Sit/Start 2025 Week 3: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players in Every Game

Sit or Start recommendations for EVERY fantasy-relevant player in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season!

Game Info

 

Kickoff: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1 p.m. ET

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Network: CBS

 

Game at a Glance

The Aaron Rodgers resurgence lasted all of one week, and the Steelers failed to score 20 points at home against the Seahawks. The Patriots, on the other hand, took full advantage of Miami’s hot garbage of a defense, putting up 33 against their division rival.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)

Aaron Rodgers came back down to earth just after his four-touchdown Steelers debut. He’s yet to throw for 250 yards and threw two interceptions against the Seahawks. The prime Rodgers flashback in Week 1 was fun while it lasted, but it’s far more likely he’ll flirt with borderline Superflex start status most of the season. Especially with Arthur Smith calling plays.

 

Running Back

Jaylen Warren: FLEX, RB3
Kenneth Gainwell: SIT
Kaleb Johnson: SIT

Jaylen Warren has gotten the volume, but remains an inefficient runner of the ball with a 3.4 yards per carry on the season. Warren had possibly the play of the week on an incredible 65-yard catch and run.

Warren is an RB2 as long as he continues to see volume, and Rodgers was vocal this week about getting him more involved in the passing game. Kenneth Gainwell could have FLEX value in a pitch, but is more of a handcuff. Kaleb Johnson‘s bonehead play cost the Steelers a touchdown and certainly himself some playing time. He’s droppable in all redraft formats.

 

Wide Receiver

Dk Metcalf: START, WR3
Calvin Austin III: SIT

DK Metcalf scored his first touchdown as a Steeler against his former team, making an incredible catch on a jump ball thrown by Rodgers.

But even with the touchdown, Metcalf just barely squeaked past ten fantasy points. He’s Rodgers’ most targeted receiver, but considering the lack of explosiveness in the offense and A-A-Ron’s saying he wants to get Warren more involved in the passing game, Metcalf is nothing more than a volatile WR3.

 

Tight End

Jonnu Smith: STREAMER
Pat Friermuth: SIT

You can point to Jonnu Smith‘s 10 targets and 15.4% target share all you want, but he has a total of 42 yards on nine catches. Smith is a desperation streamer due to the volume, but he should be left on most benches, if not waiver wires.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Pittsburgh Steelers: STREAMER

The Steelers defense is streamable considering the Patriots’ low implied team total and sack potential. 

 

New England Patriots

 

Quarterback

Drake Maye: START, QB1

After a solid yet unspectacular start to the season, Drake Maye totaled three touchdowns in Week 2 and flashed the upside that has many claiming he could be “the one”. His potential breakout should continue against the Steelers, a top-five fantasy matchup for quarterbacks and one of six defenses allowing 30+ points per game.

 

Running Back

Rhamondre Stevenson: FLEX, RB3
Treveyon Henderson: FLEX, RB3
Antonio Gibson: SIT

Had he gotten more work in Week 2 as anticipated, I’d have TreVeyon Henderson ranked much higher, facing off against the Steelers. I still expect him to take over the backfield, but Rhamondre Stevenson has proven to be a much deeper thorn in the rookie’s side than many anticipated. In a great matchup facing a Steelers defense that allows the fourth most fantasy points to running backs, both are startable FLEX options.

 

Wide Receiver

Stefon Diggs: FLEX, WR4
Kayshon Boutte: FLEX, WR4
DeMario Douglas: SIT
MacK Hollins: SIT

None of the Patriots’ wide receivers is anywhere near must-start status. Stefon Diggs is the floor play with a team-leading 17.4% target share, but he’ll likely see a whole lot of Jalen Ramsey.  Kayshon Boutte is the Pats receiver with the most upside, accounting for 31.3% of their air yards.

 

Tight End

Hunter Henry: STREAMER

You know what you’re getting with Hunter Henry: either double-digit points or a stinker. In 2024, Henry had seven games over 10 points and nine under double digits, five of them under five points.

 

Defense/Special Teams

New England Patriots: STREAMER

The Steelers’ offense was far less explosive in Week 2. Rodgers threw two picks and was sacked three times, bringing his season total to seven. The Pats likely add to that total as well as their league-leading nine sacks on Sunday.