How is it already Week 3? It feels like the preseason just ended, and now some of us are 2-0 and loving life, while others are 0-2 and questioning every draft-night decision. It’s been another wild week of football: seven games were decided by seven points or fewer, and 15 teams scored 27 points or more—great news for fantasy managers. With plenty of booms and busts, some big names might find themselves on your sit list this week. Time to lock in those lineups and go chase a Week 3 victory.
Starts
QB - Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys (@Chi)
Last week, we talked about how some real-life QBs don’t always translate into fantasy because of a lack of rushing yards. Well, it doesn’t matter when you throw it 52 times. That’s exactly what Dak did in his Week 2 win over the Giants, completing 38 passes for 361 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. He’s thrown the ball 35 or more times in 11 of his last 20 starts, and with a stacked group of weapons, has legit top-10 potential every week. Against a Bears defense that just gave up 300+ yards and 5 TDs to Jared Goff, Prescott belongs in every lineup.
RB - Jaylen Warren - Pittsburgh Steelers (@NE)
The Steelers’ RB committee was something to watch entering the season, especially with Arthur Smith calling plays. Through two games, Warren has clearly separated himself. He’s not only getting carries, but also all the receiving-down work. So far, he’s rushed 25 times for 85 yards and added 6 catches for 108 yards and a TD. In PPR leagues, he’s clearly a must-start for the time being.
WR - Rashid Shaheed - New Orleans Saints (@Sea)
Coming into the year, I wasn’t touching this offense with a 10-foot pole. With rookie QB Spencer Rattler under center, the Saints looked like they were already planning for next year. Instead, Rattler and Shaheed have built a real connection. Through two games, Shaheed has seen 14 targets, catching 10 for 85 yards and a TD. The Saints are going to be in close games or chasing points all season, which means volume. As a result, Shaheed deserves flex consideration this week.
TE - Dalton Kincaid - Buffalo Bills (Mia)
Tight end is always a rollercoaster, so I look for floor over ceiling. That’s where Kincaid stands out. Over his last 17 games, he’s seen fewer than four targets just twice. He’s already caught 8 of 10 targets on the year for 85 yards and a score. If he starts adding touchdowns consistently, he could finish as a top-five TE. Against a Dolphins defense that looks lost, he’s a must-start.
Defense - Atlanta Falcons (@Car)
Owned in less than 2% of leagues, the Falcons’ defense flew under the radar in Week 2, holding opponents to 6 points and forcing 4 turnovers. Normally, I’d chalk that up to a one-off performance, but now they face Carolina—a team you want to stream defenses against. A hot defense plus a bad offense equals top-5 potential. It goes without saying that Atlanta should be in your lineup.
Sits
QB - Russell Wilson - New York Giants (KC)
With injuries piling up at QB, Wilson might look like a waiver option, but don’t fall for it. His Week 2 performance came against a Cowboys defense missing its top corner. In Week 1, he managed fewer than 200 yards and no TDs against Washington. Now he faces the Chiefs, who just shut down Jalen Hurts. Better streaming options are out there, so keep Russ on your bench.
RB - Omarion Hampton - Los Angeles Chargers (Den)
This one stings if you spent a high pick on him. Hampton has stumbled out of the gate, rushing 23 times for 72 yards and catching 3 passes for 14 yards through two games. He’s splitting work with veteran Najee Harris, and now he draws Denver’s defense. Leave him on the bench until he can get some momentum.
WR - Calvin Ridley - Tennessee Titans (Ind)
Ridley is a talented receiver with three 1,000-yard seasons since 2020, but he’s not the type to overcome bad QB play. Rookie Cam Ward has looked overwhelmed, completing just 31 of 61 passes for 287 yards and 1 TD across two games while taking 11 sacks. The Titans’ passing offense is currently a mess, and it’s too risky to trust Ridley right now. Let the situation settle before putting him back in lineups.
TE - TJ Hockenson - Minnesota Vikings (Cin)
Hockenson is a big name, but the production hasn’t been there. Since joining Minnesota, he’s been extremely inconsistent, recording under 30 yards receiving in 7 of his last 17 games. This season, he’s started with just 4 catches for 27 yards. With QB J.J. McCarthy now sidelined, things don’t get easier. He shouldn’t be in starting lineups this week.
Defense - Cincinnati Bengals (@Min)
On paper, this looks like a streamable matchup with the Vikings starting a backup QB. But let’s be real: when was the last time the Bengals looked good defensively? Last year, they allowed the 6th-most yards and 7th-most points per game. Last week, they gave up 27 to Jacksonville, and even going up against backup Minnesota QB Carson Wentz, I don’t see top-10 potential here. Look elsewhere for a defense.
