Week 3 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Smartest Matchups to Exploit, Sleeper Plays and More

The NFL's second weekend ended with a Monday night doubleheader, and there's a lot to unpack. The Indianapolis Colts might be legitimate contenders, the Cleveland Browns are anything but, and the Cincinnati Bengals were dealt a disastrous blow.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to miss at least three months following toe surgery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

While it's still too early in the season to identify trends, what we've seen over the first two weeks can help expose favorable and unfavorable fantasy matchups—and potential waiver-wire replacements for players like Burrow.

Here, you'll find some early start/sit recommendations for Week 3, along with top sleepers who could be available on the waiver wire.

Start: Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys

AP PhotoJeffrey McWhorter

To be clear, Javonte Williams still doesn't look like the same explosive player he was before his 2022 knee injury. However, he's proving to be a functional starter for the Dallas Cowboys and a reliable volume play in fantasy.

Through two weeks, Williams has recorded 41 touches, eight receptions, 194 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. He should be viewed as a high-end RB2 or flex play in both standard and point-per-reception (PPR) formats.

This week, Williams will have a good matchup against a Chicago Bears defense that is struggling to find its way. The Bears have been repeatedly gashed on the ground through two weeks, allowing an average of 5.3 yards per carry.

Chicago's offense has also sputtered at an uncomfortable rate. Dallas will have a real opportunity to size an early lead and grind out the game with Williams and Miles Sanders.

Sit: Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

The Browns got blown out by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, but rookie running back Dylan Sampson still managed to reward fantasy managers. He logged just 19 scrimmage yards, but he caught three passes, including a garbage-time touchdown.

Managers shouldn't be quick to bet on Sampson in Week 3, however. He has a brutal matchup with a Green Bay Packers defense that might be the best in football. He's also likely to see a limited role now that Quinshon Judkins is in Cleveland's lineup.

Judkins led the Browns in carries (10) and rushing yards (61) against Baltimore, while Jerome Ford was second in both categories. Ford also saw plenty of action as a receiving back (5 catches, 23 yards), which limits Sampson's PPR floor.

While Sampson could always break through with a score, he can be left on the bench until a more favorable situation arises.

Start: Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

The Bears' offense has only looked good for stretches so far, and Ben Johnson is learning that being a head coach is a lot different than being an offensive coordinator. However, Johnson has done a terrific job of unlocking second-year receiver Rome Odunze.

The Washington product saw a lot of opportunities as a rookie last season but failed to maximize them. He was targeted 101 times but caught just 54 receptions. This season, he's caught 13 of 20 targets for 165 yards and three touchdowns.

Odunze has caught a touchdown in each game and is coming off a 128-yard, two-touchdown performance.

Chicago will likely need to pass often to keep up with the Cowboys, and it should have plenty of opportunities to do so. Dallas' secondary was a major liability against the New York Giants in Week 2, surrendering 422 passing yards.

Sit: Stefon Diggs, WR, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

This offseason, the New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs to be their new No. 1 receiver. Technically, he's filled that role, leading the team in targets (12) and receptions (10) through two weeks.

However, Diggs hasn't been particularly productive, tallying just 89 yards with no touchdowns through two games. He had just four catches for 32 yards against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

There's a chance that Diggs will find his form this week against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has looked more like a shower curtain than a steel one through two games. Now's not a great time to bet on him, though.

Until the Patriots find a way to get Diggs going, he's going to have limited value in PPR leagues only. He's likely to draw a matchup with cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Week 3, which lowers his floor considerably.

Sleepers and Waiver Targets for Week 3

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Colts QB Daniel Jones talks to Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen

Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Jake Browning, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans

Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots

Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders

Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints

*All Sleepers/Waiver Targets rostered in 50 percent or fewer of Yahoo or ESPN leagues. Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros.