NFL Fantasy Football Week 3 Lineup Decisions: Starts, Sits, Sleepers, Busts to know for every game

Fantasy Soccer is all concerning the matchups. Regardless that you drafted your group with sure hopes and intentions, your weekly lineup selections should not be decided by the order you picked your gamers in. It is advisable examine who your gamers play and be sure you’ve obtained the correct guys in — and the mistaken guys out.

It is too early to be completely certain on which matchups shall be simple and which of them shall be powerful, however we will take some educated guesses primarily based on wholesome personnel, defensive schemes, monitor information and key particulars of offenses. The issues we all know may help us reduce the impression of the issues we do not know. This could result in higher selections being made.

We’ll undergo each recreation and spotlight the gamers who aren’t apparent begins and sits (since you do not must be informed to begin Justin Jefferson). You need to really feel extra snug beginning or sitting gamers primarily based on the data given, and feeling snug along with your Fantasy lineup earlier than the video games begin is the most effective feeling on this planet.

It is also necessary to have a eager eye for matchups dictated by the remaining schedule. I’m now updating my projected strength of schedule rankings every week over at SportsLine. My goal is to interrupt down how the schedule impacts each Fantasy related participant for the upcoming 4 weeks, the playoff stretch and your entire season. You will additionally be capable of discover my key takeaways on which gamers you should purchase low, promote excessive and extra commerce targets.

All strains from Caesars Sportsbook.

LAST WEEK: Got here up aces in opposition to a Cardinals protection that did not blitz him a lot and tried to hold with some man protection. He wasn’t pressured wherever as a lot as he was in Week 1 and completed with 321 passing yards, 59 rush yards and three complete touchdowns, all scored within the second half. 

O-LINE: Rebounded from a depressing Week 1 (65.9% stress charge allowed) to carry up in opposition to a less-challenging Cardinals entrance (29.5% stress charge allowed). Left sort out Josh Ezeudu was particularly good in go safety as was rookie heart John Michael Schmitz, however each will see a step up in competitors this week. 

49ERS: Usually play extra zone than man protection and are anticipated to take action on this matchup, not solely as a result of it is their specialty however due to Jones’ mobility round and out of the pocket. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is a lock to fireside up a bunch of blitzes as properly; the 49ers have a stress charge of at the least 37% of their snaps in every of their first two video games. 

JONES: Predictably has struggled when pressured, already proudly owning a minus-0.53 EPA per dropback and a 26.2 QB ranking this yr when the warmth’s on. Final yr these numbers have been minus-0.18 and 83.8, so mercifully there’s room for enchancment however this may not be the week for it. 

GIANTS: Are with out Saquon Barkley, probably placing extra work on Jones’ plate. Final week was simply the ninth time in 22 profession video games with at the least 36 go makes an attempt that he is thrown two touchdowns. In these 22 video games, he is thrown at the least one interception 15 occasions. 

UH OH: Jones not solely figures to take care of a heck of plenty of stress, however tight finish Darren Waller must be smothered by a 49ers go protection that ranks top-seven in yards per catch allowed (9.4), yards after catch per reception allowed (YAC/reception; 3.31 yards) and has given up only one landing to vast receivers and tight ends mixed (it was to Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth from three yards out) with zero missed tackles. 

LAST WEEK WITH RICHARDSON: In 16 snaps Moss had 5 touches (one reception) and totaled 19 yards (3.3-yard dashing common). 

LAST WEEK WITH MINSHEW: In 39 snaps Moss had 17 touches (three receptions) and totaled 88 yards (5.4-yard dashing common) and scored from 11 yards out. 

ALL COLTS RBs WITH RICHARDSON (together with Moss): In 82 snaps Colts RBs had 27 touches (eight receptions) and totaled 76 yards (2.0-yard dashing common) with zero touchdowns. Richardson has three dashing touchdowns already. 

RAVENS: In opposition to the Texans after which the Bengals, no working again has hit 13 PPR or 10 non-PPR factors. Behind a terrific linebacker duo in Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, the Ravens have held enemy backs to three.6 yards per carry and rank within the top-eight in runs of five-plus yards allowed (eight), runs of 10-plus yards allowed (one!), yards after contact per rush allowed (2.38) and missed tackles on rushes (4).

LAST WEEK: Of their first recreation with out J.Okay. Dobbins, Baltimore stored leaning on Justice Hill in each general snap share (barely, 54% to Edwards’ 46%) and in high-value conditions (50% of third/fourth downs and 86% of inside the ten snaps). The one inside-the-10 snap he did not play on, Edwards scored from a yard out after Hill had a attempt at it. Regardless of all this, Edwards nonetheless outgained Hill on his 10 carries (62 yards) in comparison with Hill’s 11 carries and three catches (53 yards).

FOURTH QUARTER: When it was time to place the sport away Edwards stepped up and performed 12 of 18 fourth-quarter snaps (Hill had the opposite six, all within the first half of the quarter). Edwards transformed three quick third-downs within the quarter together with the one to ice the sport. The group trusts him.

FILM: Edwards wasn’t the quickest runner between the 2, however he was the higher runner. He appeared to have higher imaginative and prescient and felt extra in-sync with the O-line whereas Hill ran with inconsistent imaginative and prescient and endurance. It is Hill’s velocity and flexibility within the passing recreation that retains him on the sphere greater than the bruising Edwards.

JUSTICE HILL: Shouldn’t be anticipated to play after struggling turf toe. The Ravens will name up Melvin Gordon from the apply squad to assist; Kenyan Drake was signed for insurance coverage functions, per ESPN. 

COLTS: Have been excellent in opposition to the run save for one unhealthy quarter in opposition to the Jaguars. In that fourth quarter, they allowed 5.4 yards per carry with 5 missed tackles. Of their different seven quarters in opposition to Jacksonville and Houston they’ve given up beneath 2.5 yards per carry with three missed tackles. With large boosts from Grover Stewart and Shaquille Leonard on prime of stalwarts DeForest Buckner and Zaire Franklin, the Colts run protection has been significantly better than anticipated.

RAVENS: Are anticipated to be with out two beginning offensive linemen once more this week; the alternative for Ronnie Stanley at left sort out (Patrick Mekari) did a pleasant job blocking, whereas the alternative for Tyler Linderbaum at heart (Sam Mustipher) had some whiffs. It is not a critical downgrade however the heart figures to have extra issues this week given the matchup.

LAST WEEK: Performed regardless of not training in any respect within the lead-up to the sport. Performed 59% of the snaps and 72% of Tennessee’s go performs, large drop-offs from Week 1, suggesting there was a snap administration challenge. However the greatest drop-off was in goal share: 20.8% in comparison with 39.4% in Week 1. Ryan Tannehill throwing 10 fewer passes was additionally a giant issue.

FILM: For probably the most half Hopkins seemed just like the current model of himself, working terrific routes with good lateral agility and stable (generally good) velocity. However he struggled to separate from man protection, which frankly has been a difficulty for him at this stage of his profession anyway. 

BROWNS: Have performed the second-most man protection by way of the primary two weeks of the season with constant utilization in every of their video games in opposition to the Bengals and Steelers. They’re additionally pressuring the quarterback at a excessive charge (at the least 38% of snaps in every recreation) with out constantly sending blitzes. They’re within the top-12 in four-man stress charge, which is a staple for a lot of the excellent defenses across the league. As a profit, they’ve stymied each receiver they’ve performed save for one play in opposition to George Pickens in Week 2.

FORD: A one-time working again for Alabama, he totaled 20 touchdowns and over 1,500 complete yards in his final yr at Cincinnati (2021). The Browns took him in Spherical 5 and sparingly used him as a rookie as a result of, howdy, that they had Nick Chubb. 

FILM: Ford is quick (as you noticed), has fairly good dimension and is an improve within the passing recreation as a result of he understands spacing and getting open, each of which have been clear on his quick TD catch at Pittsburgh. The place he struggled final week and prior to now is in his imaginative and prescient and decisiveness on runs — he might take slightly little bit of time to course of the play in entrance of him. He additionally confirmed out as a go blocker, stone-walling a Steeler on every of his three tries. 

OTHER BROWNS RBs: Ford has but to deal with a giant slate of reps as a professional, so the Browns might hesitate slightly to provide him an enormous workload this quick. Kareem Hunt provides Cleveland a again who is aware of the offense and Pierre Sturdy, whereas an asset on particular groups, can even pitch in. Neither one figures to land a significant position this week except Ford struggles. Put merely, Ford must be the man. 

TITANS: Lead the NFL in rush yards per carry allowed (2.6), protection rush EPA (14.19, an enormous quantity) and rushes of five-plus yards allowed (six). They’re additionally top-five in yards earlier than and after contact allowed and missed tackles on runs (three). A plus-size D-line with savvy linebackers behind them is nice, however to be truthful, they’ve taken on Jamaal Williams, Taysom Hill and Josh Kelley. 

FILM: Pitts was getting open in opposition to zone protection and ran extra routes of eleven-plus yards in Week 2 (11) than Week 1 (4), however of these 11 routes, two have been clear-outs so a teammate might get open. Others in Atlanta, particularly Drake London, are getting open quicker than he’s. 

SNAPS: Pitts nonetheless is not a full-time participant. He performed 60% of the snaps in Week 1, 71% of the snaps in Week 2. He is undoubtedly trending in the correct route, however between this and his slower-than-expected routes, he should still be experiencing some limitations from the knee damage that ended his 2022 season early. 

TARGETS: On the season his Common Depth of Goal (ADOT) is 11.75 however simply certainly one of his 4 receptions has gone for longer than that (his lucky 34-yard underthrown lollipop from Desmond Ridder in Week 1). Additionally, by way of two weeks, Pitts has a 17% goal share (third-highest on the group) and a ghastly 14.5% goal per route run charge. That is not good. 

LIONS: Have allowed a 78% catch charge to tight ends (slightly below league-average) and rank bottom-five in yards per catch allowed (12.5) and missed tackles in opposition to tight ends (5). They’ve performed Noah Grey, Blake Bell, Noah Fant, Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson; at the least one tight finish has 9 PPR factors in opposition to Detroit every week. Additionally, the preliminary defender masking Fant’s targets final week, James Houston, is out and was changed by Derrick Barnes, who was higher in opposition to the run than the go. The matchup is not unhealthy. 

LAST WEEK: Goff and the Lions obtained swept right into a high-scoring shootout at house the place he razed Seattle’s protection for 323 yards and three scores with a choose. 

FALCONS: Blitzed Jordan Love a ton final week — 59.3% of his snaps, to be precise. They obtained to him simply as soon as, although; the Packers allowed a stress simply 22.2% of their offensive snaps, which suggests the Falcons are able to being an aggressive bunch defensively however might not be capable of constantly overcome a succesful offensive line. 

O-LINE: The one weak hyperlink of Detroit’s entrance 5 final week was proper guard Graham Glasgow, who allowed three pressures over 15 go snaps whereas changing Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Glasgow figures to begin this week. Backup-turned-starter Matt Nelson held his personal at proper sort out. That is nonetheless a great unit even when it is down two starters. 

GOFF: Clearly has higher numbers when he isn’t pressured, however by way of two weeks he is nonetheless finishing 65% of his passes when pressured for a modest 6.8 yards per try. He isn’t good however he is on a significantly better tempo than he was in 2022, or ever. 

LAST WEEK: Noticed his position change from Week 1 — he was used extra in movement pre-snap and even noticed an uptick in slot snaps in opposition to Las Vegas. It labored out for him, however perhaps not due to the place he lined up. His quick landing and his lengthy catch of 40 yards have been each on scramble performs the place Allen evaded stress. 

TARGET SHARE: On the season he is seen a weak 14.7% goal share, barely forward of James Prepare dinner (13.3%), Dalton Kincaid (13.3%) and Dawson Knox (12%). However that is weighed down by his extraordinarily low quantity in opposition to the Jets — in opposition to Las Vegas he noticed 19.4% of the goal share, which is the place he must be most weeks. 

COMMANDERS: Had been annihilated by deep throws final week, giving up 4 deep go performs of 15-plus yards not together with a last-gasp Hail Mary that related for Denver. It is a unhealthy search for a go protection that not solely added velocity to its secondary but additionally has a deep go dashing unit. Two of the lengthy throws got here on blitzes and two got here with man protection, in order that they have been beat each which means by the massive play.

DAVIS: Already leads the Payments with 5 goal of 15-plus Air Yards. He was second on the group final yr with 44 such deep targets, three fewer than Stefon Diggs, and with almost similar outcomes (0.9% decrease catch charge, 46 fewer yards, one fewer landing).

LAST WEEK: Jeudy was closely within the slot — almost 75% of his snaps. He performed almost 70% of the snaps too, so it felt like he shook off some cobwebs and nonetheless confirmed the place he’ll line up probably the most is that this season. 

FILM: Jeudy seemed good, utilizing velocity and exact route working to constantly break from protection or discover house in opposition to zone protection appears to be like. He and Wilson appeared to miscommunicate on a few performs, one thing that might hopefully repair itself this week. 

DOLPHINS: Are anticipated to do what most defenses do in opposition to Wilson and play plenty of zone protection with out blitzing him a ton. Jeudy has flip-flopped in opposition to zone protection however in the end will want improved goal quantity if he is to come back by way of for a great recreation in opposition to it. 

SLOT WRs: Miami struggled with Keenan Allen Week 1 (52 of his 76 yards got here from the slot) however bounced again with a great exhibiting in opposition to the entire Patriots’ slot receivers in Week 2. Nickelback Kader Kohou figures to be the man probably going through Jeudy — he is allowed a 100% catch charge by way of two video games, however for simply 5.6 yards per catch. 

TEXANS: Total run recreation has been an eyesore by way of eight quarters. Pierce hasn’t averaged 3.5 yards per carry but in a recreation. He additionally has a minus-0.04 yards earlier than contact per rush common this yr (third-lowest amongst RBs with at the least 20 carries) and a pair of.69 yards after contact per rush common (under the league common). A variety of that’s on an offensive line that by some means hasn’t been graded bottom-five by Professional Soccer Focus in run blocking. 

O-LINE: It appears to be like like stud left sort out Laremy Tunsil shall be again this week. However two-thirds of the inside spots and the correct sort out are nonetheless issues for Houston proper now. 

PIERCE: Has but to play 50% of the snaps in a recreation. Maintain on, it will get worse. Pierce has performed simply 57% of the Texans’ first- and second-downs; he is performed a lean 19% of their third-down snaps to date. There’s an excessive amount of sharing on this backfield. 

JAGUARS: The stats say Jacksonville’s run protection is superior — 3.1 yards per carry allowed, simply six runs of five-plus yards afforded and nil dashing touchdowns given. However Isiah Pacheco had 4 of these six five-plus yard runs final week together with gashes for 11 and 31 yards, and he had simply 12 carries. 

LAST WEEK: Improved on his 14-point PPR outing in opposition to the Ravens with a seven-catch, 146-yard, one-score explosion in opposition to the Colts’ hapless secondary. 

TEXANS: Have been compelled into pass-heavy recreation scripts as a result of they’ve fallen behind in each of their video games this season, however Collins has been part of the offense even within the first half. Final week he had scored and racked up 60 yards on three catches within the first 22 minutes of recreation clock. Better of all, Collins is averaging 10 targets per recreation. 

JAGUARS: Have allowed a 72% catch charge to exterior wideouts (bottom-10) for 12.0 yards per catch (higher than league common). The bigger downside in Jacksonville are the handful of performs the place they’ve allowed over 20 yards after the catch. 

COLLINS: Is averaging 5.77 YAC/reception on the yr, tenth greatest amongst 61 receivers with at the least 10 targets.

LAST WEEK: Performed 78% of the snaps together with all seven inside the ten and all however three snaps on third and fourth downs. He simply had the unlucky luck of taking over the Titans, who sabotaged nearly half of his runs by dominating his blocking (not simply by his O-line however by his receivers too). 

FILM: Kelley has fast acceleration to prime velocity, however he did not constantly react instinctively to the blocking in entrance of him and will have wanted an additional second to get transferring when he stopped his ft. He did end numerous his runs with energy, which is able to assist in opposition to lesser run defenses. His third-down work is not going wherever as a result of he did a fantastic job as a blocker, however do not count on him to deal with plenty of targets. 

VIKINGS: Are coming off a 10-day break following a dismantling on the bottom by the hands of D’Andre Swift and the Eagles. The week earlier than they dealt with enterprise in opposition to the Buccaneers working backs who struggled to seek out lanes behind their iffy O-line. In each video games the Vikings did worse in opposition to zone-run schemes than energy schemes. 

CHARGERS: O-line has been significantly better blocking for zone-run schemes. 

PATRIOTS: Have change into one of many league’s pass-heaviest offenses with a 68.5% go charge (tied for third highest). It is not completely as a result of they’ve discovered themselves trailing within the second half, both — they rank sixth-highest in go charge within the first half of video games (66.2%). 

HENRY: Has caught all however two of 13 throws from Mac Jones to date. That sounds good, however these 13 targets characterize simply 13.5% of Jones’ throws by way of two weeks, a low goal share to make sure. Henry additionally has but to report greater than 13 yards on any of his receptions and is averaging just below 10 yards per seize. 

JETS: Allowed two touchdowns to tight ends final week, each from contained in the five-yard line. They’ve additionally allowed 84.6% of tight finish targets to be caught, however tight ends have seen simply 13 targets in opposition to them. On these 13 targets, just one was caught for greater than a 10-yard achieve (15 yards to Dawson Knox in Week 1). The Jets bend, however do not break, in opposition to tight ends, besides perhaps close to the purpose line. 

THROUGH TWO WEEKS: Thomas has performed largely exterior whereas Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and tight finish Juwan Johnson take turns within the slot. He is had at the least eight targets per recreation and 11 PPR factors in every recreation, however he hasn’t 

YARDS AFTER CATCH: Over 12 receptions, Thomas has totaled precisely eight yards after the catch. His 0.67 YAC/reception common and 11.8% explosive play charge counsel that he is in want of heavy quantity with a view to be a great Fantasy receiver. The 8.5 targets per recreation hasn’t fairly gotten the job accomplished. 

PACKERS: Sport one of many league’s prime exterior cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander. He dominated D.J. Moore in Week 1 however did have a tough time with tall, large and quick receiver Drake London in Week 2. Thomas must be barely simpler for Alexander to deal with, as will Rasul Douglas (who truly has higher metrics than Alexander to date). 

LAST WEEK: Sanders’ workload and effectivity dropped in a troublesome matchup in opposition to the Saints. He continued to play sparingly on third downs, and he noticed Chuba Hubbard deal with 12 of 21 snaps within the fourth quarter because the Panthers’ hurry-up again. No less than he nonetheless noticed at the least 17 touches for the second straight recreation. 

FILM: After a 13-yard run early on, New Orleans keyed in on him and overwhelmed Sanders and his blocking for just about the remainder of the sport. Eight of his runs went for 3 yards or much less, and his second-longest play of the sport, run or catch, went seven yards. His velocity, as soon as he used it, was high quality, nevertheless it seemed like he was slightly gradual to react when he did not have a transparent lane. 

SEAHAWKS: Have allowed 4 touchdowns to working backs by way of two video games (three in Week 1 to the Rams). That is terrible. However they’ve held opposing RBs to 2.7 yards per carry and 0.37 yards earlier than contact per rush, each top-five within the league. Contemplating they performed the Lions final week, that is not unhealthy. They’ve missed 15 tackles, worst within the league, however solely three of the performs with a missed sort out went for seven or extra yards, and none went for greater than 16.

FIELDS: Whereas there have been flashes of fine quarterbacking final week, the truth is that he is nonetheless struggling to set his ft correctly, get the ball out shortly, discover open receivers and browse defenses. It is particularly troubling that he obtained worse as final week’s recreation at Tampa Bay went on. 

O-LINE: What was imagined to be a power has shortly unraveled as left sort out Braxton Jones was positioned on injured reserve this week. That places two starters on the sideline in opposition to a Chiefs protection that is nonetheless seeking to put most stress on opposing quarterbacks (they have been under the league common in every of their first two video games). Each sort out spots seem like liabilities for Chicago. 

FIELDS: Spoke this week about the necessity to play “his recreation” and never be “robotic.” He mentioned he desires to “assume much less” and “play off of instincts.” It is principally a suggestion that he is receiving too many pointers and easily simply desires to go on the market and react to what the protection is doing. It is onerous to listen to that and count on him to enhance as a thrower, nevertheless it ought to nearly definitely imply he’ll run greater than he has this yr.

CHIEFS: Have not been examined by working quarterbacks a lot this season. Final yr the defensive unit allowed 4.9 yards per rush to quarterbacks and 7 dashing touchdowns together with Jalen Hurts’ three within the Tremendous Bowl. 

BEARS: Have referred to as 5 designed runs for Fields by way of the primary two weeks. From Week 5 by way of Week 17 final yr, they referred to as 76 — almost seven per recreation. That does not embody one other 50 scrambles (4.5 per recreation) he took on when a passing play broke down. 

PRESCOTT: Threw extra in Week 2 partly as a result of the Cowboys could not constantly run the ball in opposition to the Jets. That helped him notch 255 yards and two touchdowns, lacking on simply seven of his 38 go makes an attempt in opposition to a extremely good jets secondary. 

CARDINALS: Have not gotten blown out but as they’ve created a good go rush to assault the Commanders and Giants’ O-lines over the primary two weeks of the season. They’ve additionally been higher than anticipated in opposition to the run (3.3 yards per carry, solely two runs of 10-plus yards allowed). Each passers to play Arizona have needed to throw at the least 31 occasions, and each have totaled at the least two touchdowns. 

COWBOYS: Are a step-up in school so far as their O-line goes, higher than league common in go rush stress charge allowed (18.5%). Prescott has been sacked as soon as by way of two video games in opposition to two feisty New York defenses. He ought to have time to throw in Week 3.

PRESCOTT: Has been about the identical in opposition to man and zone coverages this yr however was higher final yr in opposition to zone protection. The Cardinals have began every of two video games taking part in heavy zone protection earlier than altering to man protection within the second half. It might enable for Prescott to get off to a quick begin.

THE BAD: By way of two video games, Harris has three performs which have exceeded 5 yards. They have been good ones — good points of 17, 21 and 24 yards — however they have been overshadowed by the 13 performs which have produced two or fewer yards. For reference, Harris has 19 touches on the yr. 

THE GOOD: Harris continues to be dominating working downs work, has performed on 5 of seven red-zone snaps and likewise their lone play contained in the 10-yard line. That is proper, they’ve had just one. By way of two weeks. However he is had it and nonetheless looks like their most popular again, for now. 

FILM: He is hardly ever explosive with the ball in his arms, however the run-game struggles usually are not all on him. The Steelers offensive line has struggled in a significant technique to open up lanes for him. Who they’ve performed — San Francisco and Cleveland — have made an enormous distinction. Two of these three large runs concerned him hitting the perimeters and a 3rd noticed him weave out of a sort out and alter course. He is wanted that house to speed up to his prime velocity. 

RAIDERS: Regarded fairly stable in opposition to the run in Week 1, however collapsed in opposition to the Payments in Week 2. In each video games Las Vegas allowed at the least 4.4 yards per carry and at the least 3.2 yards after contact per try. They missed eight complete tackles over the 2 video games and precisely 4 runs of 10-plus yards in each. 

THROUGH TWO WEEKS: Regardless of seeing solely 4 fewer targets than Mike Evans, Godwin has caught 10 of 14 for 109 scoreless yards. This contains him seeing two end-zone targets final week, each of which have been off-target from Baker Mayfield. 

FILM: Godwin was by no means the quickest man, nevertheless it does really feel like his agility is sudden, which is an asset that helps him get open. He is proven excellent timing with Mayfield on shorter throws, largely in-breaking routes.

GODWIN: Wants quantity — the 7.0 targets per recreation is sweet however with out explosive after-catch capability on the common, he wants touchdowns to be efficient for Fantasy. In any other case, he is only a stable No. 3 PPR vast receiver with a modest ground. 

EAGLES: Regardless of a top-10 catch charge allowed to receivers (58.9%), they have not been the shut-down unit we realized to like final season. They’ve additionally been among the many zone-heaviest go defenses this season, taking part in at 78% of their snaps. Shedding slot cornerback Avonte Maddox will sting them. Veteran exterior cornerback James Bradberry stays within the concussion protocol. 

GODWIN: Hasn’t been the Bucs’ main slot receiver to date this season — Deven Thompkins and rookie Trey Palmer have been working there probably the most. Which implies Godwin will both see loads of Bradberry if he performs or Josh Jobe, who was answerable for two Minnesota touchdowns final Thursday. It is a fairly large distinction.