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Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Week 3

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The fantasy football gods couldn’t wait for October to push its wave of injuries. Fantasy stars from A.J. Brown to Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel and Isiah Pacheco went down in Week 2 and look poised to miss multiple weeks.

If you’ve lost those players on your fantasy teams or simply need help with your lineups, my weekly start and sit column can help. It uses my comprehensive weekly fantasy projections to rank players and provide discrete values that you can use to set your lineups no matter your format or depth of fantasy league. Read on to see what it shows for Week 3.

The positional rankings and projected fantasy point totals rely on half-PPR scoring. The listed start/sit calls assume a 12-team league with 2 running back, 3 wide receiver, 1 tight end, and 1 flex starting lineup spots. If your league is different, I recommend you start my higher ranked players over my lower ranked players.

You can find my weekly rankings and those of other FTN writers here.

Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Week 3

Quarterbacks

7. Anthony Richardson, IND vs. CHI: 30.5-222-1.22-1.07 and 4.9-39-0.33 = 17.5
8. Jayden Daniels, WAS at CIN: 28.9-210-0.90-0.58 and 7.7-39-0.43 = 17.3
9. Joe Burrow, CIN vs. WAS: 37.2-249-1.67-0.60 and 2.8-8-0.17 = 17.3
10. C.J. Stroud, HST at MIN: 34.9-274-1.47-0.59 and 2.0-7-0.12 = 17.0

11. Brock Purdy, SF at LA

29.5-256-1.51-0.62 and 2.5-10-0.10 = 16.7

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11, 2022, at LeviÕs Stadium, in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 11: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11, 2022, at LeviÕs Stadium, in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire)

Purdy has just one touchdown in two starts this season and may be suffering the touchdown regression that he foreshadowed with his outlier 9.7 expected touchdown surplus from 2023. But Purdy is still tied for sixth with 11 red zone pass attempts this season. He’ll score more in future weeks even missing some stars in Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel. I would start him in Week 3.

12. Geno Smith, SEA vs. MIA

35.9-261-1.44-0.68 and 2.6-12-0.07 = 16.4

Smith doesn’t quite stand out by his back-end top 10 fantasy point total through the first two weeks. But the veteran has excelled in real-life efficiency. He is one of just three quarterbacks — along with Derek Carr and Josh Allen — with 200-plus passing DYAR this season. And that efficiency should start to translate to fantasy productivity as his schedule turns, beginning this week against the injury-decimated Dolphins.

13. Trevor Lawrence, JAX at BUF

33.6-239-1.41-0.71 and 2.3-14-0.12 = 15.9

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 30: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

I suspect that Lawrence owes a lot of his early struggles to his matchups. The Browns were last year’s No. 2 pass defense by DVOA, and the former No. 1 pick has seen a 46.6% pressure rate that is the highest among quarterbacks through two weeks. Still, Lawrence has a reputation for a fixation on his first reads. And I’m at least a little worried that his position-leading 56.9% first-read target rate shows he isn’t yet the progression-reader his draft position implied he would become. If you have a better option, I would bench him until he had a breakout day.

14. Kirk Cousins, ATL vs. KC

34.2-248-1.68-0.75 and 1.7-2-0.08 = 15.9

Cousins’ projected 1.7 rushing attempts for 2 yards might be generous with his current immobility coming off his late-2023 Achilles tear. But where that lack of versatility would normally kill a quarterback’s fantasy value, Cousins jumps near the QB1 benchmark because of a surprising lack of depth at the position. Sam Darnold, Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield have undermined their relative efficiency with lesser passing volume. Matthew Stafford saw his entire receiver room get injured. And Jared Goff plays in Arizona this week, and he has averaged a position-leading 5.5 more fantasy points per game at home than on the road in his Lions tenure.

15. Sam Darnold, MIN vs. HST: 31.8-257-1.50-0.89 and 2.6-8-0.07 = 15.7
16. Derek Carr, NO vs. PHI: 32.7-247-1.60-0.65 and 1.1-3-0.05 = 15.6
17. Justin Herbert, LAC at PIT: 33.2-223-1.49-0.56 and 3.1-10-0.12 = 15.6
18. Justin Fields, PIT vs. LAC: 25.6-176-1.08-0.56 and 9.0-34-0.26 = 15.2
19. Aaron Rodgers, NYJ vs. NE: 33.1-226-1.59-0.63 and 1.4-4-0.07 = 15.0
20. Baker Mayfield, TB vs. DEN: 32.2-224-1.39-0.64 and 2.7-11-0.10 = 14.9
21. Matthew Stafford, LA vs. SF: 33.6-249-1.48-0.67 and 0.7-2-0.02 = 14.9
22. Jared Goff, DET at ARZ: 35.1-254-1.18-0.70 and 1.6-2-0.06 = 14.0
23. Andy Dalton, CAR at LV: 35.1-223-1.37-0.74 and 2.5-6-0.06 = 13.8

Running Backs

18. Zach Charbonnet, SEA vs. MIA: 16.1-61-0.50 and 3.8-3.1-22-0.10 = 13.4
19. Aaron Jones, MIN vs. HST: 12.9-64-0.39 and 3.7-2.8-20-0.12 = 12.9
20. D’Andre Swift, CHI at IND: 14.5-60-0.38 and 3.9-3.0-19-0.10 = 12.3
21. J.K. Dobbins, LAC at PIT: 11.5-78-0.32 and 2.4-1.9-11-0.05 = 12.1
22. Brian Robinson, WAS at CIN: 13.6-61-0.41 and 2.7-2.1-19-0.08 = 12.0
23. Devin Singletary, NYG at CLV: 14.0-62-0.38 and 3.3-2.6-17-0.07 = 11.8
24. Javonte Williams, DEN at TB: 12.3-49-0.31 and 4.3-3.5-21-0.11 = 11.2
25. Zack Moss, CIN vs. WAS: 13.0-56-0.47 and 2.7-2.0-14-0.06 = 11.1
26. Rachaad White, TB vs. DEN: 12.5-44-0.30 and 3.6-3.1-26-0.11 = 11.0
27. David Montgomery, DET at ARZ: 13.1-59-0.52 and 1.2-1.0-7-0.02 = 10.4

28. Chuba Hubbard, CAR at LV

12.4-51-0.31 and 2.9-2.4-15-0.05 = 10.0

Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen are the most obvious beneficiaries, but Hubbard should benefit from the Panthers’ pivot from Bryce Young to Andy Dalton by way of more carries. While constantly trailing, the team has managed a meager 38 rushing attempts this season, tied for the fewest in football. If they can keep the bulk of their future deficits in the single digits, then the Panthers can continue to use their entire playbook and lean more heavily on the run. I am projecting Hubbard for 12.4 carries in Week 3, 26th most at his position. And I would return him to your fantasy lineups because of it.

29. Zamir White, LV vs. CAR

14.4-57-0.33 and 2.3-1.8-11-0.04 = 9.9

White couldn’t improve his efficiency with a meager 2.7 yards per attempt in Week 2. But he did nearly double his snap share from 38% in Week 1 to 63% and presumably slayed his teammate and potential fantasy nemesis Alexander Mattison in the process. You can expect White to pace the Raiders backfield in Week 3. And you can expect better efficiency against a Panthers defense that ranked 32nd in run defense DVOA in 2023 — before they traded defense for offense in the offseason and lost their star defensive tackle Derrick Brown to a knee injury.

30. Najee Harris, PIT vs. LAC

14.6-58-0.39 and 1.8-1.3-9-0.04 = 9.9

I’m not sure if it’s because of Jaylen Warren’s preseason hamstring injury or new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. But Harris has asserted a clear RB1 role with a 51% versus 40% snap share and 39-15 touch advantage over Warren through the first two weeks. Continue to start Hartis and bench Warren in fantasy unless those splits converge.

31. Raheem Mostert, MIA at SEA

10.8-50-0.42 and 2.1-1.6-11-0.06 = 9.8

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) looks toward the stands after scoring a touchdown during the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 13: Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) looks toward the stands after scoring a touchdown during the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)

It isn’t clear what sort of time share he will return to after De’Von Achane handled a career-high 47 snaps in Week 2 and continued to excel. But Mostert did return to practice Wednesday and seems poised to play in Week 3. You will probably have to start him and hope that Skylar Thompson doesn’t sabotage the normally explosive Dolphins offense.

32. Jerome Ford, CLV vs. NYG

11.0-47-0.26 and 3.0-2.2-14-0.08 = 9.3

After looking like a bell-cow with a 75% snap share in Week 1, Ford fell to a 44% share in Week 2 and yielded the start and a distressing 38% snap share to his teammate D’Onta Foreman. Ford should hopefully at least continue to dominate his backfield in receiving work. But his fantasy starter status is surprisingly tenuous.

33. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL vs. BLT

11.0-44-0.32 and 2.8-2.2-14-0.07 = 9.2

Many reporters were bullish on Rico Dowdle this season. But through two weeks, the veteran Elliott has edged him with a 45% versus a 44% snap share and with 1 versus 0 carries inside the 5-yard line. If they continue to split touches evenly, then Elliott will likely have a slight advantage in fantasy. He’s my final flex running back starter in Week 3.

34. Gus Edwards, LAC at PIT

12.2-48-0.49 and 1.0-0.8-6-0.02 = 8.9

Edwards has outcarried teammate and fantasy darling J.K. Dobbins 29-27 this season. But it’s hard to imagine that will continue if the duo continues to run with their current efficiencies. You know about Dobbins’ explosive run potential. But you may not have realized that Edwards has avoided just one tackle and averaged a modest 2.0 yards after contact this season. I am projecting him for a slight downturn to 12.2 carries in Week 3 and would leave him on your fantasy benches.

35. D’Onta Foreman, CLV vs. NYG

11.9-48-0.38 and 1.5-1.1-7-0.03 = 8.6

I’m not confident that his Week 2 workload bump will continue for the weeks until Nick Chubb can return from his 2023 knee injury. But even if he’s just a normal No. 2 back, Foreman could come close to flex status in Week 3 as his Browns host the hapless Giants.

36. Rico Dowdle, DAL vs. BLT: 9.7-39-0.25 and 2.9-2.2-16-0.07 = 8.5
37. Austin Ekeler, WAS at CIN: 6.6-30-0.21 and 3.5-2.7-23-0.10 = 8.4
38. Jaylen Warren, PIT vs. LAC: 7.6-37-0.18 and 2.7-2.2-15-0.05 = 7.8
39. Miles Sanders, CAR at LV: 10.0-40-0.25 and 2.5-1.8-10-0.04 = 7.6
40. Tyjae Spears, TEN vs. GB: 6.3-28-0.15 and 3.7-2.9-20-0.09 = 7.6
41. Ty Chandler, MIN vs. HST: 8.9-41-0.22 and 1.9-1.5-11-0.04 = 7.5
42. Antonio Gibson, NE at NYJ: 7.8-35-0.20 and 2.0-1.6-12-0.06 = 7.1
43. Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN at TB: 6.5-28-0.14 and 3.1-2.6-14-0.08 = 6.8
44. Alexander Mattison, LV vs. CAR: 6.8-26-0.20 and 2.2-1.6-12-0.08 = 6.2
45. Carson Steele, KC at ATL: 7.7-29-0.22 and 1.7-1.3-8-0.03 = 5.9
46. Bucky Irving, TB vs. DEN: 6.3-29-0.15 and 1.7-1.3-10-0.04 = 5.7
47. Samaje Perine, KC at ATL: 2.6-11-0.07 and 3.4-2.8-22-0.08 = 5.7
48. Braelon Allen, NYJ vs. NE: 5.9-26-0.18 and 1.6-1.2-9-0.05 = 5.4

Wide Receivers

15. Chris Godwin, TB vs. DEN: 8.3-5.9-71-0.36 = 12.2
16. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARZ vs. DET: 8.1-4.7-69-0.45 = 11.9
17. Chris Olave, NO vs. PHI: 8.4-5.4-71-0.33 = 11.8
18. Mike Evans, TB vs. DEN: 7.3-4.4-65-0.47 = 11.5
19. Zay Flowers, BLT at DAL: 7.9-5.3-61-0.37 = 11.2
20. Tee Higgins, CIN vs. WAS: 7.7-4.6-65-0.38 = 11.1
21. Drake London, ATL vs. KC: 7.7-5.0-61-0.34 = 10.7
22. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA vs. MIA: 8.0-5.6-59-0.32 = 10.6
23. Jaylen Waddle, MIA at SEA: 6.2-4.3-64-0.26 = 10.3
24. Calvin Ridley, TEN vs. GB: 7.5-4.3-59-0.33 = 10.2
25. Amari Cooper, CLV vs. NYG: 7.8-4.1-61-0.31 = 10.0
26. Rashid Shaheed, NO vs. PHI: 5.7-3.8-61-0.29 = 10.0
27. Courtland Sutton, DEN at TB: 7.7-4.3-56-0.36 = 9.9
28. Jameson Williams, DET at ARZ: 6.9-3.8-56-0.28 = 9.8
29. Diontae Johnson, CAR at LV: 7.8-4.4-53-0.35 = 9.6
30. Keenan Allen, CHI at IND: 7.0-4.6-54-0.31 = 9.6
31. Khalil Shakir, BUF vs. JAX: 5.4-4.3-57-0.27 = 9.5
32. Gabe Davis, JAX at BUF: 6.5-3.7-58-0.30 = 9.5
33. Quentin Johnston, LAC at PIT: 6.9-4.3-51-0.36 = 9.5
34. Terry McLaurin, WAS at CIN: 7.3-4.6-55-0.27 = 9.4
35. Michael Pittman, IND vs. CHI: 7.7-5.0-53-0.26 = 9.4
36. George Pickens, PIT vs. LAC: 6.0-3.7-58-0.27 = 9.3
37. Stefon Diggs, HST at MIN: 6.5-4.4-49-0.33 = 9.3

38. Josh Reynolds, DEN at TB

6.1-3.9-56-0.27 = 9.2

Reynolds was way off fantasy radars in the preseason. But the former Lion has taken clear control of the Broncos’ No. 2 receiver role, lapping younger teammates Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin with 74% versus 16% and 20% snap shares and 13 versus 3 and 1 targets this season. And while frequently trailing, Bo Nix has pushed passing volume with 77 pass attempts, third most at his position. All told, I’m projecting Reynolds for 6.1 targets in Week 3, tied for 38th most among receivers. And I would flex him over some more heralded receivers like Jerry Jeudy, Ladd McConkey and Xavier Worthy.

39. Tank Dell, HST at MIN

6.0-3.4-46-0.28 = 8.9

Dell may be C.J. Stroud’s best buddy, a fact we have heard 100 times in two weeks. But even while running a similar 63 routes as his teammates Nico Collins (67) and Stefon Diggs (66) in consistent 11 personnel, Dell has ranked a definitive third with a 14.7% target share. Maybe that will even out as the season progresses. But Dell’s smaller stature and excellent speed make him a natural complement to his more complete receiver teammates, at least while he’s still early in his professional career. I would continue to flex Dell in Week 3. But he is likely a better DFS than traditional fantasy option.

40. Tyler Lockett, SEA vs. MIA

6.3-4.3-51-0.28 = 8.9

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 15: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) celebrates a touchdown during the 1st half of the Carolina Panthers versus the Seattle Seahawks on December 15, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium  in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 15: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) celebrates a touchdown during the 1st half of the Carolina Panthers versus the Seattle Seahawks on December 15, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire)

Lockett may owe his dip to just two targets in Week 2 to a thigh injury that had him limited in practice Wednesday. But Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Sunday breakout can’t help Lockett’s fantasy value even if the veteran is fully healthy by the weekend. Play it safe in Week 3 and leave Lockett on your fantasy benches.

41. Jerry Jeudy, CLV vs. NYG

6.3-3.9-53-0.27 = 8.9

Jeudy has played what would be a career high 80% snap share so far this season, and I am projecting him for a fantasy-starter-worthy 20.0% target share in Week 3, tied for 35th highest at his position. But I am projecting the Browns to ramp down from their silver-medal average of 39.5 pass attempts through two weeks to a modest 33.7 attempts in Week 3. If they can avoid the massive deficit they saw to the Cowboys in Week 1, then the Browns will likely run more and lean on their defense. And that means fewer targets and fewer fantasy points for Jeudy.

42. Demarcus Robinson, LA vs. SF

6.1-3.8-50-0.30 = 8.6

Puka Nacua’s and now Cooper Kupp’s injury absences paint Robinson as the de facto No. 1 Rams receiver. But the team has other promising younger options in Tyler Johnson and Jordan Whittington. And I am projecting the Rams for a bit more target distribution than you might expect with a 19% share for Robinson, an 18% share for Johnson, a 16% share for Whittington, and a 14% share for Tutu Atwell. I would prefer to leave every Rams receiver out of your fantasy lineups until we see what happens this week.

43. Ladd McConkey, LAC at PIT

6.4-4.1-47-0.30 = 8.5

McConkey may be tied for his team’s lead with 11 targets this season. But he has trailed former first-rounder Quentin Johnston with a 68.9% versus a 56.3% snap share and with an 85.4% versus a 72.9% route participation rate. And with Jim Harbaugh’s renewed focus on rushing and defense, the Chargers may not support two receivers in fantasy for a while.

44. Brian Thomas Jr., JAX at BUF

5.2-3.4-50-0.27 = 8.5

There is little doubt that Thomas is the most talented Jaguars receiver. But his modest start of four targets in each of his first two games has him second in his receiver room behind Gabe Davis (10). Like his quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Thomas likely belongs on fantasy benches until the Jaguars offense can find its rhythm.

45. Christian Kirk, JAX at BUF: 6.0-3.7-48-0.25 = 8.1
46. Brandin Cooks, DAL vs. BLT: 5.5-3.6-43-0.30 = 8.0
47. Xavier Worthy, KC at ATL: 4.9-3.0-40-0.25 = 7.9
48. Jayden Reed, GB at TEN: 4.3-2.9-40-0.21 = 7.8
49. Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG at CLV: 5.9-3.9-38-0.23 = 7.5
50. Jakobi Meyers, LV vs. CAR: 5.0-3.5-41-0.26 = 7.4
51. Alec Pierce, IND vs. CHI: 4.9-2.9-46-0.22 = 7.4
52. Darnell Mooney, ATL vs. KC: 5.7-3.1-44-0.22 = 7.3
53. Romeo Doubs, GB at TEN: 4.9-3.2-41-0.25 = 7.2
54. Adam Thielen, CAR at LV: 5.2-3.7-40-0.22 = 7.2
55. Jauan Jennings, SF at LA: 5.0-3.3-43-0.20 = 7.2
56. Ray-Ray McCloud, ATL vs. KC: 5.3-3.3-41-0.18 = 7.0
57. Josh Palmer, LAC at PIT: 5.0-3.2-41-0.21 = 7.0
58. Greg Dortch, ARZ vs. DET: 5.2-3.6-38-0.20 = 6.9
59. Elijah Moore, CLV vs. NYG: 6.0-3.6-38-0.21 = 6.9
60. Jordan Addison, MIN vs. HST: 4.7-3.1-39-0.23 = 6.8
61. Tyler Boyd, TEN vs. GB: 5.1-3.3-37-0.19 = 6.5
62. Tutu Atwell, LA vs. SF: 4.5-2.7-36-0.18 = 6.2
63. K.J. Osborn, NE at NYJ: 4.8-3.0-34-0.21 = 6.1
64. Tyler Johnson, LA vs. SF: 4.6-2.9-33-0.19 = 5.9
65. Darius Slayton, NYG at CLV: 4.1-2.6-37-0.15 = 5.9
66. Christian Watson, GB at TEN: 3.9-2.3-30-0.24 = 5.7
67. Keon Coleman, BUF vs. JAX: 4.1-2.6-32-0.19 = 5.6
68. Allen Lazard, NYJ vs. NE: 4.3-2.5-32-0.20 = 5.6
69. Andrei Iosivas, CIN vs. WAS: 4.6-2.7-27-0.24 = 5.4

Tight Ends

4. Brock Bowers, LV vs. CAR: 6.2-4.8-52-0.31 = 9.5
5. Dalton Kincaid, BUF vs. JAX: 6.2-4.8-47-0.27 = 8.7
6. Sam LaPorta, DET at ARZ: 6.0-4.4-44-0.33 = 8.5
7. Mark Andrews, BLT at DAL: 5.3-3.8-43-0.29 = 8.0

8. Hunter Henry, NE at NYJ

5.7-3.9-43-0.27 = 7.9

Henry may have avoided some fantasy radars with his pedestrian 79.7% snap share this season. But the veteran plays more like a wide receiver than a traditional blocking-and-receiving tight end. His 91.4% route participation rate is fifth highest at the position. And his 34.3% target share is nearly double Travis Kelce’s 20.0% share in second place. At least while Jacoby Brissett is under center, Henry looks like the Patriot to start in fantasy.

9. Isaiah Likely, BLT at DAL

5.0-3.6-42-0.29 = 7.8

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 04: Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) makes a reception during the Denver Broncos game versus the Baltimore Ravens on December 4, 2022 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 04: Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) makes a reception during the Denver Broncos game versus the Baltimore Ravens on December 4, 2022 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)

Likely couldn’t encore his opening-night breakout with another strong outing in Week 2. But the 24-year-old tight end still ranks second on his team with a 19.2% target share and fourth with a 60.3% route participation rate. And that seems unlikely to change with the Ravens’ lack of depth at wide receiver.

10. Jake Ferguson, DAL vs. BLT

5.3-3.8-38-0.33 = 7.6

Ferguson missed Week 2 with a knee injury. But he returned to practice Wednesday and is trending positively for Week 3. If he can play, then you should return him to your fantasy lineups.

11. Taysom Hill, NO vs. PHI

2.5-1.9-17-0.13 = 7.4

Hill has taken a back seat to his teammate Alvin Kamara in the red zone in the first two weeks. But the Saints’ Swiss Army knife likely owes at least some of his lack of involvement to his team’s blowout victories and his own chest injury. Assuming Hill can play in Week 3, I am still projecting him for a top-50 total of 0.24 rushing touchdowns among all players. And that makes him a fantasy starter at a still-weak tight end position.

12. Dallas Goedert, PHI at NO

5.2-3.8-39-0.22 = 7.2

Goedert seemed the most likely beneficiary of A.J. Brown’s surprising Week 2 absence, but the veteran tight end saw a modest five targets and ranks just 10th at his position with a 13.4% target rate this season. At this point, Goedert looks more like a back-end than top-end TE1.

13. Kyle Pitts, ATL vs. KC

5.2-3.3-37-0.23 = 6.8

ATLANTA, GA Ð NOVEMBER 20: Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs with the ball after a reception during the NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons on November 20th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)
ATLANTA, GA Ð NOVEMBER 20: Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs with the ball after a reception during the NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons on November 20th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

Here we go again. Despite ranking second among tight ends with a 91.4% route participation rate, Pitts ranks a modest 13th with a 12.1% target share. You might have a better option if you landed Brock Bowers, Hunter Henry or Isaiah Likely late in your drafts or on waivers.

14. Mike Gesicki, CIN vs. WAS

5.0-3.4-35-0.24 = 6.6

Gesicki has faded into fantasy obscurity since his back-to-back 700-yard seasons with the Dolphins in 2020 and 2021. But the veteran now-journeyman may have rediscovered a featured role on the Bengals this season. Gesicki leads his team and ranks fifth among all tight ends with 90 yards. I’m a bit pessimistic for his target share with Tee Higgins poised to return in Week 3. But Gesicki is another strong week away from TE1 status.

15. Dalton Schultz, HST at MIN

4.7-3.2-33-0.24 = 6.4

Schultz could potentially benefit from his tight end teammate Brevin Jordan’s trip to injured reserve. But the veteran has slipped from a 17.2% target share in his healthy games in 2023 to an 8.0% share this season as the Texans have leaned more on 11 personnel with Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. I would want to see Schultz jump back before I trusted him in fantasy again.

16. Colby Parkinson, LA vs. SF: 3.9-2.8-30-0.19 = 5.5
17. Noah Fant, SEA vs. MIA: 3.9-2.7-30-0.15 = 5.2
18. Pat Freiermuth, PIT vs. LAC: 3.8-2.8-28-0.16 = 5.1
19. Jonnu Smith, MIA at SEA: 3.7-2.7-28-0.16 = 5.1
20. Zach Ertz, WAS at CIN: 3.9-2.8-26-0.17 = 5.1
21. Tucker Kraft, GB at TEN: 3.3-2.4-26-0.16 = 4.7
22. Cade Otton, TB vs. DEN: 3.6-2.4-24-0.18 = 4.7
23. Greg Dulcich, DEN at TB: 4.3-2.6-24-0.15 = 4.6
24. Tyler Conklin, NYJ vs. NE: 3.5-2.4-24-0.16 = 4.5
25. Cole Kmet, CHI at IND: 3.0-2.3-23-0.16 = 4.4
26. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN vs. GB: 3.0-2.2-22-0.14 = 4.1
27. Hayden Hurst, LAC at PIT: 3.2-2.1-21-0.14 = 4.1
28. Jordan Akins, CLV vs. NYG: 3.0-2.1-22-0.12 = 4.0
29. Johnny Mundt, MIN vs. HST: 2.9-2.1-20-0.13 = 3.8
30. Tommy Tremble, CAR at LV: 2.9-2.0-19-0.15 = 3.8
31. Juwan Johnson, NO vs. PHI: 2.7-1.8-19-0.15 = 3.7

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