Week 3 of the NFL season is here, and with it comes our Week 3 fantasy football rankings. With eight quarters of action now through, it's becoming increasingly clear who the top receivers are going to be league-wide. The high-volume targets are becoming more apparent, breakout sleepers are establishing themselves, and the boom-or-bust deep threats have identified themselves as well. That makes it a bit easier to craft these rankings, as generally, players have separated themselves into tiers.
This week, the Steelers and Vikings receiving corps have good matchups, as they take on the Bucs and Bills respectively. Meanwhile, the Titans have a tough matchup with the Jaguars, so it may be best to avoid their top guys if you have other options. Matchups are especially important at the receiver position, as top-caliber cornerbacks have a knack for shutting down even the best fantasy performers.
Week 3 Rankings:
Quarterback | Running Back | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker
Of course, it's worth noting that there are almost always more quality starting receivers than there are starting spots in a lineup. So, around the top 50 receivers in our rankings are potential quality starts this week. It's all about picking an option that you like, whether it's based on the matchup or just a gut feeling. Our rankings are here as a guide to help you.
Reminder: We will keep these rankings updated and add analysis during the week, so check back often for the latest news and injury updates. And if you're looking for more analysis, find out how you'll lose in Week 3.
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Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings: WRs
These rankings are for standard, non-PPR leagues
| 1 | Antonio Brown, Steelers @ Bucs. Brown only had 67 yards against the Chiefs despite the fact that the Steelers offense was throwing for most of the game. He should be angry and against a weak Bucs secondary, he will have a bounce back performance. |
| 2 | DeAndre Hopkins, Texans vs. Giants |
| 3 | Tyreek Hill, Chiefs vs. 49ers |
| 4 | Julio Jones, Falcons vs. Saints |
| 5 | Stefon Diggs, Vikings vs. Bills. You could make the case for Diggs or his teammate Adam Thielen cracking the top five, but we like Diggs' TD potential a bit more. So far in 2018, Diggs has caught 12-of-19 targets and has turned that into 171 yards and three TDs. The Bills have given up six TDs to receivers so far this season which is the highest mark in the NFL. Diggs will have a chance to add to his TD total and is certainly a WR1 this week. |
| 6 | Michael Thomas, Saints @ Falcons |
| 7 | Odell Beckham Jr., Giants @ Texans |
| 8 | A.J. Green, Bengals @ Panthers. Green may not put up three TDs for the second consecutive week, but he should stand to benefit from playing a Panthers defense that just allowed Matt Ryan to total 272 passing yards. It may concern some that Julio Jones was mostly held in check by the Panthers, but Andy Dalton trusts Green enough that he will frequently get him the ball. Plus, the Bengals will definitely use Green as red zone threat. |
| 9 | Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. Steelers |
| 10 | JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers @ Bucs. Smith-Schuster has actually outproduced Antonio Brown to start the season, totaling 80 more yards than him on the same amount of receptions (18). Both should be in position to succeed in an easy matchup with the Bucs, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Smith-Schuster fall among the top 10 WRs for Week 3. |
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| 11 | Keenan Allen, Chargers @ Rams. Allen didn't have a huge game against the Bills as many expected, but he still put up a respectable 67 yards on six catches. The Rams represent a much tougher task for Allen, but he's the type of receiver that can still rack up a lot of catches and will certainly see targets from Philip Rivers. His upside may be capped this week, but he could still turn out to be a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 even in a tough matchup. |
| 12 | Jarvis Landry, Browns vs. Jets. With Josh Gordon. gone, Landry becomes the true No. 1 receiver for the Browns. He has always been a target machine, and he's averaged 11 targets from Tyrod Taylor in each of the first two contests. If he continues to see that kind of volume, which he should, he will put up numbers, especially in a matchup with the Jets who have allowed 366 yards and two TDs to opposing receivers in '18. |
| 13 | Adam Thielen, Vikings vs. Bills. Thielen could have a huge outing against the Bills much like his teammate Diggs. He has seen at least 12 targets and totaled 100-plus yards in each of his first two games with Kirk Cousins at the helm. That should continue against the Bills poor defense that saw one of their starting corners retire at halftime last week. |
| 14 | Davante Adams, Packers @ Redskins. Adams has established himself as Aaron Rodgers' favorite receiver through two weeks, leading the team in targets with 20 and TDs with two. The Redskins have actually been tough on opposing receivers so far, allowing only 193 yards and a TD to the position, but Adams will still be a threat any time Aaron Rodgers is on the field. Provided that Rodgers is healthy, Adams should have another solid week and will have a chance to score a third consecutive time. |
| 15 | Nelson Agholor, Eagles vs. Colts. Agholor was productive even with Carson Wentz out, catching eight passes in each of the first two games. With Wentz back, Agholor should have a good chance to continue to break out as the No. 1 receiver. And in a favorable matchup with the Colts, he could be in for a huge game. |
| 16 | T.Y. Hilton, Colts @ Eagles. The biggest weakness on the Eagles defense is at cornerback, and they were burned by deep speed on occasion last week against the Bucs. Hilton has the speed needed to break a long play, but he has also established himself as a go-to in the red-zone on shallow crossers and other underneath routes. After seeing 11 targets in each of his first two games, it's easy to trust him as a high-end WR2. |
| 17 | Golden Tate, Lions vs. Patriots. Matthew Stafford has targeted Tate 28 times through two games. That's tied for third-best in the NFL. If Tate can catch a lot of passes, the '17 leader in yards after the catch will be able to create a lot of yardage and potential break a big play. He's our top-ranked Lions receiver for the time being, though Stafford does like to spread the ball around. |
| 18 | Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos @ Ravens. Sanders has established himself as Case Keenum's favorite receiver and has seen 11 targets in each game this season. The Ravens just gave up four TDs to Bengals receivers (and three to A.J. Green) so their secondary is vulnerable, especially with Jimmy Smith out. Sanders could rack up a lot of yards as a result and will certainly be given an opportunity to produce by Keenum. |
| 19 | Amari Cooper, Raiders @ Dolphins. After a disappointing opener, Cooper went off for 10 catches and 116 yards against the Raiders defense. The Dolphins have held up surprisingly well against the position so far, but it's worth noting that the QBs they have faced were an injured Marcus Mariota and a rookie Sam Darnold. Derek Carr will be better than both and if he continues to give Cooper double-digit targets, Cooper should have a chance to produce. |
| 20 | Brandin Cooks, Rams vs. Chargers. Cooks has averaged 20.5 yards per catch this season and the Chargers defense gave up a lot of big plays to Tyreek Hill. While Cooks is not as fast as Hill, he could still break a long reception or two and be a threat for the Rams offense. Either way, Jared Goff appears to be comfortable throwing to him, and he will always be a threat to put up solid yardage. |
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| 21 | Chris Hogan, Patriots @ Lions. After a disappointing opener, Hogan rebounded with two TDs against a tough Jacksonville defense. The Patriots figure to come out angry after their loss last week, and Tom Brady may attack the hapless Lions secondary early and often. Hogan is still New England's No. 1 receiver, so he should see plenty of looks. |
| 22 | Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals vs. Bears. Fitzgerald has been limited by Sam Bradford's lack of downfield ability to start the season. Fitzgerald also suffered a hamstring injury towards the end of the Cardinals loss to the Rams, so that caused him to sit out. Still, he is one of the more consistent receivers in fantasy and is virtually the only viable receiving option in the Cardinals offense. He'll get a lot of targets and when healthy, he should produce. |
| 23 | Marvin Jones Jr., Lions vs. Patriots. In consecutive weeks, Jones has totaled four catches for 54 yards. Last week, he added a TD to that stat line. Jones should have a good chance to catch some more balls against a New England defense that was shredded by Jacksonville, but he takes a backseat to teammate Golden Tate this week. Still, because of his deep speed, Jones has WR2 potential and is an easy start in most leagues. |
| 24 | Allen Robinson, Bears @ Cardinals |
| 25 | Demaryius Thomas, Broncos @ Ravens. Thomas is probably the 1B option to Emmanuel Sanders' 1A in the Broncos offense, but Thomas will still see a high-volume of targets. He has actually seen 21 targets this year (six more than Sanders) but he just hasn't been as efficient. Against the Ravens secondary, he should have a chance to put up a stat line similar to what he did in the season opener (63 yards, TD). |
| 26 | Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. Chargers. Goff loves throwing to Kupp, and he's caught 11-of-15 targets this year. In a more competitive game against a tougher Chargers team, Kupp will have more of a chance to produce so he's an appealing WR3. |
| 27 | Quincy Enunwa, Jets @ Browns. Enunwa has emerged as Sam Darnold's favorite target, seeing at least 10 targets in each of the first two games. Against the Browns, who have allowed 380 yards and three TDs to opposing receivers, he should have a chance to put up solid numbers again and will be a contributor. |
| 28 | Devin Funchess, Panthers vs. Bengals. Funchess has yet to catch a TD, but he has seen three red-zone targets early in the season. His time will come and against a Bengals team that has allowed 23 points in consecutive weeks, Funchess may have a chance to perform well. |
| 29 | Randall Cobb, Packers @ Redskins. Cobb was mostly shut down against the Vikings last week, but in an easier matchup with the Redskins, he will be given an opportunity to produce. Cobb currently leads the Packers in receiving yards with 172 and is one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets. There's no reason not to trust him. |
| 30 | Will Fuller, Texans vs. Giants. Fuller caught eight passes for 113 yards and a TD in his first action of the season with the Texans. The Giants have only allowed 9.6 FPPG to opposing wide receivers, but that number is skewed a bit by the fact that they just played the Cowboys. Fuller should have a chance to break some long catches against the Giants and will certainly garner a high target share as Deshaun Watson's No. 2 receiver. |
| 31 | Kenny Stills, Dolphins vs. Raiders. Stills put up a dud last week against the Jets, but he gets another solid matchup against the Raiders. Even if DeVante Parker returns for Week 3, Stills will serve as the top receiver in Miami. That, plus his deep speed and a matchup with a poor Raiders defense, will give him a chance to be a fantasy factor. |
| 32 | John Brown, Ravens vs. Broncos. Brown has posted a TD in his first two outings as a Raven. Last week, he saw 10 targets, which tied for the team high with Michael Crabtree. With Crabtree set to draw a tough matchup with Chris Harris in Week 3, Brown could take advantage and emerge as the team's real No. 1 receiver. The Broncos are allowing 25.6 FPPG to opposing receivers, a middling number, so Brown could be a real threat this week. |
| 33 | DeSean Jackson, Bucs vs. Steelers. Jackson is leading the NFL with 275 receiving yards. He has also scored three TDs. The Steelers have allowed 31.1 FPPG to opposing receivers and the battle between the two should be a high-scoring affair. Jackson may not see a lot of targets, but he's one of the bigger boom-or-bust plays in fantasy every week. As long as he's playing like this (100 yards and a TD in consecutive games) he can definitely be started. |
| 34 | Kenny Golladay, Lions vs. Patriots. Golladay has had a good start to his season and is coming off a game that saw him score and put up 89 yards. That was after a 114-yard performance in the opener. The Patriots seem likely to focus on covering Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, so that could leave Golladay some opportunities to find open space. He has a lot of upside this week as a key part of a pass-heavy offense. |
| 35 | Sammy Watkins, Chiefs vs. 49ers. After being seemingly invisible in the Chiefs opener, Watkins totaled exactly 100 yards on six catches. With Patrick Mahomes playing well, Watkins will have a chance to emerge as a big-play threat and should see a lot of targets as one of the top three receiving options in that offense. The 49ers are allowed 30.6 FPPG to opposing receivers, so there is definitely room for Watkins to make an impact in Week 3. |
| 36 | Antonio Callaway, Browns vs. Jets. With Josh Gordon out of his way, Callaway took the reigns on the No. 2 receiver role in Cleveland. He played in 80.6 percent of the team's snaps and logged a 47-yard TD catch. As time goes on, Callaway will continue to grow into his role and in a matchup with the Jets, he should have a chance to build on his solid "starting" debut. |
| 37 | Tyler Lockett, Seahawks vs. Cowboys |
| 38 | Keelan Cole, Jaguars vs. Titans. Cole logged 116 yards and a TD for the Jaguars in their win over the Patriots. The Titans defense has been tough on the Jaguars in recent years, but Cole is still worthy of a WR3/FLEX play. It's unlikely that Bortles will have as much success as he did last week, but even still, Cole should see a lot of targets as the team's No. 1 receiver. |
| 39 | Robert Woods, Rams vs. Chargers |
| 40 | Jamison Crowder, Redskins vs. Packers. Crowder and the Redskins receivers haven't been able to do much with Alex Smith yet, but that may change against the Packers. The Redskins will need to be able to pass to win against the Packers, who are allowing 32.2 FPPG to receivers, and some guy has to step up. Crowder is our pick as he will be able to work the middle of the field and potentially make a big play. |
| 41 | Corey Davis, Titans @ Jaguars. Davis has posted at least 55 yards in each of his outings in '18, but he is facing a Jacksonville defense that has only allowed 18.4 FPPG to opposing WRs this year. With Blaine Gabbert or and injured Marcus Mariota at the helm, this may not be the week to rely on him. |
| 42 | Paul Richardson, Redskins vs. Packers |
| 43 | Marquise Goodwin, 49ers @ Chiefs. The 49ers missed Goodwin against the Lions, and Pierre Garcon was their leading receiver, totaling 57 yards on four catches. If Goodwin is available for Week 3, he should be better and would be worth a FLEX play. He could move up these rankings if he's cleared to play on Sunday. |
| 44 | Jordy Nelson, Raiders @ Dolphins |
| 45 | Robby Anderson, Jets @ Browns |
| 46 | Michael Crabtree, Ravens vs. Broncos. Crabtree has a tough matchup with Chris Harris Jr. He could still score a TD, but it may be better to play other options this week. |
| 47 | Phillip Dorsett, Patriots @ Lions |
| 48 | Dede Westbrook, Jaguars vs. Titans |
| 49 | Danny Amendola, Dolphins vs. Raiders |
| 50 | Chris Godwin, Bucs vs. Steelers. Godwin has had a TD in each of the first two weeks of the season, but eventually, Ryan Fitzpatrick has to come back down to earth, right? Maybe, but in a weak matchup against the Steelers, Godwin could be a solid WR3/FLEX play. |
| 51 | Mike Williams, Chargers @ Rams |
| 52 | Geronimo Allison, Packers @ Redskins. Allison is emerging as a reliable receiver for Aaron Rodgers, and he's caught 11-of-14 targets for 133 yards and a TD in two games so far. If he keeps playing well, he could eventually be a FLEX play, but for now, he's just an intriguing third wide-out in a good offense. |
| 53 | Kelvin Benjamin, Bills @ Vikings |
| 54 | Ted Ginn, Saints @ Falcons |
| 55 | Cole Beasley, Cowboys @ Seahawks |
| 56 | Pierre Garcon, 49ers @ Chiefs |
| 57 | Brandon Marshall, Seahawks vs. Cowboys |
| 58 | Sterling Shepard, Giants @ Texans |
| 59 | Allen Hurns, Cowboys @ Seahawks |
| 60 | Michael Gallup, Cowboys @ Seahawks |
| 61 | Josh Doctson, Redskins vs. Packers |
| 62 | Anthony Miller, Bears @ Cardinals |
| 63 | Calvin Ridley, Falcons vs. Saints. Ridley had his first career TD last week, but we need to see him put up a second good performance before we're willing to start him. |
| 64 | D.J. Moore, Panthers @ Bengals. Moore also had his first career TD in the Panthers-Falcons game and like Ridley, we need to see some consistency before he can be plugged into any lineup. |
| 65 | Tyler Boyd, Bengals vs. Panthers |
| 66 | Terrelle Pryor, Jets @ Browns |
| 67 | Taylor Gabriel, Bears vs. Cardinals |
| 68 | Mohamed Sanu, Falcons vs. Saints |
| 69 | Dante Pettis, 49ers @ Chiefs |
| 70 | John Ross, Bengals @ Panthers |
| 71 | Willie Snead, Ravens @ Broncos |
| 72 | Donte Moncrief, Jaguars vs. Titans |
| 73 | Tyrell Williams, Chargers @ Rams |
| 74 | Rishard Matthews, Titans @ Jaguars |
| 75 | Jaron Brown, Seahawks vs. Cowboys |
