Who should I start in Fantasy Football? NFL week 3 roster recommendations by position

Two weeks into the NFL season, we’re starting to get a somewhat clearer picture of who’s for real and who’s faking us out in fantasy football. Some surprising names are rising into must-start territory, while a few early-round picks are leaving managers frustrated.

With bye weeks still a couple of weeks away, this is the time to take advantage of emerging trends and lock in players who can give you the edge. Here are the fantasy stars you should be sliding into your Week 3 lineups with confidence.

NFL Fantasy Football Week 2 Start ‘Ems

Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee Titans

Daniel Jones has quietly turned into one of the best early-season surprises in fantasy. After torching a tough Broncos defense for over 300 total yards and two scores in Week 2, he now draws a Titans defense that can be beaten through the air. The Colts are leaning into a balanced offense with Jonathan Taylor setting up plenty of play-action opportunities, giving Jones room to shine both as a passer and a runner. With his dual-threat ability and momentum building, Jones deserves to be locked into lineups as a QB1 this week.

Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) vs Dallas Cowboys

Caleb Williams has been inconsistent in real football, but in fantasy he’s been rock solid. He’s posted QB1 numbers in back-to-back weeks, and now he gets the benefit of facing a Dallas defense that just surrendered 450 passing yards to Russell Wilson. Williams’ rushing ability and willingness to push the ball downfield add valuable upside. With multiple veteran QBs already injured across the league, Williams is a confident start against a defense trending the wrong way.

Wide Receivers

George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys) @ Chicago Bears

The stat sheet hasn’t fully caught up yet, but George Pickens is right on the edge of a breakout. Dak Prescott keeps giving him deep looks, and while they’ve missed on a couple big ones, the volume is there. Pickens already forced nearly 80 yards in pass interference penalties in addition to his box-score production. With Chicago’s defense shredded by Detroit last week and now missing top corner Jaylon Johnson, this is a prime spot for Pickens to finally hit on a splash play. He’s a strong WR2 with upside in what could turn into another high-scoring game.

Keon Coleman (Buffalo Bills) vs Miami Dolphins

Coleman has quickly carved out a significant role in Buffalo’s offense, showing both reliability on short routes and explosiveness after the catch. With defenses keying in on Stefon Diggs, Coleman is getting room to work and should continue to see steady volume. Miami’s secondary has struggled to contain opposing receivers through two weeks, and this divisional matchup sets up well for Coleman to keep climbing. He’s a flex option with real WR2 potential in Week 3.

Running Backs

Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ New England Patriots

The Steelers backfield has shifted. Jaylen Warren is now the guy. He’s out-snapped his teammates, shown more juice as a runner, and been involved as a receiver. New England’s defense is far from intimidating, and with rookie Kaleb Johnson fumbling away his chance at work, Warren’s role looks secure. Expect 15+ touches with upside for more, making him a solid RB2 play this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots) vs Pittsburgh Steelers

While New England’s offense has been frustrating, Rhamondre Stevenson is still delivering fantasy value. He saw 16 total touches last week, including five catches for 88 yards, showing his versatility in the passing game. TreVeyon Henderson is waiting in the wings, but Stevenson remains the clear lead back. Against a Steelers defense that’s been gashed by both the run and the pass, Stevenson is in position to put together another strong outing.

Jordan Mason, (Minnesota Vikings) vs Cincinnati Bengals

Opportunity is everything in fantasy, and Jordan Mason has it all lining up in Week 3. With Aaron Jones sidelined by a hamstring strain and Ty Chandler on IR, Mason should see a heavy workload as the lead back in Minnesota. He’s already been the more efficient runner compared to Jones, averaging over four yards per carry. Facing a Bengals defense that has given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs, Mason profiles as a volume-based RB2 with upside for more if the Vikings lean on him to help out backup QB Carson Wentz.

Tight Ends

Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys) @ Chicago Bears

Jake Ferguson has emerged as one of Dak Prescott’s most trusted targets, seeing 18 looks through two games. In Week 2, he turned 12 targets into nine catches for 78 yards, finishing as a top-3 fantasy tight end. With defenses focusing on CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens stretching the field, Ferguson thrives in the short and intermediate game as Prescott’s safety valve. Facing a Bears defense that has already allowed 79 points in two games, Ferguson projects as a top-10 option again in what could be another shootout.

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