Darnell Mooney, Jahan Dotson, Ray-Ray McCloud: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 3

With the upcoming Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, some fantasy managers are still looking for another player to start in place of someone out with an injury.

You could also be looking to start one of these three receivers in place of another player who disappointed in Week 1 and is now on your bench.

Which Atlanta Falcons wide receiver, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, or Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Jahan Dotson, is the best start for Week 3 of 2024? Let's dive in.

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Should I Start Darnell Mooney for Fantasy Football?

Mooney was a disappointment in Week 1. Falcons QB Kirk Cousins targeted him just three times, and Mooney hauled in only one catch for 15 yards. With Mooney being touted as the potential WR2 for the team, this was a disheartening performance.

Despite the fact that the entire offense sputtered, such a low target volume is nearly disqualifying when choosing a player to start this early in the season. It could be indicative of a diminished (at least relative to preseason expectation) future role for Mooney in this offense.

Darnell Mooney.. pic.twitter.com/8jjvQWKPzB

— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 17, 2023

Mooney has an inconsistent history at the WR position and has never solidified himself as much as anything during his time with the Bears. There's not much reason to start him now. Leave him on the bench or on waivers in your leagues.

He's the WR64 in our consensus Half-PPR Staff Rankings.

Should I Start Jahan Dotson for Fantasy Football?

The Eagles' Dotson presents a more interesting case than Mooney. It's hard to say how he will perform or even what his role will be, but with QB Jalen Hurts throwing the ball in accomplished offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's offense, there's some potential for upside.

Dotson wasn't very good with the Washington Commanders, providing low consistency and poor efficiency metrics, but the Commanders were a dumpster fire of an organization with an incompetent offense, and that affected every offensive player negatively. He does have some playmaking potential.

Over the past 10 seasons, there have been nine instances of a WR meeting these qualifications:

- 24 or younger
- Round 1 NFL Draft capital
- 350+ routes run in a season
- target per route run rate below 17%

2023 additions:

- Quentin Johnston
- Jahan Dotson (his second offense) pic.twitter.com/WQvYk1VUqL

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) February 9, 2024

That being said, he's been awful at earning targets throughout his career, and there's not much reason to think that will change with the Eagles. He's a depth piece for now, and there's not enough to go on to determine his role for Monday night's game.

He's the WR54 in our consensus Half-PPR Staff Rankings.

Should I Start Ray-Ray McCloud for Fantasy Football?

McCloud was the best receiver for the Falcons in Week 1. He's mostly flown under the radar in his NFL career (probably due to playing behind Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey as a part of the San Francisco 49ers passing game), but McCloud has impressed early.

He was on the field for just 54% of the snaps but was targeted seven times and hauled in four catches for 54 yards. It could be due to the scheme or McCloud consistently beating coverages. Time will tell if he can with consistency, but it's a promising start.

your wr3 is ray-ray mccloud..? MY WR3 IS RAY-RAY MCCLOUD pic.twitter.com/5bonbxBxkL

— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) September 8, 2024

WR production is fickle as it comes, so take this with a grain of salt, but it's better to go with the guy who maximized his opportunities thus far when choosing who to start so early in the season. McCloud is the best choice here.

He's the WR82 in our consensus Half-PPR Staff Rankings, but that could change soon.

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