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Week 3 Quarterback Rankings & Matchups Analysis

Below you will find our Week 3 quarterback rankings, to help determine your QB starts/sits for this week, brought to you by Bill Dubiel (@Roto_Dubs), Nick Mariano (@NMariano53) and Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21).

Lead columnist Bill Dubiel also highlights some QB rankings and matchups analysis for Week 3, 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.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests for Week 3. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Week 3 Quarterbacks - Rankings & Matchups Analysis

Drew Brees will be the top QB play in fantasy this week. At home against a Falcons defense that he did well against last season, throwing for over 300 yards with a TD in each outing. With how poorly they’ve defended the pass so far this season, Brees is very likely to have a dominant week. Matt Ryan also has a ton of potential. He was statistically even if not better than Brees was in both games last season, and had a better TD:INT ratio on the road compared to at home last season (Home: 12:11 Road: 9:5). Ryan is ranked a little too low in these rankings, these two will put on a passing frenzy.

The 2015 MVP faces the top rated fantasy defense, as Cam Newton takes on the Minnesota Vikings. Newton has already showed us this season he can take on any level of defense and find success, with his solid showing in Week 1 against the Broncos. He should be safely deployed this week.

Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers meet in what is expected to be one of the highest scoring games of the week. Both of these QBs are missing some weapons, with Rivers losing Danny Woodhead, Keenan Allen, and potentially Antonio Gates this week. Luck recently loss Donte Moncrief. Outside of the top CBs on each team, these defenses don’t have much to offer. Even without their primary weapons, both QBs will have a shot at a great game.

On the road against a Buffalo defense looking to rebound, Carson Palmer may have a more difficult game ahead than many imagine. Contrary to what was seen last week against the Jets, the Bills possess an above average secondary, let by CBs Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby. The duo was one of the high rated pairs in the league coming into the season, and could lead to a couple INTs for Palmer.

Russell Wilson enters a tough matchup this week with the 49ers. Interdivisional games are always tougher grinds than normal games, evidenced by his showing last week against the LA Rams. Wilson is hobbled by a high ankle sprain, limiting his famous ability to scramble and turn broken plays into huge gains. With the Seattle offense not clicking as a whole, at #12 he is still rated too highly in our rankings.

The Oakland Raiders have had the worst passing defense to open the season, allowing an average of 404 yards per game. Granted that was against Brees and Ryan, but this is coming off a year where the Raiders were the seventh worst team in football at defending the pass. Marcus Mariota is in store for a top-10 QB performance this week.

The Baltimore Ravens on the other hand, were in the top-10 in defending the pass last season, and have been the stingiest against the pass this season at only 168.5 yards per game allowed. They will go on the road to face Bake Bortles and the Jaguars in Week 3. Bortles has thrown for 649 yards through two weeks, but only a 1:1 TD:INT ratio. With a difficult matchup and his inability to get anything going, it could be a troubling week once again for the third year QB.

Difficult one. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Bucs have done a nice job of limiting opposing RBs. They held Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman to 2.2 YPC in Week 1, and Chris and David Johnson to 3.5 YPC in Week 2. Gurley has only averaged 2.7 so far this season, as teams continue to stack the box with the lack of QB play on the Rams. Gurley will see another tough outing in Week 3, meaning owners will have to wait another week for his breakout game.

 

Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings - Quarterback

Rank Player Name Pos
1 Drew Brees QB
2 Cam Newton QB
3 Aaron Rodgers QB
4 Eli Manning QB
5 Carson Palmer QB
6 Andrew Luck QB
7 Matthew Stafford QB
8 Ben Roethlisberger QB
9 Derek Carr QB
10 Matt Ryan QB
11 Blake Bortles QB
12 Russell Wilson QB
13 Philip Rivers QB
14 Joe Flacco QB
15 Kirk Cousins QB
16 Jameis Winston QB
17 Marcus Mariota QB
18 Andy Dalton QB
19 Dak Prescott QB
20 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB
21 Carson Wentz QB
22 Ryan Tannehill QB
23 Alex Smith QB
24 Brock Osweiler QB
25 Tyrod Taylor QB
26 Sam Bradford QB
27 Blaine Gabbert QB
28 Jimmy Garoppolo QB
29 Jay Cutler QB
30 Josh McCown QB
31 Robert Griffin QB
32 Mark Sanchez QB
33 Tom Brady QB
34 Colin Kaepernick QB
35 Tony Romo QB
36 Paxton Lynch QB
37 Jared Goff QB
38 Geno Smith QB

 


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

Brandon Clarke

to Miss Rest of Season
Ja Morant

Done for the Season
Royce O'Neale

Available Tuesday Night
Grayson Allen

Cleared for Action Tuesday
Brandon Ingram

Questionable for Wednesday's Game
Ryan Dunn

Won't Play Against Nuggets
Paul George

Officially Available Wednesday
John Collins

is Returning on Wednesday
Jordan Miller

is Questionable for Wednesday's Game
Bennedict Mathurin

is Returning on Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

is Uncertain for Wednesday's Game
Kyle Kuzma

Carries Questionable Tag for Wednesday
Bobby Portis

is Tagged as Questionable for Wednesday
Kevin Porter Jr.

to Miss Fourth Straight Game
Isaiah Collier

Remains Out Wednesday
Alexandre Sarr

Out Against Jazz
Ayo Dosunmu

Questionable for Wednesday
Daniel Gafford

Iffy Against Denver
Quentin Grimes

Could Miss Another Game
Andrew Nembhard

Probable for Wednesday
Luke Kornet

Unavailable for Wednesday
Igor Chernyshov

Returns to Sharks Lineup
Dylan Larkin

Good to Go Tuesday
Ross Colton

Logan O'Connor, Ross Colton Available Tuesday
Morgan Rielly

Back in Action Tuesday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek Returning Tuesday
Thomas Chabot

to Be "Out a While"
Evgeni Malkin

Out Against Avalanche Tuesday
Joe Flacco

Reaches Agreement to Return to Bengals
Marvin Mims Jr.

Now a Trade Candidate in Denver?
Francisco Lindor

Likely to be Ready for Opening Day
Ryan Gerard

Can Continue Rolling at Texas Children's Houston Open
Pierceson Coody

Bounces Back at Valspar Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trying to Get Back on Track at Texas Children's Houston Open
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well Heading to Texas Children's Houston Open
Harry Hall

Looking for Consistency at Texas Children's Houston Open
Brooks Koepka

Continues Building Momentum
Odell Beckham Jr.

Plans to Play in 2026
RJ Harvey

Ready for a Year 2 Jump?
Baker Mayfield

Buccaneers Expected to Discuss Extension With Baker Mayfield This Offseason
Brian Robinson Jr.

Falcons to Sign Brian Robinson Jr.
Joey Bosa

a Good Fit for the 49ers?
Lavonte David

Hanging Up his Cleats
Maxx Crosby

Dealing With Degenerative Knee Condition?
Roki Sasaki

to Stick in Rotation Despite Spring Struggles
Kevin McGonigle

Makes Tigers Opening Day Roster
Scottie Scheffler

Withdraws From Texas Children's Houston Open
James Reimer

Picks Up Victory Against Rangers
San Francisco 49ers

Denzel Boston Visiting With 49ers on Tuesday
Matthew Stafford

a Great Option for Those in Win-Now Mode
Breece Hall

Dynasty Ceiling Capped in New York?
Jaylen Waddle

Restructures his Contract With Broncos
Ryan Pepiot

Placed on Injured List to Open the Season
Trevor Siemian

Signing With the Falcons
J.J. Wetherholt

JJ Wetherholt Likely to Hit Leadoff on Opening Day
Connelly Early

to Make First Start on Sunday
Tucker Kraft

a Post-Injury Buy-Low Candidate
Jakobi Meyers

Vying for Top Spot in Jacksonville Receiver Room
Jayden Higgins

Faces Obstacles in Second Season
Sam LaPorta

New Offensive Philosophy Could Help Sam LaPorta Get Back into Top Tier
Noah Gray

Remains Buried on Kansas City Depth Chart
Luke Clanton

Might Have a Problem in Houston
Sam Stevens

Happy to See Houston This Week
Keith Mitchell

Tries to Rebound After The Players Championship
Will Zalatoris

Returning This Week at Houston
Wyndham Clark

Trending in the Wrong Direction Heading to Houston
Shane Lowry

Seeking Better Luck in Houston This Weekend
Kurt Kitayama

Poised to Bounce Back at the Houston Open
Jake Knapp

More Suited for a Course Like the Houston Open
Tony Finau

Continues Playing Well Heading to Texas Children's Houston Open
Scottie Scheffler

Returns to Action for Texas Children's Houston Open
Sam Burns

Looks to Carry Momentum Into Houston
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong Finalizing Long-Term Extension
Shane Pinto

Opens Scoring Versus Rangers
Sahith Theegala

to Rebound at Texas Children's Houston Open
Stephan Jaeger

Hopes to Jumpstart Season at Texas Children's Houston Open
Adam Scott

Hopes to Get Back on Track in Houston
Blake Snell

Targeting a May Return
Hunter Greene

Reds Place Hunter Greene on 60-Day Injured List
Blake Whiteheart

Returns to the Browns
J.J. Wetherholt

JJ Wetherholt Makes Cardinals Opening Day Roster
NFL

Ty Simpson Expected to be a First-Round Pick
Nick Pivetta

to Start on Opening Day for Padres
Brandon Woodruff

Makes Brewers Opening Day Rotation
Zack Wheeler

to Start Rehab Assignment on Saturday
Carson Benge

Makes Mets Opening Day Roster
Seiya Suzuki

to Start the Season on the Injured List
Lerone Murphy

Suffers His First Loss
Dennis Santana

Won't be Pirates' Primary Closer
Movsar Evloev

Edges Out Lerone Murphy
CFB

Notre Dame Ranks No. 1 in Returning Production for 2026
Michael Aswell

Jr. Drops Decision At UFC London
Michael Aswell

Luke Riley Outclasses Michael Aswell Jr.
Sam Patterson

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Michael Page

Wins Lackluster Decision
Austen Lane

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Spencer Strider

to Start the Season on Injured List
Iwo Baraniewski

Delivers 28-Second TKO
Lawson Crouse

Picks Up Three Points in Overtime Win
Filip Forsberg

Takes Predators Past Blackhawks
Alex Ovechkin

Scores 1,000th Career Goal
Nate Schmidt

Exits Early Due to Illness
Matt Grzelcyk

to Miss Four-Game Road Trip
Mikko Rantanen

to Return to Full Practice
A.J. Greer

Handed a Three-Game Suspension
Troy Terry

Wins it for Anahiem
Tyler Reddick

Overcomes Adversity for Fourth Victory of the Season At Darlington
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Darlington Victory Despite Domination
Ryan Blaney

Recovers From Pit-Road Struggles to Score Career-Best Darlington Finish
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Finish Fourth at Darlington
Kyle Larson

Decent Performance Ends with Technical Issues At Darlington
Ilya Sorokin

Earns Shutout Over Columbus
Ethen Frank

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Sunday
Grayson Rodriguez

to Open Season on Injured List
Brett Pesce

Questionable to Return This Season
Stefan Noesen

Done for the Season
Mike Trout

Returns on Sunday
Nick Lodolo

Exits Early With a Blister
Jeremy Peña

Astros Not Ruling Out Jeremy Pena for Opening Day
Tyler Reddick

the Clear Favorite at Darlington
Kyle Larson

a High-Risk, High-Reward Driver at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Is Getting Better at Darlington
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not Slowing Down at Darlington
Chris Buescher

Should be a Top-10 Contender at Darlington
Austin Cindric

a Sleeper at Darlington
Erik Jones

Quickest in Practice at Darlington
Denny Hamlin

Qualifies Ninth for this Week's Cup Race at Darlington
Chase Briscoe

Is One of the Top DFS Options of the Week for Darlington
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Darlington Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Could Christopher Bell be Considered A Decent DFS Option for Darlington?
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Darlington This Week For DFS?
Joey Logano

May Not Have the Speed to Warrant A Darlington DFS Lineup Spot
Ross Chastain

Should DFS Players Trust Ross Chastain at Darlington?
Kyle Busch

Could Kyle Busch Be A Worthy DFS Option for Darlington?
Brad Keselowski

May be A Contriarian DFS Tournament Option At Darlington
Lerone Murphy

Set For UFC London Main Event
Movsar Evloev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Michael Aswell

Jr. An Underdog At UFC London
Luke Riley

Set For UFC London Co-Main Event
Sam Patterson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Michael Page

Set For Welterweight Bout
Austen Lane

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iwo Baraniewski

A Favorite At UFC London
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