Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2024)

Welcome to Week 3, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 3 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 3
1 A+ Josh Allen BUF JAC
2 A Lamar Jackson BAL DAL
3 A Jalen Hurts PHI NO
4 A Kyler Murray ARI DET
5 A- Patrick Mahomes II KC ATL
6 A- Joe Burrow CIN WAS
7 B+ Jayden Daniels WAS CIN
8 B+ Anthony Richardson IND CHI
9 B C.J. Stroud HOU MIN
10 B Jared Goff DET ARI
11 B- Derek Carr NO PHI
12 B- Dak Prescott DAL BAL
13 C+ Baker Mayfield TB DEN
14 C+ Brock Purdy SF LAR
15 C Geno Smith SEA MIA
16 C Justin Fields PIT LAC
17 C- Deshaun Watson CLE NYG
18 C- Sam Darnold MIN HOU
19 D+ Trevor Lawrence JAC BUF
20 D Caleb Williams CHI IND
21 D- Gardner Minshew II LV CAR
22 D- Kirk Cousins ATL KC
23 F Aaron Rodgers NYJ NE
24 F Matthew Stafford LAR SF
25 F Daniel Jones NYG CLE
26 F Will Levis TEN GB
27 F Andy Dalton CAR LV
28 F Justin Herbert LAC PIT
29 F Skylar Thompson MIA SEA
30 F Bo Nix DEN TB
31 F Malik Willis GB TEN
32 F Jacoby Brissett NE NYJ
33 F Jordan Love GB TEN
34 F Easton Stick LAC PIT
35 F Tyler Huntley MIA SEA
36 F Russell Wilson PIT LAC
37 F Aidan O’Connell LV CAR
38 F Jameis Winston CLE NYG
39 F Michael Penix Jr. ATL KC
40 F Drake Maye NE NYJ
41 F Joe Flacco IND CHI
42 F Tyrod Taylor NYJ NE
43 F Drew Lock NYG CLE
44 F Sam Howell SEA MIA
45 F Bryce Young CAR LV

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

After two games of action this season, Rodgers looks like a player that is still shaking off the rust as this offense finds its legs. Rodgers is the QB21 in fantasy points per game, with a better showing in Week 2 (QB10). Among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, Rodgers is 20th in yards per attempt and 25th in CPOE. He has also quietly displayed that the arm talent is still there, as he is 14th in highly accurate throw rate and 10th in hero throw rate. Rodgers should have his best game of this young season in Week 3 against the Patriots. New England’s pass defense outside of Christian Gonzalez has stunk. They have allowed the highest CPOE, the 11th-highest passer rating, and the eighth-most passing yards per game. Rodgers should have all day in the pocket against a pass rush that has generated the third-lowest pressure rate.

Deshaun Watson (QB)

Watson is the QB17 in fantasy, thanks to his rushing. He has averaged 29.5 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown. Without that, he would be a bottom-five fantasy quarterback that would be commensurate with his level of play. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, Watson is 32nd in yards per attempt, 30th in passer rating, and has the 12th-highest off-target throw rate. I don’t have any faith after last week in Watson’s ability to take advantage of a plus matchup, but he gets another chance this week against a porous Giants’ secondary. New York has allowed the fifth-highest yards per attempt, the sixth-highest passer rating, and the fourth-highest CPOE.

Daniel Jones (QB)

Even in Superflex formats, you couldn’t pay me to start Jones this week. His QB20 standing in fantasy doesn’t really tell the full story of how incredibly bad he has played through two weeks. Among 34 qualifying signal callers, Jones is 30th in yards per attempt, 26th in CPOE, and 28th in catchable target rate. He has the eighth-highest off-target throw rate. The Browns still have a nasty pass defense. They have held quarterbacks to the 10th-lowest yards per attempt, the fifth-lowest CPOE, and the 13th-fewest fantasy points. Sit Jones.

Will Levis (QB)

Levis is a tough player to consider starting even in Superflex formats. He has been nothing short of dreadful through two games as the QB29 in fantasy. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he has the seventh-lowest yards per attempt and passer rating while also checking in with the ninth-fewest fantasy points per dropback and the 12th-lowest catchable target rate. The Packers have tough against quarterbacks in the early going, forcing the most interceptions while allowing the third-lowest passer rating and the fifth-lowest CPOE. Levis is a desperation QB2 only.

Malik Willis (QB)

Willis operated as a competent game manager in his first start for Green Bay, completing 85.7% of his 14 passes while adding 41 rushing yards as the QB20 for the week. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he was eighth in yards per attempt, fifth in passer rating, and eighth in CPOE. The Packers tried to put as little as possible on his plate. He threw to his first read on 80% of his passes, which is the highest mark among qualifying quarterbacks. This week, if Willis posts solid QB2 numbers again, it will have to come via his legs. The Titans pass defense is legit through two games, allowing the second-lowest yards per attempt, the lowest CPOE, and the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

Caleb Williams (QB)

Williams is the QB30 in fantasy points per game. This isn’t the start to the season anyone projected for Williams. It’s been tough to watch. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he has the lowest yards per attempt, the third-lowest passer rating, the sixth-lowest CPOE, and the lowest fantasy points per dropback. In a 1QB league, Williams isn’t on your fantasy radar, but he could manage his best NFL game so far this week, which could help folks in 2QB or Superflex leagues. The Colts pass defense has been a pushover this year. They have the sixth-lowest pressure rate, which is huge for Williams, who has been pressured at the 10th-highest rate with the 10th-lowest time to pressure. He could enjoy more clean pockets this week which would be great against a secondary that has allowed the seventh-highest yards per attempt, the fourth-highest passer rating, and the second-lowest CPOE.

Sam Darnold (QB)

OK, let’s get this out of the way. Darnold hasn’t been seeing ghosts this season. If anything he has become an honorary Ghostbuster in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks third in yards per attempt, sixth in passer rating, and ninth in CPOE as the QB10 in fantasy. Yes, you read that correctly. Darnold is the QB10 in fantasy while also ranking seventh in fantasy points per dropback. With a tough matchup this week, Darnold will reside in the QB2 area code. Houston has allowed the 10th-lowest EPA per dropback, the fourth-lowest success rate per dropback, and the sixth-lowest CPOE.

Justin Fields (QB)

Fields is the QB24 in fantasy points per game, which can be traced to his one touchdown for the season. He is the QB7 in expected fantasy points per game. Fields has limited weapons in the passing game outside of George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, which can explain the fact that he is 24th in yards per attempt and has the highest check-down rate among quarterbacks. Fields is due positive regression, and it happens this week. His rushing profile remains strong as he is third in rushing attempts per game, first in red zone carries per game, and sixth in rushing yards per game among quarterbacks. He faces a Chargers defense that is a tad overrated after their Week 2 matchup with Carolina. Facing Bryce Young this season is an auto inflater of defensive stats. In Week 1 against Gardner Minshew, the Bolts allowed the 10th-highest yards per attempt, adjusted completion rate, and passer rating.

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Week 3 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 3
1 A+ CeeDee Lamb DAL BAL
2 A+ Ja’Marr Chase CIN WAS
3 A+ Amon-Ra St. Brown DET ARI
4 A+ Justin Jefferson MIN HOU
5 A+ Rashee Rice KC ATL
6 A Nico Collins HOU MIN
7 A Brandon Aiyuk SF LAR
8 A Davante Adams LV CAR
9 A DeVonta Smith PHI NO
10 A Tyreek Hill MIA SEA
11 A Marvin Harrison Jr. ARI DET
12 A Garrett Wilson NYJ NE
13 A Chris Olave NO PHI
14 A Chris Godwin TB DEN
15 A Mike Evans TB DEN
16 A- DK Metcalf SEA MIA
17 A- DJ Moore CHI IND
18 A- Zay Flowers BAL DAL
19 A- Malik Nabers NYG CLE
20 B+ Jameson Williams DET ARI
21 B+ Drake London ATL KC
22 B+ Stefon Diggs HOU MIN
23 B George Pickens PIT LAC
24 B Tank Dell HOU MIN
25 B Amari Cooper CLE NYG
26 B Rashid Shaheed NO PHI
27 B Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA MIA
28 B Xavier Worthy KC ATL
29 B Jaylen Waddle MIA SEA
30 B- Calvin Ridley TEN GB
31 B- Michael Pittman Jr. IND CHI
32 B- Terry McLaurin WAS CIN
33 B- Brian Thomas Jr. JAC BUF
34 C+ Diontae Johnson CAR LV
35 C+ Tee Higgins CIN WAS
36 C+ Christian Kirk JAC BUF
37 C+ Khalil Shakir BUF JAC
38 C+ Demarcus Robinson LAR SF
39 C+ Jerry Jeudy CLE NYG
40 C+ Ladd McConkey LAC PIT
41 C+ Jayden Reed GB TEN
42 C Rome Odunze CHI IND
43 C Brandin Cooks DAL BAL
44 C Keon Coleman BUF JAC
45 C Tyler Lockett SEA MIA
46 C Courtland Sutton DEN TB
47 C Andrei Iosivas CIN WAS
48 C Jauan Jennings SF LAR
49 C Darnell Mooney ATL KC
50 C Gabe Davis JAC BUF
51 C- Jakobi Meyers LV CAR
52 C- Jalen Nailor MIN HOU
53 C- Adam Thielen CAR LV
54 C- Alec Pierce IND CHI
55 C- Quentin Johnston LAC PIT
56 C- Romeo Doubs GB TEN
57 C- Jalen Tolbert DAL BAL
58 C- DeAndre Hopkins TEN GB
59 D+ Jordan Whittington LAR SF
60 D+ Josh Reynolds DEN TB
61 D+ Greg Dortch ARI DET
62 D Jalen McMillan TB DEN
63 D Allen Lazard NYJ NE
64 D Christian Watson GB TEN
65 D Josh Downs IND CHI
66 D Michael Wilson ARI DET
67 D Wan’Dale Robinson NYG CLE
68 D- Tyler Johnson LAR SF
69 D- Rashod Bateman BAL DAL
70 D- Mike Williams NYJ NE
71 D- Ray-Ray McCloud III ATL KC
72 F Joshua Palmer LAC PIT
73 F Elijah Moore CLE NYG
74 F Ja’Lynn Polk NE NYJ
75 F DeMario Douglas NE NYJ
76 F Dontayvion Wicks GB TEN
77 F Tyler Boyd TEN GB
78 F Darius Slayton NYG CLE
79 F Jahan Dotson PHI NO
80 F Curtis Samuel BUF JAC
81 F Luke McCaffrey WAS CIN
82 F Adonai Mitchell IND CHI
83 F Xavier Legette CAR LV
84 F DeAndre Carter CHI IND
85 F Tutu Atwell LAR SF
86 F K.J. Osborn NE NYJ
87 F Brandon Powell MIN HOU
88 F Mack Hollins BUF JAC
89 F Britain Covey PHI NO
90 F Kalif Raymond DET ARI
91 F Nelson Agholor BAL DAL
92 F Devaughn Vele DEN TB
93 F Tre Tucker LV CAR
94 F Trenton Irwin CIN WAS
95 F Jermaine Burton CIN WAS
96 F Van Jefferson PIT LAC
97 F Jonathan Mingo CAR LV
98 F Noah Brown WAS CIN
99 F Lil’Jordan Humphrey DEN TB
100 F Justin Watson KC ATL
101 F Tim Patrick DET ARI
102 F Dyami Brown WAS CIN
103 F Marvin Mims Jr. DEN TB
104 F Tyquan Thornton NE NYJ
105 F KaVontae Turpin DAL BAL
106 F Treylon Burks TEN GB
107 F Calvin Austin III PIT LAC
108 F Jalin Hyatt NYG CLE
109 F Chris Conley SF LAR
110 F Cedric Tillman CLE NYG
111 F Johnny Wilson PHI NO
112 F Jalen Brooks DAL BAL
113 F Jacob Cowing SF LAR
114 F Trent Sherfield Sr. MIN HOU
115 F Olamide Zaccheaus WAS CIN
116 F Braxton Berrios MIA SEA
117 F JuJu Smith-Schuster KC ATL
118 F Derius Davis LAC PIT
119 F Ronnie Bell SF LAR
120 F Xavier Gipson NYJ NE
121 F Parris Campbell PHI NO
122 F Trey Palmer TB DEN
123 F Cedrick Wilson Jr. NO PHI
124 F Parker Washington JAC BUF
125 F Marquez Valdes-Scantling BUF JAC
126 F Troy Franklin DEN TB
127 F Ashton Dulin IND CHI
128 F Tyler Scott CHI IND
129 F Bo Melton GB TEN
130 F Velus Jones Jr. CHI IND
131 F Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN GB
132 F Roman Wilson PIT LAC
133 F Malachi Corley NYJ NE
134 F Laviska Shenault Jr. SEA MIA
135 F Jake Bobo SEA MIA
136 F Javon Baker NE NYJ
137 F Xavier Hutchinson HOU MIN
138 F Charlie Jones CIN WAS
139 F David Moore CAR LV
140 F Bub Means NO PHI
141 F Scotty Miller PIT LAC
142 F DJ Turner LV CAR
143 F KhaDarel Hodge ATL KC
144 F Mason Tipton NO PHI
145 F A.T. Perry NO PHI
146 F Robert Woods HOU MIN
147 F Devin Duvernay JAC BUF
148 F Simi Fehoko LAC PIT
149 F Skyy Moore KC ATL
150 F Tom Kennedy DET ARI
151 F Casey Washington ATL KC
152 F James Proche II CLE NYG
153 F Erik Ezukanma MIA SEA
154 F Dareke Young SEA MIA
155 F Zach Pascal ARI DET
156 F Jamari Thrash CLE NYG
157 F Tylan Wallace BAL DAL
158 F Chris Moore ARI DET
159 F Anthony Gould IND CHI
160 F Mecole Hardman Jr. KC ATL
161 F Jha’Quan Jackson TEN GB
162 F Trishton Jackson MIN HOU
163 F Deonte Harty BAL DAL
164 F Kayshon Boutte NE NYJ
165 F Dee Eskridge MIA SEA
166 F Tim Jones JAC BUF

George Pickens (WR)

Pickens will cook in Week 3. There, I said it. He is WR43 but a target hog. Pickens has a 25.6% target share, a 53.4% air-yard share, 2.78 YPRR, and a 32.3% first-read share. Among 92 qualifying wide receivers, he ranks second in separation and third in route win rate. The Bolts have the fourth-highest rate of two high this season (65.2%). Pickens ranks second in separation and eighth in route win rate against two high. Pickens will run about 67% of his routes against Asante Samuel Jr. (75% catch rate and 93.1 passer rating) and Kristian Fulton (40% catch rate and 47.9 passer rating).

Ladd McConkey (WR)

McConkey is the WR42 in fantasy, drawing a 23.9% target share, a 29% air-yard share, and a 19.2% first-read share with 1.86 YPRR. He’s tied for second on the team with one end-zone target. Among 92 qualifying receivers, he ranks 62nd in separation and 47th in route win rate. McConkey does have a good corner matchup this week, as he’ll run about 65% of his routes against Beanie Bishop Jr. (87.5% catch rate and 143.2 passer rating). Joshua Palmer or Quentin Johnston will draw shadow coverage from Joey Porter Jr., which should push more target volume to McConkey this week.

Joshua Palmer (WR)

Palmer has been the third wheel in this passing attack behind McConkey and Johnston so far. He has only a 13% target share, a 15.9% air-yard share, and an 11.5% first-read share. He has been dinged up with a knee issue, which could explain the lack of targets and effectiveness. Among 92 qualifying receivers, he ranks 69th in separation and 73rd in route win rate. Palmer could draw shadow coverage from Joey Porter Jr. this week, but I think it’s more likely Johnston who earns that honor. That means Palmer will face Donte Jackson (42.9% catch rate and 20.8 passer rating), which still is no treat. Sit Palmer.

Quentin Johnston (WR)

Johnston is the WR24 in fantasy, riding high on his two-touchdown performance last week. He has earned a 23.9% target share, a 39.3% air-yard share, and a 38.5% first-read share as the clear number one for the Bolts. He has produced 2.17 YPRR, while his per-route metrics remain nasty. Among 92 qualifying receivers, he is 78th in separation and 81st in route win rate. Johnston will likely come back to earth this week as he will likely draw shadow coverage from Joey Porter Jr. (60% catch rate and 79.6 passer rating). Porter Jr. followed Drake London and Courtland Sutton so far this season on 65-69% of their routes, holding them to a combined 33 yards receiving. Sit Johnston this week.

Jalen McMillan (WR)

With Patrick Surtain likely to shadow Mike Evans this week, McMillan could see some extra volume. McMillan has a 10.2% target share, a 29.7% air-yard share, 1.26 YPRR, and a 10.5% first-read share. Among 92 qualifying receivers, McMillan ranks 54th in separation and 23rd in route win rate. If Surtain is on Evans the entire day, McMillan will see Riley Moss (72.7% catch rate and 92.2 passer rating) on the perimeter all day.

Courtland Sutton (WR)

Sutton has been a volume magnet, but the quality of that volume has rendered him useless in fantasy. He is the WR71 in fantasy points per game despite a 20.8% target share, a 41.7% air-yard share, and a 24.1% first-read share. Only 37.5% of his targets have been deemed catchable. That is an insane statistic. Sadly, Sutton also hasn’t done a good job of getting open. Among 92 qualifying receivers, Sutton ranks 90th in separation and 77th in route win rate. Sutton is borderline droppable at this point, but I understand holding him on a roster because of the volume. He’s definitely not startable, though.

Davante Adams (WR)

Adams continues to roll along as the WR11 with a 25.4% target share, a 54.5% air-yard share, 2.35 YPRR, and a 37.8% first-read share. Carolina has utilized single-high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (72.9%). Against single-high, Adams’ numbers have jumped to insane levels with a 48% target share, a 64.8% air-yard share, 4.09 YPRR, and a 55% first-read share. Jaycee Horn hasn’t been shadowing. Adams will run about 72% of his routes against Horn (66.7% catch rate and 104.9 passer rating) and Mike Jackson (66.7% catch rate and 84.5 passer rating).

Diontae Johnson (WR)

Johnson has a 21.1% target share, a 21.6% air-yard share, 0.68 YPRR, and a 26.8% first-read share. I expect Dalton to hone in on Johnson this week and feed him. The rest of his numbers outside of his first-read share I’ll take with a grain of salt because the level of quarterback play in Carolina through the first two weeks was dreadful. Johnson is back on the WR3/flex radar for this week. Johnson will run about 67% of his routes against Jack Jones (55.6% catch rate and 64.6 passer rating) and Jakorian Bennett (37.5% catch rate and 54.2 passer rating).

Jakobi Meyers (WR)

This passing offense has been all Adams and Bowers so far. Meyers has been an afterthought with an 11.3% target share, a 20.3% air-yard share, 1.36 YPRR, and an 11.1% first-read share. The matchup isn’t good enough to worry about Meyers as a flex this week. Carolina has utilized single-high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (72.9%). Against single-high, Meyers numbers still aren’t great, with 1.32 YPRR and a 15% first-read share. There are better flex plays to target this week for your lineups.

Adam Thielen (WR)

We have to see how many weapons Dalton can support before chasing tertiary weapons in the Carolina passing attack in any week. Thielen has only a 12.3% target share, a 20.3% air-yard share, 1.30 YPRR, and a 14.6% first-read share. Among 92 qualifying wide receivers, he ranks 47th in separation and 90th in route win rate. If his per-route metrics offered a little more hope, I could make at least some conceivable case for Thielen, but it’s not there for Week 3.

DK Metcalf (WR)

Metcalf blew up last week, raising himself to WR15 in fantasy. He has commanded a 26.1% target share, a 40.9% air-yard share, and a 34.8% first-read share with 2.32 YPRR. Miami has utilized single-high on 57.8% of their defensive snaps. Metcalf has led the way again this year against single-high with a 29.7% target share, a 48.7% air-yard share, and a 37% first-read share. Metcalf should have no issues this week while running 90% of his routes against Kendall Fuller (25% catch rate and 45.8 passer rating) and Jalen Ramsey (100% catch rate and 118.8 passer rating).

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

Well, we finally got to see it. Smith-Njigba was utilized, and he looked like an absolute stud. He had a 36.4% target share, a 47.1% air-yard share, 3.08 YPRR, and a 39.3% first-read share. He was the WR8 for the week in fantasy. Moving forward, Smith-Njigba and Metcalf should lead this passing attack. Miami has utilized single-high on 57.8% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Smith-Njigba has a 27% target share, 2.14 YPRR, and a 29.6% first-read share. Smith-Njigba should pick on Kader Kohou (75% catch rate and 109.9 passer rating) all game in Week 3. Miami has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target to slot receivers this season.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 3 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 3
1 A+ Bijan Robinson ATL KC
2 A+ Breece Hall NYJ NE
3 A+ Saquon Barkley PHI NO
4 A+ Alvin Kamara NO PHI
5 A Jordan Mason SF LAR
6 A De’Von Achane MIA SEA
7 A Jonathan Taylor IND CHI
8 A Jahmyr Gibbs DET ARI
9 A James Cook BUF JAC
10 A Josh Jacobs GB TEN
11 A Derrick Henry BAL DAL
12 A- Travis Etienne Jr. JAC BUF
13 A- James Conner ARI DET
14 B+ Kyren Williams LAR SF
15 B+ Zach Charbonnet SEA MIA
16 B+ Rhamondre Stevenson NE NYJ
17 B Tony Pollard TEN GB
18 B Brian Robinson Jr. WAS CIN
19 B David Montgomery DET ARI
20 B Rachaad White TB DEN
21 B J.K. Dobbins LAC PIT
22 B- Aaron Jones MIN HOU
23 B- Zack Moss CIN WAS
24 B- D’Andre Swift CHI IND
25 B- Zamir White LV CAR
26 B- Cam Akers HOU MIN
27 C+ Devin Singletary NYG CLE
28 C+ Najee Harris PIT LAC
29 C Jerome Ford CLE NYG
30 C Chuba Hubbard CAR LV
31 C Javonte Williams DEN TB
32 C Jaylen Warren PIT LAC
33 C Carson Steele KC ATL
34 C Austin Ekeler WAS CIN
35 C D’Onta Foreman CLE NYG
36 C- Ezekiel Elliott DAL BAL
37 C- Samaje Perine KC ATL
38 C- Rico Dowdle DAL BAL
39 D+ Bucky Irving TB DEN
40 D+ Ty Chandler MIN HOU
41 D+ Gus Edwards LAC PIT
42 D Alexander Mattison LV CAR
43 D Tyjae Spears TEN GB
44 D Chase Brown CIN WAS
45 D Justice Hill BAL DAL
46 D Jaleel McLaughlin DEN TB
47 D- Antonio Gibson NE NYJ
48 D- Braelon Allen NYJ NE
49 F Tyler Allgeier ATL KC
50 F Khalil Herbert CHI IND
51 F Miles Sanders CAR LV
52 F Ray Davis BUF JAC
53 F Emanuel Wilson GB TEN
54 F Jamaal Williams NO PHI
55 F Trey Benson ARI DET
56 F Jeff Wilson Jr. MIA SEA
57 F Dare Ogunbowale HOU MIN
58 F Jaylen Wright MIA SEA
59 F Tyrone Tracy Jr. NYG CLE
60 F Kenneth Gainwell PHI NO
61 F Trey Sermon IND CHI
62 F Blake Corum LAR SF
63 F Isaac Guerendo SF LAR
64 F Ty Johnson BUF JAC
65 F Emari Demercado ARI DET
66 F Kyle Juszczyk SF LAR
67 F Tank Bigsby JAC BUF
68 F D’Ernest Johnson JAC BUF
69 F Cordarrelle Patterson PIT LAC
70 F Kenny McIntosh SEA MIA
71 F Ronnie Rivers LAR SF
72 F Roschon Johnson CHI IND
73 F Deuce Vaughn DAL BAL
74 F Will Shipley PHI NO
75 F Keaontay Ingram KC ATL
76 F Ameer Abdullah LV CAR
77 F Tyler Goodson IND CHI
78 F Tyler Badie DEN TB
79 F Eric Gray NYG CLE
80 F Alec Ingold MIA SEA
81 F C.J. Ham MIN HOU
82 F DeeJay Dallas ARI DET
83 F Hassan Haskins LAC PIT
84 F Patrick Ricard BAL DAL
85 F Sean Tucker TB DEN
86 F Raheem Blackshear CAR LV
87 F Patrick Taylor Jr. SF LAR
88 F Michael Burton DEN TB
89 F Jordan Mims NO PHI
90 F Cody Schrader LAR SF
91 F Julius Chestnut TEN GB
92 F Jase McClellan ATL KC
93 F Sione Vaki DET ARI
94 F Isaiah Davis NYJ NE
95 F Hunter Luepke DAL BAL
96 F Reggie Gilliam BUF JAC
97 F JaMycal Hasty NE NYJ
98 F Deneric Prince MIA SEA
99 F George Holani SEA MIA
100 F British Brooks HOU MIN
101 F Frank Gore Jr. BUF JAC
102 F Raheem Mostert MIA SEA
103 F Evan Hull IND CHI
104 F Craig Reynolds DET ARI
105 F Gary Brightwell CLE NYG
106 F Myles Gaskin MIN HOU
107 F Ellis Merriweather GB TEN
108 F Adam Prentice NO PHI
109 F Trayveon Williams CIN WAS
110 F Dalvin Cook DAL BAL
111 F Jeremy McNichols WAS CIN

Derrick Henry (RB)

Henry rebounded with a better stat line in Week 1, with 46% of the snaps played, 19 touches, and 96 total yards. Henry is the RB21 in fantasy points per game. Among 40 qualifying backs, he ranks 15th in explosive run rate and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. His offensive line has the sixth-best yards before contact per attempt. This week’s matchup with Dallas should keep Henry rolling along the tracks. Dallas has the lowest stuff rate in the NFL while allowing the seventh-highest yards before contact per attempt, the fifth-highest gap yards per carry (5.9), and the highest success rate to gap runs (Henry 55% gap).

Rico Dowdle (RB)

Last week, Dowdle led the backfield with a 43% snap rate, 11 touches, and 59 total yards as the RB28 in fantasy. He led the way with 45% of the rushing down snaps while losing the battle to Elliott on passing downs (44% vs. 46%) and in the red zone (22% vs. 67%). Dowdle still hasn’t broken an explosive run or forced a missed tackle while recording 2.0 yards after contact per attempt. Those numbers aren’t great by any stretch, but they are still better than Elliott’s 2024 resume. We could continue to see Dowdle eat into Elliott’s work as we move through the season. Dowdle and Elliott are nothing more than touchdown-dependent flex plays this week. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-lowest explosive run rate and the second-best yards after contact per attempt and stuff rate.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB)

Elliott lost some early down work last week while retaining his lead on passing down snaps (46% vs. 44%) and in the red zone (67% vs. 22%). Elliott finished with an overall 40% snap rate, eight touches, and 32 total yards. Elliott has yet to bust an explosive run or force a missed tackle, which is gross, especially when paired with his 1.69 yards after contact per attempt. Elliott simply doesn’t have anything left in the tank, but Dallas keeps trotting him out there. If Dowdle shows anything in the coming weeks, he can and should take over the majority of the backfield work for Dallas. Elliott remains a touchdown-dependent flex this week with a brutal matchup. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-lowest explosive run rate and the second-best yards after contact per attempt and stuff rate.

David Montgomery (RB)

Montgomery is the RB14 in fantasy, averaging 42% of the snaps with 16.5 touches and 81.5 total yards per game. Among 40 qualifying backs, he is ninth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 18th in yards after contact per attempt. He faces what appears to be a tough run defense for Arizona through two games. The Cardinals have allowed the 10th-lowest missed tackle rate and the fifth-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt. Montgomery likely needs a touchdown to pay off in fantasy this week.

Carson Steele (RB)

Last week, Steele played 22% of the snaps, with his seven carries producing 24 rushing yards. He should take over the early down role for Kansas City this week. Last week, he handled 38% of the goal-line snaps and 60% of the short-yardage snaps. With his limited work this season, he has produced a 22% missed tackle rate and 2.0 yards after contact per attempt. The Falcons’ run defense is a mixed bag so far. They have given up the 12th-lowest explosive run rate and the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt while also having the fifth-lowest stuff rate, the 12th-highest gap yards per carry, and the fifth-highest gap run success rate allowed (Steele 56% gap). Steele could get there this week with volume and a short porch touchdown.

Samaje Perine (RB)

If you picked up Perine off of waivers, hold him on your roster, but don’t start him this week. Perine has played 14-15% of snaps this season, with his only contributions coming from the passing game (1.5 targets per game and 6.5 receiving yards per game). He didn’t play any early down snaps last week. He did have 80% of the third down snaps and 33% of the two-minute drill work. His role has to expand before he’s a possibility for fantasy lineups. The Falcons have allowed the fifth-fewest receptions and the ninth-fewest receiving yards to backs this season.

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)

Robinson Jr. is the RB15 in fantasy points per game, ranking fifth in explosive run rate, 10th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and fourth in yards after contact per attempt. He has averaged a 58% snap rate with 16.5 touches and 112.5 total yards per game. The Bengals remain a wonderful run funnel with the ninth-lowest stuff rate while giving up the third-highest missed tackle rate and the sixth-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Zack Moss (RB)

Moss has been the team’s clear workhorse this season, which is totally different from the vibes that came out of training camp. Moss has averaged a 73% snap rate with 12 touches and 54 total yards per game. I know those aren’t amazing numbers. They aren’t, but Moss is still the clear “guy” in this backfield. His tackle-breaking metrics are also lackluster. Among 40 qualifying backs, he ranks 23rd in explosive run rate, 21st in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 19th in yards after contact per attempt. Moss has a chance to improve all of his numbers this week with a solid matchup against the Commanders’ run defense. Washington has permitted the ninth-highest explosive run rate, the fourth-highest missed tackle rate, and the eighth-highest yards before contact per attempt.

Austin Ekeler (RB)

Ekeler has been a viable, if not strong, flex play after two weeks. He has averaged a 48% snap rate with 8.5 touches and 73.5 total yards per game. His snap rates haven’t changed much overall to when the Commanders have been trailing, so even if we project Washington to trail for much of this game, it won’t bump up Ekeler. Ekeler has logged a 20% missed tackle forced rate and 2.3 yards after contact per attempt, which aren’t bad metrics at all, even with the small early down sample size. The Bengals were tough against receiving backs last year, allowing the seventh-fewest receiving yards and the 10th-fewest receptions. This is a week to sit Ekeler.

Chase Brown (RB)

Brown is a hold on rosters as a solid handcuff, but he’s not playable in fantasy right now. Brown has only averaged a 27% snap rate with five touches and 27 total yards per game. He has only a 20.8% red zone snap rate, so we can’t even hold out hope for a random touchdown. His usage has to increase for him to be viable for fantasy lineups.

Devin Singletary (RB)

Singletary might not be the sexiest fantasy play weekly, but he is a strong volume flex that can be an RB2. He has been the Giants workhorse, playing at least 70% of the snaps in each game while averaging 15.5 touches and 73.5 total yards. Among 40 qualifying backs, Singletary ranks 11th in explosive run rate, third in missed tackles forced per attempt, and sixth in yards after contact per attempt. The Giants should look to feed Singletary this week. The Browns’ run defense is middle-of-the-road at best. This season, they are 19th in explosive run rate and 15th in missed tackle rate while also having the seventh-lowest stuff rate and the fifth-highest yards after contact per attempt allowed. Last year, they allowed the fourth-highest yards per carry to gap runs (Singletary 77% gap). He should find running room this week behind a line that has surprised with run blocking with the 14th-best yards before contact per attempt.

Jerome Ford (RB)

After operating as Cleveland’s workhorse in Week 1, Ford saw his workload cut in Week 2. He played 44% of the snaps with eight touches and 64 total yards. He lost the red zone role to Foreman while retaining the passing down gig. Ford played 44% of the passing downs while he didn’t log a snap in the red zone. Among 40 qualifying backs, Ford has disappointed in tackle-breaking metrics so far, ranking 21st in explosive run rate, 28th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 24th in yards after contact per attempt. Despite all of this bad news for Ford, he is still a strong flex play this week because the Giants have a bottom-five run defense. New York has allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate, the fifth-most rushing yards per game, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt and missed tackle rate.

D’Onta Foreman (RB)

Foreman took the lead in the backfield in Week 2. He played 38% of the snaps, logging 15 touches for 51 total yards. Foreman had a 59% snap rate on rushing plays while playing 60% of the snaps in the red zone. Among 42 qualifying backs, his tackle-breaking ability was suspect at best, ranking 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 25th in yards after contact per attempt. That might not matter if he retains this type of workload for Week 3 against a run defense as bad as the Giants. New York has allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate, the fifth-most rushing yards per game, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt and missed tackle rate. Foreman could be a plug-and-play RB2/3 off the waiver wire this week.

Week 3 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 3
1 A+ Trey McBride ARI DET
2 A Travis Kelce KC ATL
3 A- Brock Bowers LV CAR
4 B+ Sam LaPorta DET ARI
5 B Mark Andrews BAL DAL
6 B- Dalton Kincaid BUF JAC
7 B- Kyle Pitts ATL KC
8 C+ Dallas Goedert PHI NO
9 C+ Hunter Henry NE NYJ
10 C Isaiah Likely BAL DAL
11 C Jake Ferguson DAL BAL
12 C- Zach Ertz WAS CIN
13 C- Pat Freiermuth PIT LAC
14 C- Mike Gesicki CIN WAS
15 D+ Taysom Hill NO PHI
16 D+ Colby Parkinson LAR SF
17 D+ Dalton Schultz HOU MIN
18 D Cole Kmet CHI IND
19 D Noah Fant SEA MIA
20 D Brenton Strange JAC BUF
21 D- Jonnu Smith MIA SEA
22 D- Greg Dulcich DEN TB
23 F Tucker Kraft GB TEN
24 F Tyler Conklin NYJ NE
25 F Cade Otton TB DEN
26 F Juwan Johnson NO PHI
27 F Hayden Hurst LAC PIT
28 F Chig Okonkwo TEN GB
29 F Dawson Knox BUF JAC
30 F Foster Moreau NO PHI
31 F Jordan Akins CLE NYG
32 F Eric Saubert SF LAR
33 F Gerald Everett CHI IND
34 F Johnny Mundt MIN HOU
35 F Michael Mayer LV CAR
36 F Luke Musgrave GB TEN
37 F Erick All Jr. CIN WAS
38 F Luke Schoonmaker DAL BAL
39 F Theo Johnson NYG CLE
40 F Kylen Granson IND CHI
41 F Ja’Tavion Sanders CAR LV
42 F Tommy Tremble CAR LV
43 F Will Dissly LAC PIT
44 F Noah Gray KC ATL
45 F Austin Hooper NE NYJ
46 F Josh Whyle TEN GB
47 F Josh Oliver MIN HOU
48 F Jeremy Ruckert NYJ NE
49 F Grant Calcaterra PHI NO
50 F Darnell Washington PIT LAC
51 F Elijah Higgins ARI DET
52 F Mo Alie-Cox IND CHI
53 F Drew Sample CIN WAS
54 F Adam Trautman DEN TB
55 F John Bates WAS CIN
56 F Durham Smythe MIA SEA
57 F Ben Sinnott WAS CIN
58 F Julian Hill MIA SEA
59 F Drew Ogletree IND CHI
60 F Cade Stover HOU MIN
61 F Luke Farrell JAC BUF
62 F Daniel Bellinger NYG CLE
63 F Hunter Long LAR SF
64 F Jared Wiley KC ATL
65 F Charlie Woerner ATL KC
66 F Brock Wright DET ARI
67 F Blake Whiteheart CLE NYG
68 F AJ Barner SEA MIA
69 F Harrison Bryant LV CAR
70 F Connor Heyward PIT LAC
71 F Tip Reiman ARI DET
72 F Brevyn Spann-Ford DAL BAL
73 F Stone Smartt LAC PIT
74 F Charlie Kolar BAL DAL
75 F Nick Vannett TEN GB
76 F Lucas Krull DEN TB
77 F Payne Durham TB DEN
78 F Chris Manhertz NYG CLE
79 F Jake Tonges SF LAR
80 F Nate Adkins DEN TB
81 F Donald Parham Jr. DEN TB
83 F Robert Tonyan MIN HOU
84 F Marcedes Lewis CHI IND
85 F Ross Dwelley ATL KC
86 F Jaheim Bell NE NYJ
87 F Ko Kieft TB DEN
88 F Tanner Hudson CIN WAS
89 F Quintin Morris BUF JAC
90 F Ben Sims GB TEN
91 F Tanner Conner MIA SEA
92 F Brady Russell SEA MIA
93 F Parker Hesse DET ARI
94 F George Kittle SF LAR
95 F Brenden Bates NYJ NE

Tucker Kraft (TE)

Kraft again led the tight end room with a 53% route share in Week 2 and a 14.3% target share. Sadly, though, that target share only amounted to two targets. Kraft is only a stash at this point. We have seen his upside in this offense as the starter, which is a weekly TE1. Until Love is back or the offense sees some more passing volume, there’s just no way to trust him in a fantasy lineup. Volume is king, and there’s none to be had through the air in Green Bay right now. Last year, Tennessee allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game and the sixth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends.

Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE)

Okonkwo is droppable. In a struggling passing attack, he has only a 47% route share and 8.3% target share. He also has an anemic 0.91 YPRR and 15.5 receiving yards per game.

Dalton Schultz (TE)

Schultz has seen his volume dry up this season with the arrival of Stefon Diggs. Through two games, Schultz has only had an 8.8% target share, a 7.7% first-read share, and 0.66 YPRR. Those are tough numbers to depend on for your fantasy lineups. I’m not saying to drop him yet, but it’s getting close to that time. Schultz is a must-sit this week against a pass defense that allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game (tied) and the 10th-fewest receiving yards to tight ends.

Dallas Goedert (TE)

Goedert is the TE13, drawing a 13.1% target share and 15.8% first-read share with only 1.21 YPRR. Goedert has drawn one red zone target through two games (fourth on the team). Among 30 qualifying tight ends, he ranks 16th in separation and sixth in route win rate. He faces a Saints defense that was 17th in receiving yards allowed to tight ends while also giving up the second-most receiving touchdowns (tied). They also held tight ends to the 11th-fewest receptions. It’s best viewed as an average to slightly below-average matchup.

Pat Freiermuth (TE)

Freiermuth is the TE10 in fantasy, drawing an 18.6% target share and 19.4% first-read share with 1.74 YPRR. Among 38 qualifying tight ends, Freiermuth ranks 12th in YPRR and leads the group in separation and route win rate. He has a plus matchup this week against the Bolts, who allowed the 12th-most receiving yards to tight ends and so far have given up the fourth-most receptions to the position in 2024.

Cade Otton (TE)

Otton is droppable these days. He has only an 8.2% target share, 0.11 YPRR, and a 10.5% first-read share. He has averaged 0.6 PPR points per game. Denver has the 11th-highest single-high rate (59.3%). Otton has 0.06 fantasy points per route run against single-high this season.

Jonnu Smith (TE)

Smith is a shaky matchup-based tight-end streamer this week. It’s asking a lot of Skylar Thompson to support multiple weapons, but the matchup is right to consider him. Last week, Smith’s usage ticked up with a 61% route share, a 17.9% target share, 1.96 YPRR, and a 19.4% first-read share. Seattle has been giving to tight ends in each of the last two seasons. Last year, they allowed the seventh-most receiving yards and the 13th-most receptions to the position. So far this season, they have given up the fifth-most receiving yards and the sixth-most receptions. Hunter Henry destroyed them last week.

Noah Fant (TE)

Fant is only a touchdown-dependent streaming tight end this season. He has only a 10.1% target share, a 10.9% first-read share, 0.50 YPRR, and has averaged 12.5 receiving yards per game. He has one end-zone target this year. Miami is a good matchup to consider him if you’re desperate. Last year, Miami allowed the 11th-most receiving yards and the sixth-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends.

Mark Andrews (TE)

Andrews has disappointed so far this season as the TE15. Last week he did see an uptick in usage with a 14.7% target share, a 21.9% air-yard share, 1.96 YPRR, and an 18.2% first-read share. Andrews route share was a less-than-ideal 68.4%. That’s not amazing, but it’s workable with his 19% TPRR. It feels like just a matter of time before Andrews breaks out. The talent is still there. Among 38 qualifying tight ends, he ranks second in separation and fourth in route win rate. Dallas has utilized Cover 3 or Cover 4 on 52.7% of their defensive snaps this season. Last year, against Cover 3 and Cover 4, Andrews had a 21.4% target share, 2.35 YPRR (team-leading), and a 25.2% first-read share. In Week 1, Dallas allowed David Njoku and Jordan Akins to secure seven of their nine targets for 71 receiving yards.

Week 3 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 3
1 A+ Cleveland Browns CLE NYG
2 A New York Jets NYJ NE
3 A Kansas City Chiefs KC ATL
4 A Tampa Bay Buccaneers TB DEN
5 A Pittsburgh Steelers PIT LAC
6 A- Seattle Seahawks SEA MIA
7 B+ San Francisco 49ers SF LAR
8 B Green Bay Packers GB TEN
9 B Los Angeles Chargers LAC PIT
10 B Las Vegas Raiders LV CAR
11 B- Baltimore Ravens BAL DAL
12 C+ Buffalo Bills BUF JAC
13 C New England Patriots NE NYJ
14 C Tennessee Titans TEN GB
15 C Indianapolis Colts IND CHI
16 C New York Giants NYG CLE
17 C Chicago Bears CHI IND
18 C- Philadelphia Eagles PHI NO
19 D+ Houston Texans HOU MIN
20 D Dallas Cowboys DAL BAL
21 D Minnesota Vikings MIN HOU
22 D New Orleans Saints NO PHI
23 D- Cincinnati Bengals CIN WAS
24 F Carolina Panthers CAR LV
25 F Detroit Lions DET ARI
26 F Denver Broncos DEN TB
27 F Miami Dolphins MIA SEA
28 F Jacksonville Jaguars JAC BUF
29 F Arizona Cardinals ARI DET
30 F Washington Commanders WAS CIN
31 F Atlanta Falcons ATL KC
32 F Los Angeles Rams LAR SF

 

Week 3 Kicker Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 3
1 A+ Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU MIN
2 A- Justin Tucker BAL DAL
3 B+ Harrison Butker KC ATL
4 B Jake Moody SF LAR
5 B- Brandon Aubrey DAL BAL
6 C+ Jake Elliott PHI NO
7 C+ Evan McPherson CIN WAS
8 C Daniel Carlson LV CAR
9 C Tyler Bass BUF JAC
10 C Cairo Santos CHI IND
11 C Jason Myers SEA MIA
12 C Blake Grupe NO PHI
13 C Chase McLaughlin TB DEN
14 C Jake Bates DET ARI
15 C Matt Prater ARI DET
16 C Austin Seibert WAS CIN
17 C Cameron Dicker LAC PIT
18 C- Chris Boswell PIT LAC
19 C- Will Reichard MIN HOU
20 D+ Younghoe Koo ATL KC
21 D+ Matt Gay IND CHI
22 D Dustin Hopkins CLE NYG
23 D Greg Zuerlein NYJ NE
24 D Cam Little JAC BUF
25 D Brayden Narveson GB TEN
26 D Jason Sanders MIA SEA
27 D- Eddy Pineiro CAR LV
28 D- Joshua Karty LAR SF
29 F Nick Folk TEN GB
30 F Joey Slye NE NYJ
31 F Wil Lutz DEN TB
32 F Greg Joseph NYG CLE

 

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