It’s week 3 and welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike here, providing you with information that can help you win your fantasy league week in and week out. For all things fantasy football, follow me on Twitter (@FantasyHubbard).
Week 3 starts Thursday with a matchup between the 1-1 New York Giants and they are visiting the 2-0 San Francisco 49ers. Although the Giants came alive late last week and pulled off an improbable win. The 49ers escaped LA with a 7-point win over the Rams. Giants are welcome to have some hope here, but I don’t see this being very close. 49ers should cruise in this one, better on offense and defense. Now that Saquon Barkley isn’t playing it just dampens the chances even more. Purdy has been steady and accurate at QB, CMC is eating up stats while healthy, and they have the combo of Deebo & Kittle & Aiyuk. Too much to handle for the G men. I do think Jones is going to be running a lot in this one to escape pressure and try to get something good going. The over/under in this game is 45 and the line is in favor of the 49ers to win by 10.5. The Giants have allowed 68 points this season while the 49ers average 30 points each game on offense. I like the 49ers to cover but the score could still be lower than 45. I’m going to go with a final score of 33-10 in favor of SF. I like Deebo and CMC to score.
I’m here every week during the fantasy football season with start and sit suggestions that can impact your team each week. My decisions as always include obvious and not so obvious picks. I would also like to clarify that my sit suggestions are based on the assumption you have or can add a player that has a better chance at success. Good luck this week and continue to check out my weekly articles.
TNF START/SIT
Start – Christian McCaffrey – Ok so I went obvious here. The matchup is just so perfect for CMC that I wanted it to be known that he should go off. Giants have allowed 5 rushing TDs this season already and CMC has scored 2 by himself. Only the Texans have given up more. He is on a tear through 2 weeks and if he stays healthy this could be an elite year for him. Aiyuk, Kittle, Deebo, and you could argue Purdy are all safe starts this week.
Sit – Matt Breida – Matt is looking like he will be RB1 for the Giants in the next few games while Saquon gets healthy again. Breida could end up being that diamond in the rough, but the 49ers defense is pretty solid and especially against opposing running backs. Add him for sure but only start him if you are extremely thin this week.
TNF week 3 is over following the TNF victory for the now 3-0 San Francisco 49ers over the now 1-2 New York Giants. What was sure to be a blowout had me wondering why the game was only 1 possession difference going into the 4th quarter. But the 49ers took control and ended up winning by 18 points by a score of 30-12. My prediction was 33-10 with a Deebo and CMC score. Both scored and the 49ers covered the spread and the under hit. Next week the undefeated 49ers take on the winless Arizona Cardinals and the 1-win Giants get the Seahawks next.
Some of the games I’m looking forward to watching this weekend include The Chargers/Vikings, the Eagles/Buccaneers, and the Rams/Bengals. Hopefully a high scoring affair in Minnesota, Philly and Tampa are fighting for 3-0, and can the Bengals turn it around or will the Rams surprise? Next week’s TNF is a game between the Lions and the Packers. A division rivalry neither team will want to lose. Enjoy your weekend of football and good luck getting that fantasy W.
START OF THE WEEK
Start – AJ Brown – I think this could be a get right game for AJ after a somewhat slow start out of the gate. Well, I wouldn’t say 79 receiving yards is too slow in week 1, but in week 2 he had 29 receiving yards on 4 receptions. He is looking for his first TD of the year and this could be the game. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith against Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Hurts and AJ were seen expressing themselves on the Eagles sideline which seemed to look like AJ was upset. Water under the bridge, and I think Jalen will want to solidify that with some AJ magic.
Titans @ Browns
Start – Amari Cooper – Cooper had a quiet week 1 with 3 receptions for 37 yards and followed that up in week 2 with 7 receptions for 90 yards. So far through 2 games the Browns have let opposing WRs go off. 2 opposing players with at least 80 yards receiving in each game making it likely Amari Cooper can continue the trend if he is healthy. Last game was encouraging seeing Watson connect with Cooper repeatedly with the game on the line. Browns will have difficulty running the ball this week especially without Nick Chubb, but if they air it out they should have some success.
Sit – DeAndre Hopkins – Hopkins demanded 13 targets in week 1 but could only manage 65 yards with 7 receptions. Next, he played the Chargers and was only targeted 5 times and caught 4 for 40 yards. Seems inconsistent even with such a small sample size. I think the only player Cleveland should really be worried about is Derrick Henry. George Pickens is the only WR to have good success against the Browns this season. They have shut down the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Falcons @ Lions
Start – Bijan Robinson – This is a great spot for Bijan this week. He gets the Lions who beat the Superbowl champs and then lost to the Seahawks at home. Lions are a good offensive team and can put up points most likely forcing Falcons to keep up. If that’s the case Bijan Robinson should have a hefty workload both on the ground and through the air. Robinson has 180 rushing yards through 2 games and 75 receiving yards with a receiving TD. He has Allgeier to deal with in taking opportunities away but even then Bijan is still set up for a good outing.
Sit – Kyle Pitts – Pitts continues to show people that he could be a potential huge bust after being one of the highest drafted TEs in NFL history. 4 receptions on 8 targets for 59 yards is not what you want from him after a couple games, but it seems to be expected at this point. Pitts has now played nearly 30 games in his career and has scored a total of 3 TDs. You can hold on to him in hopes of progress, but I would not have him starting for me anytime soon.
Saints @ Packers
Start – Jordan Love – The Packers QB has started hot with 3 TDs in each game and now gets the Saints in Green Bay. Saints’ defense is concerning but they are a great run stop team so Love can air it out to open up more running. I could see him continuing the 3 TD trend at home in a close game. Riding with Love until he proves he isn’t reliable.
Sit – AJ Dillon – I’m putting AJ in this sit spot due to his performances in the last 2 games and who he is playing against. Saints are a solid defensive group that has yet to allow a rushing TD. Aaron Jones has more fantasy points than AJ despite AJ plying both games and Jones playing only 1. Dillon is averaging less than 3 yards per carry early on this season. Pay attention to see if Jones plays because if so, it makes Dillon even more tempting to sit.
Broncos @ Dolphins
Start – Tua & Tyreek Hill – Broncos are averaging over 25 points allowed thus far and the Dolphins certainly know how to score. Broncos will come out hungry after they were denied a chance at OT last week and would love to beat an unbeaten team in the Dolphins. However, Tyreek Hill seems to get better with age because he already has 3 receiving TDs on the season and is averaging 8 receptions for 127 yards. Tua is 2-0 and he has been slinging it and is currently top of the NFL with 715 passing yards which is rather impressive given he is 8th in pass attempts. Should continue to be a lethal duo this week.
Sit – Marvin Mims Jr – Mims is a 2nd round rookie WR who has 4 receptions this season on 4 targets. Almost feels like DeSean Jackson late in his career, all or nothing plays. Mims leads the team in receiving yards with 122. Mims could get more targets and maybe get a long gain/TD but its hit or miss this early. I have my eye on Mims moving forward because the potential is clearly there, he just needs to be consistent, and Russel Wilson needs to find him more.
Chargers @ Vikings
Start – Kirk Cousins – Cousins is 2nd in the NFL in passing yards and is tied for 1st in passing TDs with 6. It helps to have a superstar like Justin Jefferson averaging over 150 receiving yards per game but Kirk is utilizing other weapons as well. TJ Hockenson and rookie WR Jordan Addison are contributing nicely to the pass game since Minnesota’s run game has yet to develop with Mattison at RB1. This game has shoot out written all over it so let’s hope they don’t disappoint.
Sit – Either D/ST – High chance of points in this game with the over/under set at 54 which is by fa the largest this week. Chargers have given up 63 points this season and are 0-2 by a combined point differential of just 6 points. The Vikings have given up 54 points this season and are 0-2 by a combined point differential of just 9. Someone has to win right? A lot of potential on these offenses makes it scary to trust either defense.
Patriots @ Jets
Start – Hunter Henry – Hunter has begun the year on a little hot streak. He currently has 11 receptions on 13 targets for 108 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Henry has made the Patriots seem pretty decent including Mac Jones not looking bad. Henry is leading the Patriots in receptions, receiving yards, is 2nd in targets and is tied for the most TD receptions (2) on the team with Kendrick Bourne. It’s Jets and Patriots so you know Belichick will have his defense ready.
Sit – Dalvin Cook – Cook had 33 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards in week 1 and then in week 2 he had just 7 rushing yards and 5 receiving. I like Breece Hall a lot more here, but I don’t believe they will l have a lot of success on the ground. In fact, the only Jets I would start are Garret Wilson and Breece Hall
Bills @ Commanders
Start – James Cook – Cook has been, well, cooking to start the season. He is RB1 for the Bills and has proven he deserves it thus far. A bumpy week 1 had the bills 0-1 wth Cook having 12 carries for 46 yards and caught 4 of 6 targets for 17 receiving yards. He then played Vegas and rushed for 123 on 17 carries and caught all 4 of his targets for 36 receiving yards. He gets the Commanders next who have held their opposing RBs in check, but they get this bills offense that is coming off a big win and Josh Allen likes to dump it off to Cook. James should have plenty of opportunity to finish a top 15 RB in fantasy this week.
Sit – Jahan Dotson & Antonio Gibson – Antonio Gibson has clearly been given a lot less opportunity than past years given Brian Robinsons success. Through 2 full games he has 5 total carries for 18 rushing yards and has caught all 4 of his targets for 51 receiving yards. He lost a fumble already early this season so that might have a lot to do with it. As for Jahan Dotson the talent is clear, and Sam Howell has targeted him the most with 12. Although targeted the most on the team, his 62 yards are 4th in receiving yards on the team. Howell should look his way more, especially in red zone situations. Dotson is averaging just under 8 yards per reception without any scores. This game could be a blowout.
Texans @ Jaguars
Start – Christian Kirk – The Texans defense isn’t bad, but it certainly isn’t great. The Jaguars should be able to take this W and get some decent stats along the way. Kirk is coming off a huge 14 target, 11 reception, 110 receiving yards game after a disappointing 1 catch for 9 yards in the opener. Zay Jones is day to day so monitor him, but even if he plays, I like Kirk and Lawrence to continue their chemistry together. Kirk and Ridley could be in for good games.
Sit – Damien Pierce – Damien has struggled this season so far, but it can’t be too unexpected playing in Houston with a rookie QB. Pierce has rushed 26 times compared to Devin Singletary’s 11 times. Damien’s 69 rushing yards gives him an average of under 3 yards per carry. The Jaguar’s defense has allowed just 166 total rushing yards in their first 2 games which is top 6 in the NFL. Nico Collins is the only Texan of interest this week.
Colts @ Ravens
Start – Zay Flowers – The rookie Flowers currently leads the Ravens in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. The Colts allowed Calvin Ridley over 100 yards and a TD in week 1, and the next week they allowed Nico Collins to go off for 146 receiving yards and a score. I have high hopes for Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers this week and I like some Lamar rushing.
Sit – Zach Moss – Moss has volume and opportunity in this game, but the Ravens defense has basically shut down opponents RBs this season. They allowed Damien Pierce to accrue 38 rushing yards and then allowed Joe Mixon the next week to achieve 59 rushing yards. Those numbers haven’t been high, and I don’t see the Colts being able to rush on them unless it’s with Anthony Richardson not concussed.
Panthers @ Seahawks
Start – Kenneth Walker III – Walker III has 107 rushing yards on 29 carries and found the endzone twice on the ground. He also has caught 5 of 7 targets but for just 14 receiving yards. The Panthers defense just allowed Taysom Hill to rush for 75 yards and gave up 2 rushing TDs to Tony Jones Jr after Jamaal Williams came out if the game for the night. They also allowed the Falcons Allgeier to rush for 75 yards and 2 rushing TDs while Bijan Robinson ran it for 56 rushing yards and caught 6 passes for 26 receiving yards and a receiving TD. Panthers should get pounded again on the ground this week.
Sit – Adam Thielen – It is difficult to suggest pass catchers to start on the Panthers due to them not having a great offense and having to work with a rookie QB like Bryce young who should be good in the long run but right now he is a rookie who has played 2 games and is still looking for a win. Miles Sanders is the only Panther I would consider starting this week.
Bears @ Chiefs
Start – Kadarius Toney – Ill mention it again below but the Bears have allowed their first 2 opponents to score a total of 65 points while putting up just 37 of their own. Mike Evans just put up 171 receiving yards and a score on Chicago and a week earlier they allowed Aaron Jones to go for 86 receiving yards and a score. Toney most likely won’t be in line for 171 yards but I don’t see why he can’t put up good numbers with Mahomes after a 5 for 5 day which doesn’t seem like much but hopefully Kadarius can stat to separate himself from the endless other pass catchers Mahomes distributes the ball to. Kelce and Mahomes are clearly the top 2 plays here but there’s some hope for a breakout game for almost anyone (Toney, Watson, Moore, Rice).
Sit – Justin Fields – If I am a Fields fantasy owner, I’m starting to get a little nervous. Fields has thrown 3 INTs and lost a fumble in 2 games and scored 2 passing TDs and ran another in. More turnover than scores is dangerous and losing by a combined 28 points this season is not exactly good. Fields has to get on track, and I don’t see it happening in KC unless he goes into RB mode.
Cowboys @ Cardinals
Start – Tony Pollard – What a dream matchup for both Pollard and CeeDee Lamb this week. Both are playing well, and the Cardinals are averaging over 25 points per game allowed. My only concern here is the game gets out of hand early and we see more of Deuce Vaughn or Rico Dowdle at RB and Lamb might not see as many targets as last week if they don’t need to throw the ball a ton. Pollard is a top 5 RB this week and Lamb is a top 10 WR.
Sit – James Connor – Conner had a good game in week 2 but still ended up with a loss. 106 rushing yards on 23 carries and a TD. Connor has the difficult task of taking on the Cowboys defense which already seems to be peaking this early. This is the Cardinals 3rd consecutive NFC opponent, and I don’t see them getting a W or even coving the +12. James could be in for a long week.
Steelers @ Raiders
Start – George Pickens – The Raiders took care of Denver’s receivers in week 1 but when matched up with the Bills WRs he let Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs have productive days. Now they get the young Georgia bulldog coming off an upset win over the Browns leading the team with receiving yards and a score. I like the Steelers in this game but in order for that to be accurate I believe they will have to target Pickens often.
Sit – Pat Freiermuth – Mr. Freiermuth is an exciting TE to watch play, but he hasn’t been this season. The Steelers offense has looked subpar to say the least, but I think they will figure it out and gain momentum. However, Pat’s stats have me concerned after 2 weeks. 5 receiving yards in 2 games is not ok, even if he only has been targeted 5 times. His lone catch for a TD in week 1 has been his saving grace. 5 players have more targets than him, 6 players have more receptions, and 8 players have more receiving yards and all that is just on the Steelers. Sit Freiermuth and don’t feel bad about it.
Eagles @ Buccaneers
Start – AJ Brown – SEE START OF THE WEEK TOWARD TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Kenneth Gainwell – Pains me to put a young RB stud in the sit spot but after DeAndre Swifts epic week 2 it should be apparent who will get the volume needed for fantasy relevance. I’m sure they will both get carries given Gainwell is healthy enough to play but Swifts presence has been felt and I’m sure the Eagles want to continue feeling it.
Rams @ Bengals
Start – Joe Mixon – The Rams let the 49ers run all over them and then kept Seattle at bay with Kenneth Walker. Mixon has 26 carries for 115 rushing yards while no other Bengal has more than 2 rushing attempts. Mixon is 4th most targeted pass catcher just under Boyd. The 0-2 Bengals need this win and if there is a way to do it, Mixon will surely be involved. The only offensive TDs scored by the Bengals have been the 2 caught by Tee Higgins. That is bound to change. Let’s get Mixon in for 6.
Sit – Tyler Higbee – Higbee has 10 targets this season which has led to 6 receptions and 61 receiving yards. Doesn’t sound too terrible until you realize Kupp is on IR and Nacua and Atwell have been the main beneficiaries. Even Kyren Williams has more targets than Higbee. Stafford certainly has been airing it out, but he has only 1 passing TD to show for it which went to Kyren. Higbee.