The fantasy football week got off to an expected start on Thursday, with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel dominating an undermanned Giants’ squad. Heading into a rainy and windy Week 3 Sunday slate, plenty of fantasy teams will also be undermanned.
Yes, the injury bug is biting hard early in the season, sidelining Austin Ekeler (ankle), Jaylen Waddle (concussion), Anthony Richardson (concussion), David Montgomery (quad), and Justice Hill (toe), among others. Several more key players, including Aaron Jones (hamstring), Joe Burrow (calf), Puka Nacua (oblique), Isiah Pacheco (hamstring), Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe), Christian Watson (hamstring), DK Metcalf (ribs), and DeAndre Hopkins (ankle), are all listed as “questionable,” forcing fantasy owners to check for updates throughout the day.
That’s where we come in. We’ll be here all morning, reacting to the latest injury news, monitoring the active/inactive lists for any surprises, watching the weather, and providing start ’em, sit ’em advice based on all the latest developments.
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Fantasy football live news for NFL Week 3
Live updates will begin at 9 a.m. ET.
Injury updates for NFL Week 3
UPDATE (8:30 a.m. ET): ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Isiah Pacheco (groin) is expected to play against Chicago.
UPDATE (8:30 a.m. ET): ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that DK Metcalf (ribs) is expected to play against Carolina.
UPDATE (8:45 a.m. ET): NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe) is “optimistic” he’ll play against Atlanta. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero later reported both St. Brown and Josh Reynolds (groin) are “good to go.”
UPDATE (9:05 a.m. ET): NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Kadarius Toney (toe) will be a “game-time decision” against Chicago.
UPDATE (11:15 a.m. ET): Fox’s Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning that Joe Burrow (calf) took “first-team reps” at Cincinnati’s walk-through yesterday. He remains a game-time decision, but that is a positive sign.
NOTABLE EARLY ACTIVES (11:35 a.m. ET): DeAndre Hopkins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kareem Hunt
NOTABLE EARLY INACTIVES (11:35 a.m. ET): Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, Cam Akers, Logan Thomas, Zay Jones, David Montgomery, Anthony Richardson, Justice Hill, Odell Beckham Jr., Salvon Ahmed, Jaylen Waddle
WEEK 3 INJURY UPDATES:
Burrow | RBs | WRs | Puka
Playing time updates for NFL Week 3
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Sunday morning that Jaylen Warren will be “more involved” in the Steelers’ running game this week. We heard something similar last week and it didn’t really come to fruition, so we wouldn’t recommend starting Warren (or benching Najee Harris), but it’s something to watch. At the very least, Warren is worth picking up if he’s available on waivers.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Sunday morning that Jahmyr Gibbs will receive the “majority of the work” in the Lions’ backfield against the Falcons, but Craig Reynolds will be involved, as the Lions don’t want to wear Gibbs out ahead of a Thursday Night game in Week 4. Reynolds should only be considered in deep standard leagues.
With Salvin Ahmed (groin) OUT, rookie De’Von Achane could finally see more touches. He can’t be trusted in fantasy leagues quite yet, but he has the kind of home-run ability that should have him on watchlists. Jeff Wilson Jr. is eligible to return in Week 5, but Achane is still worth grabbing in advance of what could be a Week 3 breakout.
With Aaron Jones (hamstring) officially OUT, AJ Dillon should receive the bulk of the carries again. Emmanuel Wilson will serve as the change-of-pace back, but considering Dillon is merely a flex play, Wilson isn’t an option in fantasy leagues. Jones seems likely to return next week.
With Christian Watson (hamstring) officially OUT, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs will both see a decent number of targets. Given the matchup and windy conditions, both are risky plays, but as we’ve seen through the first two weeks, both have high ceilings. Consider both low-end WR3s/high-end flexes in 12-team leagues.
It’s unclear if Cole Turner or John Bates will see more targets with Logan Thomas (concussion) OUT, so neither is a playable option today, but with a favorable matchup against Philadelphia on deck for Week 4, it’s worth monitoring this situation. If Thomas is out again, one of Bates or Turner could be a deep sleeper.
With Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) OUT, Nelson Agholor makes for a decent flex in 12-team leagues. He was the main recipient of OBJ’s absence last week and took advantage with 63 yards and a TD.
No Justice Hill (toe) means a steady diet of Gus Edwards on a rainy day in Baltimore. Consider Edwards an RB2 in standard leagues and high-end flex in PPR leagues. Melvin Gordon and/or Kenyan Drake will also see touches behind Edwards, but neither is worth considering today.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Sunday morning that the Eagles will “ride the hot hand” between Kenneth Gainwell and D’Andre Swift on Monday night. Consider both somewhat-risky flexes this week, as both have high ceilings but low floors.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Sunday morning that Kareem Hunt will be on a snap count today while backing up Jerome Ford. Despite the tough matchup, Ford is a solid RB2 in all formats.
Weather updates for NFL Week 3
For a full breakdown of all of the Week 3 weather worries, click here.
Wind and rain are going to cause problems all over the country today, with games along the Atlantic coast likely seeing the worst conditions. Patriots-Jets is the most worrisome, but Colts-Ravens, Bills-Commanders, and Broncos-Dolphins will likely play at least a little wet, too. In the Midwest, Saints-Packers will likely see the highest wind gusts (around 20-25 mph), and over in the Pacific Northwest, Panthers-Seahawks is highly likely to see steady rain, too.
UPDATE (9:30 a.m. ET): Both the Bills-Commanders and Colts-Ravens will look ugly in pre-game, but most of the rain other than a light drizzle should clear by kickoff. Field conditions could still be wet and slick, but actual game conditions shouldn’t be terrible.
For the most part, we’d still stick with your usual starters, but there’s no need to be a hero with your kickers or borderline passing-game options. Most of the D/STs and RBs get slight bumps in value, but it’s not as if these players haven’t played in windy/rainy conditions before. Don’t go overboard by sitting “must-starts” like Mark Andrews, Stefon Diggs, or Tua Tagovailoa, but don’t be cavalier either by leaving in Adam Thielen or Wil Lutz.
Who should I start in fantasy football today?
Advice based on 12-team, half-point PPR leagues
The recommendations below are from Vinnie Iyer’s Week 3 start ’em, sit ’em column.
Must-starts
QB: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (vs. CHI), Justin Herbert, Chargers (at MIN), Josh Allen, Bills (at WAS), Jalen Hurts, Eagles (at TB), Lamar, Jackson, Ravens (vs. IND), Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (vs. DEN), Kirk Cousins, Vikings (vs. LAC), Dak Prescott, Cowboys (at ARI), Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (vs. HOU)
RB: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (vs. NYG), Tony Pollard, Cowboys (at ARI), Bijan Robinson, Falcons (at DET), Derrick Henry, Titans (vs. CLE), Kenneth Walker, Seahawks (vs. CAR), Travis Etienne, Jaguars (vs. HOU), Josh Jacobs, Raiders (vs. PIT), Kyren Williams, Rams (at CIN), Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (vs. ATL), Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (at NYJ), Breece Hall, Jets (vs. NE), Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs. LAR), Miles Sanders, Panthers (at SEA), Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (vs. DEN), Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders (vs. BUF), Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (vs. CHI), Najee Harris, Steelers (at LV), Alexander Mattison, Vikings (vs. LAC), D’Andre Swift, Eagles (at TB), James Conner, Cardinals (vs. DAL), Javonte Williams, Broncos (at MIA)
WR: Justin Jefferson, Vikings (vs. LAC), Stefon Diggs, Bills (at WAS), A.J. Brown, Eagles (at TB), Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (vs. ATL), Tyreek HIll, Dolphins (vs. DEN), Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs. PHI), DeVonta Smith, Eagles (at TB), Keenan Allen, Chargers (at MIN), Davante Adams, Raiders (vs. PIT), CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (at ARI), Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (vs. HOU), Chris Olave, Saints (at GB), Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (vs. LAR), Puka Nacua, Rams (at CIN), Mike Williams, Chargers (at MIN), Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. LAR), Deebo Samuel, 49ers (at LAR), Amari Cooper, Browns (at TEN), DK Metcalf, Seahawks (at DET), Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (vs. CHI), Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (at DET), Zay Flowers, Ravens (at CIN), Nico Collins, Texans (at JAX)
TE: Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. CHI), Mark Andrews, Ravens (vs. IND), T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (vs. LAC), Darren Waller, Giants (at SF), Sam LaPorta, Lions (vs. ATL), Dallas Goedert, Eagles (at TB), Hunter Henry, Patriots (at NYJ)
D/ST: Cowboys (vs. ARI), 49ers (vs. NYG), Chiefs (vs. CHI), Steelers (at LV), Browns (at TEN), Patriots (at NYJ), Ravens (vs. IND)
Smart sits
QB: Deshaun Watson (vs. TEN), Geno Smith (vs. CAR), Derek Carr (@ GB)
RB: James Cook (@ WAS), Dameon Pierce (@ JAX), Zack Moss (@ BAL), Dalvin Cook (vs. NE), Khalil Herbert (@ KC)
WR: Marquise Brown (vs. DAL), Jahan Dotson (vs. BUF), Gabe Davis (@ WAS), Jakobi Meyers (vs. PIT), Treylon Burks (vs. CLE), Rashid Shaheed (@ GB)
TE: Dalton Kincaid (@ WAS), Tyler Higbee (@ CIN), Chig Okonkwo (@ CLE), Jake Ferguson (@ ARI)
D/ST: Eagles (@ TB), Saints (@ GB), Titans (@ CLE)
Read more coverage from Sporting News’ team of fantasy football experts, including Week 3 rankings for PPR and standard formats, sleepers, busts, DFS picks, and other projections below.
WEEK 3 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
WEEK 3 DFS: DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
WEEK 3 TOOLS: RotoBaller “Who To Start?” tool | Draft Sharks’ Week 3 projections
Fantasy football rankings Week 3
Below are Sporting News’ updated fantasy football rankings for Week 3. Rankings based on full-point PPR scoring.
Quarterback
Rank Player
1 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Bears
2 Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Vikings
3 Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ Buccaneers
4 Josh Allen, Bills @ Commanders
5 Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Colts
6 Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Cardinals
7 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Broncos
8 Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs. Texans
9 Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. Chargers
10 Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. Panthers
Click here for more QBs
Running back
Rank Player
1 Christian McCaffrey, 49ers vs. Giants
2 Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ Lions
3 Travis Etienne, Jaguars vs. Texans
4 Tony Pollard, Cowboys @ Cardinals
5 Josh Jacobs, Raiders vs. Steelers
6 Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. Panthers
7 Joe Mixon, Bengals vs. Rams
8 Derrick Henry, Titans @ Browns
9 Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots @ Jets
10 Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs vs. Bears
11 Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. Falcons
12 Joshua Kelley, Chargers @ Vikings
13 James Cook, Bills @ Commanders
14 Miles Sanders, Panthers @ Seahawks
15 Jerome Ford, Browns vs. Titans
16 Najee Harris, Steelers @ Raiders
17 Javonte Williams, Broncos @ Dolphins
18 Kyren Williams, Rams @ Bengals
19 Dameon Pierce, Texans @ Jaguars
20 Gus Edwards, Ravens vs. Colts
Click here for more RBs
Wide receiver
Rank Player
1 Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. Chargers
2 Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. Broncos
3 Stefon Diggs, Bills @ Commanders
4 Davante Adams, Raiders vs. Steelers
5 Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. Falcons
6 CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ Cardinals
7 Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. Rams
8 Calvin Ridley, Jaguars vs. Texans
9 A.J. Brown, Eagles @ Buccaneers
10 Chris Olave, Saints @ Packers
11 Keenan Allen, Chargers @ Vikings
12 DeVonta Smith, Eagles @ Buccaneers
13 Puka Nacua, Rams @ Bengals
14 DK Metcalf, Seahawks vs. Panthers
15 Deebo Samuel, 49ers vs. Giants
16 Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. Eagles
17 Tee Higgins, Bengals vs. Rams
18 Mike Williams, Chargers @ Vikings
19 Tyler Lockett, Seahawks vs. Panthers
20 Zay Flowers, Ravens vs. Colts
21 Garrett Wilson, Jets vs. Patriots
22 Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. Bills
23 George Pickens, Steelers @ Raiders
24 Michael Pittman Jr., Colts @ Ravens
25 DeAndre Hopkins, Titans @ Browns
Click here for more WRs
Tight end
Rank Player
1 Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. Bears
2 T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. Chargers
3 Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. Colts
4 Darren Waller, Giants @ 49ers
5 George Kittle, 49ers vs. Giants
6 Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. Texans
7 Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ Buccaneers
8 Hunter Henry, Patriots @ Jets
9 Cade Otton, Buccaneers vs. Eagles
10 Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ Raiders
Click here for more TEs
Defense/Special teams
Rank Player
1 Dallas Cowboys @ Cardinals
2 San Francisco 49ers vs. Giants
3 New England Patriots @ Jets
4 New York Jets vs. Patriots
5 Buffalo Bills @ Commanders
6 Baltimore Ravens vs. Colts
7 New Orleans Saints @ Packers
8 Cleveland Browns vs. Titans
9 Miami Dolphins vs. Broncos
10 Pittsburgh Steelers @ Raiders
Click here for more D/STs
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
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