Week 3 finally brought the onslaught of big-name injuries many fantasy footballers have been waiting for. For weeks, we’ve been trying to convince you to roster those valuable backup running backs and those of you who listened finally struck gold. Alexander Mattison was the RB7 in half-PPR for Week 3, and Chuba Hubbard was likely the top waiver wire add in your league. Both have been featured in the stash section of our articles, as have popular names like Tony Pollard and Sony Michel. (Plus, as a bonus, we told you to stream Peyton Barber and Zack Moss). It’s not too late to get in early on some other valuable players, though!

Let’s get into Start/Sit PLUS. We’ll be looking at six categories (which are described in detail here in our Week 1 article). And to ensure total transparency, I’ll also note at the bottom of each section how I did in last week’s article (I’ve logged it as 39 hits and 20 misses, meaning a 71% success rate so far this season, but you be the judge). If you disagree or have start/sit questions, hit me up on Instagram or Twitter.

Editor’s Note: Ben finished No. 24 overall in 2020 in-season fantasy football accuracy and No. 3 overall in Rest of Season accuracy for 2020. He’s currently No. 4 overall in the 2021 in-season accuracy competition.

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Start

Every-week starters, regardless of matchup

Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)
The Rams offense has been one of the pleasant surprises of the fantasy season so far. While Cooper Kupp is an obvious start by now, Matthew Stafford has also been a beneficiary of the improved passing game. The Cardinals matchup this week is a bit trickier than you might think, though. Teams tend to throw less than expected on them, making this a bottom ten matchup. But I’m starting Stafford regardless. He has enough TD upside in what should be a high-scoring game to suggest he can overcome the odds. Heck, I’d go as far as to say you can lock him in as your starter from now on and forget about backup options.

Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
The Colts running back has looked excellent this season, but the box score isn’t showing what we want to see; fantasy points. Things reached a new low last week when Nyheim Hines sniped the goal line TD. Things should turn around, though, and that should start this week against a Dolphins defense that has been very generous to Peyton Barber, Damien Harris, and the Bills’ backs. Regardless of matchup, though, you should still be trotting Taylor out every week. The TDs will come, and the touches will remain most weeks. Keep the faith.

Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
Until Christian McCaffrey returns, Chuba Hubbard is a viable fantasy starter. While the Cowboys are an elusively tricky matchup, the rookie should see enough volume to make the opportunity count. Will he be as good as CMC? Of course not! But if you rostered him or picked him up on waivers, this week is the time to plug him in.

Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)
Last week was very ugly, with Sanders registering just two rushes against the Cowboys on Monday night. Things should get better this week against a Chiefs’ defense that has been traditionally kind to running backs. For now, you should leave him in each week, though I understand you being nervous about doing so.

Calvin Ridley (WR – ATL)
The Falcons offense is a total mess, but you need to keep starting Calvin Ridley. He’s going to keep getting targets, and this matchup is particularly tasty. Commit to Ridley and stick with him.

Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS)
Despite two lean weeks already this season, F1 remains a must-start. He’s clearly the top receiving option in Washington, and he’s getting good yardage most weeks. While the Falcons provide a juicy matchup, there are not many weeks where McLaurin isn’t a guy you should feel confident starting.

Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)
It’s becoming very clear that Deebo is the guy in San Fran. While he lacks the upside of the true receiving stars due to how the 49ers’ offense works, Samuel is the guy you want in this offense, even with Aiyuk back to his regular workload.

Mike Gesicki (TE – MIA)
I can’t believe I’m saying this after an awful week one, but Mike Gesicki is running so many routes and getting so much attention from Jacoby Brissett, he’s a starter while Tua Tagovailoa is out. He’s a low-end guy, but in a position where people are getting excited about Dalton Schultz, Gesicki is a legit option.

Brandon McManus (K – DEN)
It’s unusual I suggest starting a kicker every week, but for now, McManus is. It’s very possible I’ll retract this next week, but the Broncos kicker is the guy to own if your league hasn’t moved with the times and removed the position altogether.

Others

• David Montgomery (RB – CHI)
• Robert Woods (WR – LAR)
• Logan Thomas (TE – WAS)
• Daniel Carlson (K – LV)

Last Week

• Hits: Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Tom Brady, Melvin Gordon, Mike Williams, Mike Evans, Mark Andrews
• OK: Elijah Mitchell (INJ), Rob Gronkowski
• Misses: David Montgomery, Allen Robinson

Sit

Consider benching if you have a viable alternative

Ryan Tannehill (QB – TEN)
Last week, I had Tannehill as a sit, and I was right, kind of. OK, no. I was just plain wrong. The Titans’ leader threw for only 197 yards and also got picked off twice. However, he also had 56 rushing yards and threw all three Titans touchdowns, meaning he finished as the QB8, placing him behind many solid streaming options but still with a total you’d be happy with. Things could so easily have gone differently. This week he faces the Jets, a team that has allowed teams to run for over 100 yards every week while opposing quarterbacks have combined for only one total touchdown. Now Tannehill is a superior QB to their previous opponents, but Derrick Henry is a superior rusher to nearly everybody in the league, so it’s very possible Tannehill is simply unnecessary in what should be a low-scoring encounter. There aren’t many good streaming options, but if you have a second good quarterback, I’d start them instead.

Daniel Jones (QB – NYG)
The Giants quarterback is the surprise QB10 on the year, with his rushing yardage making up for his four touchdowns. He’ll be on plenty of fantasy rosters, but now is not the time to start him. The Giants face a Saints defense that brutally shut down the Packers and Patriots, with only the Panthers putting points on them in Carolina. With New Orleans back home for the first time this season, this isn’t a matchup where you want to be utilizing a Giant who has his whole receiving corps facing health concerns. He would be a drop, but that rushing upside makes him a viable stash if you have deep benches.

Peyton Barber (RB – LV)
There’s been a lot of talk about Peyton Barber after his explosion last week. While that effort was somewhat predictable, his inevitable return to anonymity is equally predictable. Josh Jacobs is probably back, but even if he’s not, the Chargers will be a sterner test (though not impossible) for the veteran. Unless you’re desperate, he’s a sit, especially in PPR.

Antonio Brown (WR – TB)
AB can go off at any time so I’m wary saying this, but I really dislike the matchup against the Patriots, I dislike the week off and I dislike the number of other options in this offense, as Brown runs only a fraction of the routes most fantasy starters do. I’m sitting him unless I desperately need his undoubted upside.

Tim Patrick (WR – DEN)
I know he’s the hot name on waivers at the moment, but I’m not starting Tim Patrick unless I’m absolutely desperate. The Ravens aren’t exactly generous to receivers, and the Broncos have plenty of superior attacking options.

Rondale Moore (WR – ARI)
I’m not buying this Moore thing at all. He’s clearly the WR4 in this offense, and while that has some streaming upside, he’s a very iffy start most weeks.

Dawson Knox (TE – BUF)
The Bills’ tight end has started the season with two touchdowns, continuing a run of scoring in about half of the Bills games, which goes back to halfway through last season. That’s really all he offers. Either Knox scores, or he busts. I prefer tight ends which offer receiving yards and reception points too, so Knox is a guy I’m leaving on waivers.

Jonnu Smith (TE – NE)
I’ve been saying this for weeks, and I’ll say it again. Hunter Henry is the pass-catching tight end to own in New England. While it’s possible the role shifts back towards Jonnu Smith, for now, the former Titan simply can’t be started.

Harrison Butker (K – KC)
I truly don’t understand the obsession with the Chiefs kicker in fantasy. He’ll give you 3-8 points most weeks, but you might as well aim higher and go for someone who might nail 3-5 field goals and have a true impact on your matchup.

Others

• Damien Harris (RB – NE)
• Ty’Son Williams (RB – BAL)
• Henry Ruggs (WR – LV)
• DJ Chark (WR – JAC)
• Hunter Renfrow (WR – LV)
• Dalton Schultz (TE – DAL)
• Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)
• Ryan Succop (K – TB)
• Denver Broncos (DST – DEN)

Last Week

• Hits: Justin Fields, Devin Singletary, Tony Pollard, Ronald Jones, Will Fuller, Robert Tonyan
• OK: Darrell Henderson (INJ), Jakobi Meyers
• Misses: Ryan Tannehill, Jamaal Williams, Cole Beasley, Marquez Callaway

Stream

Players you wouldn’t normally start who should have a good week

Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
The Vikings have been in a lot of close games this season, often finding themselves behind in the first half. This has led to a lot of passing work for Kirk Cousins, who is QB6 on the season. The Vikings now face the Browns in what is expected to be another moderately high-scoring encounter where they are behind. Dalvin Cook‘s ankle injury is another motivation for the Vikings to throw, so all signs point to another solid outing for the former Washington signal-caller.

Zack Moss (RB – BUF)
Coming into the season, most expected Moss to be the main guy in Buffalo’s mediocre backfield, but there were two twists in the tail. First, Moss was inactive in week one; second, the Bills suddenly started using their backs more often. With Moss rightly taking over the main role from the diminutive Singletary, he’s now an occasional starting option, with an easy matchup against the Texans one of those opportunities. He’s still a TD-or-bust kind of guy, but he’s a viable streamer for now.

Nyheim Hines (RB – IND)
The Dolphins have been very generous to running backs so far this season, including pass catchers. While Taylor is a start this week, his deputy Hines is also a streaming option if you’re scraping the barrel this week.

Christian Kirk (WR – ARI)
I’ve no idea why more people aren’t talking about this guy. He’s still available in a heap of leagues! AJ Green and Rondale Moore seem to have depressed the Kirk excitement, but he’s still the fantasy WR2 in Arizona, and this is an offense you want pieces of!

Tyler Conklin (TE – MIN)
The Vikings’ usage of Conklin has been interesting for weeks, with the tight end running over twenty routes a game. Last week that was finally converted into receptions. With the Browns, a defense teams have tended to attack with their tight ends, up next, Conklin is a totally viable option for Week 4.

Zach Ertz (TE – PHI)
Apparently this has slipped under the radar, but since week 2, Ertz has run more routes than Dallas Goedert. Last week, that was also converted into seven targets and a touchdown. Now taking on a Chiefs team that can be attacked in the middle of the field, Ertz is a viable streamer who is available in most leagues.

Randy Bullock (K – TEN)
So Bullock is a Titan now! Who knew? Presumedly the Titans, I guess, given he’s played for them the last two weeks. He’s been solid too and has a nice matchup against the abysmal Jets. It’s the least predictable position in football, but you need to start one, so it might as well be big Randy.

Pittsburgh Steelers (DST – PIT)
If you’re not streaming DSTs and kickers, you’re doing it wrong. The Steelers take on a usually-solid Packers lineup, TJ Watt is a question mark, and Alex Highsmith is out. I don’t want any part of this.

Others

• Taylor Heinicke (QB – WAS)
• Elijah Mitchell (RB – SF)
• Leonard Fournette (RB – TB)
• Tyler Boyd (WR – CIN)
• Nelson Agholor (WR – NE)
• Corey Davis (WR – NYJ)
• Hunter Henry (TE – NE)

Last Week

• Hits: Sam Darnold, Peyton Barber, Zack Moss, Austin Hooper
• OK: Michael Pittman, Gerald Everett
• Misses: Teddy Bridgewater, Daniel Jones, Sterling Shepard, Rondale Moore, Darnell Mooney, Zach Pascal, David Njoku, Jared Cook

Stash

Pick up and bench

Derek Carr (QB – LV)
I said this last week, but stash options are low for quarterbacks, so I’ll say it again, Derek Carr is a great backup quarterback if you’re desperate to take that approach. While my advice is always to roster only one QB, if you have very deep benches or dislike that advice, the Raiders star is the man for you! While overtime has helped him to two of his three top twelve finishes, the Vegas leader has some nicer matchups ahead. That doesn’t really start this week, though, as the Chargers are a team even Patrick Mahomes found tricky. So pick him up if you must, but don’t start him.

Selected backup running backs

I’ve been saying this since week one and mentioned it in the intro, you should always fill your bench with upside, and in fantasy there’s little more upside than a clear backup running back in a good offense. There’s little chance Hubbard, Mattison, Pollard, Michel, either J. Williams or Hunt will be available in your league, but here are some options that may be:

AJ Dillon, Tony Jones, James Conner, Kenneth Gainwell, Jeremy McNichols, Damien Williams

If you want to go a little deeper, there’s also: Rhamondre Stevenson, Chris Evans, and Larry Rountree

Jeff Wilson (RB – SF)
The 49ers backfield is clearly a mess. It’s very possible when Jeff Wilson comes back in November, he’ll be the starter. If you have the bench space or ideally an IR spot, he’s very much worth stashing.

Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
As with Wilson above, Rashod Bateman started the season injured, but if he’s not on somebody’s IR, it’s time to roster him. The Ravens seem intent on passing more, and Marquise Brown is really struggling to catch the ball (which is kind of important as a receiver), so as I said last week, give Bateman a crack and see what happens.

Evan Engram (TE – NYG)
I don’t have a lot of faith in Evan Engram these days, but he has been an effective fantasy option in the past, and tight end is a very tricky position where many of you may be quite desperate. Just stash him for a couple of weeks and see what happens.

Others

• Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
• Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
• Gabriel Davis (WR – BUF)
• Curtis Samuel (WR – WAS)
• Gerald Everett (TE – SEA)
• Tommy Tremble (TE – CAR)
• Dan Arnold (TE – JAC)
• Tennessee Titans (DST – TEN)
• Cincinnati Bengals (DST – CIN)

Last Week

• Hits: Derek Carr, Brandon Aiyuk, Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki
• TBD: Sony Michel, Tony Jones, Damien Williams, Elijah Moore, Tyrell Williams, K.J. Osborn, Rashod Bateman, Evan Engram
• Misses: Jack Doyle

Sell

Players who will likely lose value in the future to sell now

Tom Brady (QB – TB)
The G.O.A.T. just keeps on goating! After three straight top-five performances, including a tricky matchup against the Rams, the box scores suggest Tom Brady is just unstoppable, but there’s really only one way to go from here. Weeks one and two saw very generous matchups, and while I expected him to fall off last week, garbage time helped him to another good finish. I don’t anticipate that pattern continuing, though. Brady will still probably finish the year as a top-five QB, but if you can trade him for a superior option who’s had a slow start to the season (hello Lamar owners), now is the time to pull the trigger.

Melvin Gordon (RB – DEN)
Experienced fantasy owners will know that the Broncos backfield will eventually shift towards Javonte Williams, so with Melvin Gordon the current hotness, now’s the time to strike while the iron’s warm. If you can get a solid RB2, I’d take it and run.

Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
The Bengals rookie has had a spectacular start to the season, catching a heap of long touchdowns and taking advantage of the absence of Tee Higgins. But beware, the Bengals are passing on early downs less than every other team in the league, running their offense through Joe Mixon and short passes, and using Chase as an occasional weapon. As a result, Chase has only 11 receptions through three games, though ridiculously over a third have reached the end zone. That’s not sustainable, so find somebody who loves the looks of the former LSU star and take a safer option onto your roster.

Dalton Schultz (TE – DAL)
Nothing’s changed. The Cowboys’ tight end role is still an even split between Schultz and Blake Jarwin. Neither should be rostered, but Schultz is very popular after last week’s explosion, so sell him if you can.

Others

• Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI)
• Kareem Hunt (RB – CLE)
• James Robinson (RB – JAC)
• A.J. Green (WR – ARI)
• Marquez Callaway (WR – NO)
• Austin Hooper (TE – CLE)
• Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
• Noah Fant (TE – DEN)

Last Week

• Hits: Kyler Murray, Trey Lance, J.D. McKissic, Damien Harris, Deebo Samuel, Courtland Sutton, Darius Slayton, Noah Fant, Juwan Johnson
• TBD: Tom Brady, Chris Carson, Henry Ruggs, Adam Thielen, Dallas Goedert
• Misses: Cordarrelle Patterson, Austin Ekeler, Brandin Cooks

Scrub

Drop, assuming a viable alternative is available

Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
For whatever reason, the former LSU star is still rostered in the majority of leagues. I have no idea why, but he needs to go. The Bengals have made it clear that they want to focus their offense on Joe Mixon, with the occasional deep pop in there to mix things up. This run-heavy offense combined with short passes is important for keeping Burrow healthy behind an iffy O-line. The Bengals are currently dead last (by some margin) in early-down pass rate, and this shows no signs of changing. He has a good matchup this week but there should be better options available. Burrow can be dropped immediately if you’re not risking him for one last go.

Ronald Jones (RB – TB)
It’s becoming abundantly clear that the Buccs backfield is a total mess, and it’s a mess that’s barely utilizing RoJo. Leonard Fournette is now officially the starter and is sharing passing-down work with Giovani Bernard. This leaves Jones with just a change of pace role, and in this limited rushing offense, that has next to no value. Even though Fournette could go down, Jones isn’t a must-own backup. There are better options around in small to medium-sized leagues.

Cedrick Wilson (WR – DAL)
There was hope that with Michael Gallup on IR, the Cowboys would use Cedrick Wilson in a similar role. It seems that won’t quite be the case, as despite his surprise touchdown on Monday night, he’s not getting enough attention from Dak. Sell him if you can, but otherwise, it’s time to say goodbye.

Maxx Williams (TE – ARI)
Remember last week when I said Maxx Williams has absolutely no value in this offense? Well, week 3 proved that. Drop him like he’s hot.

Others

• Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
• Devin Singletary (RB – BUF)
• Le’Veon Bell (RB – BAL)
• Devonta Freeman (RB – BAL)
• Darius Slayton (WR – NYG)
• Quintez Cephus (WR – DET)
• Demetric Felton (RB/WR – CLE)
• Jack Doyle (TE – IND)
• Pharoah Brown (TE – HOU)

Last Week

Hits: Baker Mayfield, Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, Tevin Coleman, Samaje Perine, Russell Gage, amon-Ra St Brown, Gabriel Davis, Maxx Williams

TBD: Larry Rountree

Misses: Dan Arnold (Though who predicted he’d get traded?), Dawson Knox

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Ben Wasley is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Ben, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFirstDwn.