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

The second week of the NFL season didn't bring a ton of clarity to the fantasy football landscape overall. While some stars who disappointed in Week 1, like Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle, returned to form, we saw quite a few Week 2 surprises.

Injuries also continue to have a significant impact on the fantasy landscape. We saw the likes of Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Saquon Barkley, and D.J. Moore exit with injuries over the past week.

While managers should be able to lean on their top stars (if healthy) in Week 3, many may have to rely heavily on the right matchup and a few sleeper plays.

All picks and analysis are based on points per reception (PPR) scoring. Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros.

Start: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has been incredibly disappointing through the first two weeks of the season. He has salvaged some fantasy value with seven receptions but has averaged just 2.3 yards per carry and has been held to 98 scrimmage yards.

However, Judkins should have a chance to bounce back against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.

Cleveland's first two opponents essentially dared Deshaun Watson to beat them, and the quarterback did just that against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Carolina may not be as focused on stopping the run this week, and it may struggle to do so anyway.

The Panthers have allowed 6.3 yards per carry through two weeks and have surrendered an average of 34.3 fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Sit: Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP PhotoGary McCullough

The Jacksonville Jaguars have not, to this point, given Bhayshul Tuten the sort of high-volume role that Travis Etienne Jr. had in 2025. Tuten has averaged 14 carries per game as part of Jacksonville's committee and hasn't been used heavily in the passing game.

Tuten found the end zone in Week 2, which helped to salvage an otherwise disappointing outing (two catches, 62 yards). Managers should not be eager to start a touchdown-dependent back against the New England Patriots this week.

The Patriots have been terrific up front defensively and have surrendered an average of just 12.9 fantasy points to opposing backfields through two weeks. New England did play a Pittsburgh Steelers team that has struggled on the ground on Sunday, but it has yet to allow a rushing touchdown.

Tuten should be viewed as a matchup-based play until/unless Liam Coen starts using him as a receiver more regularly. His role makes him a risky option for Week 3.

Start: Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The New York Jets have looked surprisingly competitive through the first two weeks. They rolled the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 and probably should have beaten the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson has been a steady performer in each of the first two games, and he's coming off a five-catch, 57-yard, one-touchdown performance. He could be even better in Week 3 against a very suspect Detroit Lions secondary.

The Lions have surrendered 621 passing yards and six touchdowns through Week 2 and just lost defensive back Avonte Maddox to a season-ending foot injury.

"That hurts," head coach Dan Campbell said, per the Associated Press.

Detroit's defense isn't going to suddenly clamp down on opposing pass-catchers this week, and its offense is potent enough to keep New York passing.

Sit: Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

The timeline for Daniels' dislocated elbow remains unclear, but, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Marcus Mariota is expected to start for the Washington Commanders in Week 3.

Daniels' injury only further hurts the value of wide receiver Terry McLaurin, which was already sagging. McLaurin did have a serviceable two-catch, 50-yard outing on Sunday, but he has just four receptions and 64 yards through two weeks.

Stefon Diggs seems to have replaced McLaurin as Washington's new go-to receiver.

While McLaurin still has the physical tools needed to break out at any time, it's unlikely to happen against the Seattle Seahawks this week. Seattle has surrendered an average of just 10.3 fantasy points to opposing receivers through Week 2.

Waiver Targets and Week 3 Sleepers

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Browns WR Denzel Boston

There are several players worth scooping up and potentially playing in Week 3, including New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. He has thrown for 662 yards and four touchdowns so far this year and is still only rostered in 49 percent of fantasy leagues.

Running back Jonah Coleman is only rostered in 32 percent of leagues, and the Denver Broncos rookie is worth grabbing and stashing. He recorded three catches, 58 yards, and a touchdown on Sunday and could be headed for an even bigger role.

Fellow Broncos running backs RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins are both battling hamstring injuries.

Cleveland Browns rookie receiver Denzel Boston followed up a promising Week 1 debut with a terrific outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With seven catches, 152 yards, and two touchdowns in two games, Boston seems to have established himself as Cleveland's new WR1.

Boston is still only rostered in 35 percent of leagues.

The list of sleepers worth targeting on the wire this week also includes Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby, Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.