Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: NFL Week 3

By Ryan Bologna

We’re heading into week three of the NFL season, and this is where fantasy football can start to get complicated. Some players aren’t performing to the level that was expected in preseason, while others have emerged on the scene. How does that play into setting fantasy lineups? We’re here to answer that for you.

Quarterbacks

It’s clear that experts aren’t afraid of Matthew Stafford’s elbow injury. All five outlets recommend starting him when the Rams head to Arizona this week. Stafford played better in week two against Atlanta, but he still threw two interceptions. Outlets expect Stafford to have a quality game against an Arizona defense that hasn’t been very strong so far this season.

When multiple outlets recommend sitting Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, it’s hard to ignore. The most interesting part of this is that they face each other this week. Brady hasn’t looked like himself so far this season, and we know the controversy that surrounds him. Rodgers played well against the Bears last week, but he always does. He had a rough game in week one against Minnesota, and Tampa Bay presents another tough matchup. It’s rare that a game with these two quarterbacks is expected to be low-scoring, but that’s what many experts believe will take place this weekend.

Running Backs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is getting a lot of love this week, and it’s understandable. He had 118 total yards against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football in week two. Despite losing Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs offense still looks dangerous and Edwards-Helaire should continue to have a significant role. The Chiefs play the Colts in Indianapolis this week, who have not looked good to start the season.

Chase Edmonds has been a disappointment so far this season, and it is probably the best move to keep him on your bench until he has better showings. Raheem Mostert was a popular waiver wire addition this week, and he should see a significant role in the Dolphins offense. Edmonds’ short and long-term view doesn’t look great.

Wide Receivers

The rookies are popular this week. Drake London has looked like the real deal, and all five outlets like him for this week. He led the team with 12 targets in week two, so there’s going to be no easing him in this season. The same goes for Jets rookie Garrett Wilson. He flashed when he got playing time against Baltimore and had a monster game in the Jets’ wild comeback in Cleveland. He led the team with 14 targets and is doing this with Joe Flacco at quarterback. Wilson will be catching passes from Flacco again this week, but he has shown that he is a great weapon regardless of who is throwing to him.

Amari Cooper is one of the better receivers in the league, but he has been boom or bust so far this season. After struggling in week one, he had over 100 yards against the Jets in week two. The matchup this week doesn’t play into his favor. Cooper will be facing the tough Steelers defense on Thursday Night Football. This should be a low-scoring game overall, so sitting Cooper is likely a wise choice this week.

Tight Ends

T.J. Hockenson is a popular name this week. He didn’t exactly light the world on fire in week two, but experts like him against the Vikings this week. Hockenson is someone who was billed as a potential star when he was in the draft, but hasn’t quite lived up to those expectations. The Lions offense has been exciting so far this season. Outlets expect Hockenson to have a big role as the season goes along.

Cole Kmet has not scored a fantasy point yet this season. Yes, that is a true statement. It should be no surprise that experts recommend sitting Kmet this week. Beyond just having no fantasy points so far this year, there is warranted skepticism regarding his role in the Bears offense.