Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, NFL Week 3: Terry McLaurin Thrives, Josh Downs Stumbles?

The NFL never stops evolving, with changes to usage rates, injuries impacting roles, and more. As fantasy football managers, we’re tasked with navigating it all in Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em conundrums.

Through two weeks of football, injuries have run rampant, making clear impacts on fantasy football stocks. For example, Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson excelled in his first game back from injury in Week 2, while Colts WR Josh Downs and Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II are likely headed for big-time volume, as seen in this week’s waiver wire targets.

But what does this all mean for NFL Week 3’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em edition? Let’s navigate who should start or be on your bench for Week 3, featuring player projections via PrizePicks.

Make NFL picks for Week 3 on PrizePicks! 

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, NFL Week 3

We’ll cover the good and bad for each major position group for full-PPR leagues, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

Here’s who you should start and who should warm the bench for Week 3’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em.

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Two red-hot quarterbacks make Week 3’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em. Panthers QB Bryce Young could keep rolling in a favorable matchup, while Saints QB Tyler Shough faces a defense that’s smashed expectations through two weeks.

Panthers QB Bryce Young: Start ‘Em

Game: Panthers vs. Browns – Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 221.5 Pass Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs (Demon), 32.5 Pass Attempts, 

Despite 32.4 (QB3) and 24.1 (QB7) fantasy points in his first two games, Bryce Young remains rostered in only 14% of fantasy football leagues, per Yahoo Sports. That makes him a potential waiver wire target  for Week 3’s battle vs. the Browns.

Over his last seven games of the 2025 season, Young tallied 20.4 fantasy points per game (PPG). That’s directly carried to 2026, and we can’t ignore his 0.308 adjusted EPA per play (seventh) and 47.6% pass success rate (15th) thus far, per RBSDM.

His first two opponents, the Bears and Falcons, have allowed 23.0 PPG (15th) and 27.0 PPG (23rd). Cleveland isn’t any better, though, conceding 26.5 PPG (22nd) over two matchups. 

The Falcons are gearing up to be one of the league’s worst teams, but Young’s 287 passing yards and 3 passing TDs were quietly impressive. Atlanta has actually yielded a 36.9% success rate (fourth) and a 40.2% dropback success rate (eighth).

Furthermore, Young’s volume brings comfort by posting 36.5 passing attempts per game. Even when Carolina was blowing the doors off the Falcons in a 34-3 win, head coach Dave Canales continued to dial up pass plays as Young posted 36 passing attempts.

The Browns have allowed 0.073 EPA per dropback (17th), while Pro Football Reference has Cleveland allowing 19.1 FPPG vs. QBs (10th-most).

Add Bryce Young to your PrizePicks lineup.

Saints QB Tyler Shough: Sit ‘Em

Game: Raiders vs. Saints – Sunday, September 27, 4:25 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 238.5 Pass Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs, 32.5 Pass Attempts

I’d be a fool to tear apart Tyler Shough; outside 3 turnovers in the early going vs. the Lions in Week 1, there’s not much critique of Shough right now.

In fact, the Shough breakout may have arrived, anchored by 25.2 (QB6) and 22.4 (QB8) fantasy points over two outings. Similar to Young, he has a high volume by totaling 45.0 passing attempts per contest. Further, his 48.2% pass success rate (12th) is impressive in the efficiency department.

So, why in the world do we have Shough as a Sit ‘Em? Week 3’s opponents, the Raiders, have fielded a strong defense, allowing -0.275 EPA per play (first) and a 34.4% success rate (first). That extends to the secondary, with opponents sporting -0.131 EPA per dropback (fourth).

Las Vegas’ 12.90% sack rate is currently second in the NFL, and Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby has 2 sacks and 11 pressures alongside EDGE Kwity Paye’s 3 sacks and 9 pressures in two contests, per Pro Football Focus. 

According to ESPN, the Saints have just a 39% pass block win rate (28th), and that could only get worse with New Orleans LT Kelvin Banks Jr. set to miss time from an ankle injury. 

Negative game scripts have also contributed to Shough’s high fantasy point totals, including a 21-0 deficit vs. the Lions and a 14-3 hole vs. the Ravens. According to PrizePicks, the Saints are 3.5-point home favorites vs. the Raiders in Week 3; Shough could finally be in a positive game script leading to fewer passing attempts.

Make Tyler Shough picks on PrizePicks now!

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running Backs

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em debates are always a tough one when running backs are in split backfields. That’s the case for Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson and Steelers RB Jaylen Warren. Which halfback should make fantasy football lineups in Week 3?

Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson: Start ‘Em

Game: Patriots vs. Jaguars – Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 40.5 Rush Yards, 9.5 Rush Attempts, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon) 

After missing Week 1 due to injury, TreVeyon Henderson looked great by recording 16 rushing attempts for 76 rushing yards, 1 TD, and 13.6 fantasy points (RB14) in Week 2. Granted, most of this was produced from his 39-yard scamper to the end zone, but the second-year back’s immediate usage should be bolded and highlighted.

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson had 7 fumbles in 2024, followed by 3 last season. After fumbling yet again in Week 2, Henderson was awarded more work, including 17 rush snaps and 16 carries compared to Stevenson’s 7 and 6. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Henderson has a chance to separate from Stevenson.

Chances are the Patriots will remain in two-RB purgatory — one of a fantasy manager’s biggest headaches. But for now, reacting to Henderson’s dominant workload feels wise.

He generated 2 rushing attempts of 10+ yards, showing his explosive speed is better than ever. The Jaguars have allowed only 15.0 PPG (sixth), but they’ve given up 6.1 yards per play (29th) and a 45.5% success rate (23rd). That screams regression is likely ahead.

Furthermore, Jacksonville has conceded -0.109 EPA per rushing attempt (17th) and a 42.2% rush success rate (23rd). If Henderson’s workload from Week 2 keeps up, he could produce another strong fantasy showing.    

Predict More or Less for TreVeyon Henderson’s rush yards projection on PrizePicks! 

Steelers RB Jaylen Warren: Sit ‘Em

Game: Bengals vs. Steelers – Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 51.5 Rush Yards, 22.5 Receiving Yards, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

In Jaylen Warren’s case, he’s been far more efficient compared to Steelers RB Rico Dowdle. Warren carries 4.2 yards per carry and 3.48 yards after contact per attempt compared to Dowdle’s 2.5 and 2.00.

Yet, Pittsburgh — which carries -0.286 EPA (31st) and a 36.3% success rate (29th) on offense — continues to make head-scratching decisions with a split backfield. Through two games, Warren has 22 rush snaps and 21 rushing attempts compared to Dowdle’s 15 rush snaps and 15 carries. 

On an offense that’s struggled to move even an inch with 3.8 yards per play (32nd), red zone touches are like gold with few scoring chances. Warren has yet to log 1 rushing carry, while Dowdle has the team’s only red zone rushing attempt over two contests. 

Dowdle suffered a toe injury on Sunday, and he’s currently listed as day-to-day. If Dowdle ends up inactive in Week 3, this will likely turn Warren into a start — especially when Warren’s PPR value is increased by 4.5 targets and 3.5 receptions per game. 

For now, we’ll assume Dowdle plays. If that’s the case, starting Warren should be avoided like the plague, and the Cincinnati Bengals defense is the driving factor. 

This unit has entirely changed with a front seven that’s mauled opponents, led by DT Dexter Lawrence. When Lawrence was on the field in Week 2, the Bengals allowed only 1.0 yards per carry — compared to 8.0 on 6 snaps when Sexy Dexy was on the sideline. Cincinnati currently carries an elite 34% run stop win rate (third), and Pittsburgh has an alarming 68% run block win rate (31st).

Despite stacking the box at a low clip, the Bengals have still held teams to a low rush success rate. Frankly, the Steelers could struggle to score in Week 3; that’s further supported by a 1.69x payout to go over 17.5 points vs. Cincinnati, per PrizePicks.

Make Jaylen Warren picks on PrizePicks now!

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers

Injuries are always a factor for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em decisions, potentially leading to increased roles. Colts WR Josh Downs’ usage is currently being impacted by an injury in the receiving corps, while Commanders WR Terry McLaurin’s stock shifts following QB Jayden Daniels’ elbow injury.

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin: Start ‘Em

Game: Seahawks vs. Commanders – Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 45.5 Receiving Yards, 3.5 Receptions, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

According to FantasyPros, Terry McLaurin had a 54th overall and WR25 average draft position (ADP) for PPR leagues. He hasn’t been even close to scratching that level of production, posting 3.4 (WR85) and 7.0 (WR51) fantasy points over his first two games.

QB Jayden Daniels is likely set to miss extended time due to his elbow injury, meaning QB Marcus Mariota takes over as the starter. In the 2025 season, Mariota started in eight games with 0.072 adjusted EPA per play — ranking 26th among QBs with at least 200 plays.

Before going down with an injury, Daniels had 0.118 adjusted EPA per play (18th). However, his 9.2 air yards per passing attempt trails Mariota’s lofty 11.7 air yards. With only 20 plays under his belt, this is a small sample size, but Mariota recorded a league-high 10.2 air yards over 304 plays a season ago. 

Among eligible WRs with at least 5 targets this season, McLaurin currently carries a team-high 14.8 aDOT. In four appearances with Mariota as a starter in 2025, McLaurin posted a healthy 15.8 FPPG. Plus, he racked up an absurd 18.3 yards per reception in that split.

Thanks to Mariota’s tendency to launch it downfield, McLaurin’s fantasy stock increases when Daniels is off the field. 

Pick More or Less for Terry McLaurin’s receiving yard projection on PrizePicks. 

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Colts WR Josh Downs: Sit ‘Em

Game: Texans vs. Colts – Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 49.5 Receiving Yards, 5.5 Receptions (Demon), 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

If you started Josh Downs in Week 1, his 5.7 fantasy points (WR65) may have led to a mini-crash out. A week later, Downs bounced back with 14.2 fantasy points (WR20), but he may have been on your bench considering that season-opening performance.

Now could be the time to consider Downs as a weekly candidate for your flex spot, and much of this revolves around Colts WR Alec Pierce suffering a heel injury.

Pierce logged only a 26.2% snap rate before the injury on Sunday Night Football. While Downs’ 83.1% snap share was a slight decline from Week 1’s 88.9%, his targets increased from 4 in Week 1 to 9 with Pierce missing time vs. the Chiefs.

Indianapolis already has little at receiver, as a 34-year-old Keenan Allen has 37 receiving yards over two contests. After logging 73.8% snap share last week, WR Laquon Treadwell is likely set to replace Pierce’s role. That’s further backed by his 15.8 aDOT compared to Pierce’s 16.7. 

In short, Downs is immediately the top target of this room, with TE Tyler Warren (6.0 targets per game) likely posing as the best competition for work. 

If he’s set for an increased role, why sit Downs in Week 3? The Texans are a difficult matchup. Downs often benefits from his 73.4% slot snap rate, but Houston NB Jalen Pitre has allowed 3 catches for 9 receiving yards on 5 targets over two games.

Furthermore, Downs has usually lacked valuable targets throughout his career, as seen by a career 7.4 aDOT. He’s yet to receive a red zone target this season, via PlayerProfiler, and Downs posted 4 and 5 receiving TDs in his last two seasons. 

Add Josh Downs to your PrizePicks lineup for Week 3.

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends

One of this year’s top ADP tight ends, Bears TE Colston Loveland, continues to disappoint. Is it time to bench Loveland? Meanwhile, Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II is another player bound for an increased role due to injuries. 

Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II: Start ‘Em

Game: Chargers vs. Bills – Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

The Chargers tight end room sustained a serious blow in Week 2, as TEs David Njoku (fibula) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) landed on the injury reserve list. That means each player will miss at least the next four games, and Oronde Gadsden II is the only healthy player among the top three tight ends on Los Angeles’ depth chart.

Gadsden already carries upside, too, as seen by his 49 catches for 664 receiving yards and 3 receiving TDs in his 2025 rookie season. After finishing as TE15 last year, Gadsden has his chance to leave his mark on fantasy football once again.  

He’s currently rostered in only 8% of leagues, but that’s bound to skyrocket as an excellent streaming option for Week 3. The Chargers take on the Bills, who have a knack for turning games into track meets.

In fact, Buffalo’s first two games combined for totals of 67 and 72 points. The Bills defense is allowing 31.0 PPG (28th), 5.5 yards per play (20th), and 273.0 passing yards per game (30th). Further, the unit is allowing strong efficiency through the air, proven by 7.9 yards per passing attempt (23rd) and 0.295 EPA per dropback (28th).

Buffalo has quickly morphed into a pass-funnel defense, as it’s holding teams to a 38.0% rush success rate (15th) and 3.7 yards per carry (eighth). Plus, the offense racking up 38.5 PPG (first) with 0.378 EPA per play (first) is forcing teams to play fast to keep pace.

PrizePicks tabs the Chargers as 7.5-point underdogs on Sunday, implying a negative game script could also be ahead. QB Justin Herbert is likely in store for a ton of passing attempts, and the Bills have allowed 8.9 FPPG to tight ends (11th-most) in 2026.

Make Oronde Gadsden picks on PrizePicks now!

Bears TE Colston Loveland: Sit ‘Em

Game: Eagles vs. Bears – Monday, September 28, 8:15 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 25.5 Receiving Yards, 3.5 Receptions (Demon), 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

Over the seven final games of the 2025 regular season, Colston Loveland recorded 13.7 FPPG. Adding to the hype, he closed the regular season with 21.4 (TE2) and 25.1 (TE1) fantasy points in the last two contests. 

Fantasy managers have been burnt by that hype, as Loveland had a 40th overall and TE3 ADP. In two games, he’s logged 0.0 and 1.3 fantasy points. 

His volume’s been low with 2 and 3 targets over the first two matchups. Additionally, Loveland touts an alarming 0.05 yards per route run. 

Bears QB Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 and is likely set to miss some time. His 0.318 adjusted EPA per play was ranked sixth, and Loveland still couldn’t find value in that environment.

In nine plays during a 9-3 loss vs. the Vikings, backup QB Tyson Bagent had -0.294 adjusted EPA per play with a low 33.3% success rate. Bagent hasn’t started in a game since 2023, adding even more concern to this Bears offense.

Week 3’s opponent, the Eagles, has given up only 2.1 FPPG to tight ends (second-fewest), alongside a 40.0% dropback success rate (seventh). Loveland’s fantasy stock is tanking, and until he provides any kind of production, one of your top picks should warm the bench.   

Add Colston Loveland to your PrizePicks lineup for NFL Week 3.

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Turn Your Fantasy Football Takes to NFL Picks on PrizePicks

Bryce Young, Terry McLaurin, and Oronde Gadsden II headline this week’s starts, while Jaylen Warren, Josh Downs, and Colston Loveland all carry tough matchups in Week 3.

You can turn your fantasy football knowledge into picks on PrizePicks! Pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on NFL game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 36 states. 

As we head into the NFL season, stay locked in Playbook for weekly NFL start/sit advice, waiver wire analysis, and game picks.