Fantasy Football: 5 Players You Shouldn’t Start in NFL Week 3

As we head into Week 3 of the NFL season, anticipation is building for what promises to be another exciting slate of games.

Week 2 delivered plenty of standout performances, but also some disappointments, which is all part of the unpredictability of fantasy football. Last week, we hit the mark on all five players we advised avoiding, and now we’re back with another list of five players you should steer clear of in your Week 3 starting lineup.

1. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert is currently listed as questionable due to a right ankle sprain, which already makes him a risky start. On top of that, he faces a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense, which has allowed just one touchdown in two games. The Chargers have leaned heavily on their running game so far, so even if Herbert is healthy enough to play, he’s unlikely to put up the kind of numbers fantasy managers are hoping for.

Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) shake hands after an AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday, January 14, 2023, in Jacksonville,…
Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) shake hands after an AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday, January 14, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. Here are the five players you should sit for the upcoming NFL Week 3 season.
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Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

2. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence has had a shaky start to the season, averaging just 13.3 fantasy points per game through the first two weeks. His struggles are likely to continue as he faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 3, a team known for its stout defense. To make matters worse, Lawrence will be without one of his key weapons, tight end Evan Engram. Given the circumstances, it’s hard to envision a bounce-back performance from Lawrence this week.

3. Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns

Cooper has yet to hit his stride this season, managing just 7.7 fantasy points across the first two games. The chemistry between Cooper and quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn’t clicked yet, and while this week’s matchup might seem like an opportunity for a “get-right” game, the odds aren’t favorable. Until Cooper proves otherwise, it’s best to leave him on the bench.

4. Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings

After an impressive Week 1, Jones was brought back down to Earth in Week 2 against a tough San Francisco 49ers defense. Unfortunately for him, the road doesn’t get any easier as he faces the Houston Texans in Week 3, a defense that’s been stifling against the run. While many fantasy managers likely invested a mid-round pick in Jones, it’s hard to expect big numbers from the 29-year-old this week.

5. Philadelphia Eagles, DST

The Eagles have a difficult matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who have been the highest-scoring team in the NFL through two weeks, racking up 91 points in games against the Panthers and Cowboys. The Saints’ offensive line has also allowed just two sacks this season, making life difficult for opposing defenses. The Eagles struggled to close out their Week 2 game against the Falcons, and this week will be an even greater test.

As Week 3 approaches, making the right calls for your fantasy lineup is crucial. These five players present significant risks, and it may be worth exploring other options as we head into another thrilling weekend of NFL action.

For more fantasy football coverage, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.

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