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Kev Mahserejian's fantasy football warning signals and lineup sit 'ems for Week 3 (2024). Who should I start instead of these players worth benching, sitting, and avoiding?
Week 3 of the fantasy football season is underway and while we may have drafted certain players at a premium, it is okay to consider benching them despite their name value. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season. However, when new information, injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise, we must adjust. I will cover Justin Herbert, Joe Mixon, and Green Bay Packers wide receivers in this edition.
It may be difficult to stomach benching a player drafted within the top 100 for a possible free-agent acquisition. However, such measures must be taken to ensure victory throughout the fantasy football season.
Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 3. For any issues or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on X.
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Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 3?
Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Herbert and the Chargers are playing great football but the fantasy points are far behind. Herbert is QB27 through two games and has to face a strong Steelers defense in Pittsburgh this week. While the Chargers have not had to throw much given the nature of their first two wins, a game in which they increase passing volume may not fix Herbert's output.
Herbert also missed Wednesday's practice as he suffered an ankle injury this past Sunday. His mobility is already limited after a foot injury derailed his preseason. If Herbert cannot run much, his fantasy value and the Chargers offense should be capped.
Who To Start Instead?
Derek Carr - New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Derek Carr is on fire. The Saints QB is lighting up defenses through two weeks and a potential shootout against the Eagles should keep that trend going. While the Eagles made significant changes this past offseason, they currently rank toward the bottom of the league in all facets of defense early on.
From the NFL...
Sunday, Derek Carr can become the 5th quarterback in NFL history to record 7 consecutive games with at least 2 TD passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher, joining Peyton Manning (3 times), Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes (twice each).
— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) September 18, 2024
Carr has two electric weapons on the perimeter in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, opening up the field for the rest of this offense. With Alvin Kamara revamped along with Carr, the Saints could bring the pain on Sunday.
Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 3?
Joe Mixon - Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings
Joe Mixon is ailing with an ankle injury he suffered against the Bears and should be questionable for Week 3. The veteran RB looked great in Week 1 and was deployed much more efficiently than in Cincinnati. However, injuries are injuries, and when compounded with a matchup against Minnesota's defense, they should further ding a player in rankings.
#Texans running back Cam Akers, with Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce sidelined, preps for increased role against his former team #Vikings @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/XZnnjq6ptU
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 18, 2024
There is a chance Mixon does not suit up on Sunday, but even if he does, proceed with caution if he misses multiple practices or remains limited throughout the week.
The Texans are a contender this year and do not need to push Mixon too much in Week 3. He could leave the game at any point and screw up your fantasy week. If comparable options are available on your bench, utilize them instead.
Who To Start Instead?
Zach Charbonnet - Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins
Zach Charbonnet may not be explosive like Kenneth Walker III, but he is a workhorse RB who earned 19 touches this past week against the Patriots.
Charbonnet is a solid receiving back who has produced 60 yards and a TD on eight targets this season while providing good pass protection for Geno Smith. His gaudy 2.3 yards per carry comes in a small sample and can be ignored for now.
Week 2 RB snap rate leaders:
1. Zach Charbonnet (95%) 👀
2. Saquon Barkley (91%)
3. Zack Moss (82%) 👀— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) September 18, 2024
Given the reports of Walker's oblique injury, he is unlikely to suit up for Week 3. Charbonnet played 95% of the Seahawks' offensive snaps last week and should mimic that role on Sunday against a porous Dolphins defense.
Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 3?
Green Bay Packers WRs (Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs) at Tennessee Titans
Malik Willis has started four games in his NFL career. He possesses 472 passing yards and one passing TD in those four games. Dontayvion Wicks scored that singular TD last week for the Packers but he is the WR4.
Starting any of Reed, Watson, or Doubs is a massive risk as Willis does not provide any feasible floor or ceiling to receiving options while the game script against Tennessee should not require much passing.
If Jordan Love starts (after practicing Wednesday), Reed and Watson would be fine options in fantasy lineups while Doubs and Wicks could be considered desperation flex plays.
Who To Start Instead?
Diontae Johnson - Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders
The entire Panthers offense benefits with Andy Dalton under center. Bryce Young was historically bad through the first two games of this season and his demotion is addition by subtraction.
Dalton is a capable veteran QB who can do the bare minimum while trusted with a reasonable amount of passing volume per game. We just witnessed Joe Flacco provide a competent base of QB play for the Browns last season after Deshaun Watson's injury and history may repeat itself in Carolina.
"As we build our offense, we really try to feature someone.
And for us right now, 'where is Diontae Johnson at?'"
- Dave Canales pic.twitter.com/s5fbolhbCi
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) July 24, 2024
The Panthers have some talent at WR between Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette. Whether Dalton "unlocks" any of them to fantasy relevance remains to be seen but there is a safe bet in Johnson, who has provided fantasy value from some of the league's worst QBs in the past. If Johnson can produce with Kenny Pickett, why not Andy Dalton?
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