Making lineup decisions can be the most frustrating or most rewarding part of fantasy football. Here to help you make those decisions are our start ’em and sit ’em picks. Fantasy decisions will only get more difficult from here on out, so let’s take a look at our early Week 3 start/sit plays.
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Week 3 Start ‘Em: Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears (vs. DAL)
Last week, I thought it would be a good idea to stream the Dallas Cowboys’ defense against the lowly New York Giants’ offense. Lesson learned.
This Cowboys’ defense is awful. They allowed Russell Wilson, who looked like he was one more bad performance away from getting benched, to throw for 450 yards and lead the Giants to 37 points. Yeah. We’re starting Caleb Williams against this defense.
The Chicago Bears have their own problems. This is a bad football team that is almost certainly not making the playoffs. Much like his rookie season, Williams has shown flashes, but still cannot play at a high level consistently. Yet, this has still worked out decently well for fantasy.
Williams has posted games of 24.2 and 18.0 fantasy points to start the season. Those are QB1 numbers. The Cowboys have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks through two weeks. With as many as three every-week starters injured, Williams is easily a QB1 in Week 3.
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions (at BAL)
How bold of me to recommend starting a guy who just threw five touchdown passes. Jared Goff did have some fantasy managers worried after his dismal Week 1 effort. Were the Detroit Lions bad? Were they merely a product of Ben Johnson? Was this elite offense about to come crashing down? As it turns out…nope. The Green Bay Packers are just elite.
Goff and friends could not have rebounded any harder in Week 2. They did whatever they wanted to the Bears, dropping 52 points on their head of their division rival. Unsurprisingly, Goff finished as the overall QB1 on the week with 33.96 fantasy points.
Jared Goff wanted in on the Lions Leap too 😂🦁 pic.twitter.com/OdVqDaSaag
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 14, 2025
I know the narrative is going to be Home Goff vs. Road Goff. And I am endorsing starting Road Goff. But I think the splits are overblown. Goff’s performance has more to do with the matchup than where he’s playing.
The Lions are not going to be underdogs in many games. This week against the Baltimore Ravens is one of them.
Lamar Jackson is going to force the Lions to keep up offensively. The Ravens have scored 40 points in each of their first two games. We should see a festival of offense in this one.
Even after facing Joe Flacco and the lowly Cleveland Browns in Week 2, the Ravens remain fourth in terms of most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Goff is a strong option this week.
Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings (vs. CIN)
The stage is set for Jordan Mason to absolutely smash in Week 3. It’s certainly not ideal that the Minnesota Vikings are forced to start Carson Wentz, but it’s not as if JJ McCarthy was lighting up anyway. Plus, it’s even on both sides, as the Cincinnati Bengals are also starting their backup quarterback.
Through two weeks, Mason has looked like the better running back between him and Aaron Jones Sr. The former San Francisco 49ers back is averaging more yards per carry (4.1-3.5) and has been nearly as effective in the passing game (three receptions each). If not for Jones’ 27-yard touchdown reception in Week 1, this wouldn’t look close.
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Mason appeared to be on his way to taking over the Vikings’ backfield. For at least one week, Jones is guaranteeing it, as the 30-year-old back is likely to miss the game against the Bengals due to a hamstring strain.
With Ty Chandler on IR, the only other healthy back on the Vikings’ roster is 2023 UDFA Zavier Scott, who has exactly zero career regular-season touches. Playing with a backup quarterback, we could see heavy volume for Mason against a defense that has allowed the third most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks.
Nick Chubb, RB, Houston Texans (at JAX)
Don’t let Nick Chubb’s final stat line deceive you; it wasn’t pretty. The former Brown had 12 carries for 18 yards before he broke loose for his 25-yard go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He did have a nice 27-yard catch and run on a screen, but Chubb is rarely involved as a receiver. That was more happenstance than anything.
With that said, Chubb is the clear RB1 for the Houston Texans. He handled 12 carries and caught two passes. We can work with a range of 13-15 opportunities per game.
The Jaguars have good numbers against the run so far, but it’s only two weeks. This does not project to be a good defense.
Houston should have had a neutral to positive game script throughout. When they get near the goal line, Chubb will get his chances. He’s a solid start in Week 2.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers (vs. ATL)
The 2025 season hasn’t been the most significant rollout for rookies. One player who has excelled right away, though, has been Tetairoa McMillan.
It’s only been two weeks, but the Carolina Panthers’ first-round receiver looks the part. He is the team’s clear WR1, leading the team in targets and routes run. Against the Arizona Cardinals, McMillan recorded his first 100-yard receiving game. There will be many more to come.
Tetairoa McMillan is already a very good NFL receiver
loved that he got to show off his YAC in Week 2 – after 29 forced missed tackles at Arizona last season
11 catches for 168 yards in two games pic.twitter.com/FJxtTwiXo8
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 15, 2025
Bryce Young has looked like he’s fully regressed to the pre-benching version of himself to start the season. But even amidst his struggles, he was still able to rack up 328 yards and three touchdowns last week.
The Atlanta Falcons just completely shut down the Vikings, but they still project to be more of a pass-funnel defense. This is not a team you can run against efficiently. Plus, Atlanta should have no trouble moving the ball with Bijan Robinson against this Panthers defense.
The projected negative game script should lead to Young having a lot of pass attempts once again. And while it was last season, remember the last time these teams met. The Panthers scored 44 points in Week 18, and Young threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He did that with Jalen Coker, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette as his top three receivers. McMillan is a good bet to score his first regular-season touchdown this week.
George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys (at CHI)
The breakout is coming for George Pickens. It’s been very frustrating to watch at the start of the season. The box score doesn’t tell the whole story. Pickens has 98 receiving yards in his first two games combined. What you don’t see are the 79 additional yards he’s racked up in pass interference calls.
Dak Prescott has looked Pickens’ way downfield as much as fantasy managers could have hoped for. They haven’t quite connected yet.
Pickens salvaged his day with a short touchdown against the Giants, but the big plays are coming. This is a great spot to get one against a Chicago Bears defense that just allowed 52 points to the Detroit Lions. And things just got worse with star CB Jaylon Johnson done for the season.
George Pickens: “It’s definitely a relief (to get my first TD). I wanted to get in that box. It’s definitely for the team, because I know what type of guys we have. So with special plays like (yesterday), we can win a lot of games.”
CeeDee Lamb: “You start to understand how much… pic.twitter.com/NCp7JWojl4
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 15, 2025
Most notably, the Bears allowed Jameson Williams to get behind the defense for a 64-yard bomb. Pickens has a similar skill set and is used similarly.
Unsurprisingly, after what Amon-Ra St. Brown and Williams did to them last week, the Bears have allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers to start the season. With the Cowboys’ defense unable to stop anyone, we could see another high-scoring affair. Prescott will give Pickens a couple of chances downfield. Here’s to hoping one connects.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys (at CHI)
I know what you’re thinking. Start Jake Ferguson? Of course, I’m starting Ferguson. Such is the state of the tight end position. There aren’t enough clear starting options to truly have fringe options. It’s unlikely many of you have two tight ends you feel confident putting in your lineup.
Ferguson’s usage to start the season has been excellent. He’s seen 18 targets and been a safety valve for Dak Prescott both weeks.
Against the Giants, Ferguson racked up 78 yards on nine receptions. That is incredible usage.
4. The seam ball is one of the toughest to make in the NFL. Dak Prescott is one of the best at it, and part of the reason why is Jake Ferguson. Here’s his career-high ninth catch of the day, which came up the seam, to help set up Brandon Aubrey’s game-tying field goal. pic.twitter.com/7SkjuwSJpt
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) September 15, 2025
Last week, just about everyone on the Lions beat the Bears’ defense…except Sam LaPorta. But we can chalk that up to randomness more than anything. It’s way too soon to declare the Bears some elite tight-end-stopping defense.
The Cowboys only have three legitimate options in the passing game. Given the defense’s poor performance, Prescott should have to throw plenty in a potential shootout. That means nice volume for Ferguson. He is a clear top-12 option this week.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings (vs. CIN)
Similar to Ferguson, fantasy managers likely can’t afford to bench T.J. Hockenson. The difference is that they may want to after the veteran tight end’s performance over the first two weeks.
Despite Jordan Addison’s suspension elevating Hockenson to the clear section option in the passing game, the Vikings’ tight end has managed four receptions for 27 yards so far. He’s earned a mere seven targets.
Part of the problem is that JJ McCarthy has played terrible football for seven out of eight quarters. Forgive me for saying this. I actually think the forced move to Carson Wentz may help.
Even with Jake Browning, the Cincinnati Bengals have proven capable of scoring points. They also still possess one of the worst defenses in the league.
The Vikings will undoubtedly do their best to lean on Jordan Mason. However, they will have to call pass plays. Wentz is capable of getting passes to his receivers, but he lacks a reliable option behind Justin Jefferson. It’s no surprise that Hock caught a bunch of checkdowns, resulting in a passable PPR performance.
Week 3 Sit ‘Em: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. HOU)
Baker Mayfield is a gamer. He is clutch. He wins. It’s what he does. Don’t let his game-winning drive against the Texans impact your opinion of this defense. Houston has an excellent defense. They held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 20 points, sacked Mayfield four times, and forced a fumble that they probably should have recovered.
Trevor Lawrence managed to throw for 271 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals’ hapless defense. He also threw two interceptions and fumbled (but did not lose it).
The former No. 1 overall pick now has three interceptions in two games. He’s not a good quarterback and consistently makes poor decisions.
The Texans’ ferocious pass rush is going to get to Lawrence and wreak havoc all game. This one should be lower scoring, and Lawrence is bound to turn it over at least once. He is better left on the bench in Week 3.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams (at PHI)
In the interest of full disclosure, it was tough to find two quarterbacks who are at least fringe fantasy starters to recommend sitting this week. With Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Justin Fields, and JJ McCarthy all potentially missing this week, those fringe fantasy starters are suddenly clear QB1s.
Matthew Stafford is a fantasy enigma. He is somehow able to support the new best wide receiver in fantasy in Puka Nacua, as well as a high WR2 in Davante Adams, while not being startable himself.
The Philadelphia Eagles are more of a problem for run games than passing games, but they are going to give Stafford fits all afternoon. They limited Dak Prescott to single-digit fantasy points in Week 1 and then forced Patrick Mahomes to generate his fantasy points on the ground.
This is a challenging week due to the injuries affecting the QB position, but fantasy managers would be wise to outperform Stafford.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots (vs. PIT)
I am preparing to eat a whole lot of crow on TreVeyon Henderson. This is an excellent lesson in fading preseason hype, particularly when it is precipitated by nothing.
Henderson was a Round 5/6 selection for most of the Summer. Then, apropos of nothing, he surged into the late third/early fourth round…but nothing had changed. There were no roster moves. No injuries. It was purely a product of the rookie bringing a kickoff back for a touchdown and having a couple of nice preseason runs.
Henderson did flash upside down in Week 1, but he did nothing to earn more work. In fact, he saw his role decrease in Week 2, as the New England Patriots chose to involve Antonio Gibson more in the offense at Henderson’s expense.
While plays like this do nothing for fantasy purposes, they matter in the real world. Henderson’s best asset is his receiving ability. He won’t get on the field unless he cleans this up.
This TreVeyon Henderson tape is brutal. Pass pro considered huge strength coming out of college. You want to see a player of his pedigree have their usage tick upward as season goes on, but I think he’s gonna lose snaps because of this.
— John Zannis (@John_Zannis) September 15, 2025
This is Rhamondre Stevenson’s backfield for the time being. He played 65% of the snaps and had a fantastic outing against the Miami Dolphins.
Of course, the moment I recommend benching Henderson, you know he’ll bust off a long touchdown run. But we have to follow the data.
Henderson played 32% of the snaps and was out-carried by Gibson. The RB3 on any team cannot be started. Henderson, despite his talent, is no different.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants (vs. KC)
The running back flow in last week’s thrilling overtime game against the Dallas Cowboys was fascinating. Devin Singletary started, but played just three snaps the rest of the game. Cam Skattebo was the second running back in. He and Tyrone Tracy Jr. wound up splitting snaps, but the usage flipped in favor of the rookie.
Tracy ran only one more route than Skattebo, but it was the Arizona State product who won the carry battle 11-5. It appears a changing of the guard may be upon us.
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Regardless of the workload split, this is a bad matchup against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that is top 10 against the run through two weeks. It’s even more impressive considering they faced Saquon Barkley in Week 2.
Between Skattebo’s increased usage and the rough matchup likely to result in a negative game script, Tracy should be left on the bench this week if possible.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns (vs. GB)
I am terrified for what is about to happen to the Cleveland Browns this week. The Green Bay Packers very likely possess the best defense in the league. They completely shut down the explosive Detroit Lions offense. Then, they locked up Jayden Daniels until what was essentially garbage time.
This is going to be an all-out assault on the stationary Joe Flacco. The Packers may sack the veteran quarterback 10 times.
Expect the Browns to compensate by trying to get the ball out of Flacco’s hands quickly. That means short passes to Harold Fannin Jr. and screens to running backs. The more intermediate routes that Jerry Jeudy runs will not have time to develop.
Jeudy has opened the season with two floor games of 4-51 and 5-66. He did those against two weaker defenses in the Ravens and Bengals. Good luck against the Packers. Fantasy managers should avoid as many Browns as they can this week.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (at MIN)
Jake Browning is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league. He led the Bengals to a comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars by running the offense in a manner similar to Joe Burrow. But he’s still a backup.
What do backup quarterbacks often do? They hone in on their primary target. For the Bengals, that’s Ja’Marr Chase.
We saw this on full display last week. Chase caught 14 passes for 165 yards. Tee Higgins had a mere three receptions for 56 yards. They both scored, but Chase’s game would’ve been massive even without the touchdown. Higgins needed it to salvage his afternoon. Chase out-targeted Higgins 11-5 after Browning took over for an injured Burrow.
In his career, Higgins has played 59 games with Burrow against 11 without him. In those 59 contests, he’s averaged 15.2 fantasy points per game. In the 11, just 11.8 PPG.
The Vikings have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers to start the season. Brian Flores’ defense is always menacing. You probably can’t bench Higgins, but definitely temper expectations.
Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders (vs. LV)
This is less about the matchup and more about the offensive situation. The Washington Commanders, at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, will attempt to control the game on the ground. With Marcus Mariota starting for an injured Jayden Daniels, this is not going to be a game where the Commanders try to win the game through the air.
Zach Ertz is firmly behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. in the target hierarchy. Are we really expecting Mariota to sustain the fantasy values of three pass catchers?
Ertz has been productive over the first two weeks of the season. However, that’s mostly come from the fact that he’s scored in each game. It’s just hard to get excited about a touchdown-dependent tight end like Ertz with a backup quarterback against a team unlikely to force them into negative game script.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots (vs. PIT)
Hunter Henry is still the New England Patriots’ TE1. However, his role is nowhere near strong enough to justify fantasy consideration anymore.
Henry played 85% of the snaps, which is a great number. Unfortunately, he only ran 22 routes, a mere eight more than Austin Hooper. And it was his supposed backup who actually out-targeted him.
In a game where the Patriots scored 33 points and Drake Maye threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns, Henry managed one reception for nine yards. What are we supposed to do with that?
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense certainly doesn’t resemble the imposing force it was last season. But this could be a game where the Patriots lean on Rhamondre Stevenson. When Drake Maye drops back to pass, he’s looking for his medley of mediocre receivers ahead of his mediocre tight end. Henry is an uninspiring TE2.
