Week 2 is behind us, and while my three Sits were spot-on, it was a mixed bag for my Start ‘Em. Baker Mayfield did not get any revenge on the Browns, while Aaron Jones Sr. and Devaughn Vele were both solid in their own rights.
Let’s dive into Week 3!
A reminder that I judge my “start” or “sit” against a full-PPR format.
Start ‘Em
Tyler Shough, QB – New Orleans Saints
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Another Saint as the ‘feature’ start this week. This time, it’s Tyler Shough. Through two, he’s very much looked the part as the New Orleans QB despite some (fair) questioning last season given his age and college pedigree. He’s locked in with his wide receivers and, per FantasyData, is the QB6 on the year. He’s leading the league in both completions and pass attempts (62/90) and boasts an impressive 662 passing yards. On tap this week is a date with the 2-0 Raiders, and as long as the NOLA offense is humming, Shough can be leaned on as a reliable QB stream.
Josh Downs, WR – Indianapolis Colts
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Houston Texans
With news hitting on Wednesday that Alec Pierce is being placed on IR, paired with the fact that Keenan Allen just ain’t it, Josh Downs is in prime position to build off his Week 2 output, where he caught seven of nine targets for 72 yards in the Sunday night loss to the Chiefs. Downs led the way with an 83.1% snap count, compared to Allen’s 50.8% and Laquon Treadwell‘s 73.8%. In short, there is no real threat behind Downs other than TE Tyler Warren and any pass plays for Jonathan Taylor.
The Colts are hosting their division-foes, the 0-2 Texans, who are allowing the second most fantasy points to opposing WR’s so far this season.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR – San Francisco 49ers
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 2 was a downer for Deebo Samuel Sr., having only had three receptions on four targets for 31 scoreless yards in the win vs. Miami. This week against the Cardinals will offer a spot to bounce back, knowing that Demarcus Robinson is out 3-6 weeks with an ankle injury, and Mike Evans himself is dealing with a hip issue. Entering Week 3, Arizona is allowing the sixth most fantasy points to WRs this season. The script and opportunity are there for Deebo to be a solid FLEX play this week.
Sit ‘Em
Terry McLaurin, WR – Washington Commanders
Week 3 Matchup: vs Seattle Seahawks
Marcus Mariota will be under center for the Commanders this week, with Jayden Daniels having reinjured his non-throwing elbow, making Terry McLaurin an easy sit against a Seahawks defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing WR’s through two weeks. Don’t get me wrong – the targets should be there for McLaurin – but he has just four catches on the year, and has taken a backseat to Stefon Diggs, who has nine receptions for 102 yards and three touchdowns over that same span.
Jeremiyah Love, RB – Arizona Cardinals
Week 3 Matchup: at San Francisco 49ers
Like last week with Marvin Harrison Jr., I’ll ask the same question – when can we expect a consistent output from Jeremiyah Love? Through the first two weeks, Love has just 70 yards on the ground off 20 rushes and a touchdown, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He also has five catches on seven targets for 25 yards. The RB1 usage for the touted rookie has not come to surface yet, with Tyler Allgeier firmly in the mix for carries and targets. San Francisco has given up the 14th most fpts to RBs so far this season, making them a middling matchup, and if you can avoid Love this week, it would be wise.
Chris Godwin Jr., WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Chris Godwin Jr. has been perfect on the year, catching all seven of his targets for 86 total yards through the first two games. He’s yet to find the end zone, and hasn’t even crossed the 50 receiving yard mark in either game. Both he and Emeka Egbuka share the same 86.1 snap percentage, with Egbuka having the slight edge on targets (11), receptions (8), and he’s found the end zone once.
Simply put, the Vikings defense feels like a bad spot for Godwin this week if you can afford to keep him on your bench.
– Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurt_player02 on Instagram & Threads @kuwasemiller.bksy.social on BlueSky)