Two weeks into the NFL season, fantasy football managers are getting a clearer picture of what their teams can become.
Some of the stars who dominated in Week 1 came back down to earth in Week 2, while others finally delivered on their draft-day expectations after disappointing in the opener. And yes, Ja’Marr Chase managers can finally breathe a little easier.
But while the sample size is still small, injuries are already making lineup decisions more difficult. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is out for the season, Caleb Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury and Jayden Daniels is sidelined with an elbow issue. Those absences could force fantasy managers to dig deeper into their benches and the waiver wire heading into Week 3.
Of course, some players
are automatic starts regardless of matchup. The tougher decisions come at the margins - the running backs, receivers and tight ends who could either provide the boost you need or leave you regretting your lineup decision come Sunday.
With another full slate of NFL action ahead, it’s time to make those difficult calls.
Having trouble deciding who belongs in your lineup? USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our overall Week 3 start ’em, sit ’em recommendations for every position.
WEEK 3 FANTASY RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 QBs
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at Indianapolis Colts)
As mentioned, no team is passing at a higher clip than the Texans to open the season. That may not last long-term, especially if their stalwart defense can round into form after a surprisingly poor start to the season.
However, Houston's matchup with the Colts, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks and a league-high 706 passing yards, still looks ripe for a pass-heavy game-plan. Stroud has averaged just under 269 passing yards per game in six career starts against the Colts, so he has a high floor in this matchup.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (at Cleveland Browns)
Young is averaging 324 passing yards and three touchdowns per game to open the 2026 NFL season. Will he be able to keep that up? The Browns defense just limited Baker Mayfield to 182 yards, one touchdown and an interception but was burned badly by Trevor Lawrence in a four-touchdown, Week 1 game.
Given Young's hot start to the season – and his impressive average of 36.5 passing attempts per game, sixth-highest in the NFL – plugging him in for this matchup seems like a solid gamble.
Geno Smith, New York Jets (at Detroit Lions)
Starting Smith might seem crazy, but he at least deserves consideration amid the injuries because of his matchup. He's playing a Lions team that is surrendering the second-most points per game this season (35.5) and the most FPPG to quarterbacks by a wide margin.
Smith has just one touchdown to his name in 2026, but he is averaging a respectable 231 passing yards per game. If he can repeat that feat and add some extra touchdowns in what should be a high-scoring game, he could end up being a low-end QB1.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 QBs
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at Buffalo Bills)
Listen, it may be hard to sit Herbert. Most fantasy managers spent an early-round pick on him, and this matchup with a Bills defense that has surrendered the sixth-most FPPG to quarterbacks looks appetizing on paper.
But can you really trust Herbert with how he has performed through two games? He averaged 200.5 passing yards, two total touchdowns and three interceptions against the Cardinals and Raiders, which will inspire little-to-no-confidence in him finding success against even a leaky Bills secondary. Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker should be able to wreak havoc against a beleaguered Chargers offensive line, so this just feels like a trap spot for Herbert.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. New England Patriots)
Lawrence had a massive outing in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season before struggling against a resurgent Denver Broncos defense in Week 2. Lawrence will now head into a Week 3 matchup against a strong New England Patriots defense that is allowing the fourth-fewest FPPG to quarterbacks this season.
Some may write off the Patriots' defensive success as having come against Drew Lock and the aforementioned Rodgers. Nonetheless, the Patriots are allowing a league-low 8 points per game, so Lawrence's ceiling is capped in this matchup.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (vs. Los Angeles Rams)
Many were projecting the Broncos to be potential Super Bowl contenders in 2026. They haven't quite looked the part yet, as Nix has struggled to perform consistently across his first two starts. He started to generate chemistry with newcomer Jaylen Waddle in Week 2, but Nix remains on shaky footing and has as many interceptions as touchdowns (2 each) entering Week 3.
Nix will eventually bounce back, but doing so against a Rams defense that just flustered a banged-up Giants offense doesn't seem like a good bet.
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 RBs
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns vs. Panthers
It hasn't been the start that Judkins envisioned. The second-year back has just 54 rushing yards through two weeks, failing to break off a run of more than nine yards against the Jaguars and Buccaneers. At just 2.2 yards per carry, there isn't much room for optimism heading into the Browns' home opener. However, there is enough room and that is thanks in large part to the Panthers, who are surrendering the most fantasy points to running backs in the early going.
Carved up by D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in Week 1 as both players rushed for at least 100 yards, Carolina wasn't exactly stout against the Falcons despite winning in blowout fashion. The Browns are riding high after a stunning win in Tampa. Now the club returns home to play a defense that is still finding its way. Judkins is also finding his way – likely to the end zone in Week 3.
David Montgomery, Houston Texans at Colts
Another week, another chance to start Montgomery. It didn't go as planned in Week 2, but we aren't getting discouraged by the running back's lack of opportunity against the Bengals. Montgomery totaled just six carries against a stout Cincinnati run defense, but perhaps more concerning was that Woody Marks tallied eight.
It seems safe to say that won't happen again, especially after Montgomery's Week 1 production. The Texans face a must-win game against the rival Colts, who exhausted every ounce of energy trying to defeat the Chiefs. That makes this game a prime letdown spot for the hosts, who now have the difficult task of facing the Texans' defense. Expect Houston to control the game, with Montgomery playing a big role, against a Colts unit that has been gashed on the ground through two weeks.
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots at Jaguars
Henderson wasted no time taking control of the Patriots backfield in his return, totaling 16 carries to only six for Rhamondre Stevenson. Of course, an opening drive fumble probably didn't help Stevenson's case for more work and it'll be worth monitoring if that has any impact going forward. Head coach Mike Vrabel has given no indication that Henderson will take on the bulk of the workload, but that doesn't mean he won't.
The former Ohio State standout is the more explosive back in New England and the Patriots will certainly need him if they want to upset the Jaguars.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 RBs
Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks at Commanders
First-round pick in name only. Every indication from the Seahawks was that Price would play a major role in the offense this season. So far, that hasn't been the case. Granted, Sam Darnold's injury shifted the offense's outlook, but that would've been seen as a good thing for Price's value. It hasn't.
Emanuel Wilson led the team in carries in the Week 2 blowout and Price exited with an injury. Seattle has opted for a more pass-heavy attack in the young season and there isn't an RB-friendly matchup on deck in Week 3. The Commanders are allowing the fewest fantasy points to the position through two weeks. It's hard to believe Price's breakout is coming this week.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants vs. Titans
If you're looking for logic from the Giants' offense, good luck. Skattebo backflipped after a touchdown in Week 1, but bellyflopped in Week 2. The running back led the team in carries again, but he is splitting it with Najee Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.
Considering the Giants offense is now without Jaxson Dart, it's hard to envision Big Blue putting up a bunch of points. Then you factor in the committee approach that John Harbaugh's crew is taking in the early going and Skattebo's outlook takes a big hit.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Bengals
We want no part of the Steelers offense. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Pittsburgh's offense has posted 23 points through two weeks and now has the added challenge of trying to get right against Cincinnati. The Bengals, as noted earlier, are allowing the fewest rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. While the receiving outlook is better, Warren has been quiet for an offense that has been allergic to the end zone.
Until the Steelers show some signs of life, it's difficult to trust anyone involved with the offense.
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 wide receivers
Dontayvion Wicks, Philadelphia Eagles (at Chicago Bears)
Through two weeks of the 2026 season, Wicks has emerged as the Eagles' new WR2 in his first season in Philadelphia. As rookie Makai Lemon gets settled, Wicks has been one of the chief beneficiaries of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's system. The former Packer is the second-most-targeted pass-catcher in Philadelphia, behind only DeVonta Smith. Notably, he's won as a deep threat through two games so far – his 21.0 yards per catch rank fourth in the NFL and second-most of wideouts with more than five catches.
The Bears are an ideal matchup for Wicks in Week 3. Chicago's defense had a hard time stopping Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and Carolina's passing game in Week 1, and the unit's "better" Week 2 was largely influenced by poor weather. Even as a secondary target, Wicks is WR15 in PPR and standard scoring, WR18 in half-PPR, and could be in line for a big day in Week 3.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens ("at" Dallas Cowboys in Brazil)
After a quiet Week 1, Bateman went off against the Saints last week as Zay Flowers' injury meant the 2021 first-rounder had to be the Ravens' de facto WR1. At Baltimore's first practice of Week 3 on Sept. 23, Flowers remained out with his hamstring injury. Head coach Jesse Minter told reporters he's considered "day-to-day."
If Flowers is out for another week, Bateman could have an even bigger day as quarterback Lamar Jackson's top target against an even worse passing defense. Even if Flowers returns, Bateman should see a good chunk of targets against Dallas' defense – which is still very much rebuilding – in Rio.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 wide receivers
Luther Burden, Chicago Bears (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)
Burden will continue to make this list until his productivity improves. For most of the offseason, Burden was touted as the next big fantasy football breakout star. Through two weeks, he's WR48 in half-PPR and PPR scoring leagues and WR57 in standard leagues.
Things look even worse for Burden in Week 3. His quarterback, Caleb Williams, could miss the game after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 2. Chicago's backup, Tyson Bagent, is in the concussion protocol. So Burden may have to rely on third-stringer Case Keenum for production in Week 3 against, oh yeah, an Eagles defense built by one of the league's best defensive coordinators.
Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
New Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's first year in Tampa is not off to a hot start. The Buccaneers are averaging the 14th-fewest yards per game through two weeks and rank 28th in expected points added (EPA) per play: -0.145. As a result, Egbuka's production has suffered in his second season in the pros. Even without having to compete with Mike Evans for targets, the young wideout does not rank in the top-30 of fantasy receivers so far.
In Week 3, Egbuka and quarterback Baker Mayfield will face their toughest defense yet. Brian Flores' Vikings defense has allowed the lowest dropback success rate (36.7%) of any unit through two weeks. His sky-high blitz rate has kept Jordan Love and Caleb Williams in check, which is a big reason Minnesota is 2-0. Mayfield has historically had success against high blitz rates, but his and Egbuka's slow start in Robinson's offense doesn't inspire confidence for Week 3.
Carnell Tate, Tennessee Titans (at New York Giants)
As is the case in Tampa, Tennessee is off to a rough offensive start with a new OC in 2026. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward has struggled so far with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll calling the plays. Tate, the No. 4 overall pick in this year's draft, has not found success either as a result of ineffective deployment – the Ohio State product has zero targets 20+ yards downfield – or quarterbacking struggles – Ward has a "Bad Throw percentage of 23.9%," per Pro Football Reference. In two games, Tate has caught seven of 11 targets for 65 yards.
The Giants, Tennessee's Week 3 opponent, don't have a particularly good secondary, especially with cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo set to miss more time. But New York does have a strong pass-rushing front, even (potentially) without Brian Burns after his Week 2 ankle injury. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter could give a struggling Titans offensive line fits in Week 3, limiting Ward further and lowering Tate's ceiling.
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 TEs
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers vs Bengals
We'll keep targeting the Bengals' defense with the opposing tight end until they show us they can stop one.
Cincinnati allowed the most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2024 and followed that up with an historically bad 2025, allowing the most receptions again and a staggering 17.45 fantasy points per game to the position. Freiermuth is the top streamer of Week 3. For squads who plan to taxi a tight end off waivers most weeks, 'Muth should be your target this week.
Cincinnati just allowed Dalton Schultz to go off for 12 receptions and 140 yards. Freiermuth has caught nine of his 10 targets and currently leads Pittsburgh with 78 receiving yards through two games. Aaron Rodgers will likely lean on the pass in order to keep pace with the high-powered Bengals offense.
Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns vs Panthers
From one AFC North tight end to another. Fannin Jr. is a strong Week 3 start candidate after showing much better chemistry with Deshaun Watson in the Browns’ Week 2 win. Watson looked comfortable and confident, completing 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while Fannin caught five of six targets for 54 yards.
The matchup with Carolina is appealing, too. The Panthers had a favorable spot against Atlanta in Week 2, but Chicago torched their defense in Week 1, including a productive outing from Bears tight end Cole Kmet. Fannin is Cleveland’s clear top tight end, and with Watson playing competent football, Fannin can be inserted back into lineups in 12-person leagues.
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills vs. Chargers
This is likely the final time we'll mention Kincaid as a start. The 26-year-old is roaring to begin 2026 and has now entered "lineup lock" territory. Leave him on your bench at your own peril. The Buffalo Bills dominated last week in their home opener and now, with a significant rest advantage, host the Chargers, one of the most disappointing teams so far.
Kincaid ran 22 routes on 32 dropbacks by Josh Allen in Week 1 and followed it up with 26 routes on 31 dropbacks in Week 2. That's a route participation above 70%, a big jump from the 44.2% he averaged last season. The fantasy goodness will continue if he's on the field this often with Josh Allen. He paced the position in receiving yards after one week with 130 against a tough Texans defense and followed it up with seven receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Count on Kincaid again.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 TEs
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars vs Patriots
Trevor Lawrence and Strange connected on two of three targets for 23 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 but there hasn't been much else to garner enough confidence to have the Jacksonville tight end in lineups in leagues of up to 16 teams.
New England has allowed just 52 yards and zero scores to opposing tight ends through two weeks. Lawrence has plenty of mouths to feed with a trio of wide receivers in Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., which pushes Strange further down the pecking order. He had just two targets for 17 yards last week. He's fighting for scraps in this offense and is too touchdown-dependent for our liking.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys vs Ravens
Ferguson’s two-touchdown performance last week makes him tempting, but the matchup with Baltimore is a major concern. Ferguson is the third option in Dallas’ passing game behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and that showed up in target totals over the past two weeks: Lamb leads the team (17), Pickens is second (14) and Ferguson (six) trails both and even running back Javonte Williams (nine) and third wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (10), despite finding the end zone twice last Sunday.
That lack of volume becomes especially problematic against Baltimore. The Ravens have a defense built to limit tight ends, with Kyle Hamilton as the versatile defender capable of covering, tackling and disrupting routes. This game will be played in Brazil, adding the potential for fatigue after a ten-hour flight.
Ferguson’s touchdowns were great in Week 2, but the matchup and target share make him a risky Week 3 start.
Fantasy football start 'em: Week 3 defense/special teams
Minnesota Vikings (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
The Vikings are up to their usual antics so far in the early portion of this season, collecting a pair of division wins. That is thanks to a strong defensive effort through two weeks, which helped stage a comeback against the Packers and then held the Bears offense to just three points. While Minnesota is enjoying somewhat of a dream start, Tampa is living through a nightmare right now.
Baker Mayfield has been a turnover machine since receiving a contract extension, coughing the ball up four times so far. For a Vikings defense that loves to bring pressure, Mayfield will have to make some quick decisions if he wants to avoid more mistakes. This is an empty-the-tank game for the Bucs, and that can often give the defense opportunities to capitalize.
Kansas City Chiefs (at Miami Dolphins)
Kansas City shut down the Broncos in Week 1, but was a leaky unit in Week 2 against the Colts. Perhaps it was the short week or maybe it was a letdown spot. Whatever the reason, expect the Chiefs to bounce back in Week 3. The Dolphins offense hasn't been much of a threat so far and there is no sign that will change anytime soon.
Don't overcomplicate it.
Cincinnati Bengals (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
It has been a rough start for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. The situation won't be any easier when they take on the suddenly stout Bengals defense in Week 3. The addition of Dexter Lawrence II has been a game-changer for Cincinnati, along with other new faces. It's early, but the Bengals are allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game in the league and the fewest to opposing running backs.
In other words, the Steelers will need Rodgers' right arm to win. Considering Pittsburgh's struggles airing it out this season, color us skeptical. This could be a big day for the Bengals defense.
Tennessee Titans (at New York Giants)
After a near-upset of the Eagles, Robert Saleh's Titans head to MetLife Stadium to face Jameis Winston's Giants. Rain is expected to play a major role again this week in the Meadowlands, which is yet another boost to the defenses. Winston has always been generous to opposing defenses, tossing plenty of interceptions during his career. It didn't take long for him to do that in relief of Jaxson Dart in Week 2.
While the additional week of practice and preparation certainly helps Winston, Tennessee is in a good spot to collect its first win of the season. This figures to be a low-scoring affair that could feature plenty of sloppy play. Sounds like a good day to be a defender.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 3 D/STs
Baltimore Ravens (at Dallas Cowboys in Brazil)
International games are funky. Some come with an early kickoff. Others come in different time zones. Then you have the ones with concerns about field conditions. It's unclear what factor the field will play in this game, but we also have no interest in finding out.
Baltimore and Dallas can score at will, so we are likely looking at a high-scoring affair. Find a different option this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Turns out, we're fading the Steelers on both sides of the ball in Week 3. While the Bengals defense has been impressive, the Joe Burrow-led offense has been more of the same. That will be problematic for the Pittsburgh defense, which might tire later in the contest if it spends the entire game on the field.
Burrow and co. had no issues dissecting a top-tier unit like the Texans in Week 2. Now they head into Week 3 against a familiar foe. The Bengals are a team we don't want to get in the way of right now.
Detroit Lions (vs. New York Jets)
Detroit's secondary is in shambles. It took another beating last week, this time courtesy of the Bills. While we aren't saying the Jets are the Bills, this looks like a nice offensive matchup for "Gang Green." The Jets have speed that can win downfield with Adonai Mitchell. They also have capable tight ends and running backs who can create problems underneath. And that is all without mentioning Garrett Wilson.
The Lions will need to commit to stopping something and can't feasibly take everything away. Provided the Jets offensive line bounces back, New York can put up some points in Motown.
New England Patriots (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Sometimes you have to fade a fantasy defense just because of the team's offense. That is what we're doing with the Patriots this week, thanks to Drake Maye's turnover issues early this season. The Jaguars have an opportunistic defense known for forcing turnovers. Those potential scoring opportunities, even if it's just a field goal, could prove to ruin the day for the Patriots D/ST unit.
New England's defense benefited from facing Drew Lock in Week 1 and then Rodgers in Week 2. Those aren't quarterbacks that any defense is losing sleep over. It's a step up in class for the Patriots against Trevor Lawrence and the Jags. This D/ST could be in for a reality check this week.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Your guide to every position for Week 3
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