Fantasy football Week 3: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 2’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 2 RECAP

Packers 27, Commanders 18: With Jayden Reed breaking his collarbone in the win over Washington, I’m giving Romeo Doubs a slight edge over Dontayvion Wicks on the waiver wire, but both receivers should see a boost in target share with Reed sidelined. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Green Bay get Savion Williams, a third-round draft pick out of TCU, more involved, handling Reed’s responsibilities in the “gadget” game.

Bengals 31, Jaguars 27: Joe Burrow will be out at least until December, depending on when he has surgery on his toe. Burrow could miss the rest of this season, which means Jake Browning is now the guy in Cincy in charge of keeping all those fabulous fantasy pieces producing (i.e. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown). Browning started the final seven games of 2023 and finished as the overall QB4 during that stretch. Despite throwing three interceptions against Jacksonville after Burrow went down, Browning brought the Bengals back, throwing for 241 yards and two TD passes, and running for the game-winning score.

Cowboys 40, Giants 37 (OT): We’re still probably one more bad Russell Wilson performance from ushering in the Jaxson Dart Era in New York. Wilson’s throwback performance at Dallas was impressive (450 passing yards and three TD passes), notwithstanding his horrific interception in overtime, but the G-men still lost. The good news is that the Giants’ offense has this in them in the first place, so maybe we need to recalibrate Dart’s ceiling once he gets on the field.

Lions 52, Bears 21: Jared Goff threw for 334 yards and five touchdowns in Detroit’s home opener. It was the fifth game in Goff’s career in which his team scored 50-plus points. The only other starting quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era with that many 50-plus point games are Tom Brady (eight), Drew Brees (six) and Peyton Manning (five).

Rams 33, Titans 19: Cam Ward’s devil-may-care TD pass to his fellow rookie was indicative of the confidence the No. 1 overall pick already possesses in Elic Ayomanor. Of course, it was indicative of the type of hubris talented rookie QBs possess as well. Regardless, Tennessee will likely be playing from behind on a weekly basis, which means Ayomanor could benefit from negative game scripts going forward.

Patriots 33, Dolphins 27: Kayshon Boutte’s target share collapsed at Miami, but the underlying metrics were still very strong and he made his one target count by scoring a TD.

49ers 26, Saints 21: Christian McCaffrey caught his 30th career TD reception at New Orleans, joining Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Lenny Moore as the only players in NFL history to produce 50-plus career rushing TDs and 30-plus career receiving TDs.

Bills 30, Jets 10: Braelon Allen isn’t a threat catching the ball out of the backfield, and he has only eight carries through two games. Allen’s only a potential vulture of Breece Hall’s touchdowns at this point.

Seahawks 31, Steelers 17: Kaleb Johnson has only had a single carry in each game, and his special-teams gaffe against Seattle likely won’t earn him any more anytime soon. Long term, I’m a big fan, but it’s looking like it might be a while.

Ravens 41, Browns 17: Lamar Jackson had at least four TD passes and no interceptions for the 11th time in his illustrious career, breaking a tie with Patrick Mahomes for the most such games by a QB before their 30th birthday. Mahomes turns 30 this week.

Colts 29, Broncos 28: Daniel Jones is the overall QB2 through two weeks with only Lamar Jackson surpassing him in fantasy points. Jones, Jackson and Mahomes are the only quarterbacks who have at least 20 fantasy points in both games this season. If you were apprehensive after the opener (I get it), he had 316 passing yards and two total touchdowns, including his third rushing TD of the season, against a good Denver defense.

Cardinals 27, Panthers 22: Through two games, Trey Benson has taken over third-down work in Arizona’s offense. Benson also handled all the snaps in the two-minute drill against Carolina. James Conner is averaging 3.2 yards per carry, and is on the wrong side of 30, while the 23-year-old Benson is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. The changing of the guard hasn’t happened yet, but it’s coming.

Eagles 20, Chiefs 17: Mahomes is currently on pace to run for 1,046 yards, which would obviously shatter his career high (389 yards in 2023). Mahomes usually reserves this type of playmaking for the playoffs, and it’s probably not a good thing for Kansas City if it continues. The only other time the two-time MVP has eclipsed 50 yards rushing in back-to-back games was in the divisional round and AFC championship in January of 2020. The 66 yards Mahomes had against Philadelphia matched his career-high rushing total from the overtime victory over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

Falcons 22, Vikings 6: Here’s your yearly reminder Tyler Allgeier isn’t just Bijan Robinson’s handcuff (an extremely valuable fantasy asset). Allgeier has had double-digit touches in both games this season, and produced 80 total yards and a TD at Minnesota.

Buccaneers 20, Texans 19: Emeka Egbuka has 13 targets in two games but is the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR13 in PPR) on the strength of three TD receptions.

Chargers 20, Raiders 9: Ashton Jeanty’s playing time took a major dip in Las Vegas’ home opener. Jeanty played 85.7% of the offensive snaps in Week 1 at New England, but only 55.7% of the snaps on Sunday. Zamir White consistently replaced the rookie on third downs, and Dylan Laube even stepped in during a two-minute drill, and late in the game when the Raiders were chasing points. This is definitely something to monitor going forward.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 3:

MIAMI AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Both Tyreek Hill (MIA) and Jaylen Waddle (MIA) maintain WR3/flex value despite the difficult matchup on the road — Waddle is questionable with a shoulder ailment. Keon Coleman (BUF) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) through two games. Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains flex appeal despite a tough start to the season. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR). The Bills D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) with six TD passes against five interceptions and an 0-5 record in five career games at Buffalo. Ollie Gordon (MIA) has five touches in two games. Darren Waller (MIA) remains sidelined with a hip injury. Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent with only 11 touches in two games.

Sleeper: Joshua Palmer (BUF) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with at least 47 yards in two straight games, against a defense that has allowed three TD receptions to wide receivers the last two weeks.

GREEN BAY AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB).

Who to start: Jordan Love (GB) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB13. The Packers D/ST face an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Both David Njoku (CLE) and Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) deserve streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends — Fannin is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR). Cedric Tillman (CLE) is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR). Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with exactly eight targets in two straight games.

Who to sit: Matthew Golden (GB) is a boom-or-bust candidate with exactly two targets in each of the last two games. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight targets in two games. I’m fading Quinshon Judkins (CLE), Dylan Sampson (CLE) and Jerome Ford (CLE) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Browns D/ST against an offense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Romeo Doubs (GB) has at least 68 receiving yards or a TD in two straight games.

INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Colts D/ST.

Who to start: Tyler Warren (IND) is an obvious starter if he’s active (toe). Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) is the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR). Daniel Jones (IND) has completed 71.4% of his passes for 588 yards and has five total TDs in two games. Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 19 touches in two straight games.

Who to sit: Calvin Ridley (TEN) is a boom-or-bust candidate until he shows some rapport with his rookie QB. Cam Ward (TEN) is the overall QB34. Elic Ayomanor (TEN) only has flex appeal in the deepest of standard leagues. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed six receptions for 42 yards and a TD to tight ends in two games.

Sleeper: Josh Downs (IND) has flex appeal if he’s active (ankle) against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

CINCINNATI AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN), Justin Jefferson (MIN), T.J. Hockenson (MIN).

Who to start: Jordan Mason (MIN) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs, and Aaron Jones (hamstring) was recently placed on IR. Carson Wentz (MIN) deserves streaming consideration throwing the ball to Jefferson, and there also may be some rushing upside still left in the tank. The Vikings D/ST are always a solid option at home, especially against a backup QB.

Who to sit: I’m fading Tee Higgins (CIN) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jake Browning (CIN) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Noah Fant (CIN) and Mike Gesicki (CIN) remain TD-dependent. Adam Thielen (MIN) only has four targets in two games.

Sleeper: The Bengals D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

PITTSBURGH AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (PIT).

Who to start: Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB13 in most fantasy formats. The Steelers D/ST face an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed at least 315 passing yards in each game this season. Both Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) and TreVeyon Henderson (NE) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Stefon Diggs (NE) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 28 receptions for 369 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in two games. Drake Maye (NE) is a premium streaming option against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Kayshon Boutte (NE) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR). The Patriots D/ST are the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy and face an offense allowing the the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Kaleb Johnson (PIT) is TD-dependent (if he sees the field this week). Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues until further notice. Calvin Austin III (PIT) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only five receptions in two games against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only seven targets in two games. Hunter Henry (NE) is TD-dependent with only five receptions in two games. DeMario Douglas (NE) only has three receptions on eight targets in two games.

Sleeper: Jonnu Smith (PIT) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE13 in PPR).

L.A. RAMS AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Puka Nacua (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) threw for 324 yards and two TDs at Philly in the Divisional Round last season against a better defense. DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex value with WR1 upside despite a tough start to the season. Dallas Goedert (PHI) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (knee). Despite a difficult start, the Eagles D/ST are still talented and at home if you’re in a pinch.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Rams D/ST on the road without their best cornerback (Ahkello Witherspoon) from last year. Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent with only seven touches in two games.

Sleeper: Tyler Higbee (LAR) had seven receptions for 54 yards and a TD on 10 targets against the Eagles in January.

N.Y. JETS AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ), Baker Mayfield (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Bucky Irving (TB).

Who to start: Emeka Egbuka (TB) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hip and groin). Rachaad White (TB) has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. The Buccaneers D/ST will direct their blitz-happy ways towards a backup QB, who hasn’t started a game since 2023, in their home opener.

Who to sit: Braelon Allen (NYJ) is TD-dependent with only eight carries and no receptions in two games. Mason Taylor (NYJ) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only three targets in two games. Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) only has value in Superflex formats.

Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

LAS VEGAS AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Zach Ertz (WAS).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) is the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) with at least 10 targets in both games this season. It’s hard to bench Jayden Daniels (WAS) if he’s active (knee). Deebo Samuel (WAS) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) has RB2/flex upside with Austin Ekeler out and Jeremy McNichols (WAS) dealing with a hamstring injury. The Commanders D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) is a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Marcus Mariota (WAS) only has value in Superflex formats if Daniels is out.

Sleeper(s): Both McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) have flex appeal with Ekeler out — McNichols in PPR (if he’s active) and Rodriguez in standard formats.

ATLANTA AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR).

Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Falcons D/ST are tied with the Seahawks as the highest-scoring defense in fantasy and face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Darnell Mooney (ATL) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Xavier Legette (CAR) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only four receptions despite a healthy 15 targets in two games. Bryce Young (CAR) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Hunter Renfrow (CAR) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats. Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal, producing 177 total yards and a TD against the Panthers in two games last year.

HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC).

Who to start: Nick Chubb (HOU) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB26 in PPR). Travis Hunter (JAC) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is a solid streaming option at home if you’re in a pinch. The Jaguars D/ST are the fourth-highest scoring defense in fantasy and face an offense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: C.J. Stroud (HOU) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. The Texans D/ST face an offense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Rookie receivers Jayden Higgins (HOU) and Jaylin Noel (HOU) simply aren’t involved enough in the offense. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) is TD-dependent if he’s active (shoulder). Brenton Strange (JAC) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper(s): Christian Kirk (HOU) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Dyami Brown (JAC) is the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) and has at least three receptions and 52 yards in both games this season.

DENVER AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN), Justin Herbert (LAC).

Who to start: Troy Franklin (DEN) has WR3/flex upside as the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR). The Broncos D/ST looked average against the Colts, but they’re good enough to bounce back and this division matchup could turn into defensive slugfest. Ladd McConkey (LAC) is an obvious starter if he’s active (biceps). Both Quentin Johnston (LAC) and Keenan Allen (LAC) maintain WR3/flex upside despite the difficult matchup — Johnston is the overall WR4 in standard formats (WR7 in PPR) and Allen is the overall WR11 in standard (WR12 in PPR). The Chargers D/ST are the seventh-highest scoring defense in fantasy.

Who to sit: I’m fading Bo Nix (DEN) on the road against a good defense. R.J. Harvey (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Evan Engram (DEN) is TD-dependent if he’s active (back) with only six targets in two games. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only six targets in two games. Both Omarion Hampton (LAC) and Najee Harris (LAC) are TD-dependent with a difficult matchup.

Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (LAC) could see more targets if McConkey is limited or out.

NEW ORLEANS AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.

Who to start: Chris Olave (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least 10 targets in each game this season. Juwan Johnson (NO) is the overall TE3 in standard formats (TE2 in PPR) and faces a defense who is allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Rashid Shaheed (NO) is a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Cooper Kupp (SEA) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats this week. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) is TD-dependent if he’s active (foot).

Sleeper: Sam Darnold (SEA) deserves streaming consideration at home against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

DALLAS AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL), D.J. Moore (CHI).

Who to start: George Pickens (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed 18 receptions for 338 yards and five TDs to wide receivers in two games. Javonte Williams (DAL) is the overall RB2 in standard formats (RB3 in PPR) and he’s facing a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD passes in two games. D’Andre Swift (CHI) is an obvious starter if he’s active (quadriceps). Rome Odunze (CHI) is the overall WR3 in standard formats (WR4 in PPR). Caleb Williams (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: Miles Sanders (DAL) is TD-dependent with only 12 touches in two games. I’m fading both the Cowboys D/ST and Bears D/ST in this potential high-scoring affair. Both Colston Loveland (CHI) and Cole Kmet (CHI) remain TD-dependent with nine targets combined in two games.

Sleeper: Kyle Monangai (CHI) will have flex appeal in standard formats if Swift is limited or out.

ARIZONA AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), Christian McCaffrey (SF).

Who to start: In eight career games against the 49ers, Kyler Murray (ARI) has completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,755 yards with 12 TD passes against only five interceptions, while running for 422 yards and three more TDs. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) has flex appeal as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR38 in PPR). Both Ricky Pearsall (SF) and Jauan Jennings (SF) maintain WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 34 receptions for 320 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in two games. Mac Jones (SF) deserves streaming consideration after finishing as last week’s QB9 with 279 yards and three TD passes at New Orleans. The revitalized 49ers D/ST are a solid streaming option in their home opener.

Who to sit: Both James Conner (ARI) and Trey Benson (ARI) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Cardinals D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) remains TD-dependent until further notice.

Sleeper: Jake Tonges (SF) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 19 receptions to tight ends in two games.

KANSAS CITY AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Malik Nabers (NYG).

Who to start: Xavier Worthy (KC) is an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). Both Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Kareem Hunt (KC) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Hollywood Brown (KC) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 33 receptions for 419 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in two games.

Who to sit: JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR formats. Tyquan Thornton (KC) is a boom-or-bust candidate with exactly two receptions in each of the first two games. I’m fading Russell Wilson (NYG) against a defense that just held Jalen Hurts to 116 total yards and a TD. I’m also fading Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) and Cam Skattebo (NYG) in a timeshare against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (groin and calf). Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Would it shock anyone if Wilson comes crashing back down to Earth against a Chiefs D/ST who have their backs against the wall?

DETROIT AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL).

Who to start: David Montgomery (DET) maintains flex appeal against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Jameson Williams (DET) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 28 receptions for 324 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in two games. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration despite the road matchup against a defense allowing an average of 306 passing yards and two TD passes to quarterbacks in two games. The Ravens D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home despite the potential for a high-scoring showdown in prime time.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Lions D/ST on the road against Jackson. Mark Andrews (BAL) is TD-dependent with only four targets in two games. DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) is a boom-or-bust candidate with exactly two targets in each of his first two games with the Ravens. Isaiah Likely (BAL) is TD-dependent if he’s active (foot).

Sleeper: Rashod Bateman (BAL) is the “squeaky wheel” at receiver for the Ravens and faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the position.