Week 3 fantasy starts hinge on injury updates and high-volume targets. Jauan Jennings’ ankle status could push Ricky Pearsall into a larger role, while Tetairoa McMillan continues as Carolina’s top target with a robust Week 2 workload. Jaylen Warren’s pass-game involvement points to solid RB2 production, and DK Metcalf is a buy-low candidate with tangible upside as Pittsburgh filters in more passes. The piece highlights the Who Should I Start tool to optimize four-player comparisons and unlock precise, matchup-driven decisions for Week 3.

Expect a mix of floor versus ceiling in Week 3: McMillan and Pearsall offer reliable targets, Jennings’ status dictates Cardinals-upside, and Metcalf represents a pivotal buy-low anchor as the Steelers chase offensive consistency. The analysis threads through each listed player—Jennings, Moore, McMillan, Dobbins, Warren, Pearsall, Smith, Swift, Meyers, Metcalf—clarifying who should start, who could disappoint, and where upside hides in Week 3 matchups.

Week 3 brings Seattle as 7.5-point favorites at home against New Orleans, but injuries to Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori could blunt Seattle’s secondary edge. Spencer Rattler and the Saints offense have found traction, and the SportsLine model assigns a 38% upset chance for New Orleans—a surprisingly credible figure for a road test. The model’s Week 3 survivor pick diverges from Seattle, suggesting a one-score outcome with Seattle at about 62% win probability.

The slate features seven 5+ point spreads, including Dolphins-Bills, Packers-Browns, Falcons-Panthers, Jets-Bucs, Saints-Seahawks, Chiefs-Giants, and Lions-Ravens, underscoring how survivor players will chase value. The model touts a long, earned track record (10,000 simulations, 37-17 on top picks since 2024) and is the guiding beacon for those locking Week 3 picks, with promos noted for new users.

AFC North Week 3 spotlight centers on Baltimore’s primetime clash with Detroit after a 1-1 start, while Cleveland hosts Green Bay and Cincinnati navigates Burrow’s absence with Browning. Pittsburgh travels to New England as Drake Maye leads a younger Patriots’ attack. Minnesota’s Flores-helmed defense faces Browning and a leaned-on Vikings offense, setting the stage for a week of fantasy pivots and player-by-player decisions.

Run-heavy Browns, explosive Ravens passing, and a QB-by-committee Bengals offense shape Week 3. Expect Hopkins and Jefferson to anchor big-play ceilings, while Judkins and Browning carry meaningful week-to-week fantasy risk/reward. The slate tests depth and matchup-driven upside across offenses and defenses alike.