Week 3 Fantasy Starts vs Sits

Quarterbacks

Start – Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Normally I do not feature obvious starters in this section, but Ben Roethlisberger is only started in 66% of Yahoo fantasy leagues, a number that should be somewhere closer to 80%. Big Ben’s season has started off very well, averaging 250 yards per game along with two touchdowns. In the coming week, the Steelers face a Bears defense that has not fared well in its first games, making this matchup enticing on paper. If Roethlisberger has been on your bench the past weeks, pencil him in as your starter this week.

Sit – Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

Marcus Mariota was one of my picks to have a breakout season in 2017, but week three might prove to be a struggle for the young quarterback. Tennessee takes on Seattle and the Legion of Boom, who have given up the fifth least amount of fantasy points to quarterbacks so far this season. If your team has a high quality QB on the bench, I would recommend avoiding this tough matchup.

Running Backs

Start – Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

After a second week of dominating the opposing defense, Kareem Hunt has become a consistent starter in every type of league. Hunt is now the focal point of the Chiefs offense and has a favorable matchup in week three against a Chargers defense that has given up a combined 200 yards to starters over the first two weeks.

Sit – Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears

In the exact opposite situation of Hunt is Jordan Howard. Excepted to be a top-tier running back for fantasy teams this year, Howard has had his production cut into by rookie Tarik Cohen. During week two, Howard carried the ball nine times for seven yards and was seen with his arm in a sling towards the end of the game. Even when Howard is healthy the Bears offense has not achieved much so far this season and we should not expect it to get better any time soon.

Wide Receivers

Start – Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins

There was talk over the offseason that Jarvis Landry’s production would decline greatly after Ryan Tannehill was injured, but week two proved otherwise. Jay Cutler looked Landry’s way 15 times on various dink and dunk routes. In PPR leagues, Landry looks to be a top-tier WR just based on the amount of targets alone. The Dolphins face a lousy Jets team week three, making Landry my #1 receiver and an absolute must start.

Sit – T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts

Last season’s leader in receiving yards has started off cold in 2017, collecting less than 60 yards in each game. It seems that no matter the matchup, Hilton is a difficult start without Andrew Luck throwing him the ball. Jacoby Brissett was definitely more impressive than Scott Tolzien, but neither quarterback gives Hilton the fantasy upside we are accustomed too. If possible, keep Hilton on your bench or in the flex position until Luck is healthy.

Tight Ends

Start – Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions

On Monday night, Eric Ebron looked like he had finally developed some chemistry with Matthew Stafford. While his numbers were not outstanding, five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown, it was great to see Stafford targeting him in the red zone. The Lions take on the Falcons next week, who have allowed 11 receptions to tight ends so far this season. This matchup looks to be a high scoring affair on paper, and if that’s the case, expect even more impressive numbers from Ebron.

Sit – O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The best tight end in the 2017 draft was O.J. Howard from Alabama, but his production in college has yet to be seen on the field in the NFL. Many were expecting Howard to be a favorite target of Jameis Winston, but that just has not been the case. Howard was only targeted three times in week two, the same amount as fellow tight end Cameron Brate. It might not be time to release him from your team just yet, but it would be wise to find a replacement for the time being.

Kickers

Start – Matt Prater, Detroit Lions

Matt Prater has consistently been one of the most underrated kickers in the league, from his time with the Broncos up until now. The Lions offense has been red hot starting the season scoring 35 and 24 points in their first two games. Prater’s strong leg has started to fall off a little bit, but he is still extremely accurate from long range, which means more points for your fantasy team.

Sit – Younghoe Koo, Los Angeles Chargers

Many scouts were high on the kicker from Georgia Southern, but the Chargers have already lost two games due to last second missed field goals. In week one, Koo’s kick in the final seconds was blocked by the Broncos, and in week two, Koo missed a field goal to win the game against the Dolphins. Although the Chargers have stated that they still have faith in their kicker, Koo’s production has been poor enough to force you to find a replacement.

Defenses

Start – Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were in this same spot last week with a favorable matchup against the Browns and they performed well, allowing only 10 points while getting three sacks and four interceptions. Baltimore heads to London to take on the Jaguars for their next juicy matchup against a struggling offense.

Sit – Houston Texans

One of the favorite defenses for fantasy analysts over the summer was the Houston Texans. The Texans have talents at all three levels, but have yet to perform up to their standards in 2017. Tom Brady and the Patriots come to town next week, which makes this matchup an automatic sit. The Patriots struggled against the Chiefs week one, but look to be on a revenge tour after demolishing the Saints week two, so be prepared for low or negative production from the Texans defense.