Fantasy Football Week 3: Start 'Em Or Sit 'Em?

Hey fantasy football fanatics! Week 2 is in the books, and hopefully, your teams are looking good. If not, don't sweat it – there's always Week 3! This is where we dig in deep and make those crucial start/sit decisions that can make or break your matchup. Let's dive into some players you should be considering this week and some that might be better left on your bench. Remember, this is all based on the latest news, matchups, and projections, so always stay updated throughout the week. Alright, let's get started and help you dominate your league this week! Penn State Volleyball Roster: Your Ultimate Guide

Quarterbacks: Gunslingers and Game Managers

Start 'Em:

  • Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Lamar Jackson is looking like his old self. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defenses. This week he faces the Indianapolis Colts, who have shown vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks. Expect a big day from Jackson, both through the air and on the ground. Start Jackson with confidence.
  • Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Josh Allen is always a threat to put up huge numbers. His combination of arm strength and rushing ability is hard to stop. The Washington Commanders' defense has struggled, making Allen an excellent start this week. Lock him in!
  • Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Justin Herbert is a volume passer, which is a recipe for fantasy success. Herbert has a great matchup and is going to throw for a lot of yards. Get him in your lineup.

Sit 'Em:

  • Daniel Jones (New York Giants): Daniel Jones has been inconsistent. His offensive line hasn't performed up to par, making it hard to get him the time to throw. Facing the San Francisco 49ers' tough defense, Jones is unlikely to have a great game. Bench him.
  • Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers): Kenny Pickett hasn't really broken out, and the Steelers offense is struggling. The Raiders' defense might give him a difficult time, so there are probably better options on your roster. Consider your other options.

Running Backs: The Workhorses and the Committee Backfields

Start 'Em:

  • Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers): Christian McCaffrey is a must-start every week. His receiving ability makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. With a favorable matchup, he's poised for a big game. He's a lock.
  • Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers): Austin Ekeler has been dealing with injuries, but if he's healthy, he needs to start. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives him a high floor. Get him in your lineup if he's good to go.
  • Saquon Barkley (New York Giants): Saquon Barkley is the centerpiece of the Giants' offense. Even in a tough matchup, his volume should make him a solid start. He's a solid play.

Sit 'Em:

  • Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Rachaad White is in a running back committee. The Buccaneers are not going to give him enough touches. Look for a better option.
  • Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers): Najee Harris is facing a tough matchup. The Steelers' offense is not getting the job done. Bench him.

Wide Receivers: The Pass Catchers and the Matchup-Based Plays

Start 'Em:

  • Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills): Stefon Diggs is Allen's favorite target, and he should be featured in this matchup. Diggs has a good chance to have a huge week. Start with confidence.
  • A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles): A.J. Brown is a target monster in the Eagles' offense. He gets a lot of volume and is facing a good matchup. He should be a start.
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions): Amon-Ra St. Brown is a high-volume receiver who should continue to put up big numbers. He's a strong start.

Sit 'Em:

  • Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints): Michael Thomas is dealing with injuries. He is always a risk in terms of health. Consider other options.
  • Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos): Courtland Sutton is in an inconsistent offense. There are better options out there. Look elsewhere.

Tight Ends: The Sleepers and the Consistent Producers

Start 'Em:

  • Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Travis Kelce is one of the best tight ends. He's always a start. Start him.
  • Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens): Mark Andrews is Jackson's favorite target, and the Ravens' offense likes to use him. He is a solid start.

Sit 'Em:

  • Darren Waller (New York Giants): Darren Waller has not been consistent. Facing a tough defense, he is unlikely to have a productive week. Look for other options.
  • Pat Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers): Pat Freiermuth is not producing enough. The Steelers' offense is struggling, so there are probably better options on your roster. Consider your other options.

Defense/Special Teams: Streaming and Strategy

Streaming and Start 'Em:

  • Dallas Cowboys D/ST: The Cowboys' defense has been dominant. They are facing a team that is not doing well. Start them this week.
  • San Francisco 49ers D/ST: The 49ers' defense is tough, and they have a favorable matchup. Start them.

Sit 'Em:

  • Avoid the defenses that face high-powered offenses. Assess the matchups carefully.

Key Considerations and Strategies for Week 3

Hey guys, when you're tackling those start/sit decisions in Week 3, it's not just about guessing. It's about digging deep and looking at the whole picture. The cool thing about fantasy football is that every week brings a fresh batch of data and new possibilities. So, let's look at some of the main points to guide you through this week.

Firstly, check those injury reports religiously. Seriously, it is so important. A last-minute inactive player can completely change your plans. Keep an eye on those players who might be game-time decisions. It could completely change your plans. If your star running back is suddenly ruled out, you've gotta adjust – fast. Having a backup plan in place can save your fantasy bacon. Always keep your eye on the reports.

Secondly, consider the matchups. Look at the opposing defenses your players are up against. Are they strong against the run? Do they get torched by the pass? These factors can make a massive difference in your player's performance. Sometimes, it's better to sit a stud who has a tough matchup, even if that goes against your gut. Matchups are key, guys, and can really tip the scales in your favor. Miami Hurricanes Football: Depth Chart, Key Players & Game Insights

Thirdly, don't be afraid to be flexible. Fantasy football isn't an exact science. What worked last week might not work this week. Be prepared to make changes based on what you're seeing. You gotta be ready to make those mid-week adjustments. If a player is on a hot streak, ride the wave! If a player is on a cold streak, don't be afraid to sit them.

Fourthly, look for volume. In fantasy, volume is king. Players who get a lot of touches – running backs who get the bulk of carries, receivers who are constantly targeted – often have the highest floors. This is why the start/sit process involves a lot of planning and research. Think about who is going to get the most opportunities and those players usually bring you the points you need to win.

Fifthly, trust your gut, but don't let it override the data. While it's easy to get caught up in the hype, always back up your decisions with evidence. If you have two players in the same position, look at the matchups, projections, and recent performance. Choose the one with the most favorable situation.

Waivers, Trades, and the Road Ahead

Okay, so you've made your start/sit decisions. Great! But the work doesn't stop there. Week 3 is a good time to take a look at the waiver wire, look for potential gems, and consider a few trades. Here's what you should do. Why Discussions Briefly Mentioning The USA Can Shift Focus

First up, check those waivers! Injuries happen, and sometimes a backup running back you never heard of will become a workhorse overnight. Check out the waiver wire for any players that might have gotten some playing time. Look at the players whose value has increased. It could mean adding a player who could make the difference in your matchup. Grab them quickly, because they are always in high demand.

Second, think about making trades. Look at your team. Do you have too many running backs? Maybe you should trade one for a wide receiver. Look at teams that are in need of your strong players, because they are often looking to trade. Look at the team needs. If a team is struggling with injuries, you might be able to make a move that helps both of you. Now is the time to put feelers out and see what you can get.

Third, think long-term. Fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. Sure, winning your week is great, but the goal is to make the playoffs. Don't be afraid to stash some players with potential who might not produce immediately. Keep an eye on the schedule and identify favorable matchups down the road. These are the factors that can help you win the entire season.

The Bottom Line: Making the Right Calls

Alright, so there you have it. Week 3 is where you make the right calls. Start by checking those injury reports, digging into matchups, and making sure that you are setting your lineup. Make the necessary moves for your players, and make sure that you are making trades. If you keep those tips in mind, you'll be giving yourself the best chance to win your matchups. With some luck and smart moves, you will do great. Good luck this week, everyone! May your teams score a ton of points and bring home those Ws!

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Kim Anderson

Executive Director ·

Experienced Executive with a demonstrated history of managing large teams, budgets, and diverse programs across the legislative, policy, political, organizing, communications, partnerships, and training areas.