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Welcome to our Week 3 matchups analysis and starts/sits column for fantasy football. We'll be covering every matchup from every Sunday game to help you make the best decisions for your fantasy lineups. We'll also be updating this as injury reports come in so check back often.
This article will cover the early slate of games, beginning at 1 PM ET on Sunday. Click here to see our late game matchups analysis and our MNF matchups analysis.
Check back here each week to get the absolute best advice for your toughest start/sit decisions and take a look at our consensus rankings each week. Find me on Twitter @ChrisMangano for more insight and help to your start/sit questions.
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1:00 PM EST Games
The early slate has a full load of 10 games this week! Set those lineups in time by analyzing each matchup below to gain the best advantage.
Saints at Falcons
Matchups We Love:
Alvin Kamara (RB, NO)
The Falcons were one of the worst units at defending throws to running backs, and that was before they lost Keanu Neal and Deion Jones. Last week Christian McCaffrey went for a 14/102 against them, and now they get Kamara who has 15 catches for 165 yards through two games. Even if Kamara cannot find success on the ground, he should see plenty of opportunity through the air and has a chance to repeat his Week 1 blow-up game.
Michael Thomas (WR, NO)
Thomas has played 75% of his snaps on the outside, where he will see a mix of Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant, but they should be no match for Thomas. Last week the Falcons secondary gave up an 11/161/2 line to the Panthers outside receivers of Devin Funchess, D.J. Moore, and Torrey Smith. Thomas is a class above each of those players and is in for another big day.
Matchups We Hate:
Benjamin Watson (TE, NO)
Watson appeared to be in a great spot last week against the Browns, but could only turn five targets into three catches for 19 yards. He now has just seven catches for 63 yards, and now gets a much tougher test against a Falcons defense that has allowed just four catches for 31 yards to tight ends. Hopefully, you have a better choice than Watson.
Mohamed Sanu (WR, ATL)
Sanu only saw two targets last week, catching both for just 19 yards. He now has just six catches for 37 yards and the emergence of both Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper seem to be hurting his value. His matchup against slot corner Patrick Robinson doesn't help and Sanu will need a touchdown to have any value this week. He should be benched in all formats.
Other Matchups:
Drew Brees (QB, NO)
With the Saints struggling in the run game, they have once again aired it out early and often with Brees, who has thrown for 682 yards and five touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also has a mind-boggling 81.3 completion percentage. Atlanta features a decent secondary, though they will be without safety Keanu Neal and could be without backup Damontae Kazee who was ejected for a brutal hit on Cam Newton last week. The Falcons pass rush is one of the worst, generating a pressure on just 9.8% of snaps. Brees should have plenty of time to throw in this one, and that's often all he needs. He is a top-5 QB play.
Ted Ginn (WR, NO)
Ginn now has at least four catches and 50 yards in both games this year but remains a low floor, high ceiling play. He's in a good spot this week against the Falcons secondary, and this could be a high-ceiling game. Ginn can't be considered more than a WR4/Flex type due to his low volume, but he offers plenty of upside in this one.
Matt Ryan (QB, ATL)
Ryan has yet to throw for 300 yards in a game, but did throw for two touchdowns last week, and ran for two more, in a home win against Carolina. The Saints defense looked better against Cleveland after getting torched by Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Ryan did struggle against this unit a year ago. Still, he has enough weapons that he should be safe, albeit a boring, start.
Tevin Coleman (RB, ATL)
As expected with Devonta Freeman out, Coleman handled the bulk of the running back work with 16 carries and four receptions, totaling 125 yards against a tough Panthers defense. He faces another tough test this week as the Saints who have given up just 136 yards on 43 attempts (3.16 YPC). Coleman will see enough volume to remain a high-end RB2 and is always a threat to score, but the matchup is not ideal. Still, you can't sit him based on the volume and opportunity.
Julio Jones (WR, ATL)
Jones is a tough one this week. He will more than likely be shadowed by second-year corner Marshon Lattimore who was outstanding in 2017 as a rookie. However, in Week 1 he shadowed Mike Evans and gave up four catches for 115 yards and a touchdown on four targets. Jones had success against Lattimore last year, going 5/98 in Week 13 and then 7/149 in Week 15. Julio is a weekly must-start regardless of matchup, and it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
Calvin Ridley (WR, ATL)
Ridley saw five targets in Week 2 and caught four of them for 64 yards and his first career touchdown. With Lattimore shadowing Jones, Ridley will primarily see Ken Crawley, who is by no means a tough matchup. Still, in just his third NFL game, and with Jones, Sanu, and Hooper around him, it's probably best to see him do it again before putting him in starting lineups.
Austin Hooper (TE, ATL)
Hooper caught five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers a week ago, and now has eight catches for 83 yards and a score. He also leads the Falcons with three targets inside the 10-yard line. Hooper makes for a decent streaming option this week and his role may only be growing.
Packers at Redskins
Matchups We Love:
Chris Thompson (RB, WAS)
Thompson turned in a massive 13/92 line on 14 targets against the Colts as Washington was in catch-up mode. He now has 19 receptions for 155 yards and a score on the season and should be a big part of the offense again. The Packers are allowing six catches a game, and should not be a tough match for Thompson. He is bordering on weekly RB1 territory, especially in PPR formats.
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS)
Reed is second on the team with 13 targets and has a 10/103/1 line on the year. Last week, Kyle Rudolph caught nine passes for 91 yards against this defense, so Reed is in a great spot. He is a high-upside, top-5 TE that needs to be started in all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
Paul Richardson (WR, WAS), Josh Doctson (WR, WAS), Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS)
The Washington receiving group is a mess, as no receiver has scored yet. Richardson leads the team with an 8/85/0 line on 12 targets, while Doctson has an abysmal 5/48/0 line on 10 targets. Crowder is bringing up the rear with a 5/40/0 line on just eight targets. The Packers secondary is better than in years past but still isn't great, and they are allowing the fifth most points to the position. Still, no one from this group can be trusted and starting them is nothing more than a hope and a prayer.
Other Matchups:
Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB)
The Redskins only have three sacks on the year which is a good thing for Rodgers, who is basically playing on one leg. They have been tough against the pass, however, as they held Andrew Luck to just 179 yards on 31 attempts and intercepted him twice in Week 2. Even with the knee injury, and even in a bit of a tough matchup, Rodgers cannot be benched and is a weekly must-start.
Jamaal Williams (RB, GB), Aaron Jones (RB, GB), Ty Montgomery (RB, GB)
The Packers running back situation is also a messy one for Week 3. Jamaal Williams is expected to start, but Aaron Jones should see work as well after returning from his two-game suspension. Ty Montgomery is still in the mix also, and that potentially gives us the dreaded three-headed monster. The matchup isn't bad, but we'd prefer to see how the backfield plays out before confidently starting anyone.
Davante Adams (WR, GB), Geronimo Allison (WR, GB)
Adams and Allison each primarily play outside and will contend with Josh Norman and Quinton Dunbar most of the day. Dunbar is currently Pro Football Focus' highest graded corner, and Norman is 36th. Still, this is by no means a complete avoid, and Adams remains in the WR1 discussion. Allison, meanwhile, has 14 targets, just six less than Adams, and is locked-in as the team's number two outside receiver. Attached to a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers he has to be considered a weekly flex start.
Randall Cobb (WR, GB)
Slot receiver Cobb has 16 targets on the year and a 13/172/1 line and draws the easiest of the matchups against slot corner Fabian Moreau. Moreau is graded just 68th by Pro Football Focus and should be no match for Cobb. Given the tougher matchup the outside receivers are facing, Cobb could see a decent amount of targets and is a sneaky start this week.
Jimmy Graham (TE, GB)
After a slow Week 1, Graham turned eight Week 2 targets into six catches for 95 yards against the Vikings. Washington only gave up five catches for 46 yards to Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron last week, but Ebron did find the end zone. Still, Graham is a weekly must start and is always a threat to score.
Alex Smith (QB, WAS)
The Packers did a good job in Week 1 against Mitch Trubisky but got lit up last week by Kirk Cousins to the tune of 425 yards and four touchdowns. Smith, in this offense, is somewhere between Trubisky and Cousins, but still should be in line for a solid outing. He makes for a safe start in this one.
Adrian Peterson (RB, WAS)
A week after having 26 carries, Peterson had just 11 as Washington was playing from behind, but he did add three receptions and now has five on the season. On the season the Packers are allowing 4.6 YPC (ninth worst) and 103.5 YPG (15th). The Packers are favored by just three so if Washington can keep it close, Peterson should remain heavily involved.
Colts at Eagles
Matchups We Love:
T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND)
Hilton leads the Colts with 22 targets and has a 12/129/2 line through two games. The Eagles gave up 10/169 to Julio Jones in Week 1, they were torched for 20 catches, 276 yards, and three touchdowns last week against the Buccaneers receivers. With the Eagles shutting down the run game, teams are throwing often against them and they have faced the ninth most attempts. Hilton should see plenty of targets in this one and is a locked-in WR1.
Matchups We Hate:
Jordan Wilkins (RB, IND)
Mack returned from his hamstring injury and had 10 carries, same number as Wilkins, but just 34 yards. Wilkins meanwhile had 64. However, Mack re-injured the hamstring and is out this week which means Wilkins will once again get the bulk of the carries. Given the play of the Colts offensive line, and the Eagles allowing just 2.9 YPC and 58.5 YPG on the ground (both league best), Wilkins is a dicey start even with the volume.
Eric Ebron (TE, IND)
With Jack Doyle expected to miss Sunday, Ebron will get all the tight end work against a tough Eagles defense. Yes, they gave up a 75-yard touchdown to O.J. Howard last week, but outside of that, they have allowed just five catches for 43 yards. Given the tight end landscape, and the expected volume, Ebron is an easy TE1 play but owners should temper expectations.
Carson Wentz (QB, PHI)
We know, you waited three weeks to finally role out Wentz, and now he gets a hate. But there are reasons to avoid him this week if you can. He's coming off an ACL injury and making his first start in almost a year, and he'll be without his number one receiver, Alshon Jeffrey. If that's not enough, the Colts are allowing the ninth fewest points to quarterbacks. If you have a better option you may want to wait one more week before starting Wentz.
Other Matchups:
Andrew Luck (QB, IND)
Luck is dinking and dunking his way to decent production, averaging just 5.9 YPA, well below his career average of 7.2. Still, the volume is keeping him afloat as he has attempted 84 passes through two games. On paper, the Eagles are a tough matchup, but after stifling Matt Ryan in Week 1 they got torched by Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 2 (but who hasn't?). This isn't a great spot for Luck, but I don't think it is an avoid either.
Ryan Grant (WR, IND)
Grant only has 11 targets through the first two games, but he has 10 catches. He's only totaled 89 yards, however, but his volume makes him a deep league flex play in PPR formats. Slot corner Ronald Derby is Pro Football Focus' 55th graded corner, so Grant should have chances.
Corey Clement (RB, PHI), Wendall Smallwood (RB, PHI)
Jay Ajayi has been ruled out for Sunday, and that means Clement figures to get plenty of action. The Colts are allowing 4 YPA (19th) and 83 YPG (9th) but gave up 6/65 through the air in Week 1 and 16/122 Week 2. Clement is a high-end RB2 start while Smallwood is a solid flex play.
Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI)
With Alshon Jeffrey out and Mike Wallace on I.R., Agholor is basically the last WR standing in Philadelphia. The Eagles did bring in Jordan Matthews, but it's hard to expect much from him immediately. The Colts secondary has actually been quite good this year and Agholor has been playing less out of the slot with Jeffery out. Still, he has 22 targets and 16 receptions over the first two games and should see plenty of volume once again. He is a solid start.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI)
Ertz leads the Eagles in targets (23) and yards (142) and is tied for the team lead with 16 catches. With the Eagles basically out of receivers, he should be heavily involved once again. The Colts are allowing the sixth-fewest points to tight ends, but that shouldn't matter as Ertz will see all the targets he can handle. He is a locked-in TE1.
Bills at Vikings
Matchups We Love:
Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)
Cousins has been as good as advertised for his new team, having thrown for 669 yards and six touchdowns over his first two starts. Now he gets one of the best matchups against a Bills defense that is giving up the fourth most points to quarterbacks. Cousins is an easy top-5 option this week and is a must-start.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN)
Thielen continues to operate primarily out of the slot and will match up with slot corner Rafael Bush, the lowest graded corner on the Bills. Pro Football Focus has him ranked 92nd among corners. Thielen leads the Vikings in targets, receptions, and yards, and the only thing that can stop him this week is a blowout that limits his targets. But that shouldn't be enough to not view him as a locked-in WR1.
Matchups We Hate:
Josh Allen (QB, BUF)
Allen wasn't awful in his NFL debut, throwing for 245 yards and one touchdown, but he did throw two interceptions and only completed 55% of his passes against the Chargers. He gets a tough test this week against a Vikings defense that has allowed the fourth fewest points to quarterbacks. There is a chance Xavier Rhodes may be out, but even if he is this is a tough spot and Allen should not be started anywhere.
Kelvin Benjamin (WR, BUF), Zay Jones (WR, BUF)
Allen spread the ball around in Week 2, and Benjamin and Allen combined for just seven targets and five receptions. The Vikings are allowing the 11th fewest points to receivers, and neither Benjamin nor Jones can be trusted.
LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF)
McCoy has been dealing with a rib injury all week, wearing a non-contact jersey in practice. He is officially questionable, but there's always a chance he doesn't suit up. Regardless, the Vikings defense presents a very tough matchup. They've already shut down the Packers and 49ers running backs. Avoid McCoy if possible in your lineups.
Other Matchups:
Charles Clay (TE, BUF)
Clay has a good matchup against a Vikings defense that is allowing six catches and 94 yards to tight ends, but he has only been targeted six times, hauling in just two catches for 29 yards. Despite the good matchup, Clay is a very risky start.
Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN)
Diggs has three touchdowns over the first two games and is in a great spot against a terrible Bills secondary. He will see a lot of the Bills best corner, Tre'Davious White, but White is Pro Football Focus' 45th ranked corner. Nothing Diggs can't handle. He could make it touchdown number four, or more, this week and is a WR1 start.
Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)
A week after seeing just two targets, Rudolph was targeted eight times against Green Bay, catching seven passes for 72 yards. He should be involved once again facing a Bills team that gives up six catches and 79 yards to tight ends.
Raiders at Dolphins
Matchups We Love:
Kenyan Drake (RB, MIA)
Drake is, unfortunately, sharing more work with Frank Gore than we'd like, but has led the team in carries each of the first two weeks. Now he gets about the best matchup a running back can, as he faces a Raiders team giving up the most YPC (5.7) and 2nd most YPG (154) on the ground. Drake is utilized in the passing game as well with seven catches through two games, and if he was guaranteed 15+ carries would be an easy RB1. But based on him sharing the workload he should be viewed more like a high-end RB2 with upside. Start him if you got him.
Matchups We Hate:
Derek Carr (QB, OAK)
After an awful performance in Week 1, Carr rebounded in Week 2 with 288 yards and a touchdown while not throwing an interception. He may not be able to replicate that, however, against a Dolphins defense that is allowing the third-fewest points to the position and is holding quarterbacks to just 277 yards a game. They have also forced five interceptions. You should look for better options.
Kenny Stills (WR, MIA), Devante Parker (WR, MIA), Albert Wilson (WR, MIA), Danny Amendola (WR, MIA)
With the return of Parker, the Dolphins wide receiver situation gets even more muddied. Wilson and Amendola are tied for the team lead in targets with 10 through two games, and Stills has eight. But that was without Parker. With so many mouths to feed, good luck picking the right one. To make matters worse, the Raiders are allowing the 12th fewest points to receivers, and are allowing just 12 total catches and less than a touchdown per game. We'd prefer to sit all Dolphins receivers until we get more clarity.
Other Matchups:
Marshawn Lynch (RB, OAK)
Lynch carried the ball 18 times in Week 2 and could only manage 65 yards against a tough Broncos defense, but did find the end zone for the second straight week. He also added two receptions, which is encouraging. The Dolphins are allowing the 23rd most points to running backs, but are allowing just 3.3 YPA (3rd lowest) and 79 YPG on the ground (eighth fewest). They are getting gashed by running backs through the air, unfortunately, Lynch is unlikely to take advantage of that. Still, he is seeing enough volume and goal-line work to be a low-end RB2.
Amari Cooper (WR, OAK)
After shades of 2017 haunted Cooper owners in Week 1, he bounced back in a big way with 10 catches for 116 yards in Week 2 against Denver. Now he gets a Dolphins team that allowed 6/62 to Corey Davis in Week 1, and 7/92 to Quincy Enunwa in Week 2. If Cooper is heavily involved again, as he should be, he is a solid WR2 with upside.
Jared Cook (TE, OAK)
With Amari Cooper getting targeted 10 times in Week 2, Cook was targeted just four but caught all four for 49 yards. Cook now has 13 catches for 229 yards and should be involved against a Dolphins team allowing the 16th most points to the position, giving up five catches and 77 yards per game. A tight end has yet to score against them, but Cook could change that this week. He is a low-end TE1 start.
Ryan Tannehill (QB, MIA)
Tannehill has yet to throw over 230 yards but has two touchdowns in each of his first two starts. The Raiders did a good job against Case Keenum a week ago, but this is by no means an elite defense. Tannehill makes for a fine start as a QB2 in Superflex or 2QB leagues.
Broncos at Ravens
Matchups We Love:
Emmanuel Sanders (WR, DEN)
Sanders has been playing a ton of slot this year and gets the easiest matchup against slot corner Tavon Young. Pro Football Focus has Young graded as the number 74 ranked corner, and Sanders should have his way. Sanders has 14 catches on 15 targets for 231 yards and a score on the season and is an easy start this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Alex Collins (RB, BAL)
With Kenneth Dixon out in Week 2, Collins saw just nine carries as the Ravens were playing from behind, but he did add three catches on four targets. Collins looked great almost every time he touched the ball, but the Ravens continual use of Buck Allen is hindering his value. The matchup this week is less than good, as the Broncos allow just 3.6 YPC and 78 YPG (both 6th best). Without the necessary volume, Collins is a risky RB3/Flex play.
Willie Snead (WR, BAL)
Don't look now, but Willie Snead is a thing again. With 14 targets and a 9/103/1 line through two games, Snead is quietly posting good numbers. He draws a tough test this week, however, against slot corner Chris Harris Jr. One of the best slot corners in the league, Harris Jr. should hold Snead in check. It's doubtful anyone was starting Snead, but just in case, you've been warned.
Other Matchups:
Case Keenum (QB, DEN)
This matchup is a tale of two's. First, you have the two Keenum's, the one who went for 329 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1 against the Seahawks, and the one who threw for just 222 yards and no touchdowns against the Raiders in Week 2. Then you have the two Ravens defenses, the one who held Nathan Peterman and the Bills to just 98 passing yards in Week 1, and the one who gave up 265 yards and four touchdowns to Andy Dalton in Week 2. We think both lie somewhere in the middle, which makes Keenum an OK, but not great, start this week.
Phillip Lindsay (RB, DEN), Royce Freeman (RB, DEN)
After splitting the carries equally in Week 1, Lindsay greatly out-touched Freeman in Week 2, looking like the better back. He even got a carry inside the ten. With over 100 scrimmage yards in each of the first two games, Lindsay may be taking over this backfield. The matchup against the Ravens is not ideal, as they are allowing just 3.8 YPC (20th) and 95.5 YPG (18th) while allowing the second-fewest points to running backs. Lindsay remains a solid RB3/flex option, while Freeman is a risky start at this point and will likely need a touchdown to pay off.
Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN)
Despite getting torched by A.J. Green a week ago, the Ravens outside corners of Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey are very good, graded third and fifth respectively by Pro Football Focus. Thomas leads the Broncos with 21 targets but has caught just 11 for 81 yards with one touchdown. He should see plenty of opportunity in this one, but the matchup isn't ideal and he can't be considered more than a low-end WR2.
Jake Butt (TE, DEN)
Butt has emerged as the Broncos number one tight end with 11 targets through two games. He's caught 6 of them for 77 yards but has yet to score. The Ravens have allowed just the 12th most points to the position, but are allowing five catches for 60 yards per game. Butt doesn't have a ton of upside, but he is a decent streaming option in deeper leagues.
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL)
Don't look now, but Flacco has quietly put up 612 yards and five touchdowns through the first two games. He is currently QB11 in standard scoring leagues. The Broncos are no longer the no-fly zone, allowing the 17th most points to quarterbacks this year. Flacco is a fine streaming option this week and might be entering weekly start consideration.
Javorius Allen (RB, BAL)
Allen had six carries for a whopping eight yards in Week 2 but vultured a touchdown from Alex Collins at the goal line. His real value is in the passing game, however, as he hauled in five catches for 36 yards. If there is an area running backs can exploit against Denver, it's in the passing game, as they are allowing 6.5 receptions per game. Without touchdowns, Allen has little upside, but he makes for a safe floor flex play.
Michael Crabtree (WR, BAL), John Brown (WR, BAL)
Crabtree leads the Ravens with 16 targets and has caught eight passes for 94 yards and a score. Meanwhile Brown has 14 targets with seven catches 136 yards and two scores. Both should be fine plays against a Broncos defense that ranks 18th in points allowed to the position and is giving up more than a touchdown a game. Both are high-upside WR3 types.
Nick Boyle (TE, BAL), Maxx Williams (TE, BAL), Mark Andrews (TE, BAL)
Boyle leads Ravens tight ends with 10 targets, while Andrews has eight and Williams has six. This would be a fantastic matchup if we only had one tight end getting all the work. Still, That this Broncos defense allowed a 4/116/1 line to Seahawk's tight ends in Week 1, and 5/54/0 to Raiders tight ends in Week 2. Boyle is likely your best bet if you're desperate, but better to avoid the situation if you can.
Bengals at Panthers
Matchups We Love:
Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN)
With Joe Mixon out, Bernard will take over lead back duties. Last year he averaged 20.7 PPR points in the three games Mixon missed (technically Mixon played one-quarter of one of the games). The Panthers are allowing 4.9 YPA and are giving up 132 YPG (both 25th worst). Through the air, they are allowing an average of four catches per game. Bernard should see all the work he can handle in this one and is a high-end RB2 with upside.
Tyler Boyd (WR, CIN)
Boyd is clearly the Bengals number two behind A.J. Green and now has 14 targets on the year, just three behind Green. He has caught nine balls for 117 yards and a score. He gets a great matchup this week as the Panthers struggle against team's number two receivers. Last week Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 64 yards and a score on just five targets, and Boyd should be more involved. He makes for a high-upside flex start.
Cam Newton (QB, CAR)
After a poor Week 1 showing in a slow-played game against Dallas, Newton bounced-back in a big way against the Falcons in Week 2, throwing for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Now he gets a Bengals defense that gave up 319 yards and two touchdowns to Andrew Luck in Week 1, and 376 yards and two scores to Joe Flacco a week ago. Newton is a locked-in top-5 option this week.
Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR)
Yes, the Bengals are extremely tough against running backs on the ground, allowing just 3.2 YPA (2nd best) and 70.5 YPG (3rd best), but that is not where McCaffrey scores his points. McCaffrey only has 87 yards on the ground on 18 carries but has 20 catches for 147 yards through the air. Last week Ravens running backs caught eight passes for 91 yards against this defense, and in Week 1 Colts running backs caught 10 for 54. McCaffrey should light it up through the air once again and is an easy RB1 play, especially in PPR.
Jarius Wright (WR, CAR)
No one has really noticed (except yours truly), but Wright is now third on the team in targets with 12 (two behind Devin Funchess) and had seven a week ago with Greg Olsen out. He now has eight catches for 85 yards and a score on the season and gets a fantastic matchup against slot corner Darqueze Dennard who ranks 71st according to Pro Football Focus. Wright is a sneaky flex start in PPR formats.
Ian Thomas (TE, CAR)
Hopefully, you didn't give up on Thomas after he had just two catches for 10 yards in his Week 2 start in replace of the injured Greg Olsen. If you didn't you should be rewarded as he gets the best tight end matchup of the slate. The Bengals are allowing 10 catches per game, 99 yards and one touchdown to tight ends and have given up the most points to the position. There is plenty of risk in starting Thomas, but given the state of many teams at the position, he is one of the better options.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Andy Dalton (QB, CIN)
Dalton is off to a red-hot start in 2018, with over 500 passing yards and six touchdowns. He may cool off a bit against the Panthers, however, as they are allowing just 221 yards through the air and have given up just two touchdowns over the first two games. Still, with the way Dalton is playing he is a viable streaming option and a solid QB2.
A.J. Green (WR, CIN)
Green is coming off his first career three-touchdown game, though he only caught five passes for 69 yards on nine targets. He draws a bit of a tough matchup, as the Panthers do well against number one receivers. They held Julio Jones to five catches for 64 yards a week ago. Green is still a weekly WR1, but owners should temper expectations this week.
Tyler Eifert (TE, CIN)
The good news for Eifert, he saw his snap count go from 40% in Week 1 to 60% in Week 2. The bad news is he is sharing targets with the other Bengals tight ends. Still, he leads all tight ends with seven and has five catches for 67 yards, but has yet to score. He should see even more work in his third game back and gets a good matchup against a Panthers defense that ranks 16th in points allowed to the position. Eifert has plenty of upside but is also a risk and can't be considered more than a high-end TE2.
Devin Funchess (WR, CAR)
With Greg Olsen out, Funchess led all receivers with nine targets, catching seven for 77 yards in Week 2. The Bengals rank 14th in points allowed to receivers, but their outside corners are their strength. Dre Kirkpatrick and William Jackson are ranked 14th and 28th respectively by Pro Football Focus. Still, Funchess should be involved enough, and the matchup isn't a complete avoid. He can be viewed as a solid WR2 start this week.
Giants at Texans
Matchups We Love:
Lamar Miller (RB, NYG)
Miller has 34 carries for 166 yards (4.9 YPA) and gets a Giants defense that is allowing 5.2 YPA (30th) and 137.5 YPG (29th). If Miller gets 17+ carries he should be in for a big day. Miller is a high-upside RB2.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU), Will Fuller (WR, HOU)
Hopkins has 25 targets through the first two games, catching 16 for 230 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Fuller saw 27% of the team's targets in his first start in Week 2 and had a monster 8/113/1 game. Eli Apple, who has been the Giants best corner this season, is out so both receivers are in a great spot. Hopkins is a locked-in WR1 while Fuller is a high-upside WR2.
Matchups We Hate:
Eli Manning (QB, NYG)
Manning has yet to throw for 300 yards, has just one touchdown and has been sacked eight times in the first two games. Now he faces a Texans defense that is allowing just 197 yards per game and is giving up the 12th fewest points to the position. With his offensive line in shambles, Manning should be in for a tough day.
Other Matchups:
Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG)
Barkley has struggled to find running room behind this offensive line but has 16 catches for 102 yards. The Texans only allow 3.4 YPC (4th best) but are allowing 111 YPG (21st). They also allow 5.5 catches to running backs per game, and Barkley should be involved enough in the passing game to have a fine day. He is an RB1 start.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, NYG)
Beckham, and the entire Giants offense struggled a week ago against Dallas, catching just four passes for 51 yards on nine targets. He should fare better against the Texans, whose best corner, Aaron Colvin, mans the slot. The Texans outside corners, Jonathan Joseph and Kevin Johnson rank 64th and 94th respectively by Pro Football Focus. Beckham will get some run out of the slot, but will be outside primarily and should win this matchup. He is an easy WR1 start.
Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG)
Shepard only has 12 targets but has caught eight of them, though only for 72 yards. He draws a tough test against slot corner Aaron Colvin, who ranks 22nd according to Pro Football Focus. Shepard can't be considered more than a flex start in this one.
Evan Engram (TE, NYG)
Engram is second on the Giants with 13 targets and has 10 catches for 98 yards with one touchdown. The Texans are allowing the 20th most points to the position, and give up 4.5 catches and 69 yards per game to the position. He is a solid TE1 start this week.
Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU)
The matchup doesn't look great by the numbers, the Giants are allowing just 164 YPG and 5.8 YPA, but they will likely be without corner Eli Apple and linebacker Olivier Vernon. Watson looked much better in Week 2 with Will Fuller in the offense, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns. He is a solid start this week.
Titans at Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
Leonard Fournette (RB, JAC)
Fournette missed last week with a hamstring injury but looks on track to play this week. The matchup is great as the Titans are allowing 4.9 YPA (27th) and 134 YPG (26th). Fournette had three catches in his one healthy half of football. Looking like a three-down back, Fournette is an easy RB1 start this week.
Keelan Cole (WR, JAC), Donte Moncrief (WR, JAC)
Cole only has 12 targets on the year but has caught 10 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. Moncrief, meanwhile, leads the team with 15 targets but has only caught five passes for 48 yards. He does lead the team with 219 air yards, however. The matchup against the Titans corners is fantastic, as they have given up the second most points to the position, and are giving up an average of 16.5 catches and 234 yards to receivers. Cole is a high-upside WR3. Moncrief is risky but makes for a great high-upside GPP play.
Matchups We Hate:
Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN)
Mariota missed Week 2 with an elbow injury, and we likely won't know until Sunday whether he will play or not. Regardless, he is an easy avoid against a Jacksonville defense that is allowing the fifth fewest points to quarterbacks and allows just 229 yards per game. Mariota at less than 100% is an easy sit in this one.
Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
Davis has a huge 33% target share for the Titans but has turned 21 targets into just 11 catches for 117 yards. Now he has to contend with two of the best in Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, and his quarterback play is subpar at best. The volume is there, but Davis owners probably want to bench him this week.
Jonnu Smith (TE, TEN)
Smith played every snap in Week 2 but was not targeted with Blaine Gabbert under center. He gets a tough matchup this week as the Jaguars allow the sixth-fewest points to the position and give up just four catches and 42 yards per game. Smith should be left on benches this week.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, JAC)
Seferian-Jenkins has six catches for 48 yards on the season, and caught his first touchdown last week, but gets a tough matchup against a Titans defense that ranks second in points allowed to the position. Tight ends are averaging just two catches for 25 yards against them. Jenkins is not worth a start this week.
Other Matchups:
Dion Lewis (RB, TEN), Derick Henry (RB, TEN)
After badly out-touching Henry in Week 1, Lewis was out-touched 18 to 15 in Week 2. The Jaguars are allowing 4.2 YPA (21st) and 98 YPG (16th) while allowing the 20th most points to running backs. So this is not the matchup to be feared like it was a year ago, but given the fact that this is a timeshare neither can be considered more than a flex start.
Blake Bortles (QB, JAC)
With Leonard Fournette out, Bortles attempted 45 passes against the Patriots, throwing for 377 yards and four touchdowns. With Fournette back Bortles will probably be asked to throw less, but the Titans are still a good matchup, allowing 270 yards and two touchdowns per game. Bortles is a fine streaming option and a solid QB2.
Dede Westbrook (WR, JAC)
Westbrook is tied for second on the team in targets with 12 and has 10 catches, 127 yards, and a score. Playing out of the slot he will matchup with Logan Ryan, who Pro Football Focus ranks 43rd. This is a good spot for Westbrook, and he should have plenty of opportunities. Westbrook is a high-upside flex start.
49ers at Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, SF)
People who drafted Garoppolo have been disappointed so far, but hopefully, you have held on because he is about to blow up. The Chiefs are allowing 438 yards and three touchdowns per game to quarterbacks, and are giving up the most points to the position. Garoppolo has top-5 upside, possibly even top-3, and is a must-start.
Marquise Goodwin (WR, SF), Pierre Garcon (WR, SF)
Goodwin is set to return from his injury, and he and Garcon are in a great spot against a Chiefs secondary that is allowing 20 catches, 207 yards and two touchdowns per game to receivers. Goodwin has the higher upside due to his big-play ability, but Garcon has plenty of value as well. Both are great starts this week.
George Kittle (TE, SF)
Kittle leads the team with 13 targets and has seven catches and 112 yards but has yet to find the end zone. The Chiefs are tied with the Bengals for the most points allowed to the position, and just gave up eight catches and 164 yards plus a touchdown to the Steelers tight ends. Kittle is a TE1 start.
Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC)
Unlike Jimmy Garoppolo drafters, those who drafted Mahomes have been extremely happy. 10 touchdowns through the first two games will do that. He gets another great matchup against a 49ers defense that is giving up 295 yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game and has allowed the 25th most points to the position. Mahomes is a must-start QB1.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC)
Hill has had an impressive start to the season with 12 catches, 259 yards, and three touchdowns, plus a special teams touchdown. Now he gets a 49ers defense that allows the 24th most points to receivers, averaging 14 catches, 207 yards and 1.5 touchdowns against per game. Hill is a locked-in, top-5 WR.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Matt Breida (RB, SF), Alfred Morris (RB, SF)
Morris out-carried Breida 14 to 11 in Week 2, but Breida was far superior, running for 138 yards and a touchdown to Morris' 48. Morris now has 26 carries to Breida's 22, but Breida is averaging 8.4 YPC while Morris averages 3.3. The matchup against the Chiefs is good as they allow 4.5 YPA (23rd) but were they really struggle is through the air, allowing 10.5 catches and 130 yards to running backs per game. Unfortunately, neither Breida nor Morris are heavily involved in the passing game, but still, both make for solid starts though we'd prefer Breida.
Kareem Hunt (RB, KC)
Hunt has been getting the work on the ground, 34 carries through two games, but has just two targets as the Chiefs downfield passing attack has flourished. The 49ers are a good matchup, allowing 4.3 YPA (22nd) and 107 YPG (19th). Without the receptions, Hunt's ceiling is a bit capped, but in a good spot, he is a solid RB1 start.
Travis Kelce (TE, KC)
After a slow Week 1, Kelce exploded in Week 2 with seven catches, 109 yards, and two touchdowns. The 49ers have given up a touchdown in each of the first two weeks, but have yet to allow more than three receptions or 28 yards in a game. Still, Kelce is a stud and is a must-start every week.
