Welcome to Week 3! The big story this week is quarterback injuries, which impact fantasy lineups in multiple ways. As many as five opening day starters – Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Brock Purdy, Justin Fields, and J.J. McCarthy – could miss this week’s games. I’ll have more to say about this later in the column.
Week 3 is when the panic meter starts to get uncomfortable. Through two weeks, none of the rookie running backs (several of whom went in the first 3-4 rounds of fantasy drafts) is in the Top-25 at the position. I warned against starting a number of them right out of the gate, and that cautionary note stands. Stay patient if you can.
At wide receiver, things are worse. BTJ, Drake London, and Terry McLaurin all sit outside the Top-50. Nico Collins, Mike Evans, and Marvin Harrison, Jr. (among other prominent names who went in the Top-50 of fantasy drafts) are outside the Top-35. A.J. Brown is the WR91 right now. 91!!! So, Devonta Smith must be nuking, right? Nope, he’s the WR66. Ladd McConkey not only sits at WR40, but he ranks third among Chargers’ WRs in fantasy points. You get the picture. It’s a long season, folks.
Stats of the Week:
- Last season, the Chiefs finished 15-2 and didn’t get their second loss until Week 18, with their starters in street clothes. This season, they got their second loss on September 14.
- More: The Chiefs were 10-0 in one score games in 2024. They’re 0-2 in such games so far in 2025.
- Since David Tepper bought the Panthers in the summer of 2018, the team has a 38-82 record.
- The Colts are the first team in the Super Bowl era to not punt in either of their first two games of a season.
- Brandon Aubrey is the first player in NFL history to hit a game-tying field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter and then a game-winning field goal as time expired in OT (in the same game).
Week 3, here we go!
Bye Weeks: NONE
Week 3 Rides, Fades and Sleepers
For those who are familiar with this column, you know the drill. For everyone else: The Rides, Fades, and Sleepers is an analysis of players that I think are primed for an especially strong or poor performance, often as compared to consensus expectations. This isn’t a straight-up Start/Sit exercise. As a general rule, start your studs. I’ll rarely list the most obvious names at a position as “Rides” because those players are almost always expected to have strong performances. You don’t need me or anyone else telling you to start Lamar Jackson or Bijan Robinson. While this analysis is intended for season-long play, it works for DFS formats too. Half PPR scoring and Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) are used for the column.
Each week, I’m picking a Ride, Fade,and Sleeper of the Week. The rules: The Ride of the Week can’t be a truly elite option, the Fade can’t be someone who nobody is starting anyway, and the Sleeper must be an actual sleeper, from down in the rankings.
I didn’t have a column last week, but My Week 1 calls were just so-so. You can check my work here: Week 1.
Ride of the Week: Dak Prescott (@CHI). Dak got it going vs. the Giants last week (361 yards and 2 TDs), and this week he gets a Chicago defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game (FPPG) and touchdown passes (7) through two games. It’s a small sample size and most of that was last week’s total collapse in Detroit, but still, the Cowboys have a very good aerial assault and a suspect defense. Plus, this game has a Vegas total of 49.5, which is the second highest on the board. Dak should produce very good numbers in Week 3.
Fade of the Week: Ladd McConkey (vs. DEN). There are better days ahead for Ladd, but I don’t think it starts this week. Denver has a top-flight secondary and they’ve picked up where they left off last season. They’ve allowed the fifth fewest receiving yards and the fewest FPPG to opposing WRs through two games and are one of only two teams yet to allow a WR to score this season. Add in that Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston are commanding significant targets and Ladd is my least favorite WR ranked inside the Top-15 this week.
Sleeper of the Week: Marquise Brown (@NYG). After a big Week 1 (10 for 99 on 16 targets), Brown had a modest outing against the Eagles, although he did manage five catches. I like his chances this week in a must-win game for the 0-2 Chiefs, at MetLife. Xavier Worthy should return this week, but I like Brown either way. The Giants’ can pressure the passer but their secondary is vulnerable, as we saw at Dallas. Through two games they’ve allowed the most catches and third-most receiving yards and FPPG to opposing wide receivers. If he can buy enough time, Patrick Mahomes should be able to find Brown for some chunk plays. Brown is ranked outside the Top-30 wide receivers this week and I think that’s too low.
Quarterback:
Elite options this week – Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels (if he plays); the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Caleb Williams (vs. DAL) might be this year’s very good fantasy quarterback who isn’t so good at real-life football. Through two weeks he’s the QB9, while his team is 0-2. This week he gets a home game against a Dallas defense that not only just yielded a career day to Russell Wilson, but they had to play five quarters on Sunday to boot. Williams is ranked as the QB10 this week and Top-5 is in play.
Other QBs ranked inside the Top-15 this week who I think can beat their weekly ranking include Patrick Mahomes (@NYG, defense discussed above) and Baker Mayfield (vs. NYJ).
Sleepers:
If you need a second quarterback in a Superflex, there are some intriguing choices in Week 3, including several backups who have been thrust into starting duty. Michael Penix, Jr. (@CAR), C.J. Stroud (@JAC), Mac Jones (vs. ARI), Jake Browning (@MIN), Aaron Rodgers (@NE), and Carson Wentz (vs. CIN) are all ranked outside the Top-20 this week, and all have decent-to-very favorable matchups and a realistic shot to finish as Top-15 plays.
Fades:
I’ll put a fade call on last week’s top scorer at the position, Jared Goff (@BAL). Simply put, he’s a completely different player in outdoor road games, and especially against better defenses. Justin Herbert (vs. DEN) has been terrific so far this season, but I’d temper expectations against Denver’s excellent defense (through two games they’ve allowed the third fewest FPPG to opposing QBs). Kyler Murray (@SF) has been up-and-down so far this season, and I don’t especially like the road matchup at San Fran this week. Finally, Daniel Jones (@TEN) is the QB2 through two games (you read that right), but I think Tennessee’s defense will pose some problems for him and I’d think twice about jumping on the train this week.
Others: Lower-ranked quarterbacks that you might be considering, but who I’d try to avoid in Superflex this week include Trevor Lawrence (vs. HOU), Bryce Young (vs. ATL, whose young defense has been stellar through two games), Russell Wilson (vs. KC’s stingy defense), and Matt Stafford (@PHI, ditto).
Running back:
Elite options this week – Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry; the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Jordan Mason (vs. CIN) is in an absolute smash spot this week, with Aaron Jones out and Carson Wentz hopefully giving the team better quarterback play, at home against a suspect Bengals’ defense. His weekly ranking (RB15) is too low.
Keep riding James Cook (vs. MIA). The Bills are really good, and Miami is really bad. They haven’t allowed an RB to score yet, but that should change on Thursday night, and Cook is in less of a share (so far) than many expected.
Let’s stay with the Thursday night game. I normally wouldn’t recommend a running back on a team that’s almost a two touchdown underdog, but Devon Achane @BUF) gets so much passing volume that he’s almost game-script proof. He’s ranked near the bottom of the Top-10 and I think he can beat that. He led all RBs in catches and receiving yards last season and he’s back at it. His receiving line last week (8-92-1) was enough by itself to give him a Top-5 weekly finish at running back in Full PPR.
Others ranked inside the Top-25 this week who I think have a good chance to outperform their rankings are Javonte Williams (@CHI), Ken Walker III (vs. NO), Jaylen Warren (@NE), and Tony Pollard (vs. IND).
Sleepers:
D’Andre Swift (vs. DAL) is ranked outside the Top-25 this week, but I like him to finish inside the Top-20. This game is going to have points, and Swift is dominating RB touches (so far) in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. PIT) is dominating touches and isn’t getting any respect right now, but I’d keep starting him until we see a major change in usage. The Steelers have been victimized by Breece Hall and Ken Walker in their first two games.
Other running backs ranked outside the Top-25 who I think are potential Flexes or low-end RB2s if you need them this week: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (vs. LV), Isiah Pacheco (@NYG), and Tyler Allgeier (@CAR).
Fades:
I understand the draft capital you deployed to get them, but I think you have to sit all of TreVeyon Henderson (v. PIT), Omarion Hampton (vs. DEN), and R.J. Harvey (@LAC), for now. None are getting the volume necessary to produce fantasy points. That will hopefully come, but I’d rather be a week late than a week early. Obviously, whether you can actually bench these guys depends on who else you have.
David Montgomery (@BAL) is very TD-dependent for his fantasy value, and I’m lower on him than most this week. I think Baltimore’s defense will emerge as one of the toughest to run on, as they were last season.
I’d stay away from all of the Browns RBs (vs. GB) this week. They’re deploying a three-man committee, and face a defense that’s allowing the fewest rushing yards (82) and FPPG to RBs, so far.
Wide receiver:
Elite options this week – Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Nico Collins, Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Malik Nabers. The analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (vs. NO). He’s completely dominating targets and air yards for the Seahawks, who are using him all over the formation. He’s a must-start, set-it-and-forget it type of player.
Rome Odunze (vs. DAL) is coming off the best game of his career, and I’d stick with him against Dallas this week, for all the reasons I’ve already discussed. Dallas allowed two receivers to go over 100 yards last week, and I won’t be shocked if that happens again this week.
Emeka Egbuka (vs. NYJ) is ranked outside the Top-20 this week, despite the fact that he’s scored in both games and is commanding good volume. The Jets’ defense has been a disappointment so far and I like Egbuka to turn in another Top-20 performance.
Other receivers ranked from 12-30 that I think should outperform their ranking this week include: D.K. Metcalf (@NE), Deebo Samuel (vs. LV), and Tyreek Hill (@BUF).
Sleepers:
D.J. Moore (vs. DAL) has been a major disappointment so far this season, but I think this is the week to start him with some confidence. Yes, I know, he’s the fourth Bear I’ve recommended. The Cowboys’ pass rush, and pass defense, aren’t good.
Other WRs ranked outside the top-30 this week that I think you can go with if you’re in need include: Calvin Ridley (v. IND), Christian Kirk (@JAC, assuming he plays), Romeo Doubs (@CLE), Cedric Tillman (vs. GB), and Kayshon Boutte (vs. PIT).
Fades:
I’m a big Courtland Sutton (@LAC) fan, but the slow start is concerning and I don’t like the matchup at the Chargers this week. Brian Thomas, Jr. (vs. HOU) continues to struggle with Trevor Lawrence (most of his best outings last season came with Mac Jones under center), and the matchup with the Texans is a tough one, so temper expectations.
Meanwhile, through two weeks A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith (vs. LAR) both sit outside the Top-65 wide receivers. What??? The Eagles seem content to play defense and run the ball, and while that will certainly vary based on game script, the Rams have allowed the fifth fewest FPPG to opposing WRs and the fewest points to opposing QBs through two games. It’s hard to keep starting guys that are doing nothing, but I get it if you start them again.
Other WRs ranked inside the Top-35 who I’m lower than consensus on this week include Davante Adams (@PHI) and Chris Olave (@SEA, who has allowed just 11 receptions to opposing WRs this season). I’d also continue to leave Travis Hunter (vs. HOU) on my bench until further notice. Speaking of first round rookie WRs, Matthew Golden (@CLE) is another who has done next to nothing so far, and who I’d bench until he shows that he can be in lineups. Even without Jayden Reed, I’d wait.
Tight end:
Elite options this week – Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and Tucker Kraft; the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
“TE1s” are a bit of a weekly crapshoot. You know who leads all TEs in scoring through two weeks? Tucker Kraft (@CLE), but I’m making him ineligible and especially with Jayden Reed out for a while. Fine, I can’t list Kraft, but I’ll ride the TE2 on the young season (Zach Ertz, vs. LV) and the TE3, Juwan Johnson (@SEA, and they’re the only defense that’s allowed more than one TD to the position so far this season). Johnson leads all TEs in snap share and routes run, and has scored in both games (as has Ertz). These two were waiver wire pickups after Week 1 or 2, but so what? Consistent tight end production is hard to find, so ride the guys who are getting it done right now. Johnson and Ertz are both ranked towards the bottom of the Top-10 this week, behind bigger names who aren’t producing.
Other TEs in the Top-15 who I think have a good shot to outperform their weekly ranking this week: Travis Kelce (@NYG), Kyle Pitts (@CAR), and Jake Ferguson (@CHI). In case you couldn’t tell, I want as much of the DAL@CHI game as I can get, within reason.
Sleepers:
I like a lot of sleeper tight ends for the season, but most fantasy managers have no need to reach for them in Week 3. Still, if you’re stuck, I think Chig Okonkwo (vs. IND) and Dalton Schultz (@JAC) can be considered.
Fades:
The Ravens have scored 40 and 41 points in their games, and Lamar Jackson has six TD passes. Isaiah Likely has yet to make his debut. So Mark Andrews (vs. DET) must be going off, right? Wrong. His season is starting like it did a year ago. Andrews has two catches for seven yards. He shook off that slow start and led all TEs with 11 TDs last season, so I get it if you want to stick with him, but with Likely set to return this week, I think sitting him down is fine.
David Njoku (vs. GB) has seen 11 targets through two games, and that’s three fewer than teammate Harold Fannin, Jr. I wouldn’t start either one against the Packers, who’ve allowed the third fewest yards and points through two games.
Another rookie I’d continue to sit (until we see some production) is Colston Loveland (vs. DAL). Finally, Ja’Tavion Sanders (vs. ATL) had a mini-breakout in garbage time in Week 2, but the Falcons have allowed just one catch for 12 yards to opposing TEs in two games, so if you just grabbed him off waivers tread carefully.
PK and D/ST Streamers (ranked outside the top-12): See my Week 3 Waiver Wire column.
That’s it. Good luck in Week 3!
***This column appears each Thursday right here at Big Blue View. Each Monday, my Waiver Wire column appears here, and on Fridays you can find my weekly Prop bets of the week for the Giants, also right here. ***
