We’ve got two weeks of data to work with, and some early trends are already starting to emerge. Week 3 features several strong spots for fantasy production, along with a few matchups that could make life difficult for otherwise reliable options. Let’s break down the best and worst matchups at each position.
Quarterback
Best: QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (@ Miami Dolphins)
Coming off a torn ACL, Patrick Mahomes has shown no signs of limitations to start the 2026 season. Through two weeks, Mahomes has been the QB3 overall in fantasy points per game (FPPG), tossing 5 TDs and adding a score on the ground. Now, he faces a Dolphins team that’s allowed the seventh-most FFPG to the quarterback position. Sure, the Dolphins faced the 49ers last week, so things could be a bit skewed, but don’t forget Miami made a 38-year-old Kirk Cousins look like he’d found the fountain of youth in Week 1. Not to mention, Miami’s scoring defense ranks 28th overall, allowing a whopping 31 points per game to start the season. Expect Mahomes and Co. to continue rolling.
Worst: QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. New England Patriots)
Trevor Lawrence lit up the scoreboard in Week 1, as the Jags absolutely dominated the Browns, finishing as the QB5. Lawrence came crashing down to earth last week against Denver, generating a measly 7.66 fantasy points that dragged him all the way down to QB16. Unfortunately, things don’t get any easier in Week 3. Jacksonville will play host to the New England Patriots, who have been absolutely dominant against the QB position. New England ranks 3rd overall in blended FPA allowed to quarterbacks from 2025-2026. I expect Lawrence to bounce back from his Week 2 dud at some point, but it’s unlikely to happen this week.
Running Back
Best: RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns (vs. Carolina Panthers)
Quinshon Judkins hasn’t exactly gotten off to an electric start this season, averaging a measly 2.25 yards per carry and only 54 rushing yards through two games. Things could change in Week 3, though. Cleveland will face a Carolina Panthers team that ranks dead last in blended FPA to RBs. With Dylan Sampson sidelined at least three more games, Judkins has taken on a bigger role in the passing game as well, hauling in 5 receptions last week in the Browns’ upset victory over Tampa Bay. Expect Judkins to finally pick things up on the ground this week, as Carolina has surrendered a league-worst 224 rushing yards to opposing offenses through two weeks of action.
Worst: RB Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Bucky Irving has proved the fantasy community dead wrong to start the season. Labeled one of the biggest fades ahead of drafts, Irving has been a top-12 RB through the first two weeks of the season. Tampa has shown little sign of ceding meaningful passing-down work to newly acquired RB Kenny Gainwell, as Irving’s 11 targets more than double Gainwell’s 6. That could all change this week. Tampa will take on a Minnesota Vikings defense that has been absolutely dominant to start the year. Brian Flores’ unit in Minnesota ranks fifth in blended FPA allowed to RBs and is only allowing a stingy 12.5 total points per game to opposing offenses. Bucky’s proved the doubters wrong so far, but I don’t expect it to continue in Week 3.
Wide Receiver
Best: WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Pickens has had a quiet start to the year after finishing as the WR6 overall in 2025. A healthy CeeDee Lamb has had a lot to do with it, but Pickens only has 3 fewer targets than Lamb this season. With Lamb exploding last week for a whopping 37.3 fantasy points (PPR), expect the Ravens to look to lock down Dallas’ star receiver. Baltimore hasn’t been great against the pass, allowing the sixth-most blended FPA to wide receivers, leaving the door open for Pickens to have a breakout performance. Dallas’ offense has picked up right where they left off last year, averaging 28.5 total points per game. I expect Pickens to find the end zone.
Worst: WR Stefon Diggs, Washington Commanders (vs. Seattle Seahawks)
Diggs’ arrival in Washington has gone exceptionally well. The 32-year-old receiver has found the end zone three times in two games and currently sits at WR9 in FPPG. Things might get a bit rocky this week though with the Commanders hosting the defending Super Bowl champs. Seattle has shut down opposing wide receivers, ranking 1st in blended FPA allowed to the position between this year and last year. Not only have they shut down receivers, but they have specifically limited No. 2 options, holding Romeo Doubs to 0 points in Week 1 and Michael Wilson to a measly 3.8 points in Week 2. Washington will also likely be without QB Jayden Daniels, further limiting Diggs’ upside. It’s been a great start, but I think Diggs cools off in Week 3.
Tight End
Best: TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Pat Freiermuth is a strong streaming option in Week 3, as the Steelers host a Bengals defense that just got shredded by Dalton Schultz. Freiermuth has outpaced Darnell Washington in the passing game through two weeks, catching nine passes for 78 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Cincinnati surrendered the most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns to tight ends in 2025, and currently ranks 27th in FPPG allowed to the position in 2026. Freiermuth also has some history against the Bengals, posting 5-111-2 on six targets against them last season. His floor remains modest in a struggling Steelers offense, but this is about as favorable a spot as you could ask for at a thin position.
Worst: TE Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)
Colston Loveland has been one of, if not the most disappointing fantasy pick to start the year. Through two weeks of action, he has one reception for 3 yards, despite the Bears being tied for fourth-most points scored per game. Now, he faces an Eagles team that has been dominant against tight ends. Philadelphia allowed the least FPPG to the position in 2025 and is allowing the second-least to start 2026. It looks like the Bears will be without QB Caleb Williams, and potentially even backup Tyson Bagent (concussion), making things even worse. Loveland will have a breakout performance eventually, but it’s not happening this week.
