Starts and sits had a rough outing in Week 2, but accountability is everything. It is time to be better so the readers can get that edge and dominate. In Week 2, some misses were sitting Brian Robinson, Garrett Wilson, and Drake London.
Personally, I do not enjoy victory lapping anything due to a player getting hurt, so Anthony Richardson was a sit for me, but I will not take that credit. He would have seen another 25 fantasy points if he did not leave early. For some hits, I said to sit Breece Hall, Kyle Pitts, Dak Prescott, and George Kittle.
Furthermore, for some starts, I was wrong on the running backs, Zay Jones, Luke Musgrave, and Brock Purdy. I was correct on Hunter Henry, Nico Collins, Josh Reynolds, and Geno Smith. A new week to be better. Here are the starts and sits for Week 3 of the NFL season.
Week 3 Starts and Sits
Quarterback Sits
Justin Fields @ Kansas City Chiefs (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields were two of the most sought-after Quarterbacks throughout their college careers. Now, both are starting Quarterbacks in the NFL, trying to make a name for themselves. One similarity with these Quarterbacks is that they both will have mediocre performances against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lawrence already did that in Week 2 with a QB32 finish in a loss at home against the Chiefs. Now, it is Justin Fields’ turn to face the Chiefs in Arrowhead and I could not be any more worried for Fields. Fields is a sit for me and it’s for a crucial reason. This offense and their coordinator have taken away the thing that makes Fields a lethal fantasy option which is RUNNING.
Justin Fields threw for over 200 yards in his first year as the full-time starter just twice. In the first two weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Fields has back-to-back games of over 200 passing yards, but with three interceptions. Fields has made a ton of questionable decisions in just two games, but I fear taking his rushing ability away makes the pressure that much more.
Fun fact, the Bears have designed zero runs for Justin Fields. A man who has the second most rushing yards in a single season by a Quarterback ever does not have any designed runs for him the first two weeks. With that being said, Fields is a sit for me due to the lackluster playcalling and the failure of his coaching staff.
The Kansas City Chiefs got Chris Jones back this past weekend as well and shutting down Lawrence is no easy task, so I fear Justin Fields will have a long day in Kansas City unless this coaching staff starts getting his legs involved.
Jordan Love vs. New Orleans Saints (@BrandonBlancoFF)
As a Packers fan, I have to be realistic, The New Orleans Saints through two weeks look like one of the best defenses in the NFL. They have not allowed more than 17 points scored in a game through two weeks. Yes, it was against Ryan Tannehill and Bryce Young, but it is still impressive.
Now, the Saints get for the second consecutive week, a Quarterback who is a first-year full-time starter, Jordan Love. After a QB1 finish in Week 1, Love was brought back down to reality with a QB16 finish against the Atlanta Falcons.
Love now gets a Saints defense allowing just EIGHT fantasy ppg to Quarterbacks. The Saints have been elite on defense that they have allowed just one passing touchdown in two weeks. Jordan Love has started his first year as the starter with a lot of things to be happy about, but it will not get any easier in a Week 3 match-up. Sit Love and do not think twice about it.
Running Back Sits
Jerome Ford vs. Tennessee Titans (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Fantasy Football at times does not have to be difficult or have much in-depth thinking involved. Yes, Jerome Ford will most likely be the biggest waiver wire add this week, but Week 3 looks difficult. Any running back facing the Tennessee Titans faces a tough challenge.
The Titans have the best rushing defense in the entire NFL. They have allowed just 7.9 fantasy ppg to running backs in the first two weeks with just 49 ypg (yards per game)and 2.6 ypa (yards per attempt).
Getting Ford in free agency will pay off in the end for those fantasy managers, but in Week 3, Jerome Ford makes the sits in starts and sits.
Zack Moss @ Baltimore Ravens (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Just like the Titans, the Baltimore Ravens have a stifling run defense. Yes, Zack Moss played 55 of the 56 offensive snaps for the Colts this past weekend, but against a Texans team that has been the worst run defense dating back to last season.
In Week 3, the Colts will have an issue running the ball with Moss especially if Anthony Richardson misses the game, leaving the Ravens to solely focus on Moss in the rushing attack. The Ravens are giving up just 14.6 fantasy ppg (5th best).
Volume is king in fantasy football, but context is too. Moss dominated vs a weak Texans run defense. Do not expect the same vs the Ravens and lower expectations for Zack Moss in Week 3.
Alexander Mattison vs. Los Angeles Chargers (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Besides Najee Harris at this moment, Alexander Mattison is looking like one of the worst picks in all of fantasy football. Mattison is currently the RB35 in total points and the RB34 in ppg. Players such as the ghost of Ezekiel Elliott, Latavius Murray, and Salvon Ahmed are seeing a higher YPC than Mattison.
In Week 3, the match-up is favorable, but just for the receivers of the Minnesota Vikings. Simply for the fact that this is a pass-first offense and Mattison is no Dalvin Cook. Kirk Cousins has thrown it 10 more times in the first two weeks this season as compared to last season.
With the type of defense the Vikings have, it is safe to say they will always be in shootouts with a ton of pass volume. Mattison just does not warrant an RB2 title anymore. Sit Mattison and find better options to replace him in Week 3. Mattison is my favorite sit in starts and sits.
Wide Receiver Sits
Jerry Jeudy @ Miami Dolphins (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Jerry Jeudy made his debut in Week 2 and played 68% of the snaps and ran 86% of the routes. With an extensive injury history, it was nice to see Jeudy back out there, but I think it will take some time to get back to full speed for him. It does not get easy in Week 3 facing a Miami Dolphins team that is clicking on all cylinders.
The Dolphins are giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy ppg to wide-outs and just 15 receptions per game. Going from the high altitude in Denver to hot, humid South Florida, Jeudy is a sit for me in what should be a difficult game for the entire Broncos offense. Vic Fangio, the former defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos will be sure his defense makes a major impact in Week 3.
DK Metcalf vs. Carolina Panthers (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Another year and DK Metcalf is still not living up to his off-season ADP. Metcalf was being drafted as the WR15 and has finished as a WR3 or worse in the first two weeks of the season. In Week 1, he finished as the WR25, and in Week 2 as the WR39. It is safe to say that 2020 and 2021 were Metcalf’s best years and if we see them again is uncertain.
In Week 3, the Seahawks face a Carolina Panthers team that has played hard in their first two weeks, giving up just 22 PPG (13th best). The same Panthers team that is allowing the THIRD fewest fantasy PPG to the WR position. Metcalf is once again getting outplayed by his teammate Tyler Lockett, who once again was the better value in drafts.
Sit Metcalf and look for better options on your bench if you were able to draft some sleepers such as Nico Collins or Jordan Addison. I would play either of them over Metcalf in Week 3.
Marquise Brown vs. Dallas Cowboys (@BrandonBlancoFF)
In Week 2, Marquise Brown had a top-24 finish (WR22) against the dumpster fire that is the New York Giants. He saw ten targets (32% target share) and that is something amazing for Brown managers in fantasy. The only issue is that in Week 3, the worst team in football gets to face off against one of the best defenses in the last five years.
The Dallas Cowboys are averaging 35 PPG and giving up just FIVE ppg. It was hard for managers to start someone as good as Garrett Wilson against the Cowboys in Week 2. It will even be harder to start Brown vs this same Cowboys team in Week 3. Fade him and let him take a nice seat on your bench in what should be a very ugly matchup for the Arizona Cardinals.
Tight End Sits
Pat Friermuth @ Las Vegas Raiders (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Through two weeks, Pat Freiermuth has FIVE total receiving yards and is the TE40 in ppg. Being drafted as the TE10 in the off-season cannot sit well for fantasy managers who have Friermuth on their team.
Most importantly, the Steelers have a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball, but I will say it now, Kenny Pickett is holding the offense back. Yes, they beat the Browns in Week 2, but the Browns have a ton of question marks including their best player, Nick Chubb who is out for the remainder of the season.
The Raiders are giving up 16 fantasy ppg to the position, but there are better options on the waiver wire such as Zach Ertz (47.2% rostered) and Hunter Henry (34.7% rostered). Sit Friermuth until the results start to show he is a TE1.
Kyle Pitts @ Detroit Lions (@BrandonBlancoFF)
The Lions are giving up the most fantasy ppg to tight ends to start the 2023 NFL season. You would think that makes Kyle Pitts an automatic start in this match-up, but it does not. The Falcons ran 78 offensive plays and Kyle Pitts finished with just 3.5 points. The only reason Pitts almost did double of that in Week 1 was because of a 30-yard catch.
Kyle Pitts’ career has looked just like the crypto known as dogecoin. It started off great. It was the hottest thing and it was rising fast. Since then, it has shot down more and more with little hope to recover.
The best thing that can happen to Kyle Pitts is that he gets traded or tests free agency when his rookie contract is up. A man drafted fourth overall should be used like Travis Kelce and probably even more. Instead, Jonnu Smith is out targeting Kyle Pitts and outperforming him.
Pitts managers including myself should hold in dynasty leagues, but in redraft, he belongs on the bench. It is very difficult to start a player even in a great match-up when no plays are being designed for him and he is probably the best pass catcher between him and Drake London.
Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty
Quarterback Starts
Baker Mayfield vs. Philadelphia Eagles (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Baker Mayfield has had a very up-and-down NFL career. Now, after four years with the Cleveland Browns and one year with the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield has started strong in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield delivered his best season as a QB in his rookie season with a QB18 finish in ppg and has never been able to replicate it.
Now, Mayfield has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-0 and he is playing the best football of his professional career. Mayfield right now has a career-high in completion percentage of 69.1%. His highest before that was his rookie season with 63.8%. With being top ten in completion percentage and top 12 in YPA (yards per attempt), it is a lovely thing to see players playing well after tough times.
All in all, yes, the Buccaneers are facing the Philadelphia Eagles, but this is not the same secondary from a year ago. The Eagles are giving up the fifth (26.4ppg) to opposing Quarterbacks. Mac Jones against the Eagles in Week 1 finished as the QB2 & Kirk Cousins against the Eagles finished as the QB2 as well in a Week 2 match-up. Start Mayfield with confidence as he has big-time weapons in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to lean on.
Jared Goff vs. Atlanta Falcons (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Jared Goff has been one of the most underrated Quarterbacks in the NFL since arriving to the Detroit Lions. As it stands now, Goff is the leader in yards per pass attempts on first down. He is also top five in completion percentage, QBR, and passing yards through the first two weeks.
The Atlanta Falcons pose a great danger due to their defensive play the first two weeks, BUT the Lions are at home and they have no defense. Detroit is currently allowing the fifth most ppg (28.5) and just lost C.J. Gardner-Johnson for the season due to a torn pec. With this being said, the Lions will have to put up a ton of points each game to keep up with the opposing team.
Goff is in for a nice performance with him being at home, At home, Goff is a completely different player compared to on the road. Goff has a 80% completion percentage compared to 62% on the road. He also throws 323 YPG at home compared to 253 YPG with three touchdowns and one interception at home vs just one touchdown on the road in 2023.
Running back starts
Javonte Williams @ Miami Dolphins (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Listen, it is only a matter of time before the Broncos unleash Javonte Williams. Having a serious ACL injury just a year ago and already being back is impressive. If you drafted Williams, you drafted him for later in the season when he gets back to full form.
In Week 3, we will see a glimpse of that vs. a Miami Dolphins team giving up 28.9 fantasy ppg (eighth most) to running backs. The Dolphins are also giving up over 130 ypg to the position with 1.5 touchdowns per game.
Raheem Mostert vs. Denver Broncos (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Raheem Mostert is 31 years of age and is ignoring all the talk of “running backs fall off once they reach age 30”. Mostert is enjoying the backfield to himself for the most part with Jeff Wilson Jr on injured reserve.
Mostert gets himself the Denver Broncos, who just allowed Brian Robinson from the Washington Commanders to finish as the RB1 overall with a 28.9-point performance. All in all, the Broncos are giving up the 12th most fantasy ppg to running backs. Raheem Mostert is in one of the best offenses in the NFL with minimal competition in the backfield.
Expect Mike McDaniel to get Mostert rolling early in the game and expect a top-15 finish in Week 3 for him.
Jaylen Warren @ Las Vegas Raiders (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Can Jaylen Warren take over the backfield for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Najee Harris is currently the worst pick in the first three rounds of fantasy football. An RB43 and RB45 finish in the first two weeks had Jaylen Warren outperforming with an RB18 finish in Week 2.
Warren was the pass catcher for the Steelers this past week with six targets, four receptions with 66 yards, and 11 YPT (yards per target). Now, both Steelers running backs are in a great spot against the Las Vegas Raiders who are giving up 32.4 fantasy ppg to the position with 135.5 YPG (yards per game). This has Najee Harris written all over it, but after these two performances, expect Warren to have a bigger role, especially in the passing game.
Warren is my biggest sleeper at the position to start in starts and sits for Week 3.
Wide Receiver starts
George Pickens @ Las Vegas Raiders (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Another Pittsburgh Steelers player finds himself on the starts and sits for Week 3. George Pickens absolutely dominated the Browns with a WR11 finish in Week 2. Pickens saw 10 targets with just four catches. He made the most of it and turned it into 127 yards and a touchdown.
It is clear Pickens needs to get more accurate as he is ranked 27th in completion percentage amongst all Quarterbacks. The Raiders are giving up the 12th most fantasy ppg to the position and just got crushed by Gabe Davis, a receiver with big play ability similar to Pickens.
Jordan Addison vs. Los Angeles Chargers (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Besides Puka Nacua, Jordan Addison has been the best rookie wide receiver so far in 2023. Addison has seen over 60 yards and two touchdowns in his first two NFL career games. The Minnesota Vikings have the fourth most pass attempts so far and it will continue to be like that.
This offense is a pass-first offense and with weapons like Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and now Jordan Addison, it will stay like that. The Vikings are facing a Chargers team that gave up over 200 yards to Tyreek Hill in Week 1 and over 70 yards in Week 2 to Treylon Burks. The problem for the Chargers is now they have to deal with arguably the best weapons a team could have.
The Chargers are giving up 57.1 fantasy ppg and over 280 ypg (yards per game). Expect Addison to outperform his ranking in Week 3 just like has the previous two weeks.
Nico Collins @ Jacksonville Jaguars (@BrandonBlancoFF)
The breakout for Nico Collins has finally arrived. Having a competent Quarterback makes things easier, too. C.J. Stroud has the third most pass attempts in the NFL so far and with a team constantly playing from behind, this trend will continue.
Nico Collins is the WR6 in fantasy ppg and has seen 20 targets in his first two games of the 2023 NFL season. Without Stroud, Collins’ best WR finish in a game was WR19. He broke that in just his second game with Stroud as he finished as the WR5. Stroud has a cannon on him and is constantly throwing it because the Texans are constantly down.
In Week 3, a divisional game is in sight against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are giving up 34 fantasy ppg to the position and were just held to nine points in Week 2. Expect them to come out swinging and trying to put up a ton of points.
This will lead to Stroud once again passing over 40 times and looking for Nico Collins with a ton of those passes. Collins eventually will become a lineup lock and be gone from these starts and sits. Personally, I think this is the week we find out that 2023 Nico Collins is the breakout player we all should have drafted.
Tight-End starts
Zach Ertz vs. Dallas Cowboys (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Despite dealing with injuries in two of the past three seasons since 2020, Zach Ertz has started the 2023 season off strong. Ertz leads all tight-ends in targets with 18. This is from Joshua Dobbs leaning on him as a security blanket and making Ertz a phenomenal play every week, even in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys have practically been unstoppable in their first two games. They are allowing just five ppg to teams, but they are average when it comes to defending the tight-end position. Ertz will once again be relied on more than ever to help Dobbs get the ball out as fast as possible with this Cowboys pass rush.
With that being said, Ertz is still just rostered in 47% of ESPN leagues and is a great candidate to start this week. With the mess that is the tight-end position, it is only right that Ertz rewinds time and delivers a vintage performance against a team that he knows all too well. The 2023 season has started off crazy as usual with Zach Ertz on the start side of starts and sits and Kyle Pitts on the sit side of things.
Cade Otton vs. Philadelphia Eagles (@BrandonBlancoFF)
Here me out before you guys try to exile me into the shadow realm. Cade Otton saw six targets for six catches in Week 2 and finished as the TE12. Otton has seen a 97% snap share in both games and with Baker Mayfield aka Walmart Brett Farve, Otton is in a nice spot this week.
Once again, as stated with Baker Mayfield in the start part of starts and sits for Quarterbacks, the Eagles defense is not the same as before. They are giving up the second-most fantasy ppg to the tight-end position. Expect that secondary to be locked in on Chris Godwin and Mike Evan, making Cade Otton a sneaky player in Week 3.