Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Drake Maye NE
Drake Maye cashed in as a must-start last week, finishing with 26.3 points and finishing top five in passing EPA in Week 2. Maye’s rushing numbers also jumped to where they were last year, as he saw 10 carries last week. The rushing part of his game gives him a safe floor weekly. Now he draws another favorable matchup at home against Pittsburgh. The Steelers have surrendered five touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in just two games, while also allowing 62 points so far for the 1st time since 1989. Maye has the matchup to remain a start-worthy low-end QB1 in Week 3 fantasy football lineups.
Dak Prescott DAL
After a slow Week 1, Dak Prescott bounced back hugely, throwing for 361 yards, two scores, and 22 fantasy football points in Week 2. The matchup couldn’t be better in Week 3, as Prescott faces a Chicago defense that has allowed a league-high seven passing touchdowns already. The Bears also rank near the bottom of the league in completion percentage allowed, passer rating, and yards per attempt. J.J. McCarthy and Jared Goff scored 22 points against this unit, with the Lions recently scoring 52 points. With Vegas projecting this game’s total at 50.5, Prescott carries top-five quarterback upside and is a must-start in all fantasy football formats.
Justin Herbert LAC
Justin Herbert is simply too hot to sit right now in fantasy football. He’s scored at least 18.5 points in back-to-back weeks against division opponents in the Chiefs and Raiders. His rushing production has been a key boost, averaging 31.5 yards per game on the ground. Herbert also had success against Denver last season, posting a 20-point performance in Week 16. With the Broncos fresh off allowing Daniel Jones to have a nice day, Herbert looks locked in as a strong fantasy football start, even in a matchup that might normally give managers pause.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Jared Goff DET
Jared Goff torched Chicago for 36 fantasy points in Week 2, but he’s in danger of crashing back to Earth in Week 3. Goff has historically struggled against Baltimore, throwing for 713 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions in three career matchups. The Ravens defense may have bent against Josh Allen in Week 1, but they quickly bounced back to hold Joe Flacco to just 8.8 points in Week 2. Goff’s road struggles are another concern, as he’s rarely posted strong fantasy football numbers outside of Detroit. With sub-20 points likely, Goff is better off as a sit in standard leagues and only worth starting in deeper Superflex formats.
Trevor Lawrence JAC
Trevor Lawrence continues to leave fantasy football managers wanting more. Despite a slight improvement in Week 2, he has yet to finish as a QB1 this season. His struggles against Houston are glaring: in six full games against the Texans, he has thrown multiple touchdowns just once while tossing more interceptions (9) than touchdown passes (7). Houston also just made life difficult for Baker Mayfield and Matthew Stafford. Lawrence ranks bottom third among qualified quarterbacks in passer rating, yards per attempt, and turnover-worthy throw rate. Until we see some improvement, Lawrence will be a sit-in in fantasy football lineups.
Sam Darnold SEA
Sam Darnold hasn’t shown enough upside to warrant starting in fantasy football. Through two weeks, he has just 21.2 combined points and only three red-zone pass attempts. Seattle’s offense also isn’t helping his case, ranking sixth-lowest in pass rate so far this year. While the Saints are a neutral matchup, they’ve still managed to limit explosive plays through the air. Darnold ranks outside the top 20 quarterbacks in passer rating, highly accurate throw rate, and fantasy points per game. Even if he delivers serviceable QB2 numbers, his lack of rushing upside and low passing volume make him a clear sit in Week 3 fantasy football.
Running Backs to Start
Jordan Mason MIN
With Aaron Jones sidelined on injured reserve, Jordan Mason steps in as the Vikings’ lead back and should be locked into fantasy football lineups. Mason has averaged 13.5 touches and 56.5 yards per game so far, but those numbers are expected to rise to 17–20 touches in Week 3 against Cincinnati. His efficiency has been outstanding, ranking top-20 among qualifying running backs in explosive run rate, missed tackles forced per attempt, and yards after contact. The Bengals have already allowed three different backs to score 15+ fantasy points in two weeks, and Mason should join that list. With full control of the backfield and a favorable matchup, Mason is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside in fantasy football this week.
D’Andre Swift CHI
D’Andre Swift hasn’t been flashy, but he continues to offer steady production for fantasy football managers. In Week 2, Swift totaled 69 yards and a touchdown on 15 touches, finishing with 13.9 points in PPR formats. He has averaged 17.5 touches per game so far, showing reliable volume even if his per-touch efficiency has lagged. The Cowboys’ defense has given up at least 13.9 points to Saquon Barkley and Cam Skattebo, while ranking bottom 10 in explosive run rate allowed and yards after contact per attempt. With his role secure and the matchup favorable, Swift belongs in fantasy football lineups as a solid RB2 in Week 3.
Javonte Williams DAL
Javonte Williams has scored two touchdowns in Week 1 and followed it up with 130 total yards and another score in Week 2. Through two weeks, Williams ranks as the RB3 in points per game, averaging 20.5 touches and 97 yards while maintaining a 74.8% snap share and strong involvement in the passing game. His efficiency has been excellent, with a top-10 finish in yards after contact per attempt. Now he faces a Chicago defense that has already surrendered big games to Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, while also ranking bottom 10 in explosive run rate allowed. With elite usage and a plus matchup, Williams is a great play this week.
Running Backs to Sit
David Montgomery DET
David Montgomery has been steady but touchdown-dependent for fantasy football production. He found the end zone in Week 2 against Chicago but managed just 61 total yards on 12 touches. Week 3 brings a tougher test against Baltimore, a defense that has allowed only one rushing touchdown this season. The Ravens can limit Montgomery if the Lions fall behind, as he is far less involved in the passing game than Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery is still a decent flex play in standard leagues, but in PPR formats, he should be considered a sit for Week 3 fantasy football given the tough matchup and game script concerns.
Tyrone Tracy / Cam Skattebo NYG
The Giants’ backfield is shaping up as a committee that fantasy football managers should avoid this week. Tyrone Tracy started Week 1 but has totaled just 71 yards in two games, while Cam Skattebo stole the show in Week 2 with 59 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Week 3 matchup against Kansas City is one of the worst possible for running backs. The Chiefs have allowed the fourth-fewest yards after contact per attempt and rank top 10 in both explosive run rate prevention and missed tackle rate. Even if Skattebo has the lead role, the matchup is not great. Treat Tracy and Skattebo as low-end flex options at best.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS
With Austin Ekeler out, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt (aka Bill) has a chance to see expanded work, but he’s still a risky play in fantasy football. After scoring 14.2 points in his debut, Croskey-Merritt followed with just 1.7 in Week 2, playing fewer than one-third of the snaps in both games. His limited passing-game role caps his upside, and Washington could lean on Jeremy McNichols in that area moving forward. The Raiders defense has also been stingy, allowing just 97 rushing yards total to running backs this season and ranking top 12 in explosive run rate and missed tackle prevention. Croskey-Merritt needs a touchdown to pay off, making him a sit in Week 3 fantasy football outside of deeper leagues.
Wide Receivers to Start
Rome Odunze CHI
Rome Odunze is breaking out in a big way and looks like the Bears’ new WR1. Through two games, Odunze has 20 targets compared to DJ Moore’s 11, while leading the team in air yards and red-zone looks. He’s already scored at least 15.7 PPR points in both contests, posting 13 receptions for 165 yards and three touchdowns. The matchup this week is perfect, as Dallas has allowed the most yards and third-most touchdowns to wide receivers so far. Odunze’s role as Caleb Williams’ top target makes him a must-start fantasy football wide receiver in Week 3 with WR1 upside.
Michael Pittman Jr. IND
Michael Pittman Jr. should bounce back after a tough matchup against Denver in Week 2. He gets a Titans defense that has been extremely vulnerable to perimeter receivers, giving up three performances of at least 18 PPR points in just two weeks. Pittman has a 20.6% target share and 2.07 yards per route run so far, and historically, he has played well against Tennessee with two touchdowns in his last three road games versus the Titans. With Tennessee ranking 19th in PPR points allowed per target to perimeter receivers, Pittman has a great chance to get back on track. He’s a borderline WR2 in all fantasy football formats and belongs in starting lineups this week.
George Pickens DAL
George Pickens has emerged as Dallas’ top end-zone threat, with five end-zone targets through two weeks. While his overall usage has been somewhat volatile, he remains heavily involved downfield with a 25.6% air-yard share. The Bears’ secondary is reeling, having just given up 309 yards and three touchdowns to Lions’ receivers last week. With Jaylon Johnson out, Chicago has now allowed the most touchdowns to wide receivers this season. Pickens is coming off a five-catch, 68-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Giants and is set up for another strong game. He’s a solid WR2 with big-play potential for Week 3 fantasy football lineups.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Chris Olave NO
Chris Olave continues to see great volume (23 targets in two games), but the production hasn’t followed. He has just 13 receptions for 108 yards and no touchdowns despite being the focal point of the passing game. The issue lies with quarterback play, as Spencer Rattler has struggled to connect with Olave on deep balls. This week’s matchup against Seattle is brutal; the Seahawks have allowed the second-fewest yards to receivers, the lowest passer rating when targeted, and the lowest completion percentage. While Olave still offers a safe floor in PPR formats, his upside is severely capped, making him more of a WR3 or sit candidate in Week 3 fantasy football.
Jerry Jeudy CLE
Jerry Jeudy has been one of the bigger disappointments to start the season, ranking as the WR41 in fantasy points per game. He has yet to score a touchdown, hasn’t seen a red-zone target, and is averaging just 58.5 receiving yards per game. The matchup against Green Bay is a nightmare, as the Packers have allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards and the second-fewest yards per attempt to wideouts. Jeudy’s 17.2% target share hasn’t translated into fantasy production, and Cedric Tillman has actually seen more high-value looks near the goal line. Until Jeudy’s role improves, he should be on fantasy benches this week, especially against Green Bay’s lockdown secondary.
Travis Hunter JAC
Travis Hunter has been as fun as advertised, seeing significant playing time on both sides of the ball, but it has not translated into fantasy production just yet. Through two weeks, Hunter has just nine catches for 55 yards on 14 targets while splitting time on defense and offense. He’s operating mainly out of the slot with short-area designed targets, limiting his big-play opportunities. Now he faces a Texans defense that has kept Mike Evans, Davante Adams, and Emeka Egbuka all under 13 fantasy points. With just 14.5 total points across his first two games and limited red-zone involvement, Hunter is too risky to trust in Week 3 fantasy football. He’s a sit in most leagues until his offensive role expands.
Tight Ends to Start
Juwan Johnson NO
Juwan Johnson has exploded into fantasy relevance as the TE2 in fantasy points per game, proving to be Spencer Rattler’s most reliable weapon. He owns a 25% target share, 1.71 yards per route run, and a massive 31.5% first-read share while also leading the Saints in red-zone targets (3). Seattle’s defense has been vulnerable to tight ends, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game and ranking bottom 12 in yards allowed to the position. With Seattle’s defense giving up an 89% completion rate to tight ends, Johnson is locked in as a must-start TE1 in all formats this week.
Jake Ferguson DAL
Jake Ferguson is quickly becoming a staple in the Cowboys’ passing attack, ranking as the TE7 in fantasy with a 20.9% target share, 25.4% first-read share, and 50.5 receiving yards per game. He saw a league-high 12 targets among tight ends in Week 2 and has firmly established himself as Dak Prescott’s favorite target over the middle of the field once again. The Bears’ defense has already allowed opposing tight ends to complete 83% of their targets with a 120.1 passer rating. With safe volume and red-zone involvement, Ferguson is a set-and-forget TE1 for Week 3.
Hunter Henry NE
Hunter Henry is set to be a solid streaming TE this week with his matchup against the Steelers. He’s sitting at TE22 in fantasy points per game but still commands a 66.3% route share, 15.9% target share, and averages 37.5 yards per game. The Steelers have struggled against tight ends, allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game and the seventh-most yards per reception to the position. Henry’s production dipped in Week 2, but the Steelers have been one of the most generous defenses to pass-catchers, giving up the eighth-most total passing yards through two weeks. Drake Maye continues to spread the ball around, but Henry remains a top red-zone option and is worth starting as a streaming TE1 in Week 3.
Tight Ends to Sit
Mark Andrews BAL
It’s been a shocking start for Mark Andrews, who has just four targets, two catches, and seven yards through two games. Despite a strong 70.9% route share, his first-read involvement sits at just 11.8%, making him highly touchdown-dependent. The Lions have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends, and they’ve surrendered only 51 yards to the position so far this season. Andrews remains one of the most talented tight ends in football around the end zone, but the lack of volume is alarming. Until he proves otherwise, Andrews is better treated as a boom-or-bust TE2 in Week 3.
Evan Engram DEN
Evan Engram has been one of fantasy’s biggest disappointments in 2025. He has just six targets, four catches, and 33 yards in two games while playing fewer snaps than Adam Trautman in Week 2. His route share sits at only 43.8%, making him borderline unplayable. The Chargers have been excellent against tight ends, holding Travis Kelce and Brock Bowers to a combined 85 yards across two weeks. With limited involvement and a brutal matchup, Engram is a must-bench TE in all formats this week.
Kyle Pitts ATL
Kyle Pitts started hot in Week 1 (7 catches, 59 yards) but cooled off with just 37 yards in Week 2. The return of Darnell Mooney has cut into his volume, and his history against Carolina is concerning; In five games against them, he has zero touchdowns and fewer than 7 PPR points in four of those matchups. Pitts is still athletic enough to make big plays, but his inconsistency and the Falcons’ run-heavy offense limit his upside. He’s riskier than the initial matchup presents with a healthy Falcons receiving core.
DEF to Start
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have been one of the most disruptive fantasy football defenses in 2025, generating pressure at the highest rate in the NFL through two weeks. They just put up 14 fantasy points and now face Spencer Rattler in a tough road environment. Seattle is a 7.5-point favorite in a game with a low 41.5-point total, the exact type of setup that leads to DST success. With the Seahawks ranking top-3 in pass-rush win rate and already forcing four turnovers, they’re a must-start fantasy defense in Week 3.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ defense looks elite after stifling the Lions and Commanders, and Week 3 presents another juicy matchup. Cleveland’s offense has committed four turnovers in two games and is tied for the second-most interceptions in the NFL. They’ve also averaged just 16.5 points per game, setting up a perfect opportunity for Green Bay to capitalize. The addition of Micah Parsons has elevated this defense into a top-five fantasy unit, and with defenses facing the Browns scoring the fourth-most fantasy points so far, the Packers are a confident start across all formats.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are a sneaky fantasy football defense start this week against Tennessee. Rookie QB Cam Ward has shown flashes, but the Titans’ offensive line has been a disaster, giving up 11 sacks (most in the NFL) and allowing pressure at the second-highest rate through two weeks. Add in three turnovers and multiple dropped passes by his receivers, and this is a dream spot for Indy’s defense. Ward is talented, but rookies make mistakes, and the Colts’ defense is in a perfect position to exploit them. They’re one of the top streaming DST plays for Week 3.
DEF to Sit
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ defense has been rock-solid to open the season, ranking sixth in fantasy points after two weeks. Unfortunately, fantasy managers should avoid any DST facing Philadelphia. The Eagles have allowed just three sacks and zero turnovers through two games while giving up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to defenses. The Chiefs managed only three points in Week 2, and the Cowboys just one in Week 1 against this offense. Even with their hot start, the Rams’ D should be firmly on the bench in Week 3.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens bounced back in Week 2 with 17 fantasy points, but don’t be fooled, this is a week to sit them. Detroit’s offense ranks third in points scored, has turned the ball over just once, and is projected in a high-scoring matchup with a 51.5 total on DraftKings. Baltimore posted -3 fantasy points against Buffalo in Week 1, another high-powered offense, and this Lions unit could create a similar outcome. While the Ravens’ defense is talented, the matchup is far too risky to trust in Week 3.
Kickers to Start
Cameron Dicker LAC
Dicker hasn’t been a fantasy star yet, sitting tied for 15th among kickers, but Week 3 sets up perfectly. No team has allowed more fantasy points to kickers than Denver, and Dicker has a proven track record against them. In five career matchups, he’s scored at least nine fantasy points in four games and posted double digits in three. In what should be a competitive divisional game, Dicker is a safe start in all fantasy formats.
John Parker Romo ATL
John Parker Romo exploded for 18 fantasy points in Week 2, drilling all five of his field goals, including a revenge game against his former team. He’s now scored double digits in four of his five career appearances, proving to be more than just a one-week wonder. This week, he faces Carolina, who has allowed kickers to average 11.5 fantasy points per game so far. With Atlanta’s red-zone struggles continuing, Romo is a sneaky top-five kicker play in Week 3.
Kickers to Sit
Matt Gay WAS
Matt Gay has been one of fantasy’s least reliable kickers to open 2025, totaling just seven points in two games while missing two of his three attempts from 50+ yards. He connected on just 3-of-9 kicks from that range last year, and the struggles have clearly carried over. Facing the Raiders is no relief, as their defense has held opposing kickers under nine points in seven straight games. Gay should be firmly benched in Week 3.
Will Reichard MIN
Reichard is another kicker off to a slow fantasy start, tied for 15th in points at the position. His Week 3 matchup against the Bengals makes things even tougher, as Cincinnati’s defense has allowed just 13 total points to kickers this season. No opposing kicker has reached double digits against them since Week 13 of last year. Reichard simply doesn’t carry the scoring upside in this matchup and belongs on the sit list.
