2020 Fantasy Football Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 3

The best part about fantasy football is winning. The second best part is the draft. However, the draft has come and gone, and fantasy owners struggle with who to start, who to sit, and who to target as a sleeper each week. Thankfully, four of our writers (Mike Fanelli, Joshua Abbe, Mason Thompson, and MJ Hurley) offer up their takes on who fantasy owners should start, sit, and play as a sleeper this week. Be sure to follow all of them on twitter and reach out with any fantasy football questions you may have. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Quarterbacks

Starts

Aaron Rodgers at New Orleans Saints

So far, in 2020, we’ve seen the old Rodgers. He is averaging 25 fantasy points per game this season and has six touchdowns compared to zero interceptions. While he only scored 19.2 fantasy points last week, the Packers blew the Lions out of the water, and it was a big Aaron Jones game. Even if Davante Adams misses the game, Rodgers should still put up big numbers in an expected shootout against the Saints. – Mike

Matt Ryan vs Chicago Bears

Ryan gets a very tough Bears defense that is allowing a mere 12 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. So, of course, initially, you’d want to sit him. However, his last two performances this season warrants keeping him in. He’s put up 723 passing yards, with six touchdowns, and managing a 68 percent completion rate. Not to mention the hot streak he and Calvin Ridley have right now. Despite the bad matchup on paper, Ryan is a QB1 this week. – Joshua

Ryan Tannehill at Minnesota Vikings

Tannehill had a great game last week against Jacksonville, where he finished as the QB8. This week, he faces off against a Minnesota defense that has been terrible. Aaron Rodgers finished as the QB2 in Week 1, and while he didn’t have a good game last week for fantasy purposes, Philip Rivers picked apart the secondary. Tannehill won’t have A.J. Brown this week, but he should have a top-12 finish. – Mason

Kyler Murray vs Detroit Lions

Murray so far has been the type of dual-threat quarterback that makes fantasy owners drool. With 516 passing yards and 158 rushing yards throughout his first two games, Murray is displaying the ability to win games with his arm and his legs. The Lions have struggled against the pass so far in 2020, with injuries hampering their coverage abilities. DeAndre Hopkins and Murray will have a clear advantage over the Lions secondary. – MJ

Sits

Jeff Driskel vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Don’t get cute with your lineup. Last week, Driskel entered the game after Drew Lock injured his shoulder and finished with 18.8 fantasy points against a good Steelers’ defense. However, the Steelers had prepared for Lock and not Driskel. With Courtland Sutton done for the year, Driskel’s weapons are very inexperienced. Furthermore, the Buccaneers have given up a total of 23.1 fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Driskel shouldn’t be in your DFS lineups nor your season long lineups, even in super flex leagues. – Mike

Deshaun Watson at Pittsburgh Steelers

Watson has only thrown for two touchdowns this season. There are a lot of issues with this offense that is making fantasy owners want to stay away till he can get it figured out. Plus, Watson is playing one of the best defenses in the league that manage the lowest completion rate to quarterbacks so far for 2020. While he was drafted as a QB1, this week, he needs to be on your bench. – Joshua

Kirk Cousins vs Tennessee Titans

Through two weeks, Cousins is the QB29 and finished as the QB33 last week. Without Stefon Diggs, it looks like Minnesota’s offense is a mess. To make matters worse, Lock finished as the QB26 against Tennessee in Week 1 while Gardner Minshew finished as the QB9 last week. Cousins isn’t the fantasy performer Minshew is. There are far better options this week than Cousins. – Mason

Drew Brees vs Green Bay Packers

Brees showed clear difficulties throwing more than 10 yards downfield against the Raiders last week. With star receiver Michael Thomas out, the Saints offense suddenly looks much more questionable. Alvin Kamara will probably receive the highest usage rate in the Saints offense, which spells disaster for Brees owners. – MJ

Sleepers

Mitchell Trubisky at Atlanta Falcons

While Trubisky might be everyone’s favorite punching bag, and for good reason, he has been solid for fantasy owners so far this season. He is currently the QB14 and has five touchdowns in two games. However, Trubisky’s value comes from his matchup. The Falcons have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, giving up 35.8 per game, almost double the league average. They have faced two mobile quarterbacks, and Trubisky can take off running. In what is expected to be a high scoring game, Trubisky has mid QB1 upside this week. – Mike

Cam Newton vs Las Vegas Raiders

Newton’s dual-threat capability of both the passing and running game makes him a nice sleeper this week facing a bad Raiders’ defense. He’s always an option on the goal line to punch it in himself, and after nearly 400 yards passing last week, Newton seems to be catching a groove. He is a plug and play option this week. – Joshua

Philip Rivers vs New York Jets

Unfortunately, when Rivers was placed here in Week 1, it didn’t work out well. This week though, he faces off against the lowly Jets, who have surrendered over 43 points to the quarterback position this week. That includes last week’s match, where they faced both Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens. This game could get out of hand quickly, but Rivers should be able to make the most out of it. – Mason

Joe Burrow at Philadelphia Eagles

Yes, A.J. Green has struggled so far in 2020, but Burrow has shown signs of stardom. After throwing 61 passes on Thursday Night Football against the Browns, fantasy owners who do not have a clear QB1 should take a look at Burrow. The Eagles have struggled defending the pass so far, and the Bengals are not afraid to air it out. A breakout performance from Green could be all the young quarterback needs to have another good fantasy week. – MJ

Running Backs

Starts

Austin Ekeler vs Carolina Panthers

Some will be worried about Joshua Kelley‘s big game last week, but Ekeler had the much better yards per carry. Furthermore, he scored 18.8 fantasy points against a solid Chiefs’ defense. Now he faces the Panthers and their super running back friendly defense. So far this season, the Panthers have given up 46 fantasy points per game to running backs, nearly double the league average. Furthermore, the Panthers have given up six rushing touchdowns this season. There are plenty of opportunities for both Ekeler and Kelley, and both are top 20 options this week. – Mike

David Montgomery at Atlanta Falcons

A new hope has begun with head coach Matt Nagy committing to the run game. With that said, the Falcons are allowing the 10th most fantasy points to running backs and have given up four rushing touchdowns in the young season. Montgomery’s volume and matchup should make fantasy owners feel good starting him this week. – Joshua

James Conner vs Houston Texans

Houston is the second-worst team against the run this season. Clyde Edwards-Helaire finished as the RB7 in Week 1, and Mark Ingram finished as the RB19 last week. Meanwhile, Conner put all concerns of a committee approach in Pittsburgh to rest, as he finished as the RB8 last week. Conner may be injury-prone, but he should be in your lineups this week. – Mason

Kareem Hunt vs Washington Football Team

So far, Washington has been clearly outperformed on the offensive side of the ball. Chase Young has been the star of the Washington defense, but their coverage has been lacking when the pass rush fails to hit home. Hunt gives the Browns the option to have dynamic playmaking out of the backfield, and he has worked very well in tandem with Nick Chubb over the first two weeks. – MJ

Sits

Mike Davis at Los Angeles Chargers

Davis was the hot waiver wire add with Christian McCaffrey going on injured reserve. However, this isn’t the week to play him. While he scored 15.5 fantasy points last week, 15.4 of it came in the passing game. The Panthers are expected to split the carries between Davis and Curtis Samuel. Moreover, the Chargers have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs so far this season. They have held Joe Mixon and Edwards-Helaire to 19.1 fantasy points this season. Furthermore, they haven’t given up a rushing touchdown. Wait till next week to play Davis against Arizona. – Mike

David Johnson at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are giving up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Furthermore, they are only giving up a fringe 50 rushing yards a game. With the offense a mess in Houston, Johnson is an easy sit this week. – Joshua

Sony Michel vs Las Vegas Raiders

Nobody wanted Michel in drafts and rightfully so. New England’s backfield is a mess and Michel has been plagued by injuries over the last year. He has 11.6 points this season in two games and is averaging a measly 3.3 yards per carry. While the Raiders have been gashed by McCaffrey and Kamara in consecutive weeks, Michel isn’t a good play this week. In fact, it’s time to drop Michel if you haven’t already. – Mason

Derrick Henry at Minnesota Vikings

A defense that was fantastic against the run in 2019 has struggled so far in 2020. Without their top rusher Danielle Hunter, the Vikings have not looked the same on defense. Although Henry lacks the yards per carry that are ideal for an RB1, his usage around the goal line and the structure of the Titans offense leads to plenty of scoring opportunities for Henry. – MJ

Sleepers

D’Andre Swift at Arizona Cardinals

While Swift is missing out on the early-down work, as he has just eight carries this season, he has a secure role in the passing game. He has eight catches for 75 yards this season and has scored 11 or more PPR fantasy points in both games. Furthermore, he leads the Lions’ running backs in snaps played. As the season goes on, Swift will take over more and more as the featured back. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs this season, giving up 32.7 per game. Last week, Washington rookie Antonio Gibson averaged 4.2 yards per carry and scored 12.2 fantasy points against the Cardinals. Furthermore, the Lions are expected to chase points again this week, which is good news for Swift owners. – Mike

Joshua Kelley vs Carolina Panthers

Kelley seems to be taking advantage of the Justin Jackson injury, as he had a team-high 23 carries in Week 2. He saw more work than fellow running back Ekeler, and it is worth noting he racked up 100 total yards. Now facing a Carolina defense that got tore up by Leonard Fournette and Josh Jacobs, Kelley is a nice sleeper plug and play this week. – Joshua

Antonio Gibson at Cleveland Browns

Gibson has to emerge sometime, right? Well, J.K. Dobbins had a great game in Week 1, and Gibson was getting enough touches last week in a losing effort. The Browns are expected to be ahead in this game, meaning Gibson will have more opportunities in a game script that matches his skill-set. – Mason

Jerick McKinnon at New York Giants

With the injuries to Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman, McKinnon becomes the RB1 for San Francisco. Additionally, with Garoppolo out due to an ankle injury, the 49ers will become a run-heavy offense. McKinnon has shown the ability to be an RB1 when the lead in the past. He has the receiving skills and situation to be an RB1 again this week. Against a poor performing Giants defense, McKinnon is in line to have a good week. – MJ

Wide Receivers

Starts

Allen Robinson at Atlanta Falcons

It’s been a struggle so far this season for Robinson, as he has a total of 18.6 fantasy points. However, he is getting the targets, He has 18 targets in two games, twice as much as any other Bear. While Robinson has struggled to catch a high percentage of his targets (he has caught just 44.4 percent this season), the matchup this week is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Falcons have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving up 46 fantasy points in both games this season. Furthermore, the game is expected to be high scoring, and the Falcons have no one who can cover Robinson. Expect a bounce back game for the former Penn State star. – Mike

CeeDee Lamb at Seattle Seahawks

The Cowboys have been quick to incorporate Lamb into the offense, generating some great fantasy outlook going forward. He had over 100 receiving yards in Week 2 and is averaging eight targets a game. Now, he faces a Seahawks defense that has been scorched through two weeks, giving up the most fantasy points to wide receivers. The trend should continue for Lamb this week. – Joshua

Odell Beckham Jr. vs Washington Football Team

Last week, Beckham and Baker Mayfield seemed to have finally found their connection. He finished as the WR11 last week and has another awesome matchup this week against Washington. They are allowing the eighth-highest total yards to the receiver position. Furthermore, Cleveland’s rushing attack may not work against Washington’s elite front-seven. – Mason

A.J. Green at Philadelphia Eagles

Green may have only had eight receptions through his first two games, but those receptions came on 22 targets. Coming off of an injury-riddled 2018 and 2019, Green has been working back into game shape. Now, with two games under his belt and facing a depleted Eagles team, Green is poised for a breakout performance. Although Darius Slay is a top corner in the NFL, Green has the route running and physical advantage to dominate almost any defensive back. – MJ

Sits

Kenny Golladay at Arizona Cardinals

While Golladay hasn’t played this season because of a hamstring injury, and while he is expected to make his season debut this week, fantasy owners should bench him. Not only is he coming off an injury, but he now gets to dance with Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals have given up the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving up a total of 44.9 fantasy points. While Terry McLaurin had a good second game last week, Washington was chasing points, and they have no other weapons. This won’t be the case for the Lions as they can go to Marvin Jones, T.J. Hockenson, and other options. While fantasy owners are frustrated with Golladay right now, be patient as he has seven great matchups in a row after his Week 5 bye. – Mike

Cooper Kupp at Buffalo Bills

Kupp has struggled so far in 2020 and has not been playing up to par through the two weeks. He has not surpassed 14 fantasy points yet and faces a tough challenge on Sunday. The Bills have allowed the fifth-fewest points to wide receivers, and until he is getting a groove, Kupp is hard to trust. – Joshua

Will Fuller at Pittsburgh Steelers

Fuller had no points last week against Baltimore. This week, things don’t get any better against Pittsburgh. While Houston is without a go-to receiver, Fuller’s hamstring injury may result in him being more of a decoy than an actual player this week. If he isn’t anywhere close to 100 percent, he won’t have a performance that warrants him being in starting lineups. – Mason

Amari Cooper at Seattle Seahawks

Yes, the Cowboys have been an offensive powerhouse in the first two weeks, but fantasy owners have had their worries confirmed with the flurry of weapons available to Dak Prescott. With Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb wreaking havoc on defenders, Cooper has been effective but not a true WR1. Although Cooper could benefit from an injury-riddled Seahawks defense, Shaquill Griffin will likely follow Cooper around for the majority of Sunday’s matchup. – MJ

Sleepers

Jerry Jeudy vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Sutton done for the year, Jeudy steps up as the team’s top wide receiver. However, he is dealing with a rib injury and is questionable to play tomorrow, so be sure to check the gameday inactive list. Assuming he plays, he draws a good matchup against the Buccaneers. Last week the Buccaneers gave up 19 catches for 242 yards and 43.8 fantasy points to the Panthers’ wide receivers. While Jeudy hasn’t found the end zone this season, he is averaging 7.5 targets per game. Fantasy owners should expect that number to be closer to 10 or 11 this week as the Broncos will be chasing points in the second half. – Mike

Darius Slayton vs San Francisco 49ers

With so many injuries to the Giant’s offense, someone should be stepping up, and Slayton has that opportunity here. Even though it is against a tough 49er defense, they have been plagued with injuries too. Daniel Jones will need to lean on someone, and last year, when healthy, Slayton was that guy. He should come up big again this week. He had a big Week 1, topping 100 plus yards receiving and two touchdowns, so the potential is still there. – Joshua

Michael Pittman vs New York Jets

Pittman had six targets last week against the Vikings and should continue to get that target share. With Parris Campbell‘s injury, Pittman is thrust into the lineup at a higher rate. The Jets are awful, and their secondary is a mess. Rivers and Pittman seem to have a connection now. With T.Y. Hilton struggling, Pittman could turn into the go-to receiver in Indianapolis. – Mason

Diontae Johnson vs Houston Texans

Injury concerns were surrounding the Steelers entire offense coming into 2020, but Johnson has emerged as the clear second option behind JuJu Smith-Schuster. With Conner suffering from various ailments and Benny Snell struggling, Ben Roethlisberger has been leading the offense with his arm and will continue to do so against Houston. – MJ

Tight Ends

Starts

Noah Fant vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Much like Jeudy, with Sutton out for the season, Fant will have to step up his play this season. So far, he is the TE4 on the season, averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game. Fant has pulled in at least four balls and a touchdown in both games. Driskel had an eye on him when he entered the game last week, and Fant is the Broncos’ go-to target in the red zone. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers gave up 18.2 fantasy points to the Saints’ tight ends in Week 1. Fantasy owners should expect Fant to score 14 or more PPR fantasy points tomorrow. – Mike

Jonnu Smith at Minnesota Vikings

Smith is currently one of the top fantasy scoring tight end through two weeks, and that trend continue Sunday. Yes, the Vikings are tough on tight ends, but Smith is a big part of this passing attack. He is getting plenty of targets from Tannehill. Smith has caught three touchdowns this season, and given his connection with Tannehill, he should score again on Sunday. – Joshua

T.J. Hockenson at Arizona Cardinals

In his first game last year, Hockenson tore apart the Cardinals’ defense. He is currently the TE10 on the season and once again faces off against Arizona. This game should be a shootout as both offenses will try to keep up with one another. Even though Kenny Golladay should play this week, Hockenson still should be peppered by targets. – Mason

Tyler Higbee at Buffalo Bills

The biggest question coming into Week 3 will be how much of a fluke was Higbee’s Week 2 performance. Jared Goff and the Rams have looked better than ever and are on a mission to return to Super Bowl form. Tre’Davious White will handle the assignment of Robert Woods. Higbee will take advantage of the few injuries in the Bills linebacker unit and should repeat his big day with another solid week. – MJ

Sits

Darren Waller at New England Patriots

Yes, this section is for sits but don’t sit Waller. However, fantasy owners need to temper their expectations this week. First off, Waller is dealing with a knee injury and is listed as questionable this week. However, he is expected to play. While he is coming off a career game, catching 12 of his 16 targets for 103 yards, a touchdown, and 28.3 fantasy points, Waller now faces the Patriots. So far this season, the Patriots have given up a total of 7.9 fantasy points to tight ends. They have given up just four catches for 39 yards. Furthermore, Bill Belichick is known for taking away your best weapon. After seeing Waller rip apart the Saints’ defense last week, expect Belichick to find a way to slow down Waller. – Mike

Evan Engram vs San Francisco 49ers

With the Saquon Barkley injury putting a huge damper on the Giants’ offense, it is tough to sit Engram. Even though the 49ers have injuries of their own, they are still really tough on the tight end position. A whopping three completions so far through two weeks shows they are focusing on shutting down any chance of tight ends getting their stride. – Joshua

Chris Herndon at Indianapolis Colts

As pointed out already, the Jets suck. Herndon was supposed to be the focal point of the offense and hasn’t been anywhere close. He only has 2.2 points this season, and while he may be the only reliable, if you can call it that, option for Sam Darnold, the Colts aren’t a good matchup. Indianapolis is surrendering the least amount of points to the tight end position so far this year. – Mason

Mark Andrews vs Kansas City Chiefs

After exploding in Week 1 against the Browns defense, Andrews struggled last week against the Texans. Andrews will likely be followed around by Tyrann Mathieu all evening, and the All-Pro safety should be able to shut down Andrews with ease. Look for the Ravens to continue their run-first offense to try and keep Patrick Mahomes off the field. – MJ

Sleepers

Drew Sample at Philadelphia Eagles

Last week on Thursday night, the announcer made a (bad) joke about how fantasy owners would rush to the waiver wire to add Sample. Well, understandably so, most didn’t. However, if you are streaming tight ends, Sample is a name to consider. Last week, he caught seven of nine targets and now takes over as the start with C.J. Uzomah on injured reserve. So far this season, Burrow has thrown 21 targets to his tight ends, including 15 last week. Meanwhile, the Eagles have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, giving up 21.1 per game. Furthermore, they have given up four touchdowns to tight ends. Sample is an excellent streamer or cheap option in DFS with plenty of upside given his likely target share. – Mike

Logan Thomas at Cleveland Browns

Thomas as emerged as a nice security blanket for Dwayne Haskins. However, his lackluster performance last week was anything but warranted. He can show redemption with a promising matchup against the Browns this week. They are allowing the most production to the tight ends position for 2020. In Week 1, Mark Andrews put up two touchdowns with 58 receiving yards. Meanwhile, last week the Bengals tight ends totaled for 87 receiving yards and one touchdown. Plug Thomas in your lineups and watch the points come in. – Joshua

Mo Alie-Cox vs New York Jets

With Jack Doyle out last week, Alie-Cox had six targets. He caught five of them for 111 yards and a touchdown. With Doyle possibly out again, Alie-Cox will once again be the starting tight end. The Jets just allowed two touchdowns to Jordan Reed, so start Alie-Cox this week. – Mason

Jimmy Graham at Atlanta Falcons

Many analysts worry about the efficiency of Graham after struggling with the Packers in 2019. Trubisky has shown trust in Graham as a key goal line target. Although it is hard to trust Trubisky to produce, Graham could always provide some solid goal line targets for anyone looking for a tight end. – MJ

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