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
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 3 Woos and Boos: Contrarian Lineup Decisions

Brandon Murchison presents his Week 3 Woos and Boos for fantasy football. These are under-the-radar players that should be in your lineups and typical starters that could disappoint due to matchups. Who should you be starting and who should you be sitting?

Week 2 of fantasy football brought us yet another slate of games where unheralded players were rankings atop the leaderboards. Players like Raheem Mostert and Demarcus Robinson went from waiver wire pickups to heroes in a week. The savvy fantasy owner could see the plus matchups that these players had and plugged them into their lineups without question. But not every week will see this happening across the league. Or will it? The current nature of the NFL is seeing a lot of teams utilized more players in their gameplans. Causing headaches for us as we prepare for our weekly matchups.

Heading into Week 3, we are still waiting to see things normalize for the upper echelon studs in fantasy. Along with injuries to key players mounting, we could see the struggles continue for top players, meaning that finding the right matchup becomes ever more important. With some intriguing games on the schedule this, many fantasy owners could find themselves benching their normal "starters" in place of a bench option with a prime matchup.

So let's jump into the numbers as I present to you my "Woos and Boos" for Week 3 to help you with those tough lineup decisions you may be facing.

Editor's Note: Identify fantasy football draft busts, overvalued ADPs, and key players to avoid so you can draft with confidence this season.

 

Woo! - Week 3 Starts

Josh Allen vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Allen is off to very hot start to begin the 2019 season as he currently sits at QB8 in fantasy scoring. That should continue in Week 3 as he faces a Bengals Defense that is currently 10th in points allowed to the position (20.2 FPPG). With Andy Dalton and the Bengals passing attack hitting on all cylinders, this game could easily turn into a high scoring affair. Where I expect to see Allen excel this week is as a rusher. He's been successful through two weeks on the ground with a pair of scores. Look for him to make that three in a row while also adding in a couple of passing TDs in this games. Easily worth the start as a QB1.

Miles Sanders vs. Detroit Lions

Sanders has been somewhat slow to begin the season but on a positive note, he appears to be the go-to back for the Eagles. He's leading the backfield in snaps (71) and carries (21). He should finally come through for fantasy owner in Week 3 as the banged-up Eagles will need to establish a running game against Lions Defense that is 6th in points allowed to opposing RBs (22.1 FPPG). Look for Sanders to be involved early and often as he should get about 18 touches for 100 totals yards and score. Worth the look as a low-end RB2 this week.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Carolina Panthers

Fitzgerald has once again found the fountain of youth as he looks rejuvenated in the Cardinals "Air Raid" offense. He leads the Cardinals receivers in snaps (142) and receptions (13) and also has recorded a 100-yard game in both starts. Heading into Week 3, he gets a tougher matchup against a Cardinals Defense that has been somewhat stingy against opposing receivers (20.7 FPPG). But one area that they have been soft is against slot receivers, which is where Fitzgerald mostly plays. Another six-catch, 100-yard game should be in store this week as he again gets into the endzone as well. I currently have him inside my Top 24 for the week, making him a solid start as a WR2 in PPR formats.

Austin Hooper @ Indianapolis Colts

Perhaps my Woo of the week, Hooper is lined up for a fantastic game in Week 3. He has been consistent as a low-end TE1 through two weeks of the season but has yet to find the end-zone. I believe that changes here as he faces a Colts Defense that is in the middle of the league in points allowed to the position (5.2 FPPG). With much of the focus being on the receivers for the Falcons in this game, Hooper should see lots of room to run over the middle of the field. A five-catch, 70-yard game is well within reach here as he should give you a score as well. A no doubt start as a TE1 this week.

 

Boo! - Week 3 Sits

Jared Goff @ Cleveland Browns

Goff has been pedestrian at best to begin the 2019 season (QB19 so far). He typically struggles on the road and that will be another tough matchup in Week 3 as he faces a stout Browns Defense. The Browns currently rank 20th in fantasy in points allowed to opposing QBs (16.1 FPPG). This could turn into a low-scoring affair between these two teams meaning fewer opportunities for Goof to score. If you have another QB rostered with a better matchup this week, don't be afraid to plug them in.

Dante Pettis vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pettis has been largely invisible in the 49ers receiver rotation to start the 2019 season. Expect for that to continue in Week 3 as the 49ers will be facing a Steelers Defense that, although they surrender plenty of points (36.4 FPPG to receivers), could see a ton of action against the team's ground game. Look for the 49ers to control this game on the ground and limit the opportunities for pass catchers outside of George Kittle. Leave Pettis on your bench until further notice unless he turns things around quickly.

Jimmy Graham vs. Denver Broncos

Graham scored a TD in Week 1, but that's been about it on the season for the veteran tight end. He went without a catch in Week 2 and now will be facing a tough Broncos Defense (7.2 FPPG allowed to TEs). With the Packers utilizing a balanced offensive game-plan, the opportunities are simply not there for fantasy owners to warrant starting him. There are other plays to use in Week 3 if you are streaming at the position.

More Week 3 Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF