Week 3 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Fantasy Football Lineup Advice for Sunday

Thursday night's game between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins was closer than most expected—and closer than the score might indicate—which proved to be a blessing for fantasy football managers.

The back-and-forth affair led to big outings by Josh Allen, Tyreek Hill, James Cook and others. A blowout win by either team might have led to more modest numbers.

This was another great example of how the right matchups can lead to great fantasy performances. Here, you'll find a look at some of the very best and worst matchups set for Sunday.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Coming into the season, managers didn't really know what to expect from Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams. The former Denver Broncos standout shined as a rookie back in 2021, then suffered a significant knee injury and appeared to lose his burst.

While Williams doesn't seem to be quite at pre-injury form, he's performed well as Dallas' starter. Through two weeks, he's recorded 33 carries, eight receptions, 194 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

Williams is a solid volume-based play in most matchups, and he has a fantastic one this week. The Cowboys will visit the Chicago Bears, who have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Managers may have drafted Williams as an afterthought, but he deserves a start in Week 3.

Sit: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Washington Commanders rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, simply known in fantasy circles as Bill, somehow carried more buzz than Williams during draft season. The seventh-round pick out of Arizona seemed destined for a prominent role and became the sleeper of 2025.

The opportunities have been limited, but Croskey-Merrit's numbers have been solid. The rookie has 14 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown through two weeks.

With Austin Ekeler (Achilles) out for the season, Croskey-Merritt is set for an increased workload. However, he's been a matchup-based play thus far and has a tough matchup this week.

The Commanders will host the Las Vegas Raiders, who have surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs. With Jayden Daniels out, the Raiders will be all over Washington's backfield.

Start: Marquise Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Aside from Patrick Mahomes—who has done his fair share of scrambling—the Kansas City Chiefs have been an overall fantasy disappointment. Kansas City's backfield is extremely limited, and its receiving corps is shallow.

Marquise Brown has been a bright spot and has emerged as one of Mahomes' go-to targets. He caught 10 passes for 99 yards in Kansas City's opener and five passes for 30 yards in Week 2.

While Brown's yardage production has underwhelmed, he's a solid play in PPR leagues this week. The potential return of Xavier Worthy (shoulder) could impact his target share, but Brown should still finish with five-plus receptions.

The Chiefs will visit the New York Giants, who showed in Week 2 that they can move the ball well offensively. This has the potential to be a high-scoring game, and no team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing receivers than New York.

Sit: Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Darnell Mooney (shoulder) made his debut in Week 2 but wasn't immediately thrust into a prominent role. He saw just four targets and caught two passes as Atlanta quickly turned to its ground game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Week 3 will likely bring a similar situation. The Falcons will visit the Carolina Panthers, who have a sluggish offense and one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Carolina ranks 25th in rushing yards allowed and 27th in yards per carry allowed.

Because teams haven't been pass-heavy against the Panthers, they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Atlanta will likely look to grind this one out with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, which will mean limited opportunities for Mooney. Managers can wait for a more enticing matchup to start Mooney.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.