It’s that time of the week again where fantasy football managers have to start making the tough decisions. Two weeks of the season are complete and gives people some perspective of how this season will go, but a lot can still change. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 3.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see guys like Kyler Murray and Amon-Ra St. Brown on here because they should be starting every week.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 3
Quarterbacks
Start: Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has found himself a home in Minnesota, and he’s produced two solid performances so far against the Giants and the 49ers. The Texans defense held up against the Bears last week but allowed 300 yards of offense against the Colts in Week 1. This Vikings offense has a rhythm already, so expect Darnold to have a strong game against Houston at home.
Start: Derek Carr
Derek Carr has gotten off to a start nobody could’ve predicted. He’s posted two Top-10 finishes for quarterbacks in back-to-back weeks, and the Saints offense is one of the most dynamic in the NFL. Carr has led 15 drives this year for New Orleans, and all 15 ended in points. You won’t find a quarterback who has more momentum right now than Carr.
Sit: Caleb Williams
There’s growing pains associated with the NFL, and Caleb Williams is feeling those right now. His performance against Houston was better than the one against Tennessee, but he’s not playing at a high enough level to be a fantasy starter. Even if you’re in a superflex league, consider other options over Williams.
Running Backs:
Sit: Carson Steele AND Kareem Hunt
Isaiah Pacheco’s injury means more touches for Carson Steele, Kareem Hunt and even Samaje Perine. However, it’s uncertain who is going to get the bulk of the carries. Andy Reid said Steele could become the feature back, but that remains to be seen. Until there’s a clear picture of who will be the main guy without Pacheco, it’s best to steer clear of everyone.
Start: Alexander Mattison
Alexander Mattison is giving Zamir White a run for his money as the RB1 in Las Vegas. Mattison is being utilized more on passing downs. This week’s matchup against Carolina is an opportunity for him to rack up yards both as a passer and a runner. Expect him to find the endzone at least once which makes him a good RB2 or FLEX candidate.
Sit: Braelon Allen
Braelon Allen had a strong game against Tennessee, but that doesn’t mean he’s worth starting this week. Of Allen’s total fantasy points in Week 2, 12 of them came from touchdowns. His fantasy production is very touchdown-dependent as of now which is a trap you don’t want to fall into. Breece Hall is also still the main back for the Jets which means Allen’s touches are few and far between.
Read More: Week 3 Running Back Rankings
Wide Receivers:
Sit: Drake London
This might be a tough pill to swallow for some people, but Drake London isn’t the wide receiver everyone thought he would be. If it wasn’t for his late-game touchdown reception, his fantasy production wouldn’t have been good for the second straight week under Kirk Cousins. It’s a tough matchup for London in Week 3 against Kansas City which makes it even more difficult to start London.
Start: Demarcus Robinson
Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are both out for quite some time, so Demarcus Robinson has a chance to step up and be the main target. The Rams offense as a whole was poor against the Cardinals, but Robinson has seen 11 targets through two weeks. If that trend continues, it’s only a matter of time before he starts producing and could continue to see ample targets as the Rams get healthier.
Start: Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce being the top target for Anthony Richardson this year wasn’t planned, but he’s seeing a lot of balls thrown in his direction. Pierce has also found the endzone in each of the first two games. While the Bears defense isn’t the best matchup for the Colts, Indianapolis is going to throw the ball. Expect Pierce to continue seeing ample targets.
Tight Ends:
Start: Mike Gesicki
Tight ends continue to be a nightmare for fantasy purposes, but Mike Gesicki can be the guy to fill in when needed or right the momentum. As a tight end, he was the leading receiver for the Bengals against Kansas City. He’s Burrow’s second-choice option behind Ja’Marr Chase right now and will continue to be until Tee Higgins is healthy.
Sit: Hunter Henry
Last week’s performance may be tempting enough to start Hunter Henry, but he’s setting you up for disappointment. Inconsistencies have been a staple of his time in New England despite the offense not having much talent at receiver. He’s someone you could stream if absolutely necessary, but the Patriots are a run-first offense so far in 2024.
Main Photo Courtesy of Tork Mason – USA Today Network
