Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2025)

Welcome to Week 3, and welcome to Quick Grades, your weekly companion for start/sit clarity. We’ve combined consensus rankings and projections with The Primer’s matchup analysis to assign letter grades for every fantasy-relevant player, then added concise notes to illuminate the reasoning. Treat the grade as your default stance and the note as your context check.

Let’s make your weekly lineup calls easy. In general, A means start with confidence, C is matchup-dependent, and F is a bench. Scroll for every position’s call, plus key notes that explain the “why” behind the grade. Prefer a curated view of only your roster? Sync your team for a personalized My Primer experience.

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Week 3 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Daniel Jones (QB)

Oh, what a world. Daniel Jones is the QB2 in fantasy points per game. No, that’s not a typo. Jones leads all quarterbacks in yards per attempt while ranking sixth in passer rating, 18th in highly accurate throw rate, and ninth in catchable target rate. Don’t worry, some Dimes-esque moments are sprinkled in there as he also has the 12th-highest off-target rate. Jones has averaged 6.5 rushing attempts, 14 rushing yards, and has punched in three touchdowns on the ground. Jones just diced up the Denver defense, so I think he’s fully capable of doing so this week against the Titans. Last week, I think we saw the real Titans’ pass defense as they were torched, giving up 9.0 yards per attempt, a 105.4 passer rating, and an 8.4% CPOE. Tennessee has the 13th-lowest pressure rate, so Jones should have all the time he needs to rip this secondary apart.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Aaron Rodgers is the QB14 in fantasy points per game. He should post solid stats this week and could easily be a QB1 for the week. His per-dropback metrics haven’t been amazing, but the Patriots’ pass defense has been struggling. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, Rodgers ranks 18th in yards per attempt, 25th in CPOE, 18th in highly accurate throw rate, and 22nd in catchable target rate. The Pats have allowed the highest yards per attempt, the most passing yards per game, the eighth-highest passer rating, and the fourth-highest CPOE. New England also has the 12th-lowest pressure rate, so Rodgers should have time in the pocket to operate.

Tyrod Taylor (QB)

Tyrod Taylor will get the start this week with Justin Fields dealing with a concussion. The last time we saw Taylor make starts in the NFL was in 2023. In those four games, he was the QB22, QB7, QB11, and QB10 in weekly scoring. He averaged 6.7 rushing attempts and 31.7 rushing yards per game. Among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 11th in yards per attempt, 22nd in passer rating, fourth in CPOE, first in highly accurate throw rate, and second in hero throw rate. It was quietly impressive stuff. Taylor should post solid QB2 numbers this week with the possibility that he gives Fantasy GMs a QB1 performance. The Bucs have allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game, the seventh-highest yards per attempt, and the ninth-highest success rate per dropback.

Baker Mayfield (QB)

Through two games, Baker Mayfield is the QB8 in fantasy points per game. The 36 rushing yards per game he has averaged have helped, no doubt. With Mayfield dealing with a knee issue after Week 2, he is likely to decrease his rushing. Mayfield has been playing YOLO ball, ranking tenth in passer rating and 12th in highly accurate throw rate and hero throw rate, but he is also 30th in catchable target rate. He faces a Jets’ pass defense that has given up the ninth-most yards per attempt and seventh-highest passer rating while ranking 20th in CPOE. Mayfield should have time to operate behind his patchwork offensive line against a defense with the ninth-lowest pressure rate.

Marcus Mariota (QB)

Last year, Marcus Mariota had substantial playing time in two games. He looked awesome in the limited action with 8.93 yards per attempt, a 136.4 passer rating, a 53.7% highly accurate throw rate, and an 87.8% catchable target rate. Mariota averaged eight rushing attempts and 45 rushing yards. His 0.95 fantasy points per dropback last season in those games would rank second this year behind only Lamar Jackson. Mariota could easily put up QB1 numbers this week against a Raiders’ pass defense that has allowed the tenth-most yards per attempt, the 14th-highest CPOE, and the seventh-most passing yards per game.

Geno Smith (QB)

After a QB16 finish in Week 1, the wheels came off the Geno Smith party bus in Week 2. He posted only 6.2 fantasy points while having a rough outing. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, Smith ranks 20th in yards per attempt, 34th in passer rating, 21st in highly accurate throw rate, and 32nd in catchable target rate. This week, he faces a Washington pass defense that ranks 16th in yards per attempt while holding passers to the 13th-lowest passer rating and the 11th-lowest CPOE. Sit Smith this week.

Week 3 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Michael Pittman Jr. (WR)

Michael Pittman didn’t get the full shadow treatment from Pat Surtain in Week 2, but he did see him on 56.7% of his routes, which did impact his day. Overall, Pittman Jr. has a 20.6% target share with 2.07 yards per route run (60 receiving yards per game) and a 20.8% first-read share. Pittman Jr. is still looking for his first red zone target from Daniel Jones. This could be a strong week for Pittman Jr. against the Titans’ two-high coverage. Tennessee has featured two high at the 12th-highest rate (51.9%). Against two high, Pittman Jr. leads the team with 2.79 yards per route run and ranks second on the team in first-read share (22.7%). Pittman could see shadow coverage this week from L’Jarius Sneed, who followed Davante Adams last week. Adams cooked Sneed (78.6% of routes), securing five of nine targets in his coverage for 100 yards and a score. Pittman can win against Sneed. Among 96 qualifying receivers, Pittman Jr. ranks 25th in separation and 27th in route win rate. Tennessee is 19th in PPR points per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers.

Elic Ayomanor (WR)

Elic Ayomanor is coming off his best game as a pro as the WR24 in fantasy last week. Ayomanor could just be getting started and bust out another strong performance this week. Ayomanor has a 21.3% target share and 26.8% first-read share with 1.44 yards per route run and 0.104 first downs per route run. This week, he faces a Colts’ secondary that has utilized single high with 54.4% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Ayomanor has seen his target share increase to 23.1% with a 32.1% first-read share and 0.091 first downs per route run. Ayomanor is a STRONG flex play this week against a Colts’ secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers through two games.

D.K. Metcalf (WR)

D.K. Metcalf is the WR37 in fantasy points per game. Metcalf has a 20% target share, a 21.7% air-yard share, 1.66 yards per route run (51.5 receiving yards per game, a red zone target, and a 24.4% first-read share. His -0.177 separation score and 12.9% route win rate are SLIGHTLY concerning, but it’s only two games, so I’m not hitting the panic button, yet. Metcalf should post solid numbers this week against a secondary that has allowed the 11th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Kayshon Boutte (WR)

Through two games, Kayshon Boutte is the only New England wide receiver with a route share above 60% (72.3%). Last week, he scored the touchdown, but he only saw one target. He has a 13% target share, a 31.3% air-yard share, 1.98 yards per route run, and a 15.7% first-read share. With Drake Maye spreading the ball around, Boutte is a volatile flex play with a great matchup. It wouldn’t shock me to see him ball out this week. It also wouldn’t leave my jaw on the floor to see him get only one target again in Week 3. Pittsburgh has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Mike Evans (WR)

Mike Evans has had a brutal matchup of corners to begin the season, but he’s the ultimate buy-low in fantasy right now. His usage and per-route metrics are still FANTASTIC. Among 96 qualifying wide receivers, Evans ranks eighth in separation and fourth in route win rate. Evans has seen a 27.1% target share with a 44.7% air-yard share and 37.8% first-read share. With the touch matchups, he has only produced 1.60 yards per route run and 53.5 receiving yards per game. He also leads the team with three red zone targets. In Week 1, Evans dealt with A.J. Terrell for 54.8% of his routes and was limited to three receptions (five targets) and 28 receiving yards in his coverage. Last week, he had to worry about Derek Stingley, who followed him on 75% of his routes, limiting him to three receptions (nine targets) and 36 receiving yards. This week, he might see shadow coverage from Sauce Gardner. Gardner shadowed D.K. Metcalf in Week 1 (he didn’t shadow in Week 2), limiting Metcalf to one reception (four targets) and 11 receiving yards. Evans will still see plenty of volume and red zone usage, but temper your expectations this week.

Deebo Samuel (WR)

Deebo Samuel is the WR8 in fantasy points per game. Samuel has a 25% target share, 1.66 yards per route run (60.5 receiving yards per game), and a 27.9% first-read share. He has only one rushing attempt this season, which he housed for a 19-yard score. Las Vegas utilizes zone coverage at the highest rate in the NFL (92.9%). Against zone, Samuel has seen his target share increase to 28.3% and his yards per route run climb to 1.91. Samuel is a strong play this week against a Raiders’ pass defense that has allowed the ninth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (Samuel 85% slot). Darnay Holmes (83.3% catch rate and 117.4 passer rating allowed) will have to bring his A game if he hopes to slow down Samuel.

Jakobi Meyers (WR)

Jakobi Meyers is the WR19 in fantasy points per game. Meyers has a 26% target share, 2.01 yards per route run (82.5 receiving yards per game), and a 32.7% first-read share. He is tied for the team lead with two red zone targets. Washington has utilized single high at the tenth-highest rate (59.5%). Against single high, Meyers has a 21.6% target share with 2.30 yards per route run and a 19.2% first-read share. Meyers should see a lot of volume again this week. Washington is 18th in PPR points per target allowed to slot receivers.

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Week 3 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB)

With Austin Ekeler out for the season, Jacory Croskey-Merritt will take over more of the Washington backfield. It’s just a question of how much. I expect Jeremy McNichols to be worked in, especially on passing downs, but Croskey-Merritt (aka Bill) should have the lion’s share of the early down work moving forward. In a limited sample, Bill has been good with a 7.1% explosive run rate and 3.50 yards after contact per attempt. Bill has a tough matchup on the ground this week and likely needs a touchdown to pay off for fantasy. The Raiders have allowed the tenth-lowest explosive run rate, the 11th-lowest missed tackle rate, and the fifth-fewest yards after contact per attempt.

Chuba Hubbard (RB)

Chuba Hubbard is the RB7 in fantasy points per game, but it’s volume and touchdown fluff window dressing. Hubbard has averaged 17 touches and 83 total yards while playing 71% of the snaps and soaking up a 57.6% route share (12.2% target share). The problem here is that he has been woefully inefficient on the ground. He hasn’t forced one missed tackle yet and has only 1.62 yards after contact per attempt. I know it’s a small sample (26 carries), but it has to get mentioned here. He has a tough matchup this week, but hopefully volume can help him overcome it. Atlanta has allowed the ninth-fewest rushing yards per game and the eighth-fewest yards before contact per attempt, while also ranking 17th in yards after contact per attempt.

Jordan Mason (RB)

With Aaron Jones out, Jordan Mason should be the Vikings’ clear workhorse back. He has averaged 13.5 touches and 56.5 total yards. Those numbers should both go up, and I expect Mason to flirt with 17-20 touches this week. He has been efficient on the ground with his work. Among 50 qualifying backs, Mason ranks 13th in explosive run rate, sixth in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. Mason should have a productive day against a run defense that has the 11th-lowest stuff rate while ranking 14th in yards after contact per attempt and 15th in yards before contact per attempt.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)

Travis Etienne is the RB9 in fantasy points per game. Last week, he still easily led this backfield with a 66% snap rate, 14 of the 24 running back carries, and a 45.5% route share (7.1% target share). Etienne has averaged 17.5 touches and 122.5 total yards. Among 50 qualifying backs, Etienne ranks sixth in explosive run rate and third in yards after contact per attempt. Etienne should have another strong game against a run defense that has allowed the 12th-highest explosive run rate, the 11th-most rushing yards per game, and the fourth-highest missed tackle rate.

Nick Chubb (RB)

Nick Chubb has been the leader of the Houston backfield. He has averaged 50.5% of the snaps with a 54.3% rushing share and a 25% route share. Chubb has averaged 13.5 touches and 66 total yards. He has posted a decent 16% missed tackle rate, but sadly, only 1.60 yards after contact per attempt. Unfortunately, the injuries have robbed Chubb of his former rushing glory. He’s just a volume bet weekly, and you’re hoping he gets in the endzone. Jacksonville could shut him down this week. The Jaguars have allowed the 11th-lowest explosive run rate, the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game, and the lowest missed tackle rate. Sit Chubb if possible.

Woody Marks (RB)

It’s too early to consider flexing Woody Marks in fantasy. Last week, he played only 13 snaps (26.5%) and received four touches. He should continue to factor more into this backfield mix, but he’s not flex-worthy (yet).

Week 3 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Brenton Strange (TE)

Brenton Strange is the TE21 in fantasy points per game. He has a 64.9% route share, a 12.3% target share, 1.52 yards per route run (38 receiving yards per game, and a 13.6% first-read share. He’s not on the tight end streaming radar this week. Houston has allowed the second-fewest yards per reception and the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Harold Fannin Jr. (TE)

Harold Fannin Jr. could post another nice stat line this week. He’s the TE9 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 15.1% target share (58.6% route share) with 55.5 receiving yards per game (1.91 yards per route run) and a 20.8% first-read share (second on the team). Fannin Jr. has one red zone target. The Packers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game, the 11th-highest yards per reception, and the fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends. He could be Joe Flacco‘s go-to receiver this week.

David Njoku (TE)

David Njoku could finally have a TE1 week against the Packers. Njoku is the TE20 in fantasy points per game, seeing a 10.8% target share with a 75.8% route share. He has averaged only 38.5 receiving yards (1.03 yards per route run) with an 11.3% first-read share. These numbers aren’t amazing, but the matchup is juicy. The Packers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game, the 11th-highest yards per reception, and the fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends.

Juwan Johnson (TE)

Juwan Johnson is the TE2 in fantasy points per game while absorbing a massive workload in the Saints’ offense. He has a 25% target share, 1.71 yards per route run (62.5 receiving yards per game), and a 31.5% first-read share. Johnson leads the team with three red zone targets. It has been awesome to see. Seattle has the second-highest two-high rate in the NFL (69.2%). Against two high, Johnson has been the second option in the passing game with a 20% target share and 25% first-read share (both second on the team behind only Chris Olave). Johnson should have another strong game this week against a Seattle defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game and 11th-most receiving yards to tight ends.

Jake Ferguson (TE)

Jake Ferguson is the TE7 in fantasy, absorbing a 20.9% target share and 25.4% first-read share while producing 1.46 yards per route run and 50.5 receiving yards per game. He’ll face a pass defense that has utilized the fifth-highest rate of two high (62.3%). Against two high, Ferguson has seen his target share increase to 23.8% with 2.16 yards per route run and a 33.3% first-read share. He should be busy in Week 3 as Dak Prescott‘s second option in the passing attack. Chicago is 18th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends.

Week 3 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

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