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Week 3 NFL Matchups Analysis: Start/Sit for Fantasy Football (Part 2)

Vladimir De Wet breaks down the second half of the Week 3 matchups for the 2015 season. Below, you will find part two of our Week 3 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis, which should help you prepare your lineups to win this week.

Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis, diving into the early slate of games. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL matchups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down each of the NFL matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well.

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

 

Chargers @ Vikings - Sunday 9/27 @ 1:00 EST

Players we love:

Danny Woodhead, RB, Chargers - The tiny running back has played in 75 snaps to Melvin Gordon's 64 snaps through two games. While Gordon is the bellcow back carrying the ball 30 times to Woodhead's 19, there is no doubt that Woodhead is the main goal line option and a true touchdown vulture. Woodhead's value in PPR is even greater with 13 targets and 10 receptions which ranks him second on the team only behind Keenan Allen.

Players we hate:

Mike Wallace, WR, Vikings - The move from Miami to Minnesota hasn't done much to improve Mike Wallace's production. After two weeks he has barely put up double digit fantasy points. The main problem with Wallace is that he is doing exactly what the Vikings what him to do and he just isn't the biggest part of the offense. Wallace has been targeted 10 times and caught 9 of those balls. As of now, Wallace is the ultimate boom or bust prospect and until his role changes he projects to just mainly be a bust.

Key Players:

Ladarius Green, TE, Chargers - Green suffered a concussion and has been limited in practice. During the first two weeks he has been a solid option but his status is up in the air with his third concussion in the last year.

 

Steelers @ Rams - Sunday 9/27 @ 1:00 EST

Players we love:

Heath Miller, TE, Steelers - After two games Miller is second on the team in targets behind Antonio Brown. With Ben Roethlisberger looking like he might have an MVP caliber type season Miller is slowly becoming a TE1. The veteran tight end is nothing but consistent and constant.

Players we hate:

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Steelers - Williams has been spectacular the first two weeks of the season and looks like the handcuff of the year. All of this won't matter when LeVeon Bell comes back this week. Expect Williams to barely see the field and go from being a RB2 to a strictly handcuff/bench option.

Key Players:

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams -  Gurley makes his NFL debut after missing much of the preseason and the first two games. The Rams offensive line has not done well with run blocking through the first two games but expect them to feature Gurley early and often.

LeVeon Bell, RB, Steelers - Do not try and be cute here. Start Bell and get those points.

 

49ers @ Cardinals - Sunday 9/27 @ 4:05 EST

Players we love:

Torrey Smith, WR, 49ers - Smith caught a 75 yard touchdown from Colin Kaepernick during fourth quarter garbage time in week two. The former Baltimore receiver has seen the third most targets on the team behind 49er staples Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis. All signs point to him getting consistent WR2 targets throughout the season.

Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals - Palmer is absolutely lighting up the league through the first two weeks. He has seven touchdowns to only one interception. Arizona looked like the best team in the league last year until Palmer went down with an ACL injury. If he can stay healthy for an entire season Palmer should end up being a top 5 fantasy QB.

Players we hate:

Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals - Floyd has all of the height, speed, skills, and ability to look like he should be a top tantasy receiver. Yet, after a disappointing season last year he seems destined to continue to let down fantasy owners. Floyd has only seen two targets this season despite Arizona's pass happy offense.

Key players:

Reggie Bush, RB, 49ers - Bush sat out last week's game and missed practice again this week. The reliably injured Bush is doing exactly what you expected him to do--be an injury report all star.

 

Bills @ Dolphins - Sunday 9/27 @ 4:25 EST

Players we love:

Rishard Matthews, WR, Dolphins - Matthews wanted out of Miami after they drafted DeVante Parker and signed Kenny Stills. Yet, after training camp, the preseason, and the first two games he has emerged as the second receiver behind Jarvis Landry. With 10 receptions on 13 targets he has looked explosive and integral to the Miami offensive plan.

Players we hate:

Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins - Miller so far is averaging less than 3 yards an attempt and just hasn't looked like he's taken any positive steps forward in the Dolphins offense. On top of that, MIller has a bad ankle and barely practiced this week. He will be facing a stout Bills front seven that has given up less than 90 yards rushing through two games and will be angry after getting whipped by Tom Brady last week. Most running back options should be better than Miller for the upcoming week

Key players:

Jordan Cameron, TE, Dolphins - Cameron missed practice on Wednesday but did practice on Thursday after suffering a groin injury last week.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills - McCoy took a day off practice to heal up and should be fine against the Dolphins on Sunday.

 

Bears @ Seahawks - Sunday 9/27 @ 4:25 EST

Players we love:

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks -After the Seahawks opened the season 0-2 and Lynch looked more like an aging back than beast mode the team gets the Chicago Bears defense as a remedy. The Bears run D has given up over 250 yards rushing through two games. Lynch has started off slow but expect him to pick up against a woeful Bears defense.

Matt Forte, RB, Bears - The Seahawks are getting back Kam Chancellor this week but their defensive unit as a whole hasn't looked good so far. Forte will be featured constantly against the reunited legion of boom and others.
Players we hate:

No one. The Bears are starting Jimmy Clausen and have so far looked really bad. While their offensive players all take a dip, Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte are must plays if you have them.

Key Players:

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears -  Jeffery missed practice Wednesday and Thursday after missing the game last week. Latest reports have him ruled out. Adjust accordingly.

 

Broncos @ Lions - Sunday 9/27 @ 8:30 EST

Players we love:

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Broncos - Through two weeks Sanders has emerged as one of Peyton Manning's favorite targets and looks like he's ready to have a big year. Sanders has been targeted 26 times out of Manning's 85 attempts (roughly 30%). Sanders leads the Broncos on third down targets and has also emerged as a red zone threat. Sanders is a stud WR2 going forward.

Players we hate:

C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos - Anderson has been unable to get anything going on the ground for the Broncos. After two games he only has 56 yards rushing for an average of 2.6 a carry. Ronnie Hillman is always ready to take snaps and will be sharing the running back job more with Anderson. Running backs are a dime a dozen in most Peyton Manning lead offenses and Anderson doesn't seem like he's going to buck that trend.

Joique Bell, RB, Lions - Ameer Abdullah has taken over the lead running back duties for Detroit. Also, Bell has been dealing with a lingering injury since the start of training camp which has allowed Abdullah time to shine. Injury and an exciting back up may see Bell slowly be fazed out of the lions offense.

Key Players:

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions - Stafford missed practice after an injury scare but should be fine to play on Sunday.

 

Chiefs @ Packers - Monday 9/28 @ 8:30 EST

Players we love:

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs - The Chiefs offense simply doesn't take a lot of shots down field and tends to be on the more conservative side. Maclin is one of those Chiefs wide receivers that hasn't caught a touchdown pass for over a year now. Yet, he has lead the team in targets and looks to be active all over the field. Maclin is the most talented receiver the Chiefs have had during the Alex Smith era and his talent should win out over a conversative offensive game plan in the long run.

Players we hate:

Both teams should put up points in a closely contested game. Everyone that you would regularly play should be played.

Key Players:

Randall Cobb, WR, Packers - Cobb has been dealing with a shoulder injury since training camp and still hasn't fully recovered. He practiced on Thursday and should be good to play in the game on Monday.

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Wiggins

Sidelined Friday
Luguentz Dort

 Questionable for Friday
Chet Holmgren

Available for Friday's Matchup With Kings
Zach LaVine

Set to Return Friday
Domantas Sabonis

Questionable to Suit Up Friday
Terance Mann

Considered Probable for Friday's Cup Game
Taurean Prince

Questionable to Play Bulls
Dean Wade

Out Against Wizards
Ayo Dosunmu

Questionable for Friday's Game
Kelly Olynyk

Tagged as Questionable for Friday
Jeremy Sochan

Listed as Questionable for Meeting With Rockets
Steven Adams

May Remain Out Friday
Collin Sexton

Listed as Probable for Friday
Dereck Lively II

Expected to Return Next Week
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Friday
Grayson Allen

Good to Go Thursday
Jalen Green

Upgraded to Available
De'Aaron Fox

Not Ready to Play Friday
De'Andre Hunter

on Track to Return Friday
Lonzo Ball

to Sit Out Friday's Game
Tobias Harris

Out on Friday
Brock Purdy

Getting Closer, Still Questionable for Week 10
Chris Godwin

Might Not Return Until Late November, Early December
Daniel Jones

Colts Believe in Daniel Jones as Their Franchise QB
Puka Nacua

Practices in Full, Says he Feels Good
A.J. Brown

Listed as Full Participant in Thursday's Practice
Saquon Barkley

Practicing in Full Coming Out of Bye Week
Kyle Tucker

Headlines List of 13 Players to Receive Qualifying Offers
Pete Fairbanks

Becomes a Free Agent
Filip Hallander

Out Against Capitals
Tyson Kozak

Available Versus Blues
Cody Glass

Returns to Action Thursday
Connor Brown

Out on Thursday
Mats Zuccarello

Could Be an Option Friday
Matt Duchene

Remains Out Thursday
Harold Fannin Jr.

Misses Practice With Hamstring Injury
Roope Hintz

a Game-Time Call Thursday
CFB

Luke Fickell Will Return as Wisconsin's Head Coach in 2026
NFL

Antonio Brown Extradited to the United States on Attempted Murder Charge
Aaron Jones Sr.

Returns to Practice in a Limited Capacity on Thursday
D'Andre Swift

on Track to Return After Full Practice
A.J. Brown

Back at Practice After Bye Week
Saquon Barkley

Practicing on Thursday
Rhamondre Stevenson

Misses Another Practice, Availability in Doubt
Garrett Wilson

Cleared for Week 10 Matchup
Rico Dowdle

Back at Practice on Thursday
Bo Bichette

Blue Jays Extend Qualifying Offer to Bo Bichette
Craig Stammen

Named Padres New Manager
Michael Pittman Jr.

Returns to Thursday's Practice
James Cook

Back on the Field on Thursday
Nick Chubb

Back at Practice on Thursday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Not at Practice Again on Thursday
Chris Godwin

Misses Thursday's Practice
Bucky Irving

to Miss Another Week of Practice?
K'Andre Miller

Could Return to Action Thursday
Sean Monahan

Injured in Wednesday's Loss
Tyler Bertuzzi

Pots Third-Period Hat Trick Wednesday
Macklin Celebrini

Leads Sharks Past Kraken
Jakob Chychrun

Records Three Assists Wednesday
Alex Ovechkin

Scores 900th Career Goal
Jorge Polanco

Declines his 2026 Option to Become a Free Agent
Adam Gaudette

Available Against Kraken
Scott Laughton

Set for Season Debut Wednesday
Justin Brazeau

Ruled Out for Four Weeks
Tristan Jarry

Expcted to Miss Three Weeks
Conor Garland

Returns Against Blackhawks
Rasmus Sandin

Back for Capitals Wednesday
Denton Mateychuk

Out on Wednesday
Chris Sale

Braves Picking Up Chris Sale's 2026 Option
Michael Thorbjornsen

Poised to Continue Hot Play in Mexico
Davis Riley

Struggling to Find Form Ahead of World Wide Technology Championship
Taylor Montgomery

Leaning on Putter at World Wide Technology Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Offers Strong Value at World Wide Technology Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Stay Hot at El Cardonal
Nick Dunlap

Looking to Find His Game at El Cardonal
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Consistency at El Cardonal
Michael Brennan

Aims to Extend Fairytale Start at El Cardonal
Nathan MacKinnon

Extends Point Streak to Seven Games
Shane Bieber

Staying in Toronto for 2026
Salvador Perez

Agrees to Two-Year Extension With Royals
Trevor Story

Opts in for Remaining Two Years on his Contract
Yu Darvish

to Miss All of 2026 Following Flexor-Tendon Surgery
Shota Imanaga

Becomes a Free Agent
Luis Robert Jr.

White Sox Pick Up 2026 Option on Luis Robert Jr.
CFB

LJ Martin Expected to Play in Top-10 Matchup Against Texas Tech
PGA

LIV Golf Expanding To 72-Hole Format In 2026
Atlanta Braves

Braves Hire Walt Weiss as Their Next Manager
Kris Bubic

Cleared to Begin a Throwing Program
Brandon Woodruff

Declines Mutual Option for 2026
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Exercise 2026 Option on Freddy Peralta
Lucas Giolito

Declines his 2026 Player Option
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Sixth at Procore Championship
PGA

Matti Schmid Finishes Tied for 46th at Baycurrent Classic
Keith Mitchell

Finishes Tied for 10th at Baycurrent Classic
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied for 21st at Genesis Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Misses The Cut at Sanderson Farms Championship
Max Greyserman

Finishes Second at Baycurrent Classic
Austin Eckroat

Finishes Tied for 56th at Baycurrent Classic
Luke Clanton

Finishes Tied for 56th at Bank of Utah Championship
Pete Alonso

Officially Opts Out of his Contract With Mets
Alex Bregman

Opts Out of his Contract With Boston
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz on the Open Market This Winter
Cody Bellinger

Becomes Free Agent After Opting Out
Kyle Larson

Wins His Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix
Ryan Blaney

Concludes the 2025 Season with A Win at Phoenix
William Byron

Strong Championship Effort Ends With Late-Race Flat-Tire Crash
Denny Hamlin

Overtime Four-Tire Call Costs Denny Hamlin the Championship
Chase Briscoe

Championship Bid Never Really Started After Two Tire Failures
Brad Keselowski

Nearly Steals Phoenix Race
David Onama

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Steve Garcia

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Ante Delija

Suffers His First UFC Loss
CFB

Dylan Raiola Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Gets Knockout Win
Themba Gorimbo

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 110
Jeremiah Wells

Gets Back In The Win Column
Yadier del Valle

Remains Undefeated
Isaac Dulgarian

Cut By UFC Following Submission Loss
Daniel Frunza

Still Winless In The UFC
Charles Radtke

Dominates Daniel Frunza
Allan Nascimento

Gets Submission Win
Cody Durden

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Austin Cindric

is A Driver to Avoid for Phoenix DFS Lineups
Alex Bowman

Could Alex Bowman be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Phoenix?
Noah Gragson

Should DFS Players Roster Noah Gragson At Phoenix?
Erik Jones

Is Erik Jones Worth Rostering for DFS at Phoenix?
Michael McDowell

an Easy Recommendation for DFS at Phoenix
Chase Briscoe

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Joey Logano

Could Play Spoiler in Championship Battle at Phoenix
Tyler Reddick

Seeking to End Winless Drought, but Probably Won't Have the Speed
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Bubba Wallace Looks to Protect Top-10 Points Finish at Phoenix
Brad Keselowski

Hasn't Been Fast at Phoenix With RFK Racing
Daniel Suarez

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Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well, but Will Probably Finish Worse Than he Starts
Chris Buescher

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Austin Dillon

Looks to Avoid Finishing Last in NASCAR Playoffs
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Might be a Worthy DFS Option

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