Fantasy Football: Week 3 Start 'em or Sit'em

The first two weeks of NFL action are behind us, and they have certainly brought both some monstrous and disappointing fantasy performances. Whether you are looking to continue a hot start or get back on track from a slow start, consider starting or sitting these players to give you the best chance at winning your matchup this week.

**All point values mentioned in this article are in ESPN’s Standard PPR scoring**

Start

Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans

With Nick Chubb out the remainder of the season, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Ford as their new lead back.

Not only did Ford prove he is capable of stepping into this role Monday night against the Steelers rushing for 106 yards over 16 attempts, but it’s possible he may hold even more value than Chubb did. Ford is also capable of being a factor in the Browns’ passing game as well, which was never really in Chubb’s arsenal.

After 24.1 fantasy points last week, Ford is primed to show out for fantasy managers again this week.

D'andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In the Eagles Thursday night tilt with the Minnesota Vikings last week, running back D’andre Swift exploded for a career-high 175 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Swift also added three catches for six yards, totaling 27.1 fantasy points.

While this performance came with running back Kenneth Gainwell sidelined, it certainly seems like it was enough for Swift to cement himself as the lead back for the Eagles.

Expect Swift to get most of the work out of the backfield going forward and lock him into your lineups this week.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Rams

Who would’ve thought we would be questioning whether to start or sit Ja’Marr Chase in Week 3 of the fantasy football season? Shockingly, this question does hold some weight, especially with his star quarterback Joe Burrow’s status for their matchup this week up in the air.

Chase scored only 9.1 and 8.1 fantasy points throughout the first two weeks, respectively, and he hasn’t gone over 40 receiving yards or found the end zone yet this season.

However, Chase is still a must-start, and the possibility of the Bengals’ backup quarterback Jake Browning starting may even help him get back on track. Backup quarterbacks usually target their best receiver early and often, so expect Chase to break through this week regardless of who starts at quarterback.

Sit

Matt Breida, RB, New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers

Giants’ star running back Saquon Barkley has been one of the top running backs in fantasy since he came into the league, but he’ll miss this week’s matchup against the 49ers, leaving Matt Breida as the next man up for the Giants.

Although Breida is stepping into Barkley’s role that often produces a lot of fantasy points, don’t expect anywhere near the same production. Breida has gotten three total carries in the first two weeks of the season, and only one target in the passing game.

It would be hard for Breida to go from getting absolutely zero work to putting up serviceable fantasy numbers this week as it is, but it’s even tougher as the Giants face arguably the best defense in the NFL. Look for other options at running back this week.

Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense are off to a rocky start to the season. Fields has more turnovers than touchdowns and is hardly running the ball, rushing only 13 total times throughout Chicago’s first two games.

Fields hasn’t eclipsed 15 fantasy points so far either, scoring 14.54 points in Week 1 and 14.74 points in Week 2. It’s not looking up for him this week, as he faces off against a defense that held Trevor Lawrence to 9.24 fantasy points last week.

While better days are (hopefully) ahead of Fields, it’s best to find another option at quarterback this week.

Jonathan Hartley is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jdh6293@psu.edu.