Let’s get your lineups ready for week 3 with some Start/Sit for each position. This list will exclude the every-week lineup starters, like Patrick Mahomes, CMC, Darren Waller, etc. Let’s get into it.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: QB
Daniel Jones vs Atlanta Falcons:
I know it’s been only 2 weeks, but Daniel Jones is currently sitting as QB4. He has been dangerous on the ground averaging over 60 yards rushing a week. This week, he should get his tight end, Evan Engram, back and he has a plus matchup against the 31st ranked DST.
Tom Brady vs Los Angeles Rams:
Saying Tom Brady has gotten off to a hot start is an understatement. He leads the league in touchdown passes with 9. The Rams present a tough matchup. Antonio Brown just hit the COVID-19 list. But don’t let any of those things sway your decision on trying to play a different QB. Until further notice, Tom Brady is a lock in your lineup no matter who the opponent is.
Fun Fact: Tom Brady needs to throw just 14 more TD passes to have thrown more touchdown passes in his 40s than in his 20s.
Justin Herbert vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Chargers always play the Chiefs hard and with both teams coming off a tough loss in week 2 this games will be one of the top matchups of the weekend. The game should be a high-scoring affair as Vegas currently has it as a 56.5 point over/under. Herbert also had 84 passing yards called back on penalties in week 2. He should cash in this week against his division rival.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: QB
Ben Roethlisberger vs Cincinnati Bengals:
Big Ben is dealing with a pectoral injury. We are still not sure if Dionte Johnson will be able to get back quickly from his knee injury. Johnson did not practice Wednesday. Big Ben has looked lackluster this year. I’m starting to get the end of career Drew Brees vibes for Ben. He currently sits as QB27 and he should be out of your starting lineup and probably not even rostered.
Joe Burrow vs Pittsburgh Steelers
In that same matchup, I am also suggesting sitting Joe Burrow. Coming off a game where Joe had a brutal stretch with 3 straight drives ending in interceptions. I need to see a bounce-back game before I trust him in my starting lineup. Plus, Tee Higgins did not practice on Wednesday so, his game status is in question. And the Steeler’s defense is still the Steeler’s defense.
Aaron Rodgers vs San Francisco:
Okay, this one kills me...It’s hard to bench Rodgers after his bounce-back game, but this isn’t the Detroit Lions. It’s the San Francisco 49ers. A much better defense, with a legit pass rush who looks to take advantage of the young Packers O-Line, who could be missing star Elgton Jenkins. The Packers have a history of struggling in California. I hope am wrong, but I would look for a streaming option this week over AR12.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: RB
Ty’Son Williams vs Detroit Lions:
Ty’Son is just 1 of 4 running backs with 90+ scrimmage yards in both games. The other 3 are CMC, Dalvin Cook, and Nick Chubb. Those guys are every week starters. Not quite ready to say that for Ty’Son, but this week is a no-brainer. Just look how the Packers took advantage of the Lions’ defense featuring Aaron Jones. Should be another big week for the RB facing Detriot.
Melvin Gordon vs New York Jets:
The Broncos get to play the Jets this week, who are currently ranked 28th vs fantasy running backs. Melvin Gordon is currently sitting as RB13. Gordon is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Look for him to have another solid fantasy day on Sunday. You could do a lot worst than Melvin as your RB2.
James White vs New Orleans Saints:
New QB, same James White. White has carved out a nice role for himself in New England. He is 3rd in the NFL for running back targets with 13. Only behind Swift(16) and McCaffery (15). White should be a solid spot start in your flex most weeks and if the targets continue, he could push for RB2 status in PPR and half-point PPR formats.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: RB
Mike Davis vs New York Giants:
Mike Davis was widely considered a safe pick during the draft season because he had no competition in Atlanta, or so we thought. Cordarrelle Patterson has emerged and looks to be a big part of their offense. He hasn’t overtaken RB1 just yet, but this new committee approach is not something I am a fan of trusting moving forward. Especially, when it comes to the committee for the 25th ranked offense in the NFL.
James Robinson vs Arizona Cardinals:
James Robinson is a tough call. After week one where he only saw 8 touches. The number increased to 14 in week 2. So he appears to be trending upwards. However, this week he faces the Cardinals, who are ranked 11th verse fantasy running backs. Look for the Cardinals to get up on the Jags early and take Robinson out of the game.
Sony Michel/Darrell Henderson vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
So we are still not sure if Henderson will play this week. He will be re-evaluated on Friday. If he doesn’t Sony Michel seems like a no-brainer. However, the matchup is not favorable. The Bucs have an elite D-Line. They are currently only giving up 57 rushing yards a game. Good enough for #2 in the league. If Henderson does play, makes the backfield even more of a mess, as he should be limited. Avoid the Rams backfield this week.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: WR
Sterling Shepard vs Falcons:
Shepard is in a 3-way tie for the lead in receptions through the first 2 weeks with 16. Similar to Daniel Jones, the match-up this week versus the Falcons is too good to pass up. Shepard certainly seems to be Jones’s go-to WR. Look for that to continue in week 3, especially with teammate Kenny Golladay being limited with a hip injury.
Marvin Jones vs Cardinals
Marvin Jones, Mr. Reliable. He isn’t the flashiest player but he has quickly become a reliable target for rookie Trevor Lawerence. Averaging 15.7 fantasy points per game (half-point PPR). In a matchup where we are expecting the Jags to be down early, they are going to have to throw a lot in an attempt to keep up, so Marvin Jones should be a solid flex with WR2 upside.
Courtland Sutton vs New York Jets
After Jerry Jeudy hit the IR we rushed to get Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler off waivers. Courtland Sutton said, "don’t forget about me." He showed up in week 2 with 12 targets, 9 receptions, and 75 yards. He was also was the only the Top 12 WR in week 2 to not score a touchdown. Talk about volume. Now, this week he gets the Jets, start with no hesitation.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: WR
Michael Pittman/Zach Pascal vs Titans
Carson Wentz is hoping to play this week with not one, but two sprained ankles. Even if he does he will be limited in some compacity. I am not a doctor, but I have a hard time believing Wentz makes it back, so I am moving forward with the assumption (yes, I know what they say about making assumptions) that Jacob Eason will be making the start. Even though the Titans defense has struggled to contain QBs. I would avoid playing any of Colt’s pass catchers this week if Eason starts.
Brandon Ayiuk vs Green Bay Packers
Another appearance on this list for Ayiuk. Not much has changed from last week. He only saw 2 targets vs Philly. Ayiuk is so hard to judge at this point. He showed his talent last year. Maybe he is just still working back from his hamstring injury. But, you just can’t trust him right now. And, If things don’t start turning for him soon, he could become a cut candidate in the coming weeks.
Brandin Cooks vs Carolina Panthers
Brandin Cooks has been the only fantasy-relevant player on the Texans so far this season. He currently is ranked as WR10. However with Tyrod Taylor on the IR and rookie 3rd round pick Davis Mills taking over, so proceed with caution until we see how Mills handles the offense. Not to mention they play on a short week and face the Panthers who are currently the #1 ranked defense in the NFL. Hold off on playing Brandin Cooks this week.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: TE
Dallas Goedert vs Dallas Cowboys
Zach Ertz was placed on the COVID-19 list on Monday putting his status for the game in doubt. If there is no Ertz, Goedert is a must-start. He has had a slow start to the season but came up just short of scoring in Week 2. If he got into the endzone he would have finished as TE10 instead of TE23. Look for big things from Dallas in Dallas.
Jared Cook vs Kansas City Chiefs
Jared Cook saw 5 targets last week and 8 targets in week 1. The only thing missing is the touchdowns. If you’re seeing that much volume the TDs will eventually come. Tight ends are hard to find these days, so take a chance on a guy who has at least 5 targets in each game.
Austin Hooper/David Njoku vs Chicago Bears
Jarvis Landy just hit the IR. We’re expecting OBJ to return this week, but that’s not a guarantee. Baker is going to have to throw it to someone. Look for him to get the TEs evolved early and often. Njoku was the lead guy in week 1. Hooper was the lead guy in week 2. Look for one if not both too heavily utilized with the lack of WR options.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: TE
Dalton Schultz vs Philadelphia Eagles
Schultz was on the start list last week, but this week we are sitting him. His targets fell from 6 in week 1 to 2 in week 2. The Cowboys have too many weapons between Amari Cooper, Ceedee Lamb, Ezekiel Elliot, and Tony Pollard to start Schultz confidently. He will have a few touchdowns here and there for some good fantasy weeks throughout the season, but in a big divisional matchup look for the Cowboys to rely heavily on their big-time playmakers.
Robert Tonyan vs San Francisco 49ers
Did you know Robert Tonyan and George Kittle are really good friends? What does that have to do with fantasy, nothing it's just a cool factoid. Back to fantasy, Tonyan only has 5 receptions through 2 games; which makes him touchdown dependant. As I mentioned when suggesting sitting Aaron Rodgers. This isn’t a good matchup for GB. Tight ends are hard to find, so starting Tonyan isn’t the worst move by any means. But, if given the opportunity, I am looking for a different option at TE this week.
Mike Gescki vs Raiders
Tua is out, Brissett is in. Jacoby didn’t look great against the Bills in relief last week. Maybe with a week of preparation, he will play better. With that said, it’s still hard to trust Gesecki. Currently sitting as TE40 through 2 weeks, that is good for 5.6 total fantasy points on the season. Not sure what changed from last year, but until he shows signs of turning it around. It would be best to keep him out of your lineup.
Good luck this week!! Be sure to follow the Couch GMs on Twitter for the latest news on who is in and who is out this week. Listen to this week's podcast for even more insight on who to start and who to sit. Our DMs are always open for any fantasy advice you may need to win your matchup.
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