If you're 0-2, this is a virtual "must-win" week. If you're 2-0, you want to keep the momentum going. If you're 1-1, well, you don't want to lose either, do you? The path to a win starts with your lineup decisions, and the more expert analysis, opinions, and projections you can absorb, the better it will make your Week 3 start 'em, sit 'em choices.
To prove we believe in the "more is better" approach to fantasy football research, we’re pleased to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning weekly projections and rankings. We'll also highlight players at each position who stand out in our rankings compared to theirs so you get multiple perspectives on a few of the biggest start-or-sit headaches. To see Draft Sharks' exclusive Week 3 3D floor-to-ceiling projections, become a Draft Sharks member today at the link below!
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Week 3 Fantasy Football Projections, Rankings from Draft Sharks
Week 3 fantasy QB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Jordan Love, Packers vs. Saints (SN Ranking: 16 | DS Ranking: 22)
Our QB rankings are pretty much in lockstep with Draft Sharks' this week, so there aren't many differences to highlight. Love stands out a bit, as Draft Sharks' is a bit warier of him (or of his matchup). Love has thrown for three TDs in each of the first two games, but that's only come with 396 yards. It's tough to expect another three scores against New Orleans' stout defense, so Draft Sharks is playing it safe with its ranking.
SN's WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 3 fantasy RB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Jerome Ford, Browns vs. Titans (SN PPR Ranking: 16 | DS Ranking: 26)
Ford made the most of his opportunity on Monday night after Nick Chubb was carted off, finishing with 131 total yards and a TD on 19 touches. However, 69 of those yards came on one run, and it's fair to wonder just how good he'll be as the full-time lead back. More than that, though, Draft Sharks is probably concerned with the matchup, as Tennessee has shut down Jamaal Williams and Joshua Kelley in back-to-back weeks. Ford has upside as a pass-catcher, which is why we think he can be a borderline RB1 in PPR leagues, but Draft Sharks is probably smart to be more cautious with the new starter.
Spotlight Player: Gus Edwards, Ravens vs. Colts (SN PPR Ranking: 21 | DS Ranking: 25)
UPDATE: After Justice Hill (toe) was officially ruled OUT on Friday, Draft Sharks elevated him 10 spots in their rankings. We were already anticipating Edwards seeing more touches even if Hill played.
Edwards didn't break out as Baltimore's primary back last week, but he did gain 21 more yards than Justice Hill on one fewer carry. Edwards also plunged in a short TD unlike the week before. We think it's only a matter of time before Edwards is the clear-cut lead ball carrier, and even though he won't catch many passes, we still think he can be an RB2 in PPR leagues. Indianapolis limited Houston's running game last week, but the Texans were missing four offensive linemen. Expect Gus to eat like Jacksonville's backs did in Week 1.
SN's WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 3 fantasy WR projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Jerry Jeudy, Broncos @ Dolphins (SN PPR Ranking: 24 | DS Ranking: 36)
The Broncos' passing game got going in Week 2, and although Jeudy didn't do much in his season debut (3-25 on five targets), he's still the No. 1 receiver. As long as he didn't have any setbacks with his sore hamstring, he should see a big improvement in what profiles as a potential shootout. We're getting on board early, while Draft Sharks is taking the wait-and-see approach.
Spotlight Player: Amari Cooper, Browns vs. Titans (SN PPR Ranking: 30 | DS Ranking: 18)
Cooper showed no ill effects of his groin injury on Monday night, hauling a team-high seven-of-10 targets for 90 yards. He's still the WR1 on this team, so why are we nervous about him in a favorable matchup? His quarterback. Deshaun Watson hasn't looked right since taking over for Cleveland, and his up-and-down performance has led to up-and-down weeks from Cooper. The targets and matchup say Cooper is a WR2 like Draft Sharks has him, but we think he's more of a WR3 because of consistency worries.
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Week 3 fantasy TE projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Jake Ferguson, Cowboys @ Cardinals (SN PPR Ranking: 12 | DS Ranking: 19)
Ferguson has hauled in just five-of-11 targets for 22 yards through two games, but he did get in the end zone last week and came close the week before. He's also dominating TE snaps. He clearly has a role in the Cowboys' offense, and against the Cardinals, who allowed a 6-78 line to Darren Waller in Week 2 and a 4-43 line against Logan Thomas in Week 1, the opportunities should be there. Arizona was the second-worst TE defense in 2022, and it doesn't look like it's improved much in '23. That's why we see Ferguson as a low-end TE1, but Draft Sharks is clearly less impressed by his overall numbers.
Week 3 fantasy defense projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers (SN Ranking: 7 | DS Ranking: 11)
The Saints have lived up to their preseason sleeper hype through two weeks, limiting their offensively challenged opponents and racking up sacks. Green Bay has been fairly impressively offensively, but Jordan Love is still an inexperienced QB who could have trouble with the Saints' pressure. Draft Sharks isn't as excited about that prospect, perhaps because the Saints are again on the road during a short week, but we're more bullish on New Orleans.
