On to Week 3 and the starts and sits that will help us win victories across our leagues—some highlights from the past week including sitting Rachaad White and D’Andre Swift. Others include starting Kirk Cousins and the early league winner of 2024, JK Dobbins. It is time to turn those 2-0 teams into 3-0.
Week 3 Quarterback Starts
Caleb Williams @ Indianapolis Colts
Yes, Caleb Williams has not played so well in his first two games. So did a ton of other great quarterbacks that have been in the NFL. Let’s not write off players after two weeks of play. In Week 3, Williams gets the chance to show people why he was the number one overall pick favorite for two consecutive years.
With the Bears facing the Indianapolis Colts, I expect D’Andre Swift to get the Bears’ running attack going. In turn, it will leave the field open for Williams to find his weapons. Week 3 is the week Williams finishes as a QB1 and has over 250 passing yards.
Gardner Minshew vs Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have benched Bryce Young for Andy Dalton, aka the “Red Rifle”. I still expect the Las Vegas Raiders to get the win, but it will be more of a game with Dalton under center. That is why I have Gardner Minshew better known as Uncle Rico as a start in starts and sits for Week 3. With injuries already to some quarterbacks around the league, look no further than Minshew against the WORST team in all of the NFL.
Quarterback Sits
Anthony Richardson vs Chicago Bears
I know what you are thinking. Anthony Richardson was the consensus favorite to be a top-five quarterback this season. I am very much in on Richardson this season, but his play has not impressed me. He has hit on less than 50% of his passes. Yes, his rushing upside is there and is the most lethal part of his game, but if his passes are not falling through, it is hard to trust him.
Now, the Colts face the Chicago Bears. The Bears are allowing the fifth least ppg to quarterbacks. Although the Bears offense has not been good the first two weeks, their defense is what is helping them stay in games. With Caleb Williams dicing the Colts defense and the Bears defense locking up Richardson, pivot to another option even if you spent a 5th-round pick on Richardson.
Geno Smith vs Miami Dolphins
Geno Smith finds himself on the sit side in starts and sits in consecutive weeks. The Dolphins will more than likely have Tyler Huntley or Skylar Thompson under center in Week 3. With that being said, I expect the Dolphins to run a lot and hold the ball as much as they can. In turn, this will leave minimal chances for Smith to produce QB1 numbers. Also, the Dolphins are allowing the fourth fewest ppg to quarterbacks. I expect a slow game with a lot of running. Fade Smith in Week 3.
Check out all of our Week 3 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Running Back Starts
D’Andre Swift @ Indianapolis Colts
D’Andre Swift has been extremely underwhelming in the first two games. He currently is averaging 6.6 ppg and is the RB39. It all changes in Week 3 as the Colts have been shredded in the run game the first two weeks. With 350 total rushing yards allowed, I expect Swift to have his bounce-back game. If you drafted Swift, do not let the past two weeks steer you away from keeping him in your lineup.
Zamir White vs Carolina Panthers
If Zamir White cannot produce against the Carolina Panthers, write him off for the rest of the 2024 season. The Panthers are bad in every single aspect and will more than likely have the number one pick again. They are allowing the fourth more ppg to running backs and have given up the second most total rushing yards through two games. Zamir White looks like this year’s Alexander Mattison and Mike Davis from a few years ago. Give him one final chance in Week 3 and keep him in your lineup with such an elite matchup to produce.
Running Back Sits
Aaron Jones vs Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have allowed 103 total yards to running backs in the first two games. Yes, 103 yards. Aaron Jones has been one of the better running backs when he is on the field throughout his career, but I fear he might be shut down in Week 3. The Vikings will have to be creative in numerous ways against a stingy Texans defense. Ty Chandler also outproduced Jones in Week 2 and Jones is dealing with an injury this week, too. It is better to leave Jones on your bench and find a better and safer option this week.
James Conner @ Arizona Cardinals
James Conner has started his 2024 season on fire. He is currently the RB8 on a ppg basis and is averaging the most points since his 2018 season. The only issue is now he faces the best run defense in all of football. The Detroit Lions are giving up 10.75 ppg to running backs and just 117 total yards so far to the position. I expect Kyler Murray to have to work his Murray magic for the Cardinals to have a chance in this game.
Listen, you drafted Conner to start him, but I fear he will have his worst game so far in Week 3 and would rather risk it with him on the bench than have him score less than 10 points in my lineup.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!