J.J. McCarthy sits Week 3 with an ankle sprain, forcing Minnesota to pivot to Carson Wentz as the starter. Week 2’s dud—two interceptions, six sacks, no TDs—amplifies concerns as the Vikings navigate a banged-up offense line and a shaky run game. Expect a more conservative plan with quick, check-down passes to stabilize the attack while Addison and Hockenson deal with limited big-play upside until protection improves.

The injury avalanche continues: Jones, Skule, Kelly, and Darrisaw are among the blockers and weapons dealing with setbacks. Wentz’s arrival could shore up the floor through safer throws, but Week 3 remains a hurdle. Fantasy managers should recalibrate expectations, lean on safer options, and monitor every practice report for a potential Week 4 trend reversal.

Week 3’s fantasy defense slate centers on streaming value and clear starts, led by Green Bay, Seattle, Buffalo, and Indianapolis in Tier 1 with favorable matchups and strong pressure outputs. Expect continued sack-heavy games from these units, plus solid floor from the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Chiefs. Tier 2 adds Vikings, Texans, and Cardinals in matchups that carry swing potential if pass rush and turnover luck align. Tier 3 brings Commanders, Steelers, and Eagles in sturdy, mix-and-match starts. Tier 4-6 caution managers to seek safer streams or deeper-league plays and exploit waiver opportunities.

Key Week 3 takeaways: target defenses with high sack rates and favorable implied game scripts, especially when facing rookie QBs or O-lines with documented struggles. Watch injury reports and quarterback status closely, as even small changes can swing a D/ST’s Week 3 upside. This guide emphasizes tiered rankings, waiver adds, and start/sit decisions to help fantasy managers optimize lineups and shave points off potential losses.

The Cowboys placed center Cooper Beebe on injured reserve with an ankle injury, creating an interior vacancy that Brock Hoffman will fill as Dallas eyes a 4- to 8-week timeline. Hoffman’s leadership and edge—talked up by coach Brian Schottenheimer—give the line a steadying floor as Jadeveon Clowney joins the defensive rush. Dallas signals minimal offensive changes with Hoffman in at center, while Dak Prescott remains confident in the personnel. Turpin’s trapezius issue adds a separate window to monitor as the schedule tightens toward Bears, Cardinals, and Raiders games.

Beebe’s absence tests the run game and protection, but the Cowboys’ staff projects a stable scheme with Hoffman and Beebe’s backups. The addition of Clowney should help the edge without forcing big schematic shifts. Turpin’s status adds a further layer of risk for special teams and receiver depth, with a Week 4 matchup against Chicago looming and a potential return window for Beebe around the Week 9 bye or later.

Looking ahead, Dallas faces seven games before Week 10 byes, including dates with Chicago, Arizona, and Las Vegas. If Beebe returns near the bye, the Cowboys could regroup for a late- season stretch, while Hoffman’s early-play mentality and Clowney’s presence provide upside for fantasy lines and defensive rotations alike.

Kyle Juszczyk enters concussion protocol and won’t play the 49ers’ home opener vs. Arizona, thinning a core blocking and passing-game role.

Jauan Jennings is day-to-day with shoulder and ankle injuries, likely limited or out Week 3.

Bartch is out with a high-ankle sprain, pushing rookie Connor Colby into left guard and hinting at a longer-term role if he keeps it up.

The Saints game saw 21 personnel fall to 13.2%, signaling a faster, more versatile attack against a Cardinals secondary led by Will Johnson.