Fantasy Football QB Rankings Week 3: Who to start, best sleepers at quarterback

Nick Musial

Fantasy Football QB Rankings Week 3: Who to start, best sleepers at quarterback image

As we gear up for Week 3, it's imperative to find a reliable signal-caller who can lead your fantasy football squad to victory. If you're not among the select few to roll out elite QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen each week, our Week 3 fantasy QB rankings are here to help you get an edge on your leaguemates.

Is it time to hit the panic button on Joe Burrow (vs. Rams) and Justin Fields (@ Chiefs)? Who should Anthony Richardson owners target with the rookie QB's status for Week 3 uncertain? Is it too early to start streaming?

We'll tackle all your lingering questions and set you up for success in a pivotal Week 3.

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Who are the best fantasy QBs Week 3?

Even though Kansas City scored 17 points in Week 2, Patrick Mahomes (vs. Bears) still threw for over 300 yards and two TDs and is a safe bet to dominate a lackluster Bears defense. Although his squad's 0-2, Justin Herbert (@ Vikings) draws a plus matchup against an exploitable Vikings defense, prompting his high Week 3 ranking.

WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

We'll see if Jalen Hurts (@ Buccaneers) can replicate his strong Week 2 effort against a well-rounded Buccaneers defense, but we still have faith in his chances to finish as an upper-echelon QB this week. Josh Allen (@ Commanders) bounced back from a rocky Week 1 showing and returns as a top-five play this week alongside Lamar Jackson (vs. Colts).

WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Who are the best fantasy QB sleepers, waiver pickups Week 3?

On the sleeper front, Brock Purdy (@ Giants) has looked like his 2022 self, warranting starting consideration in a nice, short-week matchup against New York. Jordan Love (vs. Saints) has a tougher challenge in Week 3, but he's impressed in the early going and should be getting back Christian Watson (hamstring) this week.

C.J. Stroud (@ Jaguars) showed out in garbage time last week, which could be a common theme for a rebuilding Texans squad. Sam Howell's (vs. Bills) executed Eric Bieniemy's offense to a tee through two weeks, profiling as a deep sleeper in what could be a high-scoring contest against the Bills.

WEEK 3 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em

Who are the biggest potential QB busts Week 3?

We're worried about Fields' fantasy prospects against an underrated Chiefs defense that just held Trevor Lawrence to 216 yards and zero TDs.

While he orchestrated a sound second-half comeback, we don't expect Daniel Jones (@ 49ers) to duplicate his Week 2 fantasy output against one of the league's most complete defenses, especially in a short week with Saquon Barkley (ankle) likely out. 

Russell Wilson finished with decent overall stats, but his shaky second half (outside of a fluky Hail Mary TD) against the Commanders makes him a risky start against an improved Dolphins defense. 

WEEK 3 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks

What are the biggest QB injuries Week 3?

We've removed Richardson (head) from our initial Week 3 QB rankings and replaced him with Gardner Minshew. We'll see Burrow's (calf) healthy enough to start this week against the Rams, but it doesn't hurt for Burrow owners to have a backup plan just in case Cincinnati holds him out. Even if he plays, he's merely a borderline starter against the Rams given his early-season struggles.

UPDATE: Panthers' QB Bryce Young (ankle) has missed two consecutive practices to begin the week, which could mean that backup QB Andy Dalton makes the spot start. We've replaced Young with Dalton.

We'll be updating these QB rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.

Fantasy QB Rankings Week 3: Who to start, sit at quarterback

These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring

Rank    Player
1    Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Bears
2    Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Vikings
3    Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ Buccaneers
4    Josh Allen, Bills @ Commanders
5    Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Colts
6    Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Cardinals
7    Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Broncos
8    Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs. Texans
9    Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. Chargers
10    Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. Panthers
11    Jared Goff, Lions vs. Falcons
12    Deshaun Watson, Browns vs. Titans
13    Brock Purdy, 49ers vs. Giants
14    Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. Rams
15    Justin Fields, Bears @ Chiefs
16    Jordan Love, Packers vs. Saints
17    Matthew Stafford, Rams @ Bengals
18    Russell Wilson, Broncos @ Dolphins
19    Daniel Jones, Giants @ 49ers
20    Kenny Pickett, Steelers @ Raiders
21    Derek Carr, Saints @ Packers
22    Sam Howell, Commanders vs. Bills
23    Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. Eagles
24    C.J. Stroud, Texans @ Jaguars
25    Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders vs. Steelers
26    Mac Jones, Patriots @ Jets
27    Desmond Ridder, Falcons @ Lions
28    Gardner Minshew, Colts @ Ravens
29    Andy Dalton, Panthers @ Seahawks
30    Ryan Tannehill, Titans @ Browns
31    Zach Wilson, Jets vs. Patriots
32    Josh Dobbs, Cardinals vs. Cowboys

Week 3 QB fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks

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Nick Musial

Nick Musial Photo

Nick Musial is a Content Producer at The Sporting News. He recently joined the team after studying sport management and journalism at the University of Kansas. Nick’s an avid sports bettor who’s always looking for value.