👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

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.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]
 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cade Cunningham

Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Jock Landale

to Remain Unavailable in Game 6
Peyton Watson

to Remain Out Thursday
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Return Wednesday
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Aaron Gordon

Questionable for Game 6
Josh Hart

Iffy for Game 6
Joel Embiid

Likely to Play in Game 6
Bones Hyland

Could Miss Game 6
Kevin Huerter

Not Available for Game 5
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 5
Franz Wagner

Won't Play in Game 5
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Uncertain for Game 6
Matvei Michkov

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Wednesday
Noah Ostlund

Set to Miss "a Period of Time"
Viktor Arvidsson

Doubtful for Game 6 Against Sabres
Barrett Hayton

Close to Returning
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Brandon Aiyuk

Decision Could Come in Late May
Bryce Young

Panthers Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Will Deebo Samuel Sr. Find a New Team Before Training Camps Open?
Jalen Johnson

Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Elic Ayomanor

Dynasty Stock Way Down After NFL Draft
Jalen Brunson

Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
Darius Slayton

Dynasty Value Fading After Busy Giants Offseason
Jaylen Brown

Struggles From the Field in Game 5
Jayson Tatum

Picks Up Another Double-Double
David Njoku

With the NFL Draft Over, David Njoku Could Soon Find a Team
Tyrese Maxey

Records Double-Double With Rebounds
Tyler Warren

a Major Offseason Winner
Joel Embiid

Tallies 33 Points as 76ers Stave Off Elimination
Victor Wembanyama

Posts Second Straight Double-Double
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round
Alexander Nikishin

Could Be Available in Round 2
Victor Hedman

Logs Full Practice
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Noah Ostlund

Likely to Miss Time Due to Lower-Body Injury
Arttu Hyry

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Jonas Brodin

Spotted Using Crutches After Game 5
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Wilson

Jets Host Russell Wilson for a Visit, Considering him as Backup Option
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Jonathon Brooks

Fully Cleared for Offseason Program
Christian Gonzalez

Patriots Exercise Christian Gonzalez's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Allgeier

One of the Biggest Losers After NFL Draft
A.J. Brown

Eagles to Receive a First-Round Pick if They Trade A.J. Brown?
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers
Jauan Jennings

Visiting With Vikings
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Quentin Johnston
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Picking Up Jahmyr Gibbs' Fifth-Year Option
Bo Nix

Undergoes Cleanup Procedure on his Ankle
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Scottie Barnes

Leading Raptors' Comeback Effort in Round 1
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Jason Zucker

Good to Go for Game 5
Josh Norris

Won't Play Tuesday
Colton Dach

Available Tuesday
Connor Ingram

Returns to Oilers Net for Game 5
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Jason Dickinson

Considered a Game-Time Decision for Tuesday's Action
Connor McDavid

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
Isaiah Likely

Remains Well-Positioned for Mid-Career Breakout Following NFL Draft
Jauan Jennings

' Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft?
Luther Burden III

Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
MarShawn Lloyd

Is MarShawn Lloyd a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Following NFL Draft?
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Will Smith

Back in Action in Series Opener Against Marlins
Josh Naylor

Back in Starting Lineup on Monday
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Manny Machado

Clubs Two Homers, Starting to Turn Things Around?
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF