Week 3 fantasy rankings: Best, QB, RB, WR and TEs to start, sit

The first two weeks of the 2023 NFL season are in the books, meaning we have more data points and film to put together our Week 3 fantasy rankings. As always, we’ll provide analysis and fantasy football advice for some of the top players at each position.

We’re keeping an eye on the NFL injury report for Week 3, as always. Running backs like Austin Ekeler and Kenneth Gainwell missed Week 2. Meanwhile, wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Christian Watson and Amari Cooper are all dealing with injuries.

Related: Heisman Watch

Let’s dive into our Week 3 fantasy rankings. Updates will be provided leading up to Sunday’s games.

Week 3 fantasy QB rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Patrick Mahomes	vs CHI
2	Lamar Jackson	vs IND
3	Josh Allen	@ WAS
4	Jalen Hurts	@ TB
5	Justin Herbert	@ MIN
6	Tua Tagovailoa	vs DEN
7	Trevor Lawrence	vs HOU
8	Dak Prescott	@ ARZ
9	Geno Smith	vs CAR
10	Anthony Richardson – (OUT)	@ BAL
11	Joe Burrow	vs LAR
12	Brock Purdy	vs NYG
13	Kirk Cousins	vs LAC
14	Jared Goff	vs ATL
15	Justin Fields	@ KC
16	Matthew Stafford	@ CIN
17	Baker Mayfield	vs PHI
18	Deshaun Watson	vs TEN
19	Daniel Jones	@ SF
20.	Jordan Love	vs NO

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs – It’s hard to imagine a better get-right game for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense than this. The only thing that will slow Kansas City down against the Chicago Bears is a first-half blowout.
2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens – The Indianapolis Colts defense has been devastated through the air by Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud. Add in Jackson’s rushing ability, he could finish Week 3 as QB1.
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills – We just witnessed Washington’s defense just allow 308 passing yards and three touchdowns to Russell Wilson. Even if Josh Allen gets sacked multiple times and throws a pick, it can come with MVP-caliber numbers to carry you to a victory.
4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense is above-average, but high-end playmakers often win one-on-one matchups against Tampa Bay. With Dallas Goedert, AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith in his arsenal, Hurts is always going to be an elite fantasy football quarterback.
5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers – This is the matchup we’ve been waiting for. There won’t be many better opportunities than this for Justin Herbert to air it out. Assuming Austin Ekeler is back, that’s three offensive weapons that can create big plays against Minnesota’s defense.
6. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins – It is strictly about health with Tua Tagovailoa. If he’s starting for the Miami Dolphins, fantasy managers need to start him because his production over the last year-plus is MVP-caliber.
7. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars – The Houston Texans defense is better than you think, but Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars offense will view Week 3 as a rebound opportunity. Lawrence might not replicate his Week 1 stats, but he’ll perform a lot better for fantasy managers than he did in Week 2.
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys – While Dak Prescott might not do what Daniel Jones did to Arizona, we’re chasing touchdowns. Dallas is going to put up a lot of points in Week 3 and Prescott offers an extremely safe floor.
9. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks – Allow Week 2 to demonstrate that the 2022 season wasn’t a fluke for Geno Smith. If Seattle can buy him time to throw, even with two backup offensive tackles, Smith is going to be a top-10 option in our fantasy QB rankings more often than not.
10. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts – With Anthony Richardson ruled out for Weel 3, Gardner Minshew draws the start. We don’t advise starting Minshew anywhere in fantasy, but he should help Michael Pittman Jr. retain his fantasy value on Sunday.
11. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals – There’s elevated concern with Joe Burrow after he aggravated his calf injury this past Sunday. Even if he plays, the past two games proved that Burrow isn’t the same quarterback right now, It deals a sizable blow to his ceiling and hurts both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
12. Brock Purdy, San Francisco Giants – New York’s defense has already demonstrated this year that it struggles with the fundamentals. That’s the last problem you want to have when facing Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Brock Purdy is an every-week fantasy starter moving forward, too.
13. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings – The early turnovers are a surprise from Kirk Cousins, but we can live with it as long as he keeps connecting with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison for big plays.
14. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions – Through his first two games, Jared Goff has nearly eclipsed 600 passing yards with a 4-1 TD-INT line. As long as he’s not under constant pressure, Goff will deliver accurate dimes to his playmakers. We’re not concerned about the Falcons’ pass rush bothering Goff.
15. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears – Justin Fields isn’t a good quarterback, that’s the bottom line. However, his rushing ability and the likely requirement to air it out a lot when trying to catch up to the Chiefs’ offense will sustain Fields’ fantasy value.

Week 3 fantasy RB rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Christian McCaffrey	vs NYG
2	Bijan Robinson	@ DET
3	Tony Pollard	@ ARZ
4	Derrick Henry	@ CLE
5	Travis Etienne	vs HOU
6	Rhamondre Stevenson	@ NYJ
7	Kenneth Walker	vs CAR
8	Josh Jacobs	vs PIT
9	Miles Sanders	@ SEA
10	Joe Mixon	vs LAR
11	Jahmyr Gibbs	vs ATL
12	James Cook	@ WAS
13	Joshua Kelley	@ MIN
14	Aaron Jones (Q – Hamstring)	vs NO
15	Najee Harris	vs LV
16	D’Andre Swift	@ TB
17	Isiah Pacheco	vs CHI
18	Jerome Ford	vs TEN
19	Breece Hall	vs NE
20.	Alexander Mattison	vs LAC
21.	Dameon Pierce	@ JAX
22.	Brian Robinson Jr	vs BUF
23.	Javonte Williams	@ MIA
24.	Raheem Mostert	vs DEN
25.	Kyren Williams	@ CIN
26.	Gus Edwards	vs IND
27.	James Conner	vs DAL
28.	Rachaad White	vs PHI
29.	Matt Breida	@ SF
30.	Dalvin Cook	vs NE
31.	Zack Moss	@ BAL
32.	Roschon Johnson	@ KC
33.	Jaylen Warren	@ LV
34.	Tyler Allgeier	@ DET
35.	Tony Jones	@ GB
36.	Kendre Miller	@ GB
37.	AJ Dillon	vs NO
38.	Craig Reynolds	vs ATL
39.	Samaje Perine	@ MIA
40.	Khalil Herbert	@ KC

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers – The New York Giants have already allowed 178 rushing yards and three touchdowns to opposing running backs this season. Christian McCaffrey is in his own tier for our Week 3 fantasy rankings in this delightful matchup.
2. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons – Arthur Smith fed Bijan Robinson this past Sunday and the rookie turned it into 170 scrimmage yards. While a Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions is less advantageous, Robinson’s workload and skills make him an elite fantasy player.
3. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys – Mike McCarthy has already proven that he’s comfortable having Tony Pollard handle 25-plus touches. So, against an Arizona defense that just allowed 4.7 ypc to the New York Giants, fire up Barkley as a high-end RB1 with a very favorable game script.
4. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans – Tennessee has obviously changed its approach with Derrick Henry, not putting the entire rushing offense on his shoulders. While that does mean less volume, it could also increase his efficiency. Cleveland’s biggest weakness is its run defense, so we’ll fire up Henry as a top-five play with Saquon Barkley likely out in Week 3.
5. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars – Facing a Houston Texans defense that just allowed over 100 scrimmage yards to Zack Moss, Travis Etienne is in a prime position for a blowup spot next Sunday. Plus, with Jacksonville a heavy favorite, he could see one of his highest workloads of the season.
6. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots – The backfield split from the Patriots isn’t what we want to see for Rhamondre Stevenson, but his talent remains undeniable. New England will get a lot of 3-and-outs versus Zach Wilson, meaning more touches for Stevenson against the Jets’ run defense. Plus, a few catches.
7. Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks have fed Kenneth Walker 32 touches this season, providing a workload large enough for him to be one of the best running backs in fantasy football. Seattle’s offense should have the football a lot in Week 3 and we’re willing to bet on Walker contributing 60-plus yards and a score.
8. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders – We’re giving Josh Jacobs another week. Sunday against the Bills was a disappointment, but he stood no chance behind an offensive line that let just about every defender get through. Jacobs’ pass-catching role elevates his for, but even that won’t be enough to earn our trust again if Week 3 is a bust.
9. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles – Through two games, Seattle’s defense has already ceded 193 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Operating as Carolina’s workhorse running back, fire up Miles Sanders as a low-end RB1.
10. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals – The Los Angeles Rams defense has been better than expected in 2023, but it can still give up some big plays on the ground. With Joe Mixon still “the guy” in Cincinnati and the Bengals in must-win territory, Mixon qualifies as a high-end RB2 on Monday Night Football.
11. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions – With David Montgomery (thigh) uncertain for Week 3, Jahmyr Gibbs finally has a shot to receive the volume fantasy football managers have been waiting for. This isn’t a fantastic fantasy matchup, but players with Gibbs’ explosiveness can erupt against any defense with just one play.
12. James Cook, Buffalo Bills – Coming off a breakout performance, Bills’ running back James Cook now squares off against a Commanders’ defense that allowed 122 rushing yards to the Denver Broncos. Cook won’t receive an RB1 workload, but this is a solid matchup and feeding him the football will help slow down Washington’s pass rush.
13. Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers – With Brandon Staley announcing that Austin Ekeler is without a timeline to return, we’re moving forward with the belief that Joshua Kelley is the starter. After facing the best run defense in the NFL last week, Kelley will have a lot more room to run in Week 3 versus Minnesota. Kelley should be a high-end RB2, but the lack of involvement as a pass-catcher lowers his ceiling.
14. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers – If Aaron Jones is fully cleared for a return in Week 3 without limitations on his workload, he’s a top-10 running back. However, Green Bay has a tendency to ease players back after soft-tissue injuries and that could result in a reduced workload for Jones.
15. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers – While Najee Harris would typically be lower in our fantasy RB rankings, this matchup is in his favor. Las Vegas has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL this year and Pittsburgh has a viable shot to beat the Raiders. As long as things are close, Harris should get 15-plus touches and that’s more than enough to do damage against Las Vegas.
16. D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles – There’s some risk here with D’Andre Swift considering how high the Eagles’ coaching staff is on Kenneth Gainwell. However, Swift also proved why he was once a top pick. We’ll consider him a mid-tier RB2, but there is more upside.
17. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs – Kansas City still hasn’t provided Pacheco with a full workload, limiting him to 12 carries last week. However, Sunday’s matchup against the Bears’ defense is a perfect opportunity for the Chiefs to get something going on the ground. In a game Kansas City figures to lead from start to finish, Pacheco is a high-end fantasy starter.
18. Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns – With Nick Chubb lost for the season, Jerome Form presumably steps in as Cleveland’s primary running back. He’s a good player and could be a top-15 fantasy running back the rest of the way, but not in Week 3. The Tennessee Titans held opponents to 65 rushing yards per game through their first two contests and they were just as good last season. Pass-catching work is what saves Ford’s fantasy value.
19. Breece Hall, New York Jets – We’ll get an early answer for whether or not the Jets grease the squeaky wheel. Breece Hall is deserving of more carries and he’ll likely see an expanded workload, but defenses are now focused entirely on stopping the run when facing New York.

Week 3 fantasy WR rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Justin Jefferson	vs LAC
2	Stefon Diggs	@ WAS
3	CeeDee Lamb	@ ARZ
4	Tyreek Hill	vs DEN
5	Davante Adams (Q – Head)	vs PIT
6	Amon-Ra St. Brown	vs ATL
7	Jaylen Waddle	vs DEN
8	DeVonta Smith	@ TB
9	Chris Olave	@ GB
10	A.J. Brown	@ TB
11	Amari Cooper (Q – Groin)	vs TEN
12	Ja’Marr Chase	vs LAR
13	Calvin Ridley	vs HOU
14	DK Metcalf	vs CAR
15	Mike Evans	vs PHI
16	Puka Nacua	@ CIN
17.	Tee Higgins	vs LAR
18.	Tyler Lockett	vs CAR
19.	Keenan Allen	@ MIN
20.	Brandon Aiyuk	vs NYG
21.	Zay Flowers Jr	vs IND
22.	Deebo Samuel	vs NYG
23.	Garrett Wilson	vs NE
24.	Drake London	@ DET
24.	Christian Watson (Q)	vs NO
25.	Mike Williams	@ MIN
26.	Michael Pittman Jr	@ BAL
27.	Terry McLaurin	vs BUF
28.	Jordan Addison	vs LAC
29.	DeAndre Hopkins	@ CLE
30.	Nico Collins	@ JAX
31.	Chris Godwin	vs PHI
32.	Jakobi Meyers	vs PIT
33.	Tutu Atwell	@ CIN
34.	DJ Moore	@ KC
35.	Jerry Jeudy	@MIA
36.	Gabe Davis	vs WAS
37.	Christian Kirk	vs HOU
38.	Josh Reynolds	vs ATL
39.	Rashid Shaheed	@ GB
40.	Jahan Dotson	vs BUF

Week 3 fantasy TE rankings

RANK	PLAYER	OPPONENT
1	Travis Kelce	vs CHI
2	T.J. Hockenson	vs LAC
3	Dallas Goedert	@ TB
4	Mark Andrews	vs IND
5	Darren Waller	@ SF
6	Evan Engram	vs HOU
7	George Kittle	vs NYG
8	Hunter Henry	@ NYJ
9	Hayden Hurst	@ SEA
10	Kyle Pitts	@ DET
11	Pat Freiermuth	@ LV
12	Jake Fferguson	@ ARZ
13	Zach Ertz	vs DAL
14	Luke Musgrave	vs NO
15	David Njoku	vs TEN
16	Dalton Kincaid	@ WAS
17	Chigoziem Okonkwo	@ CLE
18	Sam LaPorta	vs ATL
19	Tyler Higbee	@ CIN
20.	Irv Smith Jr.	vs LAR

1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs – In his first game back, Travis Kelce did enough to make fantasy managers happy. He’ll presumably play a larger role in Week 3 and the Chiefs’ offense should “Shake It Off” after two disappointing weeks to open the season.
2. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings – T.J. Hockenson has already drawn 17 targets this season, snagging 15 receptions for 101 receiving yards. Even if he doesn’t find the end zone, Cousins’ insistence on feeding Hockenson makes him the second-best tight end in fantasy football.
3. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles – The arrow is pointed upward for Dallas Goedert, even if he averaged just 3.7 yards per catch last week. What matters is Jalen Hurts is looking to target him and we want all of the shares in the Eagles’ offense this week.
4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens – It wasn’t the crispest season-opening performance from Mark Andrews in Week 2, but he remains Lamar Jackson’s guy. While he’s not a lock for a touchdown every week, 50-plus receiving yards or a score seems to be his floor.
5. Darren Waller, New York Giants – Fantasy managers will need to monitor Waller’s hamstring issue for the season, but it didn’t stop him from finishing with 76 receiving yards over Arizona. The ceiling isn’t quite as high versus San Francisco, but Waller can offer solid numbers for fantasy managers.
6. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars – Consecutive weeks with five-plus receptions and 45-plus receiving yards for Evan Engram. Even if his touchdown-less streak extends to three games, Engram’s offering you a high probability of double-digit fantasy points.
7. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers – There are just too many mouths to feed in the San Francisco 49ers offense. You’re starting George Kittle if you have him, but 49 combined receiving yards in two games is a reminder of just how often Kittle’s real-life impact far exceeds his fantasy output.
8. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots – Once we hit the fourth tier in the fantasy TE rankings, it becomes a game of dart throws. Hunter Henry has scored a touchdown in consecutive weeks and he already has 13 targets and 108 receiving yards on the year.
9. Hayden Hurst, Carolina Panthers – Young quarterbacks love using the tight end as a safety blanket and Hunter Henry filled that role perfectly for Bryce Young in Week 1. After facing a Saints’ defense in Week 2 that is stout against tight ends, Hurst draws an easier matchup next week.
10. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons – Two consecutive games with only two receptions is a disappointment, but Kyle Pitts drew five targets in Week 2 including some end-zone looks. With the scarcity at the position, you just have to roll the dice on Pitts’ athleticism with the hope he scores a touchdown or makes a 30-yard play.

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