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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 3: Fantasy WRs
Fantasy wideouts are an all-out gamble. Even when stars are heavily targeted, it’s no guarantee they’ll make the catch. But talent draws defenders, and oftentimes the secondary receiver on a pass-heavy team will shine brighter than the superstar. However, receptions, touchdowns and yards are all important.
Whether or not you’re playing in a PPR league is a big factor in your decision making, but we’re here to help you narrow down how to choose the best starting wide receivers to put in your lineup each week. There’s a ton of choices when it comes to the position, but weighing out matchups is almost always key. Here are our picks…
Start ‘Em: D.J. Moore vs. Texans (8:20 p.m. ET Thursday, NFL Network)
•Position Rank: 13
•Last Week’s Points: 21.9
•This Week’s Point Projections: 16.6
We’ve all been waiting for D.J. Moore to achieve the breakout season we all know he’s capable of, but it’s been tough to shine in Carolina. However, with Sam Darnold now at QB, Moore has found himself getting most of the targets, and if you’re playing PPR, he’s been money. Moore will have a favorable matchup for sure this week against the Texans
Sit ‘Em: Allen Robinson II vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 19
•Last Week’s Points: 10.4
•This Week’s Point Projections: 9.3
Playing in Chicago has been tough the past seasons, but Robinson knows it all too well as he was in Jacksonville’s rusty offense even before that. Now with Dalton, and the possibility of Justin Fields taking the reins, Robinson should have even more questions than before. He’s already one of the most efficient players in the league, but nothing to write home about at the moment. Sit him versus the Browns.
Sit ‘Em: Ja’Marr Chase vs. Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 28
•Last Week’s Points:13.4
•This Week’s Point Projections: 8.4
Ja’Marr Chase is another extremely intriguing rookie who already has previous collegiate chemistry with his quarterback from their LSU days, Joe Burrow. The two connected touchdowns in each of the first two weeks, and will be hoping to build off that success weekly. He’ll easily become a favorite target for Burrow, but he’s bound to have a quiet week here eventually.
Start ‘Em: Antonio Brown vs. Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 26
•Last Week’s Points: 2.7
•This Week’s Point Projections: 12.6
Antonio Brown is still reeling from his mentorship from Tom Brady, because he’s already back to scoring touchdowns without missing a step. Clearly, Brady still enjoys him as a hot read, and Brown has more than done his part in hauling in passes, and going above and beyond and scoring. Brown almost always bounces back, and Brady looks for him in big games.
Sit ‘Em: Robert Woods vs. Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 27
•Last Week’s Points: 12.0
•This Week’s Point Projections: 9.5
A lot like Cupp, Woods should be elated at the arrival of Stafford on the Rams, an offense that seemingly was some good QB play away from making a run. Woods has put up stellar numbers since playing in Los Angeles, and he’s been a top-10 WR in targets, receptions and yards in that time span. There should be no sign of slowing down in 2021, but we’d start Cupp over Woods against Tampa.
Start ‘Em: Calvin Ridley vs. Giants (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 6
•Last Week’s Points: 19.3
•This Week’s Point Projections: 16.7
Calvin Ridley was already one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL, and that was while backing up Julio Jones. Well, now as the lone starter and big play threat, Ridley will undoubtedly see more targets, and subsequently rack up higher stats assuming that role. Ridley rebounded in week 2, and should have a wonderful matchup this week against the Giants secondary.
Sit ‘Em: Tee Higgins vs. Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 23
•Last Week’s Points: 16.0
•This Week’s Point Projections: 11.1
With the drafting of Ja’marr Chase, people have devalued Higgins, and that already proved to be true in week 1. Higgins has great size and should be Burrow’s favorite target in the red zone, and as the Bengals offense only gets more familiar with each other, Higgins should have more production as the year goes on and defenses find it hard to decide just who they should cover. We wouldn’t start him versus the Steelers, though.
Start ‘Em: Tyler Lockett vs. Vikings (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 12
•Last Week’s Points: 31.8
•This Week’s Point Projections: 20.3
The Seattle offense is one of a kind, and he’s typically been a strictly big-play receiver, but in fantasy you want consistency, and you never know if Lockett will put up huge numbers or notch just a couple catches. Tread lightly, but after seeing how explosive he already was in weeks 1 and 2, but just know the Vikings are vulnerable, and the stat sheet says he should flourish.
Sit ‘Em: DeVonta Smith vs. Cowboys (8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN)
•Position Rank: 29
•Last Week’s Points: 3.6
•This Week’s Point Projections: 6.7
DeVonta Smith has already made his mark in Philadelphia, hauling in his first catch for a touchdown, as he and Jalen Hurts will attempt to build on that all year. He’s immediately found his way into a dynamic role, as you can also expect him to get some end-around hand-offs and screen plays. Don’t be surprised if Smith becomes a weekly must-start, but a Monday night matchup against the Cowboys is the time to sit him.
Start ‘Em: CeeDee Lamb vs. Eagles (8:20 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN)
•Position Rank: 9
•Last Week’s Points: 17.4
•This Week’s Point Projections: 18.0
With a healthy Dak and a pass-first offense, the Cowboys expect Lamb’s production to continue to grow. He’s assumed the clear WR1 position, which means he should see more downfield targets, with the ability to put up big points quickly. This surely could be the breakthrough year for the Cowboys’ young wideout, he just needs to work on his drops. He should have a big night against Philly.
Sit ‘ Em: Julio Jones vs. Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 21
•Last Week’s Points: 18.89
•This Week’s Point Projections: 13.3
With Tennessee losing some of their receiving weapons and Julio Jones starting anew in a promising Titans offense, the former Falcons wideout should expect to play a big role. Tannehill will be looking for him to get pressure off of A.J. Bown, and a big body is necessary, especially in red zone opportunities. After a big week last week, we like his chances against the Colts.
Start ‘Em: Adam Thielen vs. Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 15
•Last Week’s Points: 15.9
•This Week’s Point Projections: 17.5
Adam Thielen was insanely productive in the red zone last season, and he’s already shown that he isn’t missing a beat with his scoring ways, just within the first few games. Thielen became more risky of an investment due to Justin Jefferson’s rise, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to be one of Cousins’ favorite targets. Seattle will have to stop Thielen to win, but Thielen always puts up points.
Start ‘Em: Deebo Samuel vs. Packers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
•Position Rank: 20
•Last Week’s Points: 16.1
•This Week’s Point Projections: 16.8
Deebo Samuel went absolutely off in the opener against Detroit, and that kind of production might begin to be anticipated every week since he did it again against the Eagles. He’s the favorite receiver out there with Aiyuk still in question, so expect him to get many more targets regardless of whether it’s Jimmy or Lance throwing. Definitely start him while he’s still hot.
Sit ‘Em: Diontae Johnson vs. Bengals (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 24
•Last Week’s Points: 19.5
•This Week’s Point Projections: 12.3
Johnson has shined for the Steelers over the past couple of seasons, and Roethlisberger has continued to look his way despite his issues with drops. He is a dynamic receiver who is bound to produce every time he’s on the field. We’ll just have to see how defenses approach the Pittsburgh wideout situation, but after suffering a knee injury, it’s better off sitting him this week.
Start ‘Em: Cooper Kupp vs. Buccaneers (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 15
•Last Week’s Points: 36.8
•This Week’s Point Projections: 19.7
Cooper Kupp is happy to see Matt Stafford come into town, as Goff’s poor play last season resulted in very few passing TDs for the Rams. With Staffords huge arm, Kupp and the rest of Los Angeles’ passing offense should continue to put up huge numbers against lesser quality defenses. Kupp should still be a very good option for players this week even against the Bucs.
Sit ‘Em: Mike Evans vs. Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 17
•Last Week’s Points: 24.5
•This Week’s Point Projections: 8.9
Mike Evans has been an enigma since entering the NFL, never having a season with less than 1,000 receiving yards, and playing a huge part in Tampa’s run to the Super Bowl a season ago. However, there’s always the risk he gets limited targets in the Bucs offense, and Evans hardly saw any production in week 1, but caught two TDs in week 2. Look for him to be streaky, and he’s a sit for that reason.
Start ‘Em: Amari Cooper vs. Eagles (8:20 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN)
•Position Rank: 10
•Last Week’s Points: 5.4
•This Week’s Point Projections: 14.8
Amari Cooper has been a welcome face in the Dallas football conversation, because even though CeeDee Lamb has progressed and they’ve had other injury issues around the offense, Cooper’s seemed to produce consistently He should continue to be an integral part of what is a heavy passing offense, and he proved his worth. Start ‘em against the Eagles.
Start ‘Em: Chris Godwin vs. Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 14
•Last Week’s Points: 16.2
•This Week’s Point Projections: 18.4
Godwin has shined through a team that already has a ton of offensive weaponry, but despite that hesitation, he has tremendous consistency and great hands that make him a reliable target both for Brady and fantasy owners. He may have a tangible ceiling, but he can also have monster outings that completely blow your opponent away. Godwin’s a safe start against the Rams because Brady seems to trust him in more situations.
Start ‘Em: Kenny Golladay vs. Falcons (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 32
•Last Week’s Points: 6.8
•This Week’s Point Projections: 14.2
Kenny Golladay has found himself a new home with the Giants, but his situation and the offense provides more questions than answers. There are a lot of hopeful playmakers in New York, and Daniel Jones remains unproven, so although Golladay was a star with Stafford in Detroit, his role and talent here remains to be seen. But he’s bound to break out eventually, and what better time than against a porous Falcons secondary.
Start ‘Em: Keenan Allen vs. Chiefs (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 11
•Last Week’s Points: 14.8
•This Week’s Point Projections: 15.5
Keenan Allen’s expectations went through the roof after Herbert took over the Chargers offense last year and made him his favorite target. He’s one of the most sure-handed receivers, and his massive target rate also makes him invaluable in PPR formats. Allen should be poised to have another awesome season, and the Chiefs have a tough time slowing down high quality passing games. Start him!
Start ‘Em: Justin Jefferson vs. Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 7
•Last Week’s Points: 18.5
•This Week’s Point Projections: 17.7
Justin Jefferson stormed the 2021 WR rankings and made his name known despite not getting involved in the offense the first couple of weeks. He had a blazing rookie season, and averaged nearly 16 yards per catch, while hauling in 70% of all targets thrown his way. Jefferson’s stock is extremely high now, and he can continue to score with Minnesota’s dynamic receiving corps. Cousins will be seeking him in Seattle.
Sit ‘Em: Terry McLaurin vs. Bills (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 18
•Last Week’s Points: 6.2
•This Week’s Point Projections: 11.6
McLaurin has flown under the radar in the past few seasons, but his production and consistency even with uncertainty at quarterback is the kind of thing fantasy owners love to see most. He’s produced regardless of situation, and with Fitzpatrick injured, McLaurin will see heavy targets and attempt to keep all opposing secondaries on their toes. He’s the hot hand in Washington, but the Bills are a hefty foe for a backup QB.
Start ‘Em: A.J. Brown vs. Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 8
•Last Week’s Points: 7.3
•This Week’s Point Projections: 15.5
A.J. Brown’s combination of size and speed is something every secondary should fear, as he’s the NFL career leader in yards per catch over their first two seasons. Now, with Julio Jones in the lineup, Brown may get even more freedom, assuming you can’t double cover them both. His freakish skill and big-play ability is something defenses playing the Titans will have to be aware of. The Colts will have a hard time stopping him.
Start ‘Em: D.K. Metcalf vs. Vikings (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
•Position Rank: 5
•Last Week’s Points: 11.3
•This Week’s Point Projections: 18.9
Everyone slept on D.K. Metcalf, but his deep play ability has made his chemistry with Russell Westbrook even more scary, and it doesn’t help secondaries that his size and physical strength are practically superhuman. Metcalf will probably see a huge opportunity against the Vikings though, as their secondary looks vulnerable enough to be exploited by Russell Wilson.
Sit ‘Em: Brandon Aiyuk vs. Packers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
•Position Rank: 50
•Last Week’s Points: 1.6
•This Week’s Point Projections: 4.4
Aiyuk made his mark as a rookie with Samuel and Kittle missing significant time for the 49ers, but his production wasn’t a fluke. He’s a downfield threat, a sure-handed receiver, and a great route runner. While he’s likely to have many favorable matchups, apparently he’s become a second thought at WR for now. After barely playing a role in 2021 at all, you can’t start him.
Start ‘Em: DeAndre Hopkins vs. Jaguars (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX)(
•Position Rank: 4
•Last Week’s Points: 15.4
•This Week’s Point Projections: 18.1
DeAndre Hopkins is still one of the best at doing it week after week, and he leads the league in targets, and is second in receiving yards over the past 2 seasons. He’s as consistent a wideout as they come, and the Cardinals offense shows no side of slowing down, especially as Kyler Murray settles more into his pro career. Just in volume and reliability alone, he’s already proved he’s still elite in the early weeks.
Start ‘Em: Stefon Diggs vs. Football Team (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 3
•Last Week’s Points: 16.0
•This Week’s Point Projections: 20.6
People doubted Stefon Diggs would fit in or be a factor in Buffalo, but boy were they dead wrong. From being drafted in the second round a year ago to literally winning people their 2020 championships, Diggs showed each and every week just how scary of a combo he and Josh Allen were. Diggs will look to build off this success, and a game against Washington could allow him to rack up some serious points.
Sit ‘Em: Davante Adams vs. 49ers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
•Position Rank: 2
•Last Week’s Points: 5.6
•This Week’s Point Projections: 14.4
You can’t deny the relationship between Adams and Rodgers, and many would agree that without the MVP QB, Adams would lose significant value. He averaged the highest fantasy points per game a season ago, but 2021 isn’t as bad as week 1 suggested. Adams was back in the groove catching TDs like the old days in week 2, but the 49ers defense is a bit tighter.
Start ‘Em: Tyreek Hill vs. Chargers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
•Position Rank: 1
•Last Week’s Points: 5.9
•This Week’s Point Projections: 16.5
Like Mahomes, there just really isn’t another wideout out there that behaves like Tyreek Hill. His speed, route running, hands, and versatility are unmatched, and he can be anywhere on the field and help the offense even when he’s not producing. He’s a mega matchup nightmare, and he could easily help your team when any matchup. Not starting him is just foolish at this point, even if he had a slow week previously.
