Week 3 Fantasy Football Start/Sits - NFL 2025 (QB, RB, WR, TE)

We are entering Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, and much like your fantasy team, there are plenty of 0-2 teams looking for their first win this week. Don't worry, we're here to get you there.

Using data, gut feelings and ethereal projections, we will provide you the tools needed to get that juicy dub week after week with 100% accuracy. We will, of course, omit matchup-proof choices such as Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson.

Quarterbacks: @BreTT_Shevlin

Start: Dak Prescott @ Chicago Bears (Sunday, 9/21 @ 4:25 PM EST)

Bears defense = BAD allowing nearly 40 points a game and just had Jared Goff throw for 5 TD’s against them. Dak is also coming off a very good game himself. With both defenses not very good don’t be shocked if we see another shootout this week.

Dak Prescott

Start: CJ Stroud @ Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Maybe it’s just wishful thinking as someone who has followed Stroud since his Ohio State days, but this has to be the game that finally ends his slump right?? Jags defense let Jake Browning come in and look really good so I think CJ should be able to do the same. Time to get Nico Collins going again and unleash the Iowa State rookies Higgins and Noel. Big bounce back for the Texans who are 0-2 and desperately need a W

Sit: Tua Tagovailoa @ Buffalo Bills (TNF, 9/18 @ 8:15 PM EST)

You still have time to get Tua out of your lineups as the Dolphins play the Bills tonight in Buffalo. An awful interception in the 4th quarter last week costed the Dolphins a win and it seems as if Tua has regressed a lot from his 2023 season where he threw for 4,624 yards. (I know I can’t believe it either)

Miami has had their issues on the offensive line as well. I read an interesting stat earlier and I’ll leave it here for y’all to read. According to Pro Football Focus, his average time to throw ranks 32nd in the NFL through two weeks and he’s going up against a Bills defense that has the second-highest sack rate in the league at 11.32%.

Sit: Matt Stafford @ Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Philadelphia has played the Cowboys and Chiefs so far and neither Dak or Mahomes could even muster a 200 yard game. The Eagles might present one of the toughest pass defenses in the NFL at the moment so the Rams might be forced to go run heavy in this one. We know the Eagles are run first with Hurts and Saquon so time of possession will most likely favor Philadelphia as well. There are far better options than Satfford in Week 3.

Running Backs: @Endydoe

Start: Javonte Williams @ Chicago Bears (Sunday, 9/21 @ 4:25 PM EST)

Landing in Dallas after his first few seasons with the Broncos, Williams was not a highly sought after RB prospect this fantasy season, but after two weeks he is proving to be one of the biggest draft day steals thus far, as he averaged around RB37 in PPR. In two games, Williams has 33 carries for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with 8 receptions for 43 yards. This week, Williams and the Cowboys travel to Chicago to take on the Bears: the team that has allowed the most points in the NFL thus far, including 148.5 rushing yards per game. Javonte is a fantastic start in any format this week. Start: Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Similar to Javonte Williams, Rhamondre Stevenson looks to be a solid fantasy flex option relative to his draft day cost. After a rough Week 1 matchup against the Raiders, Stevenson showed up at Miami last week, gouging them for 88 receiving yards on five catches as well as 54 yards on the ground. Right now the Steelers are allowing the fifth most rushing yards per game (149.5) and are tied with Dallas and NYG for for most rushing tuddies allowed in the league with four. With the Patriots seemingly going with Antonio Gibson and TreVeyon Henderson in supporting roles behind Rhamondre, the script entering this home matchup makes me confident in the Stevenson start this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Sit: Nick Chubb @ Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

In an early feel-good storyline of the season, Nick Chubb has reentered some fantasy relevance as the 2025 season has rolled out thus far. Right now I don't like him as more than a deep flex play, but last week's game against the Buccaneers has given me some faith in Chubb. With a 12/43/1 rushing split along with two catches for 29 yards in the air, Chubb and the Texans now take on the Jaguars who have been tough against RBs this season. The Jags for their part have only allowed one rushing touchdown all season, and are allowing the seventh least rushing yards per game in the league with 80.5. Chubb is the de facto RB1 for the Texans but I need to see a little more before I recommend giving him a start in fantasy.

I don't even know: Isiah Pacheco @ New York Giants (SNF, 9/21 @ 8:20 PM EST)

Outside of Patrick Mahomes, the rushing game for the Chiefs has been actually putrid. Mahomes on his own has more rushing yards (123) than both Pacheco and Kareem Hunt combined (94). Pacheco was going around RB25 ADP in PPR drafts this season and as of right now he has been worthy of hitting your league's free agency pool. Part of the early ache for the Kansas City backfield comes from facing the Chargers and Eagles to begin the season, but the total lack of RB production from this offense is worrisome. The Chiefs travel to New Jersey to take on the Giants on Sunday night this week; a team who have allowed the most rushing yards on the season with 177.5, but also have only ceded one rushing touchdown. Right after the Giants had a shootout of a game with the Cowboys, I expect the Chiefs to try to sling it out and exploit the Giants pass defense who have also allowed the most receiving yards per game in the NFL. That said, if you do choose to deploy Pacheco this week, he is a flex option at most. Even though the matchup is juicy I'm not loving the start this week until I see something good out of him. If there was ever a time for that, it's this week.

Isiah Pacheco

Wide Receivers: @AustinKh0ury

Start: Mike Evans vs. New York Jets (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Mike Evans has lead the TB WR’s in targets through the first two weeks, posting 10 catches on 19 targets for 107 yards. Although rookie Emeka Egbuka has been the shining star with 3 TD receptions in two weeks, Evans is still Baker Mayfield’s clear top target. In Week 3, they get to host the struggling NY Jets and will look to get back on track. Mike Evans is a high upside WR2 for me this week.

Start: Wan’dale Robinson vs. Kansas City Chiefs (SNF, 9/21 @ 8:20 PM EST)

Robinson was a sleeper for me heading into the season, and he posted the best game of his career in Week 2, garnering 8 catches on 10 targets for 142 yards and 1 TD. Of course, it should be noted that Russell Wilson played absolutely out of his mind against the Cowboys in their loss, but I think Russell Wilson is back baby! And although it would be absolutely psychotic to think Wilson could repeat 450 yards and 3 TDs again in Week 3, they get an interesting matchup against the 0-2 Chiefs at home. There’s a good chance this game is another battle through the air, as both teams desperately hunt for their first win of the season, and Robinson will look to capitalize, as he is averaging 9 targets a game. Beware, as Robinson was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice and is questionable for this SNF matchup, but as long as he’s healthy, he’s starting!

Start: Rome Odunze vs. Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 9/21 @ 4:25 PM EST)

Posting a stat line of 13-165-3 (on 20 targets) in the first two weeks, Rome Odunze has quickly emerged as Chicago’s only hope in winning a game and Caleb Williams’ favorite target. The Bears have the luxury of hosting the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, a defense that was just tormented by Russell Wilson, who threw for 450 yards and 3 TD’s. Odunze is a must start for me this week, as he is on pace to see 170 targets by the end of the season, Odunze is a firm WR1 with elite upside.

Rome Odunze

Sit: Terry Mclaurin vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Holy disappointment. Terry Mclaurin through two weeks has finished 2-27-0 (4.7 fpts) and 5-48-0 (9.8 fpts), on a total of 13 targets. Although he is still getting looks, defenses have been playing him well, and his involvement in the passing game has been overshadowed by newcomer Deebo Samuel, who has posted a receiving line of 14-121-1 on 18 targets in two weeks, not to mention his Week 1 19 yard rushing TD. Jayden Daniels is questionable for Week 3, which only makes matters worse for Terry Mclaurin. The good thing is they face a Raiders defense full of opportunity to pass on, but Deebo is emerging as the top WR option on this offense, and until Terry Mclaurin can show us Terry McScoring, I’m Terry McBenching him.

Sit: Calvin Ridley vs. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Draft Calvin Ridley, they said. He’ll be a fantasy starter again with better QB play, they said. Well that may still be true, Cam Ward has NOT been much of an improvement at the QB position, and Ridley’s fantasy production clearly reflects that. Posting a stat line of 7-84-0 in two weeks, the only positive is that Ridley is averaging 7 looks a game, but if Ward can’t get the ball in Ridley’s hands, it doesn’t matter how many targets he gets. Until this offense gets in a rhythm, Ridley has earned himself the benchwarmer role.

Calvin Ridley

Sit: Quentin Johnston vs. Denver Broncos (Sunday, 9/21 @ 4:05 PM EST)

I know, this guy has been an animal in two weeks, posting a respectable 8-150-3 stat line (on 14 targets), but it has been intentional success based on game script. In Week 3, the Chargers face the Denver Broncos, who have arguably the strongest secondary in the league, and they have yet to give up a receiving TD to a WR this season. If you take away Johnston’s TD’s, in two weeks, he only averages 4 catches and 75 yards, which is flex/WR3 numbers at best. Temper expectations, and proceed with caution if you plan on starting Johnston this week.

Tight Ends: @jvr1210

Start: Tyler Warren @ Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 9/21 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Tyler Warren, who was the second TE off the board in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is seeming more and more like the real deal. Warren followed up a 76-yard debut with a 79-yard game against the Broncos. Warren is proving to be consistent and should have a relatively safe floor as the Colts and Warren see a favorable matchup against the Titans in week 3. Warren has proven to be Daniel Jones’s favorite target with a target share of 28.6% through the first two weeks. Although Warren hasn’t found the endzone yet, with this consistency, the touchdowns should start to come.

In Week 2, the Titans surrendered 5 receptions for 45 yards, and most importantly, a TD to the Rams TEs, who are together seeing a combined target share of 16.4%. The Titans have largely struggled to cover TEs so far this year, allowing a completion percentage of 83.3% to opposing tight ends. With Warren becoming a favorite and trusted target for Daniel Jones, and the Titans playing poorly against opposing TEs, Warren should be set up for a big game in Week 3.

Start: Juwan Johnson @ Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 9/21 @ 4:05 PM EST)

One of the most, if not the most sought-after waiver wire addition for TEs in Week One, Juwan Johnson, proved his worth again in Week 2. Johnson once again played a pivotal role in the passing game, led by Spencer Rattler with 9 targets (second to Chris Olave). On those 9 targets, Johnson brought in 5 receptions for 49 yards and a TD, cementing back-to-back double-digit games for the TE. Through the first two games, Johnson is second only to Chris Olave in targets and leads the Saints in receptions and receiving yards.

Week 2 sees a favorable matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who have surrendered the most fantasy points to tight ends amongst all NFL teams this season. Opposing tight ends have hauled in 16 receptions on 18 targets, and are the only defense to allow multiple touchdowns to tight ends so far this season.

Juwan Johnson

Sit: Mark Andrews vs. Detroit Lions (MNF, 9/22 @ 8:15 PM EST)

Mark Andrews has not just been quiet so far this year, he has been silent. Through two games, in which the Ravens have put up 40 or more points, Andrews has brought in 2 receptions for 7 yards. Not to mention Isaiah Likely has been out for these two games. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson seems to be leaning heavily on Zay Flowers, who has seen just under 50% of the Ravens' targets to start the season. With a Week 3 match-up against the Lions, who have played opposing TEs tough this season and last, Mark Andrews should be sat until the Ravens figure out what to do to get Andrews more active in the passing game.