Just like with NFL power rankings, the chalk always serves as the easiest parts of the list. Pittsburgh (@ Browns), Dallas (@ Giants), and Buffalo (@ Dolphins) will almost always reside near the top of the list, but strong matchups against what we think are potentially turnover-prone QBs make them even more intriguing this week. Denver (vs. 49ers) has a tougher game slated, but its plethora of defensive playmakers should capitalize against a team now missing its starting QB (Trey Lance) and RB (Elijah Mitchell).
For other squads, what a difference a week makes. After vaulting up the D/ST lists with strong Week 1 play, Baltimore (@ Patriots) and Cleveland (vs. Steelers) both took a step back in Week 2. Baltimore allowed Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to go off for a career day, while Cleveland gave up a whopping 31 points to the Jets in a loss. These teams have decent matchups in Week 3 — a disorganized and downright-erratic New England offense and a Mitchell Trubisky-led Steelers team on the road on short rest. We still like these units as starters, but after last week’s letdowns, clearly there are reasons to be worried.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
Philadelphia (@ Commanders) gets a rivalry game against former QB Carson Wentz, no stranger to pick-sixes; the Bengals get what should be another favorable matchup (@ Jets) against a backup QB; and the Saints (@ Panthers) will have a much easier Week 3 now that they’re done battling Tom Brady. All three defenses can be used this week, but, again – Joe Flacco has been solid and the Bengals flopped against Cooper Rush, so this isn’t a slam dunk. We’re still trusting the historical trends here and predicting these D/STs will come through.
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
Looking for sleepers? The Bears (vs. Texans) have shown signs of life early and now draw a home game with a Texans squad that struggles to run the ball, protect the pocket, and convert on third downs and in the red zone. Going a little deeper, the Giants (vs. Cowboys) can unleash their underrated pass rush on Cooper Rush and his banged-up O-line, while Carolina (vs. Saints) could cause some turnovers at home against a sloppy Jameis Winston and his ailing running game. The Chiefs (@ Colts) will look to exploit Matt Ryan’s deficiencies, as he was a sitting duck last week without Michael Pittman (quad).
WEEK 3 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo
Of course, we also have some fades. The Dolphins (vs. Bills), 49ers (@ Broncos), Packers (@ Buccaneers), Patriots (vs. Ravens), and Colts (vs. Chiefs) all have rough matchups. Only the Dolphins and Colts are truly “off limits,” but check your options before blindly starting the rest.
WEEK 3 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Again, we’ll continue to learn more about this position going forward, but in the meantime, continue to pick on shaky QBs and offensive lines. Don’t be afraid to take some chances in deeper leagues, either. For instance, the Jets should be able to get some sacks on the Bengals, and the Cardinals should get an INT or two on Matthew Stafford, so even in what look to be “bad” matchups, there are points to be had. Talent always matters, but matchups tend to be more predictive at D/ST.
WEEK 3 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
Good luck in Week 3, and come back throughout the week for the latest updates and player movement.
Week 3 fantasy defense rankings
Week 3 defense fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks
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title: “Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 3 Who To Start Sit At D St In Fantasy Football” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-08” author: “Cynthia French”
That’s partly because of the schedule makers, and it’s also partly because there have some disappointments among some popular preseason D/STs. Washington has looked positively mediocre despite having a favorable, short-week home matchup in Week 2 (29 points allowed, no takeaways against the Giants). The Giants, who we also projected to be a decent streamer, struggled last week against Taylor Heinicke (30 points allowed, one INT, two sacks). This week, Washington plays the Bills and the Giants play the Falcons. The former is a tough matchup, and the latter is a favorable matchup – assuming you trust the Giants.
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker
Given some of the week’s other matchups, you might have to trust one or both of those two teams. The Dolphins (@ Raiders) and Colts (@ Titans) both are in less-than-ideal spots again (and have performed less-than ideally all year), while the 49ers (vs. Packers), Seahawks (@ Vikings), Bears (@ Browns), and Rams (vs. Buccaneers) are all facing tough opponents, too. There’s a chance most or all of these D/STs were drafted in your leagues, and it’s tough to feel good about any of them. The Rams are the best overall unit and at least playing at home, but Tom Brady and the Bucs usually don’t give up many fantasy points.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker
To make matters worse, some of our favorite QBs to pick one are playing downright bad D/STs. Sam Darnold and the Panthers are facing the Texans, and Daniel Jones and Giants get the Falcons. It’s tough to trust either Houston and Atlanta, especially after Carolina and the Giants played well in Week 2.
WEEK 3 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo
There are a few legitimate sleepers, though. We always like to pick on rookie QBs, and the Broncos (vs. Jets), Saints (@ Patriots), and Cardinals (@ Jaguars), will get to further help educate Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, and Trevor Lawrence, respectively, on the ways of the NFL. All three D/STs are in our top-12, with the Saints and Cardinals being available in many leagues. The Panthers (@ Texans) and Browns (vs. Bears) are also in another good spots and will potentially be facing rookie QBs. The Browns are heavily owned, but the Panthers are available in fewer than 20 percent of Yahoo leagues and riding high after two good games. The Raiders (vs. Dolphins) are also in play as a streamer regardless of who starts for the Dolphins, and we might even be willing to recommend the Titans if Jacob Eason is starting against Indianapolis.
MORE WEEK 3 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder
Other than that, you’re likely stuck with whoever you drafted. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but those obvious streamers simply aren’t there this week. We could be overlooking a legitimate breakout D/ST simply because of reputation, such as the Bengals (@ Steelers), who don’t have a terrible matchup, but we’re not quite sold on them yet. If you are, take a chance. If not, set it, forget it, and hope for a random return TD.
WEEK 3 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
Note: We’ll be updating these D/ST rankings as needed throughout the week. so check back for the latest movement and analysis.
