Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 50 players to start or sit in Week 3

The 2024 NFL season has been rough for many fantasy football managers. Multiple top picks like Christian McCaffrey and Puka Nacua are missing time with injuries. Others have underperformed so far, including Jonathan Taylor and Ja'Marr Chase. That makes last-minute lineup changes even more important as one breakout performance could make the difference between winning and losing.

There are likely a few core players that are must-starts every week in your fantasy lineup. But if you're facing dilemmas this week about the rest of your team, we have you covered. Here are 50 players to start or sit in Week 3.

Week 3 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: QBs

START: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Washington Commanders)

Burrow bounced back in Week 2 with 17.2 points, good enough for QB10, against the Kansas City Chiefs. There's a chance he'll get wide receiver Tee Higgins back for this game against the Commanders who are allowing more points to quarterbacks than any other fantasy defense in 2024.

START: Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

Carr and the Saints have been one of the surprises of the season. They should be able to keep things up against an Eagles defense allowing the fifth-most passing yards in the league.

START: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (at Arizona Cardinals)

Arizona controlled things throughout a 41-10 win over Los Angeles last week. Detroit's offense is better than the Rams at almost every position at this point due to injuries and should be able to overpower the Cardinals. If this is a shootout, Goff should easily put up top-five QB numbers this week.

Week 3 fantasy football: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em quarterbacks

SIT: Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Chicago Bears)

Chicago entered the season with one of the best secondaries on paper and they've played like it in September. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged just 11.5 points per game through two weeks. Richardson's dual-threat ability is a plus in fantasy but he may not be able to put it on display much in Week 3.

SIT: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Miami Dolphins)

This has less to do with how Smith is playing in 2024 and more to do with game script. Miami's allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024 but the seventh-most to running backs this season. With a huge question mark at quarterback for the Dolphins, Seattle could likely ride the running game to a win at home.

SIT: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

Herbert's dealing with an ankle injury in the lead-up to Week 3. On top of that, Pittsburgh is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. This could be a low-scoring affair where the pressure is taken off of Herbert to produce.

Week 3 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: RBs

START: Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (vs. New York Giants)

Ford and the Browns should have a much easier time in Week 3 against the Giants compared to last week. New York gave up 6.84 yards per carry to Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. The Browns are a better rushing team than Washington and it'll benefit Ford.

START: Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Denver Broncos)

White should be in for a big bounce-back performance in Week 3. Denver's defense struggled against the run on the road in Week 1, giving up 150 total yards and two touchdowns to the Seahawks' running back group.

START: David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (at Arizona Cardinals)

Again, the Lions' offense should play much better than the Rams did against Arizona in Week 2. Montgomery continues to be a fringe top-15 fantasy RB in all formats and should play well on the road again.

START: Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Even in a loss last week to Minnesota, Mason still put up 100 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. With injuries to McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, the 49ers may lean on the run game even more than usual to get a win against the Rams.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em running backs: Week 3 fantasy football

SIT: Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Houston Texans)

Houston continued to clamp down on opposing running backs in Week 2, holding Chicago running backs to just 2.82 yards per touch. Minnesota may look to throw the ball against the Texans to get the offense going.

SIT: Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

The Rams are decimated by injuries three weeks into the season, including the offensive line. The 49ers gave up 150 total yards to running backs in Week 2 but haven't allowed a running back to score a touchdown in the last seven quarters of football. Running backs have also fumbled once in each of the first two weeks against San Francisco. It may be hard to sit Williams but don't expect a great performance from him on Sunday.

SIT: Ezekiel Elliott or Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

The Ravens are 0-2 but it's definitely not because of their run defense. Baltimore's allowing the seventh-fewest points to running backs so far in 2024 even after playing the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys are one of the worst rushing attacks in the league and that won't get much easier this week.

SIT: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

Harris was less effective than teammate Jaylen Warren in Week 2 and now faces a Chargers defense that's allowing the eighth-fewest points to running backs this season. Even if the Steelers are successful on the ground against the Chargers, it may not be Harris getting the bigger share of the load.

Week 3 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: WRs

START: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (at Arizona Cardinals)

Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with a quad injury and Sam LaPorta may be shadowed by Budda Baker for much of Sunday's game. That leaves opportunity for Williams to continue his strong start to 2024.

START: Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

The pass-catching hierarchy in Buffalo remains unclear through two weeks. This week's game script should feature a lot more passing than in Week 2 because the Jaguars have allowed the ninth-most points to opposing receivers in 2024. Shakir leads the team in targets and that's a good sign for this week.

START: Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

If he isn't already, Shaheed should be a weekly start on your fantasy team. This week the Saints take on an Eagles defense allowing the third-most points to opposing receivers. The four touchdowns to receivers Philadelphia's allowed in 2024 went to four different players.

START: Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (at Los Angeles Rams)

With Samuel and Kittle likely both out for Sunday's game, Aiyuk should get his biggest target share of the season in Week 3. Even if San Francisco leans on the run game, he will still likely get above-average attention from quarterback Brock Purdy.

START: Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Detroit Lions)

Detroit's allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. They've been especially cooked by slot receivers in the first two weeks with a combined 21 catches, 227 yards, and two touchdowns allowed. Dortch is a heavy sleeper but could be a great flex choice if you're in a pinch with injuries.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em wide receivers: Week 3 fantasy football

SIT: Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (at Tennessee Titans)

Green Bay ran the ball 53 times in Week 2 without starting quarterback Jordan Love. He'll likely be out again this week against a Titans team allowing the third-fewest points to opposing wide receivers. That could spell trouble for Reed and the rest of the Packers' wideouts.

SIT: Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (at Buffalo Bills)

Buffalo's held opposing wide receivers to 79.5 total yards per game through two weeks. Kirk likely won't fare much better on the road after poor performances so far this season.

SIT: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (at Cincinnati Bengals)

McLaurin's struggling to start the season with just eight catches for 39 yards total on 12 targets. He'll be in a tough spot again in Week 3 with a matchup against one of the top pass defenses in the league.

SIT: Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (at Seattle Seahawks)

Miami's offense is a question mark with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out with a concussion. Waddle had a rough week at home against Buffalo and he'll likely underperform on the road against a Seahawks defense that's tied for second in passing yards allowed per game (128.5).

SIT: Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh's defense is much better than any unit Los Angeles has faced in 2024. The Steelers secondary has the talent to put the clamps on the Chargers' passing game, especially with a potentially hobbled Herbert. McConkey likely won't have much opportunity in Week 3.

Week 3 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: TEs

START: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

Pitts went from TE4 in Week 1 to TE21 in Week 2. Luckily, he's facing a Chiefs team that's allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends in 2024. That group is averaging 12.5 catches for 138 yards through two weeks. Pitts should rebound from a tough Week 2 in a good way on Sunday Night Football.

START: Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Bowers has been TE3 in both Week 1 and Week 2 in PPR formats. He's far better than the tight ends Carolina has seen this season and leads the Raiders in catches through two games. There's no reason to think he'll slow down against one of the worst defenses in football.

START: Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Baltimore hasn't allowed a touchdown by a tight end yet in 2024 but they've allowed 16 catches and 180 yards to the position. Ferguson is back for Week 3 and should be one of the top targets in the passing game for Dallas.

START: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

The Chargers' defense has been stout through two weeks but less so against tight ends. If you're in a pinch with an injured starter, Freiermuth could help. He's caught all eight of his targets through two games and in a matchup that likely won't be a shootout, he could be a good option as George Pickens gets most of the attention in coverage.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em tight ends: Week 3 fantasy football

SIT: Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (at Tennessee Titans)

Again, Green Bay will likely go run-heavy in Week 3 against the Titans. Tennessee's allowed just 13 yards to tight ends this season. The limited targets will likely go elsewhere on Sunday for the Packers.

SIT: Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (at Indianapolis Colts)

After last week's drubbing at the hands of the Houston Texans, the Bears may employ Kmet and fellow Bears tight end Gerald Everett in pass protection. Indianapolis' defense has held tight ends to just seven catches for 41 yards total in 2024.

SIT: Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

New Orleans will likely have more luck going to their wide receivers than Johnson against the Eagles. Philadelphia's allowed five catches for 57 yards on nine targets to tight ends in 2024.

SIT: Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (at New Orleans Saints)

Even with A.J. Brown likely out for this game, Goedert may not produce against the Saints. He had just three catches for 38 yards with Brown out of the lineup last week against the Falcons.

Week 3 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: Ks

START: Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs (at Atlanta Falcons)

Atlanta's had one of the stingier red zone defenses in the league in 2024. Teams have scored touchdowns just twice in seven red zone trips while scoring eight field goals, tied for the most in the NFL. Butker should have a great game this weekend.

START: Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

The kicker on the other side of Sunday Night Football should be in for a good one, too. Kansas City's allowed touchdowns on 3 of 8 red zone attempts and seven field goals, tied for third-most in the NFL. Koo is 4 for 4 on field goals in 2024 but hasn't gone farther than 39 yards. Look for him to go longer in Week 3.

START: Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Denver Broncos)

McLaughlin has the benefit of a potent offense and playing at altitude in Week 3. Denver's only allowed three red zone attempts in 2024 so even if Tampa Bay's offense slows down, McLaughlin should be locked in for a good week.

START: Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

Boswell's been a top kicker this season and is tied for the league lead with eight field goals made. Los Angeles hasn't allowed a red zone touchdown this season and Pittsburgh's offense may struggle again this week to Boswell's benefit.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em kickers: Week 3 fantasy football

SIT: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens (at Dallas Cowboys)

Yes, he's one of the best kickers in NFL history, but Dallas' red zone defense has been weak in 2024. Opponents are 6 for 7 on scoring red zone touchdowns and have kicked just two field goals through two weeks. Tucker's kicks on Sunday will likely be PATs, not FGs.

SIT: Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Like the Cowboys, Miami's defense is 4 for 5 in allowing touchdowns in the red zone. Opposing kickers have attempted just three field goals. If Seattle gets in the red zone, they're likely going to score a touchdown.

SIT: Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Houston Texans)

Houston's defense has allowed just four red zone trips through two weeks. They're tied with Dallas for the league-low in field goals attempted (two). Minnesota's offense could struggle against Houston and Reichard may not get many opportunities to score, even on extra points.

SIT: Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Washington Commanders)

Cincinnati's offense is off to a slow start in 2024. That may change this week against Washington but that'll likely end in touchdowns, not field goals. Washington's allowed touchdowns on a league-high 6 of 8 red zone trips.

Week 3 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: D/STs

START: Cleveland Browns (vs. New York Giants)

Cleveland is back home against one of the worst scoring offenses in the league. The secondary is one of the best in the NFL and can easily handle the Giants' skill players.

START: Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Even with a new starting quarterback, the Panthers' offense likely will make for an easy out for Las Vegas. This is one of the stronger

START: Green Bay Packers (at Tennessee Titans)

Tennessee's been the kindest team to opposing fantasy defenses. That's exaggerated by two touchdowns by the Bears' defense in Week 1 but they've allowed seven sacks and given up five turnovers in two games. There's no reason to see that letting up in Week 3 against a solid Packers defense.

START: San Francisco 49ers (at Los Angeles Rams)

San Francisco lost in Minnesota in Week 2 but still had four sacks and two turnovers against the Vikings. With all of the injuries to the Rams' offense and the return of Talanoa Hufanga, the 49ers should have another strong outing in Week 3.

START: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Denver Broncos)

Denver's been very kind to opposing defenses, especially with turnovers. The Broncos have five turnovers across two games. After a strong showing last week against Detroit, the Buccaneers defense should play well again.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em D/ST: Week 3 fantasy football

SIT: Jacksonville Jaguars (at Buffalo Bills)

Through two weeks, Buffalo's allowed just two sacks and given up one turnover. If they run the ball like they did in Week 2, it'll be tough for Jacksonville to slow them down or get to quarterback Josh Allen.

SIT: Arizona Cardinals (vs. Detroit Lions)

This one could see a lot of points. Detroit's had just three turnovers and given up two sacks so far in 2024 against better defenses than Arizona's unit.

SIT: Dallas Cowboys (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Sitting Micah Parsons is a tough choice but the Ravens' offense has given up just three sacks and two turnovers through two weeks. Dallas' defense is too inconsistent at this point to feel confident as a must-start every week.

SIT: Tennessee Titans (vs. Green Bay Packers)

If the Packers follow a similar game plan to last week, they'll play a ball control, high time-of-possession game against the Titans. That doesn't give Tennessee much of a chance to get their pass rush going or force turnovers in the passing game.

SIT: Philadelphia Eagles (vs. New Orleans Saints)

New Orleans has been the top-scoring offense in 2024 and shows no sign of slowing. Philadelphia got cut up by the Falcons' running game in the second half last week and New Orleans could look to emulate that.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 3: 50 NFL players to start or sit