most TDs to receivers. Odunze is a safe play option. 

George Pickens (DAL) @ Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS - 13.0:  While being the third-leading receiver behind CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson, Pickens is still the Cowboys top option in the end zone with five targets this season, which is tied for the most in the league. He finished last week with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. He should continue his success against the Bears this week, who allowed five passing touchdowns to the Lions. Similar to Lamb and Pickens, the Bears allowed Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams to combine for 11 catches for 223 yards and four TDs. Pickens is a great choice this week. 

Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX) vs. Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS - 15.3: I know what you’re thinking, “James, are you blowing smoke? Brian Thomas Jr. should not qualify for this setting.” While I do agree with the argument for the most part, there have been some concerns expressed by fans and fantasy managers about Thomas and his lack of production this season. This is just me, as Thomas fantasy owner, reassuring the people that Thomas will come back into last season’s form very soon, and here are my reasons why. Thomas is clearly still Trevor Lawrence’s top target in this offense. His big play ability is unmatched even with the addition of Travis Hunter. While Thomas is fourth in receiving yards, he is first in targets (19) and has the third most receiving first downs on the team this season. He’s also been the victim of Lawrence’s inaccuracy woes, which has censored his value in fantasy. This week, he will most likely be shadowed by Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. According to PFF, Thomas has been targeted on nine of his 29 career routes against Stingley Jr., which will invite a favorable matchup for him. Be patient with Thomas and have faith that he will see better days sooner rather than later.    

Honorable Mentions: Emeka Egbuka (TB) vs. New York Jets, Jauan Jennings (SF) vs. Arizona Cardinals, Terry McLaurin (WAS) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) vs. Atlanta Falcons.  

Sit ‘Em

Chris Olave (NO) @ Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 12.6:  While I was concerned about what his production will look like based on his health and his current QB1, Olave has reached double-digit FPTS in both weeks. While it’s nothing eye opening, it’s good to see that he is still the Saints top pass catcher. However, this week I have a hard time trusting him against the Seahawks, who’ve allowed the second-fewest FPTS to wide receivers, playing against the Niners and the Steelers. While I do think Olave will get his normal heavy target volume in this game, he needs to do more with the ball in his hands, especially against a team that hasn’t given up a TD to a receiver this season. Until he does so or at least scores some touchdowns, he isn’t worth putting in your lineup.

Jakobi Meyers (LV) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 15.2: This was a hard one to put on the “sit” list but it makes sense to do so. Meyers is the Raiders leading receiver in targets (22), catches (14), yards (165) and posted 17.7 and 12.8 FPTS through the first two weeks. It isn’t impossible for him to have a solid outing against the Commanders on Sunday, I do think it is a tougher matchup than people think it is. The Commanders are tied for sixth-fewest points allowed to wide receivers in fantasy and have held receivers to no touchdowns this season. Also with Geno Smith under center, the Commanders are expected to send a lot of pressure onto Smith, which will directly affect Meyers and the rest of the offense. I believe starting him in your lineup is a risky move this week. He has a better matchup the following week against Chicago.  

Jerry Jeudy (CLE) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 12.0:  I called it last week to bench Jeudy against the Ravens. Given it was an AFC North duel, I believe he will struggle again this week against Green Bay, who seems to be an offensive graveyard. This season, the Packers have given up the fifth-fewest yards to receivers (219) and the second-fewest yards per attempt to wideouts. Also, all the end zone targets have gone to Cedric Tillman, and Jeudy only has a 56 percent catch rate as the Browns continue to spread the rock around to other skill-players. Once again, I avoid starting Jeudy this week. 

Jaylen Waddle (MIA) @ Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS - 12.7:  Usually I do just three sits, but I have been seeing more questions about Waddle and his role lately. He’s one of those fantasy players you hate to have because he’ll finish under his projection when you start him, and he’ll go off if you have him set to your bench. Last week he took advantage of a Christian Gonzalez-less Patriots, but he’ll most likely not repeat his results this week against the Bills, who he has struggled against in his career. He has been held to under 50 yards in four consecutive games against Buffalo and in six of eight total contests. In general, Waddle has only scored seven touchdowns in his last 31 games. Do not start Waddle this week. Wait… actually since I said that, he now might drop a 30 piece. Jokes aside, avoid the risk and find a safer option.  

TIGHT ENDS

Start ‘Em

Tyler Warren (IND) @ Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 11.6: Man, if you managed to get Warren in the middle or later in your draft, you must be in a sweet spot. Warren, through the first two weeks, has posted 155 receiving yards on 11 catches while averaging eight targets a game 14.1 yards per touch. I know people were (and still are) excited about Brock Bowers last season, but Warren has the potential to match or even top the Raiders young tight end. The first round pick has the third-highest target share among all NFL tight ends and has surpassed double-digit fantasy point outings in both games. What is great is that, in the small sample size, he’s shown a safe floor for fantasy managers. You can only imagine him continuing that trajectory. Warren will play against the Titans this week, who have allowed a 83 percent completion rate to tight ends in 2025.    

Juwan Johnson (NO) @ Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 10.6: Did you know that Johnson leads all NFL tight ends in snaps and targets and has received the second-most red-zone targets through the first two weeks? He has scored at least 15 points in each game this season and is currently the TE2 in fantasy. Johnson will play the Seahawks in Week Three, and they’ve allowed 89 percent completion rate (16-for-18) to tight ends. If you aren’t buying the hype, you are truly missing out, especially if you are someone that missed out on the Warren train. 

Kyle Pitts (ATL) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 9.5: Before you ask, yes, I am aware of the Pitts memes on social media. While being the butt-end of the joke during the off-season of people wanting him as the first overall selection in fantasy drafts, he has definitely showed improvement through the first couple of weeks. I won’t get too ahead of myself here, he certainly hasn’t lived up to status as the 2021 fourth overall pick. Nonetheless, Pitts is currently tied for the most receptions on the team (11), second in targets (13) and third in yards (96). Another positive is becoming Michael Penix’s security blanket and go-to guy with a team-high seven first down catches. In Week Three, Pitts will face a weak Panthers defense that has given up the most receiving yards and has averaged the third-highest FPTS allowed to tight ends. Pitts is primed to have a top-10 tight end finish this week.   

Honorable mentions: Jake Ferguson (DAL) @ Chicago Bears, Zach Ertz (WSH) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Hunter Henry (NE) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.  

Sit ‘ Em

Brandon Strange (JAX) vs. Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS - 7.7: Strange has a tough contest in Week Three against the Texans, who are coming off a tough loss to the Buccaneers on Monday night. After a quiet outing last week, Strange is looking to have another performance like he did in Week One, where he caught all four targets for 59 yards. However, he plays a very aggressive Texans unit that has allowed only 32 yards and has averaged the fourth-lowest FPTS (6.60) to tight ends this season. Another reason to sit Strange is where he lands on Lawrence’s totem pole, being less than Thomas Jr., Hunter, and Dyami Brown. The Jaguars are very high on Strange and so am I based off the reports from training camp. However, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for tight end help this week.    

Tucker Kraft (GB) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 11.1: Similar to my Michael Pittman Jr. apology, I will also say sorry for putting Kraft on my “sit” list last week. The Packers tight end went absolutely nuclear, catching six passes for 124 yards and scoring a TD, while also averaging 20.7 a pop. With the news of Jayden Reed landing on the IR after suffering a collarbone and foot injury, Kraft could expect another large outcome. Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening again this week against the Browns, who have averaged the seventh-lowest points per game and have only given up 42 yards to tight ends this season. By Sunday afternoon, I could again have egg on my face if Kraft ends up having another monster day. However with an 11.1 projection, I don’t see him totaling that against a tough Browns defense that got embarrassed by Lamar Jackson through the air the week prior.   

Mark Andrews (BAL) vs. Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 7.5: Hello, 911? I like to file a missing persons report on Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. Once arguably the best tight end in the NFL a few seasons ago, has gone down the drain this season, totaling two catches for seven yards through two games this season. I seriously don’t understand what the problem is for Andrews. Tight end Isaiah Likely has not played the first two games this season, and lets not act like the Ravens’ receiving core is like the 2000s Rams. Andrews, who 35 percent of his FPTS came off TDs last season, has to become more involved in this offense. It basically means that he is even more dependent on scoring TDs than ever this season. Andrews will face the Lions this week, who’ve allowed just 51 yards to tight ends this season and four TDs to tight ends since 2024. Judging off the first two weeks, I would consider him as one of the biggest busts in fantasy. 

DEFENSE / SPECIAL TEAMS

Start ‘Em

Atlanta Falcons DEF. @ Carolina Panthers;  Proj. FPTS - 7.0: I mentioned this in my Week Three waiver wire report, but it is remarkable the turnaround the Falcons defense has made, ranking as the No. 1 defense in fantasy. They have solved one of their biggest glaring holes this off-season, their pass rush. Through the first two weeks, they have recorded seven sacks and have forced four turnovers. Even with cornerback AJ Terrell listed as week-to-week with a hamstring injury, I still expect the Falcons to trigger problems for Bryce Young, who has thrown three interceptions, fumbled once and has been sacked four times this season.  

Indianapolis Colts DEF. @ Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 6.9: Titans’ QB Cam Ward has been sacked a league-most 11 times through two games. Yikes. This is honestly sad, but facts don’t care about emotions. I strictly have the Colts on here just for that reason alone. With only three sacks to their name, I expect that number to increase by the end of the day on Sunday. Start the Colts defense if you are in need of a one week streaming option. 

Seattle Seahawks DEF. vs. New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 7.0: I swear I don’t have a personal vendetta against Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler. It just so happens that he isn’t very good and he is labeled as a favorable matchup to go against regardless of his early signs of improvement this season. On the road in Seattle this week, he will face his toughest challenge yet in terms of defense and environment. He will be under duress on Sunday against the Seahawks’ powerful front seven.   

Honorable mentions: Buffalo Bills DEF. vs. Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers DEF. @ Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings DEF. vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs DEF @ New York Giants.  

Sit ‘Em 

Arizona Cardinals DEF. @ San Francisco 49ers; Proj. FPTS - 6.3: The 2-0 Cardinals have been very fortunate with the start of their schedule, playing the Saints and the Panthers. Week Three they will travel to San Francisco to play a ravaged Niners team. While I could see them pulling out a win, I definitely don’t see their defense doing much of anything, even without George Kittle and possibly Brock Purdy. The Niners put up 17 points in Week One and 26 in Week Two, and the Cardinals are coming off almost choking away a three-score lead against the Panthers at home. This is where their luck runs out in terms of defensive fantasy production. 

Los Angeles Rams DEF. @ Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 5.2: So far, the Rams’ defense has been reliable to start the season. However, it won’t be this weekend against the Eagles, who can score a lot of points on any defense in the league. The Chiefs finished with three FPTS last week and the Cowboys had a single point during Week One. Literally start any other defense this week.

Baltimore Ravens DEF. vs. Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 3.5: Earlier I talked about how I expect Goff to struggle against the Ravens defense, but I still don’t think it’s wise to start Baltimore's defense against an explosive Lions offense, who are coming off a 50 burger against the Bears. This could be a trap similar to the game against the Bills where they finished with -3 FPTS. Just save yourself the trouble and avoid starting the Ravens this week.   

KICKERS 

Start ‘Em 

Chris Boswell (PIT) @ New England Patriots

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) @ Chicago Bears

Spencer Shrader (IND) @ Tennessee Titans

Matt Prater (BUF) vs. Miami Dolphins

John Parker Romo @ Carolina Panthers

Joey Slye (TEN) vs. Indianapolis Colts

Sit ‘Em

Joshua Karty (LAR) @ Philadelphia Eagles

Graham Gano (NYG) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Riley Patterson (MIA) vs. Buffalo Bills

Jason Myers (SEA) vs. New Orleans Saints

Eddy Pineiro (SF) vs. Arizona Cardinals

Nick Folk (NYJ) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers