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Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings: Standard and PPR Analysis

What's up RotoBallers. Week 2 is complete and we hope you managed to secure the win! To celebrate, today we are bringing you our Week 3 fantasy football rankings to help prepare you for your Week 3 matchups.

Below you will find both PPR rankings and standard league rankings for Week 3, brought to you by Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades) and Edward Gorelik (@EdwardGorelik).

Lead fantasy football columnist Edward Gorelik also highlights some rankings analysis for Week 3, broken out by position, and draws some matchup conclusions. He tells you who he likes, who he doesn't, and most importantly who he thinks you should be starting in Week 3. You can also check out our 2015 fantasy football ranking dashboard, for more in depth rankings analysis on all positions including rookies and dynasty leagues.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings - All Positions



powered by FantasyPros

 
 

Week 3 Quarterback (QB) Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

I know it's not a surprising set of analysis, but I find it hard to expect anything less than a complete domination of the Jaguars on Sunday from the Patriots. That includes, most likely, a monster performance from Tom Brady against a team that is currently riding high off a surprising win against another AFC East team.
The chance of Brady not trying to show up an inner divisional rival and pull away from the rising Jets is low. Expect a crazy performance.

In the same vein, a national spectacle that saw Andrew Luck fall apart against the Jets defense has got to hurt. However, the Jets have a very strong defensive unit (as was on display all night long as they kept pressuring Luck into bad decisions) and when paired along with the Bills defense, Luck's been facing a murderers row.
Now he's going to get the chance to remind everyone why he's considered an up-and-coming elite QB against the Tennessee Titans defense, a team that he's found major success against for most of his career. Although this isn't the same Titan's he's faced in previous years, it's definitely a far cry from either of his last two opponents, and a bounce back should be in order.

Andy Dalton's been enjoying the high life the last two weeks as a QB1, but it's about to come down against his toughest challenge yet. Although I've been all aboard the Andy Dalton QB1 Revival World Tour, it's no joke that he plays his worst against his inner divisional opponents.

I posted this last week, and i'm posting it again - here's a look at Andy Dalton against common and uncommon opponents. Common means teams that he's faced before either in that season, or in the prior season (which is mostly divisional foes) - and uncommon is anything outside of that range.

Both of the Chargers and Raiders fit into the uncommon opponents, which is where Dalton has shined the last two weeks, while the Ravens are heading right back into the area where Dalton has struggled. Most likely, if you own Dalton you are the owner of another QB too, so this is a good week to start that other QB.

 

Week 3 Running Back (RB) Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

It's hard for me to not want both Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller this week. With Drew Brees looking like a potential absentee, Luke McCown comes in as the backup. Generally speaking, backup veteran QBs lead to two things: a reliance on the run game to set up easy passes, and plenty of checkdowns to the underneath receivers. Seeing as New Orleans forgot to replace Jimmy Graham over the offseason, those underneath checkdowns are going to be going to Spiller and Ingram all game long. Plus all the carries. Basically these two guys should be the entire game.

Dion Lewis has looked like the real deal. Even with LeGarrette Blount back, Lewis dominated the touches and snaps while Blount kept his seat warm on the bench. I might be in the minority to believe that had more to do with the opponent than the talent of Lewis. After all, the Patriots have a weakness in the interior of the O-line, while the Bills are an incredibly strong defensive front.

But that doesn't change that his usage is boding very, very well for his season long potential. Even if he is splitting carries, he's made an obvious impression in the passing game and is now commanding targets along with Edelman and Gronkowski. Against a team like Jacksonville, where the game script should lead to the Patriots being ahead, Lewis might see some more carries than usual. There's also the chance Blount games some real value too for the same reason, although he becomes more of a DFS punt than a real startable player (unless you're desperate).

 

Week 3 Wide Receiver (WR) Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

With my assumption that Luck is going to ball out this weekend against Tennessee, in his attempt (and success) to re-establish his place amongst the top QBs this year, someone is going to have to catch the passes - right? Well that likely means the return of both T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief to relevance.

Moncrief had a surprising breakout against the Jets for 122 yards and a touchdown, being one of the lone receivers on offense actually pulling his weight. But he still carries that "unknown" risk thanks to his still raw skills. At this point, if you're assuming that the Colts will bounce back it has to be off the relevance of more than just Hilton - and there's no one that looks more the part than Moncrief right now.

Speaking of being in the top, Allen Robinson showed up big against the Dolphins last week, where he decimated the Dolphins secondary over and over again. Between deep catches and athletic catches like these, Robinson was unstoppable.

Obviously, the Patriots secondary is not playing well, as they've averaged 71 yards and one touchdown to the #1 WR on the opposing team per week. And as I mentioned about the Patriots players, it should be expected that the Patriots are up in this game and sitting on a comfortable lead. On the opposite side of the field, it should be expected that the Jaguars are down and playing catch up. That means throwing. A lot.

Without Drew Brees around in New Orleans, it's tough to imagine Brandin Cooks doing well this week. McCown is not the type of player to bring someone to relevance. Outside of some very creative play-calling, it's about to be a very tough matchup for Cooks as the Carolina defense has only allowed 43 yards per game to the #1 WR in the last two weeks.

That comes mostly thanks to Josh Norman, who's currently playing out of his mind after shutting down Allen Robinson in Week 1 - only allowing two receptions to DeAndre Hopkins on the seven times he was targeted, while covering him. Another top corner in the making? It's looking like it. Regardless, that's not good for Cooks, against a great corner and with a backup QB. I'd consider my other options.

 

Week 3 Tight End (TE) Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

Jimmy Graham has been very unhappy with his usage in the Seahawks offense. Despite it looking like he's not on the field, Graham has missed only 17 snaps in the last two games. What Graham's unhappy about is that the Seahawks are using him more as a decoy than as a legitimate weapon like he should be. That's not a smart decision and everyone recognizes that.

I've still got him ranked high because, according to a Seahawks insider, they're planning on expanding his role this upcoming week - hopefully now aware of their past errors. You'd think Seattle would have realized by now the value of not miscasting offensive weapons after they did nearly the same thing with Percy Harvin.

Lardarius Green, what a surprise. Last year, I argued against his hype vehemently - his preseason performances were so uninspiring, and nowhere near the level Gates was showing en route to his 2014 resurgence. But it looks like the Chargers weren't kidding us this time when they said they were planning to involve him in the offense more. In the last two games Green has seen 12 targets, amassing 121 yards and 1 touchdown. Respectable numbers. This week they're facing the Minnesota Vikings, a team currently averaging 75 yards per game allowed to tight ends. They only have one potential tight-end man coverage candidate graded positively on PF, and they've faced far worse than the 2015 version of Lardarius Green in their first two weeks. This bodes real well for the young tight end, looking to prove himself with only two games left before Gates returns from suspension.

 

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Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brenton Strange

Limited Again on Thursday
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Says There's a "50-50" Chance he Returns to Mets
Shohei Ohtani

Wins his Fourth MVP Award
KJ Simpson

Probable to Play Friday
Tory Horton

Downgraded to Non-Participant on Thursday
Aaron Judge

Wins AL MVP Award Again
Ausar Thompson

Unavailable Friday
Isaiah Stewart

in Danger of Missing Fourth Straight Game
Ryan Kalkbrenner

Won't Play Friday
P.J. Washington

Questionable Friday Against Clippers
Calvin Ridley

Limited in Practice on Thursday
Zion Williamson

to Remain Sidelined Friday
Malik Monk

Could Miss Another Game Friday
Dereck Lively II

Questionable Friday Versus Clippers
Brian Thomas Jr.

Limited Again on Thursday
Zach LaVine

Available for NBA Cup Action Friday
Jonathan Kuminga

Listed as Questionable for Friday
Domantas Sabonis

Considered Questionable for Friday
LaMelo Ball

Tagged as Probable for Friday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Expected to Return Friday
Jalen Duren

Listed Questionable For Friday Night, May Miss Second Straight Game
Bam Adebayo

to Remain Out Friday
Cade Cunningham

Listed As Questionable For Friday Night Against Philadelphia
Justin Fields

Playing for his Job on Thursday Night?
Anthony Davis

Listed as Questionable for Friday
LeBron James

Practices Thursday Without Lingering Pain
Joel Embiid

Won't Play on Friday
VJ Edgecombe

Questionable For Friday Night With Back Spasms
Day'Ron Sharpe

Listed as Probable for Friday Against Magic
Dylan Samberg

Makes Season Debut Thursday
Justin Fields

Expected to Start on Thursday Night Against Patriots
Samuel Girard

Available Thursday
Valeri Nichushkin

Considered Week-to-Week
Boone Jenner

Out Long-Term With Upper-Body Injury
Ricky Pearsall

Will Play in Week 11
Mikael Granlund

Returns to Action Thursday
Geno Smith

Not on the Week 11 Injury Report
Anthony Stolarz

Out Day-to-Day
Auston Matthews

Likely to Miss One Week
Brock Purdy

to Start in Week 11 Against Cardinals
Raisel Iglesias

Dodgers Interested in Signing Raisel Iglesias
Pete Alonso

Orioles Could be in the Mix to Sign Pete Alonso
J.K. Dobbins

Misses Second Straight Practice on Thursday
Xavier Worthy

Added to Thursday's Injury Report With Ankle Injury
Garrett Wilson

Jets Place Garrett Wilson on Injured Reserve Due to Knee Injury
C.J. Stroud

Officially Ruled Out for Sunday
Isiah Pacheco

Absent From Practice, Questionable for Sunday
Dalton Kincaid

Yet to Practice Ahead of Week 11 Matchup
Sam LaPorta

Misses Thursday Practice, Questionable for Week 11?
Lamar Jackson

Returns to Practice Thursday
Khalil Shakir

Dealing With Multiple Injuries
C.J. Stroud

Missing From Practice Again on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

in Danger of Missing the Entire Season?
Chris Godwin

Gets in Another Practice Session
Matt Savoie

Collects Two Assists Wednesday
Artemi Panarin

Delivers Four Assists in Wednesday's Victory
Simon Nemec

Becomes Hat-Trick Hero Wednesday
Zack MacEwen

Exits Early Wednesday
Cody Glass

Exits With Injury Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Injured in Wednesday's Loss
Félix Bautista

Felix Bautista Could Return in Second Half in 2026
Kodai Senga

Attracting Trade Interest, Will the Mets Move him?
Yordan Alvarez

Expected to be Ready for Spring Training
Byron Buxton

Could Waive his No-Trade Clause
Paul Skenes

the Unanimous NL Cy Young Winner
Tarik Skubal

Wins AL Cy Young for Second Straight Year
Zach Hyman

Nearing Season Debut
Colten Ellis

to Make Second Career Start Wednesday
Adam Erne

to Miss "a Few Weeks"
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Return Wednesday
Andre Burakovsky

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Frank Nazar

Out on Wednesday
CFB

Still No Update on Jermod McCoy's Return Timeline
Sami Valimaki

Riding Momentum Into Bermuda
Matthieu Pavon

Struggling Through a Rough Season
Taylor Montgomery

Hopes to Get Back on Track at Port Royal
Ben Martin

a Risky Play at Bermuda Championship
Mark Hubbard

Primed for a Bounce-Back Week in Bermuda
Boone Jenner

Exits Win With Upper-Body Injury
Lee Hodges

Searching for a Spark in Bermuda
Frederik Andersen

Pulled by Concussion Spotter
Stephen Vogt

Wins Back-to-Back AL Manager of the Year Honors
Milwaukee Brewers

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager of the Year Again
Patrick Fishburn

Looking to Bounce Back in Bermuda
Eric Cole

Carrying Momentum into Bermuda
Tommy Edman

to Have Ankle Surgery Next Week
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Unlikely to Trade Ketel Marte
Roman Anthony

to Have a Normal Offseason
Jarren Duran

Red Sox Think Jarren Duran Needs a Fresh Start
MacKenzie Gore

Nationals Expected to Trade MacKenzie Gore?
Sahith Theegala

Finishes Tied for 27th at Bank of Utah Championship
Sam Stevens

Finishes Tied for 36th at Baycurrent Classic
Patrick Rodgers

Finishes Tied For Sixth at World Wide Technology Championship
Luke List

Finishes 75th at World Wide Technology Championship
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied for 63rd at World Wide Technology Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied for 14th at World Wide Technology Championship
Luke Clanton

Finishes Tied for 46th at World Wide Technology Championship
Blades Brown

Finishes Tied for 18th at Korn Ferry Tour Championship
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Unlikely to Trade Tarik Skubal
Framber Valdez

Cubs Could Land Framber Valdez in Free Agency
Sandy Alcantara

Marlins Ready to Trade Sandy Alcantara
CFB

Nic Anderson Could Return for LSU this Season
Randy Brown

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Gabriel Bonfim

Extends His Win Streak
Joseph Morales

Gets First-Round Submission Win
Matt Schnell

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Muslim Salikhov

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Uros Medic

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ismael Bonfim

Loses Back-to-Back Fights
Chris Padilla

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Marco Tulio

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores Second-Round Knockout Victory

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