Week 3 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and making the right start/sit decisions can be the difference between victory and defeat. This week's lineup analysis focuses on key players poised for success and others who might be better left on the bench.
**Quarterbacks to Start:**
* **Dak Prescott (Cowboys):** Prescott is primed for another strong performance against a struggling Chicago Bears defense, which is currently allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The high projected point total for this game further boosts Prescott's potential.
* **Caleb Williams (USC):** Facing a Dallas defense that has been exceptionally generous to opposing quarterbacks, Williams presents a high-ceiling option.
* **Drake Maye (UNC):** Maye's impressive Week 2 performance sets the stage for another favorable matchup against a less-than-formidable Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
**Running Backs to Start:**
* **Jordan Mason (Vikings):** With key injuries in the Vikings' backfield, Mason is poised to become the lead back. His performance last year when filling in for McCaffrey and a weak Bengals run defense make him a strong start.
* **Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks):** Walker's strong Week 2 performance, combined with Zach Charbonnet's injury, solidifies his position as a solid RB2 option.
* **Javonte Williams (Cowboys):** Williams remains the lead back for Dallas and benefits from a favorable matchup against the injury-riddled Chicago Bears defense.
* **Jaylen Warren (Steelers):** Warren's potential for receiving work makes him a viable option, particularly given the success other pass-catching backs have had against the Patriots.
**Wide Receivers to Start:**
* **Zay Flowers (Ravens):** Flowers' consistent high target volume and production make him a must-start, regardless of the matchup. His potential for increased touchdown production significantly raises his fantasy ceiling.
* **Rome Odunze (Washington):** Odunze's impressive yardage and touchdown totals this season, combined with the potential for a high-scoring game, make him a compelling option.
* **Jakobi Meyers (Patriots):** Meyers provides a reliable floor with consistent target volume, making him a dependable play.
* **Ricky Pearsall (49ers):** With Arizona's injury-ridden secondary, Pearsall presents a high-upside option, regardless of who's under center for the 49ers.
**Tight Ends to Start:**
* **Zach Ertz (Commanders):** Ertz continues to be a productive fantasy tight end, even at age 34. His consistent scoring and target volume make him a safe start.
* **Juwan Johnson (Saints):** Johnson's high target total and a favorable matchup against a Seahawks defense that struggles against tight ends makes him a strong play.
* **Jake Ferguson (Cowboys):** Despite Chicago not being an ideal matchup for tight ends, Ferguson's high target volume and past performance make him a viable option.
**Quarterbacks to Sit:**
* **Jared Goff (Lions):** Goff's performance is highly dependent on playing indoors; an outdoor game against a tough Ravens defense makes him a risky start.
* **Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars):** Facing a strong Houston Texans defense significantly reduces Lawrence's fantasy potential this week.
* **Matthew Stafford (Rams):** Games against the Eagles are generally unfavorable for non-elite quarterbacks.
**Running Backs to Sit:**
* **J.K. Dobbins (Broncos):** Facing his former team, the Chargers, who have proven tough against opposing running backs, reduces Dobbins' upside.
* **David Montgomery (Bears):** Montgomery's success is highly dependent on scoring touchdowns, making him a risky play against a strong Ravens defense.
* **Omarion Hampton (Falcons):** While seeing consistent usage, Hampton's production hasn't matched, making him a less-than-ideal start.
* **TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State):** Reduced playing time due to mistakes raises concerns about his reliability this week.
**Wide Receivers to Sit:**
* **Tee Higgins (Bengals):** Higgins' production is highly dependent on Joe Burrow's health and a tough matchup with the Vikings defense increases his risk.
* **DeVonta Smith (Eagles):** Smith's slow start to the season and a tough matchup against the Rams' defense make him a risky play.
* **Jerry Jeudy/Cedric Tillman (Broncos):** The Packers' tough defense requires a touchdown to make them worthwhile.
* **Hollywood Brown (Chiefs):** Brown's role within the Chiefs' offense is uncertain, making him a risky flex option.
**Tight Ends to Sit:**
* **Mark Andrews (Ravens):** Andrews' recent struggles and a tough matchup against the Lions' defense make him a high-risk play.
* **T.J. Hockenson (Vikings):** Hockenson's inconsistencies and uncertainty at quarterback make him a less desirable start.
* **Hunter Henry (Chargers):** A decline in targets and a boom-or-bust nature makes him a less preferable choice this week. Remember to consult your own rankings and adjust your lineup based on your specific team needs and the latest injury updates.
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Originally published at: https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/fantasy-football-start-em-sit-em-week-3-top-lineup-picks-and-benches-from-justin-boone-141945430.html
