Lineup Rx · Week 3 · 2026
Thursday’s Falcons-Packers game is done, which leaves 15 games on the Week 3 board: 14 on Sunday and the Eagles at the Bears on Monday night. Below is a start/sit call for every fantasy-relevant player in each one. Calls are built for half-PPR leagues with 12 teams, and I note when full PPR changes the answer. Lines are from Saturday morning, and injury statuses are the final Friday designations.
Obvious starts like Josh Allen and Ja’Marr Chase are listed anyway, so each game reads as a full depth chart. The Borderline row covers the players who depend on your other options.
This week’s prescriptions
Rico Dowdle is out, so Warren gets nearly every backfield snap. Cincinnati has allowed the most RB catches in the league so far.
Marcus Mariota starts for Jayden Daniels, and Seattle hasn’t let a wideout top 9.1 PPR points this season.
David Njoku and Charlie Kolar are both out. Gadsden finally gets a full route tree in a game with a 50.5 total.
Both are questionable in 4:25 ET games. Keep a same-slot backup on your bench until inactives post.
Injury watch
| Player | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Nico Collins, HOU | Out (hamstring) | Bench. Dalton Schultz is the Texans’ top target again. |
| Puka Nacua, LAR | Doubtful (groin) | Plan without him. Sean McVay is pointing to Week 4. |
| Rico Dowdle, PIT | Out (toe) | Start Jaylen Warren. |
| Jonah Coleman, DEN | Out (ankle) | JK Dobbins takes early downs, RJ Harvey passing downs. |
| Jayden Daniels, WAS | Out (elbow) | Marcus Mariota starts. Downgrade every Commander. |
| Caleb Williams, CHI | Expected out | Case Keenum likely starts Monday night. |
| Zay Flowers, BAL | Questionable (hamstring) | Limited Friday. 4:25 ET kickoff, so hold Rashod Bateman as a pivot. |
| Brock Bowers, LV | Questionable | Start if active. Michael Mayer is the backup plan. |
| DJ Moore, BUF | Game-time decision (shoulder) | 1:00 ET game. If he sits, Khalil Shakir is a WR3. |
| Mike Evans, SF | Questionable (hip) | Boom-or-bust WR3 if active. Deebo Samuel gains if he sits. |
| Ladd McConkey, LAC | Questionable (rib) | Wore a non-contact jersey this week. Don’t start him even if active. |
| Jalen Coker, CAR | Questionable (ankle) | Start if active. |
| Adonai Mitchell, NYJ | Questionable (finger) | High-ceiling flex if active. |
| Saquon Barkley, PHI | Practicing (stinger) | Start him. Monday kickoff, so line up a Sunday-night pivot anyway. |
Chargers at Bills
The diagnosis: Buffalo is a top-five offense in both passing and rushing efficiency and has the second-highest implied total of the week. The Chargers have let Justin Herbert get pressured more than any QB in the league, but a trailing script should force them to throw, which keeps Herbert usable. With Njoku and Kolar out, Gadsden is the tight end streamer I trust most this week.
- StartJosh Allen, James Cook, Dalton Kincaid, Omarion Hampton (RB2 on volume; he’s been inefficient), Bills D/ST
- BorderlineJustin Herbert (low-end QB1), DJ Moore (game-time decision; Khalil Shakir is the WR3 if Moore sits), Oronde Gadsden II (TE streamer)
- SitLadd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Keaton Mitchell, Chargers D/ST
Panthers at Browns
The diagnosis: Bryce Young is throwing with anticipation, and Carolina ranks fifth in pass rate. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker each drew nine targets last week, so the looks are concentrated. Jonathon Brooks needs core muscle surgery, which hands Chuba Hubbard the backfield. Cleveland switched to heavy man coverage and blitzing in Week 2, and Carolina’s tackles are the weak spot, so I’m lowering Young’s ceiling a little but still starting him. Denzel Boston has scored in both games, but the Browns are implied for about 20 points.
- StartBryce Young (top-12 QB), Tetairoa McMillan, Chuba Hubbard, Jalen Coker (if active)
- BorderlineQuinshon Judkins (flex; five targets last week), Denzel Boston (flex in 14-team leagues)
- SitDeshaun Watson, KC Concepcion, Harold Fannin Jr., Darren Waller, Panthers D/ST, Browns D/ST
Bengals at Steelers
The diagnosis: Cincinnati’s run defense is allowing 2.9 yards per carry, so Warren’s value comes through the air. He took almost every snap after Dowdle got hurt last week, and his receiving work makes him a strong RB2 in half-PPR and better in full PPR. DK Metcalf has seen seven targets of 20-plus air yards and turned none of them into points. Michael Pittman could return and take some of his looks.
- StartJa’Marr Chase, Chase Brown, Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, Jaylen Warren, Bengals D/ST
- BorderlineDK Metcalf (desperation WR3 only)
- SitAaron Rodgers, Pat Freiermuth, Roman Wilson, Mike Gesicki, Steelers D/ST
Jets at Lions
The diagnosis: Aaron Glenn gets his old team, and he knows what bothers Jared Goff. The Jets’ secondary has also been good against deep throws, which is why I’m cooler on Jameson Williams, who dropped from nine targets to three last week. Goff should live on Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. On the other side, Adonai Mitchell led the Jets with 11 targets and took 70% of the team’s air yards in Week 2, but he’s questionable with a finger injury.
- StartJahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, Sam LaPorta, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson
- BorderlineAdonai Mitchell (boom-or-bust WR3 if active), Jameson Williams (flex only)
- SitGeno Smith, Braelon Allen, Kenyon Sadiq (Mason Taylor is out, but it’s still a rotation), Jets D/ST, Lions D/ST
Texans at Colts
The diagnosis: Collins is out again, which makes Dalton Schultz the Texans’ main read after he drew 13 targets last week. Houston’s run game managed one successful carry on 15 tries in Week 2, and David Montgomery and Woody Marks are splitting by drive. Indianapolis has a weak run defense, so Montgomery is a flex, but I wouldn’t count on more than that. Alec Pierce is on IR, which leaves Josh Downs as the Colts’ top receiver. Jonathan Taylor took 24 of 26 RB carries last week.
- StartJonathan Taylor, Dalton Schultz, Tyler Warren, Josh Downs (WR3; better in PPR), Texans D/ST
- BorderlineDavid Montgomery (flex)
- SitC.J. Stroud, Daniel Jones, Woody Marks, Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte, Colts D/ST
Patriots at Jaguars
The diagnosis: Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled on the Patriots’ first drive last week, and TreVeyon Henderson ended up with 16 carries to Stevenson’s six. Stevenson kept the third-down role, so in half-PPR I want Henderson. Both quarterbacks have ugly numbers under pressure, and both defenses like to blitz. Parker Washington earned 12 of Jacksonville’s 27 targets, and Bhayshul Tuten is pulling away from Chris Rodriguez.
- StartParker Washington, Bhayshul Tuten (low-end RB2)
- BorderlineTreVeyon Henderson (flex), Trevor Lawrence (QB2 with upside), Brian Thomas Jr. (WR4)
- SitDrake Maye, Rhamondre Stevenson (deep PPR flex at most), Hunter Henry, Romeo Doubs, Chris Rodriguez, Patriots D/ST, Jaguars D/ST
Chiefs at Dolphins
The diagnosis: Kenneth Walker III is running the Kansas City offense and taking the short targets that used to go to Rashee Rice. Miami has zero sacks and the second-worst pressure rate in the league, so Patrick Mahomes will have time. Rice is a flex this week because Miami plays more zone than his first two opponents, and zone is where he’s been efficient. De’Von Achane has 20 of Miami’s 25 RB carries and no touchdowns yet. Keep starting him, and try to trade for him if his manager is frustrated.
- StartKenneth Walker III, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, De’Von Achane, Chiefs D/ST
- BorderlineRashee Rice (WR3), Xavier Worthy (desperation WR; worth a cheap trade offer)
- SitMalik Willis, Malik Washington (PPR flex at best), Tyquan Thornton, Dolphins D/ST
Titans at Giants
The diagnosis: This is the lowest total on the board, with rain in the forecast. Jaxson Dart is hurt, and Jameis Winston throws downfield often enough to keep Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely in play. Likely drew nine targets last week. Tennessee plays zone on roughly 85% of snaps and has a weak pass rush. For the Titans, Tony Pollard got in a full practice Friday while Tyjae Spears is questionable. If Spears sits, Pollard becomes an RB2.
- StartMalik Nabers, Isaiah Likely, Giants D/ST
- BorderlineCam Skattebo (flex; three-way backfield), Tony Pollard (RB2 if Spears sits, flex if not), Jameis Winston (superflex only)
- SitCam Ward, Carnell Tate, Tyjae Spears, Devin Singletary, Titans D/ST
Seahawks at Commanders
The diagnosis: Washington is implied for under 17 points with Mariota at quarterback. Seattle plays a lot of zone, which pushes throws underneath to Stefon Diggs and away from McLaurin on the outside. Jadarian Price practiced fully Friday and has no designation, but Emanuel Wilson has the goal-line work, and Washington hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown this season. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 11 of Seattle’s 26 targets last week, and he’s the only Seahawk I’d call a lock.
- StartJaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks D/ST
- BorderlineJadarian Price (RB2/flex), Stefon Diggs (PPR flex)
- SitTerry McLaurin, Marcus Mariota, Seattle’s QB, Rachaad White, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rashid Shaheed, Cooper Kupp, Commanders D/ST
Cardinals at 49ers
The diagnosis: Nick Bosa is out with a calf injury, which lowers the 49ers defense from a start to a maybe. Mike Evans returned to practice Friday but is questionable with a hip injury, and at 8.5-point favorites the 49ers may not need him much. Trey McBride drew 10 of Arizona’s 25 targets last week. Michael Wilson has seven targets in each game and has taken over the one-receiver snaps that used to go to Marvin Harrison Jr.
- StartChristian McCaffrey, Trey McBride, Brock Purdy, George Kittle
- BorderlineMike Evans (boom-or-bust WR3 if active), Deebo Samuel (flex; WR2 if Evans sits), Michael Wilson (flex), 49ers D/ST
- SitJacoby Brissett, Marvin Harrison Jr., Tyler Allgeier, Jeremiyah Love (stash), Kaelon Black, Cardinals D/ST
Vikings at Buccaneers
The diagnosis: Minnesota blitzes on about 80% of dropbacks, the highest rate in the league by a wide margin, and Baker Mayfield’s accuracy collapses when he’s pressured. That takes the Tampa Bay pass catchers down a notch. Bucky Irving still dominates the Bucs’ backfield, and Aaron Jones took 23 of Minnesota’s 25 RB carries last week. The Bucs secondary has missed a lot of tackles, which helps Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
- StartJustin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Bucky Irving, Vikings D/ST
- BorderlineJordan Addison (flex), Emeka Egbuka (flex), T.J. Hockenson (TE streamer)
- SitKyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin, Cade Otton, Ted Hurst, Kenneth Gainwell, Buccaneers D/ST
Ravens at Cowboys
The diagnosis: This game has the highest total of the week. Dallas ranks bottom five in pressure rate and has the league’s worst success rate when it doesn’t blitz, so Lamar Jackson’s shaky protection shouldn’t matter much. Flowers returned to a limited practice Friday. If he plays, Rashod Bateman is a flex. If he sits, Bateman is a WR2 after drawing nine targets last week. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens combined for 17 targets in Week 2. Jake Ferguson scored twice on four targets and ran fewer than two-thirds of the routes, so he needs another touchdown to pay off.
- StartLamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, Zay Flowers (if active), Mark Andrews (low-end TE1)
- BorderlineRashod Bateman, Jake Ferguson (touchdown-dependent)
- SitRyan Flournoy, Justice Hill, Ravens D/ST, Cowboys D/ST
Raiders at Saints
The diagnosis: Ashton Jeanty took 21 of 24 RB carries and every goal-line snap last week, and the Saints are bottom six against the run. Bowers sat out Friday’s practice, reportedly as planned rather than because of a setback. Chris Olave drew 10 targets and Devaughn Vele seven. Travis Etienne keeps the goal-line role, but he’s in a three-way split with Alvin Kamara and CJ Donaldson, so treat him as a flex.
- StartAshton Jeanty, Chris Olave, Brock Bowers (if active), Tyler Shough
- BorderlineTravis Etienne (flex), Devaughn Vele (WR3 in PPR, flex in half), Juwan Johnson (TE2; Noah Fant is eating his routes)
- SitKirk Cousins, Tre Tucker, Alvin Kamara, Raiders D/ST, Saints D/ST
Rams at Broncos (Sunday Night Football)
The diagnosis: With Nacua out last week, Davante Adams and Terrance Ferguson combined for 63% of the Rams’ targets. Expect the same split, which puts Ferguson in the TE1 range. Jaylen Waddle drew 10 targets for Denver last week but will likely see a lot of Trent McDuffie in coverage, and the Rams front can get home. Coleman is out, so JK Dobbins handles early downs and RJ Harvey takes passing downs.
- StartDavante Adams, Kyren Williams, Terrance Ferguson, Jaylen Waddle (WR2), Matthew Stafford (low-end QB1), Rams D/ST
- BorderlineJK Dobbins (touchdown-dependent flex), Broncos D/ST
- SitBo Nix, RJ Harvey (deep PPR flex), Blake Corum, Courtland Sutton, Evan Engram, Pat Bryant
Eagles at Bears (Monday Night Football)
The diagnosis: Caleb Williams is expected to miss, and Case Keenum should start while Tyson Bagent works through the concussion protocol. Keenum gets the ball out quickly, which points to Luther Burden III on short throws and away from Rome Odunze, who draws Quinyon Mitchell along the sideline. The Eagles gave up 6.7 yards per carry to Titans backs last week and have struggled with outside zone, the Bears’ main run concept, so D’Andre Swift is an RB2. DeVonta Smith earned 13 of 33 Philadelphia targets in Week 2.
- StartDeVonta Smith, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, D’Andre Swift, Eagles D/ST
- BorderlineLuther Burden III (PPR flier)
- SitCase Keenum, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, Kyle Monangai, Dontayvion Wicks, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley (unless Barkley is ruled out; Bigsby first), Bears D/ST
Before you lock your lineup: Inactives come out 90 minutes before each kickoff. That’s 11:30 AM ET for the early games, 2:35 PM ET for the 4:05 games, 2:55 PM ET for the 4:25 games, and 6:50 PM ET for Sunday night. If you’re starting Flowers, Bowers or Evans, put your backup in a later slot so you can still swap him in.
About Lineup Rx: FFD posts start/sit calls for every Sunday and Monday game each Saturday at noon Pacific, after the final Friday injury designations. For live statuses, check the FFD Injury Report. For a head-to-head decision, use the FFD Start/Sit Analyzer.
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